bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Vietnamese written and verbal medicine information on Vietnamese‐speaking Australians' knowledge and satisfaction
Authors: Mai Anh , Aslani Parisa 
Published: July 2007

What is already known about this subject • Written consumer medicine information has been associated with increased medicine knowledge, satisfaction and adherence to therapy, especially in combination with verbal counselling.• Increasing internationally standardized and compulsory consumer medicine information leaflets are being prepared, primarily by pharmaceutical manufacturers.• However, no studies have investigated the impact of Vietnamese standardized written information leaflets on consumers' medicine knowledge and satisfaction with information received. What this study adds • Vietnamese written medicine information was developed for three drug classes.• There was an increase in consumers' medicine knowledge and satisfaction with the information received, after receiving written and verbal medicine information in Vietnamese (the consumers' native language).• The increases in satisfaction and knowledge were maintained 2 months after receiving the information.AimsTo develop three Vietnamese medicine information leaflets and to evaluate their impact in combination with verbal counselling (in Vietnamese) on consumers' medicine knowledge and satisfaction with the written information received.MethodsLeaflets in Vietnamese were developed for three drug classes: biguanides, calcium channel blockers and HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors. A two‐group (comparison and intervention), randomized, repeated measures design was used. The comparison group (n = 51) received routine verbal counselling in English. The intervention group (n = 44) received verbal and written information in Vietnamese. Australian Vietnamese‐speaking consumers were recruited. Data on consumer knowledge and satisfaction were collected from both groups at three time points: baseline (prior to receiving leaflets and verbal counselling), at 1–2 weeks (first postintervention) and 8 weeks after receiving the information.ResultsAll intervention group respondents were satisfied with the information. Mean medicine knowledge and satisfaction scores increased with time in the intervention group, and were significantly higher than in the comparison group (knowledge, F = 18.5, d.f. = 2, P < 0.0001; satisfaction, F = 19.8, d.f. = 2, P < 0.0001). The increases observed in the intervention group's mean knowledge and satisfaction scores at first postintervention were significantly higher compared with baseline for all drug classes.ConclusionsDelivery of written and verbal medicine information in Vietnamese resulted in an increase in consumers' medicine knowledge and satisfaction with written information. This study highlights the importance of providing information in languages other than English and in consumers' native tongue to aid in the quality use of medicines.
Psychosocial impairment in patients treated for pituitary disease: a controlled study
Authors: Sonino Nicoletta , Ruini Chiara , Navarrini Cecilia , Ottolini Fedra , Sirri Laura , Paoletta Agostino , Fallo Francesco , Boscaro Marco , Fava Giovanni A. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryObjective  To verify whether patients with pituitary disorders in remission and on appropriate treatment display significant differences in psychological distress compared to healthy controls and other patients treated for nonpituitary endocrine disorders.Design  A single‐centred, controlled study.Patients  Eighty‐six outpatients cured or in remission for at least 9 months following appropriate treatment by surgery, irradiation and/or pharmacological interventions for pituitary disease were compared with 86 healthy subjects. A sample comprising 60 outpatients cured or in remission from nonpituitary endocrine disorders was also compared.Measurements  (1) A modified version of the Structural Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV; (2) a shortened version of the structured interview for the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR); (3) the Psychosocial Index (PSI); and (4) the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) short form General Health Survey (SF‐20) were employed.Results  Patients with pituitary disease displayed a higher prevalence of psychiatric disease (P < 0·001) compared to controls, but not when compared to nonpituitary endocrine patients. They also showed a higher prevalence of DCPR clusters compared to controls (P < 0·001), but not when compared to nonpituitary endocrine patients. At PSI and MOS (SF‐20), patients with endocrine disease, whether pituitary or not, reported more psychological distress, and less well‐being (P < 0·001) compared to controls.Conclusions  At follow‐up after appropriate treatment, we documented a high prevalence of psychopathology in patients with pituitary disease, which was however, similar to that found in nonpituitary endocrine patients. This is consistent with an increasing body of literature that reports difficulties in obtaining full recovery in patients treated for endocrine disorders.
Familial amyloidosis in a large Spanish kindred resulting from a D38V mutation in the transthyretin gene
Authors: Augustin S. , Llige D. , Andreu A. , González A. , Genescà J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Transthyretin amyloidosis, also known as familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy, is an autosomal dominant disorder that results from a mutation in the gene encoding plasma transthyretin (TTR). Distinct clinical presentations of the disease have been related so far to different point mutations, polyneuropathy being the predominant clinical feature in the majority of cases. Nevertheless, misdiagnosis of familial forms of amyloidosis is still common.Materials and methods  A 71‐year‐old man was admitted to our hospital for heart failure. He had been previously diagnosed of AL amyloidosis with predominant polyneuropathic, cardiac and laryngeal involvement on the basis of clinical data and amyloid deposition in tissue specimens. During admission, suspicion of transthyretin amyloidosis was raised due to the absence of renal involvement, monoclonal protein and plasma cell dyscrasia. Complete clinical evaluation and sequence analysis of the TTR gene of the patient and his family were performed.Results  Gene sequence analysis revealed a rare A‐to‐T transition in exon 2 resulting in the substitution of aspartic acid by valine at position 38 (D38V) in the index case and in two other members of the family. Clinical study of the kindred showed a predominant late‐onset heart involvement with variable polyneuropathy.Conclusions  Here we report a large pedigree from Spain with three members affected by a severe late‐onset form of amyloidosis due to a rare D38V TTR mutation. The variations on the natural history of this form of amyloidosis may have important consequences on genetic counselling, follow‐up, and therapeutic approaches for these patients.
Insulin does not regulate glucose transport and metabolism in human endothelium
Authors: Artwohl M. , Brunmair B. , Fürnsinn C. , Hölzenbein T. , Rainer G. , Freudenthaler A. , Porod E. M. , Huttary N. , Baumgartner‐Parzer S. M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Although endothelial cells express insulin receptors, it is controversially discussed whether the endothelium represents an insulin‐responsive tissue. Since available data are primarily restricted to animal endothelial cells, this study tested (i) whether insulin affects glucose metabolism in human endothelium; (ii) whether insulin sensitivity is different in micro‐ versus macrovascular endothelial cells; and (iii) whether glucose concentration in the incubation medium affects the cells’ response to insulin.Materials and methods  Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), human adult saphenous vein endothelial cells (HAVECs), human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC), and human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) as well as human smooth muscle cells were incubated with/without insulin (0·3 nmol L−1 or 1 µmol L−1). Glucose transport, glycogen synthesis, glycogen content, lactate release, and expression of phospho‐Akt, Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were determined.Results  In HUVECs and HRECs, insulin (1 µmol L−1) increased (P < 0·05) eNOS expression by ~70% and doubled Akt phosphorylation, but the latter was by far more pronounced in human smooth muscle cells (+1093 ± 500%, P < 0·05). In human smooth muscle cells, insulin (1 µmol L−1) stimulated glycogen synthesis by 67 ± 11% (P < 0·01). In human micro‐ (HRECs) and macrovascular endothelial cells (HUVECs, HAVECs and HAECs), insulin, however, failed to stimulate glucose transport, glycogen synthesis, glycogen content, or lactate release under various conditions, i.e. after glucose deprivation or in medium with normal (5·5 mmol L−1) or high glucose (30 mmol L−1).Conclusions  Insulin stimulated glycogen synthesis and Akt phosphorylation in human smooth muscle cells. In human micro‐ and macrovascular endothelial cells, insulin, however, failed to affect glucose uptake and metabolism under all experimental conditions applied, whereas it increased Akt phosphorylation and eNOS expression.
Addition of TAT protein transduction domain and GrpE to human p53 provides soluble fusion proteins that can be transduced into dendritic cells and elicit p53‐specific T‐cell responses in HLA‐A*0201 transgenic mice
Authors: Justesen S. , Buus S. , Claesson M. H. , Pedersen A. E. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe protein p53 has been shown to be an efficient tumour antigen in both murine and human cancer vaccine studies and cancer vaccines targeting p53 based on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I binding p53‐derived peptides that induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) without p53‐specific CD4+ T‐cell help have been tested by several research groups including ours. To obtain such CD4+ T‐cell help and cover a broader repertoire of MHC haplotypes we have previously attempted to produce recombinant human p53 for vaccination purposes. However, attempts to refold a hexahis‐tagged p53 protein in our laboratory were unsuccessful. Here, we show that fusion of an 11‐amino‐acid region of the human immunodeficiency virus TAT protein transduction domain (PTD) to human p53 increases the solubility of the otherwise insoluble p53 protein and this rTAT‐p53 protein can be transduced into human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DCs). The induction of a p53‐specific HLA‐A*0201 immune response was tested in HLA‐A*0201/Kb transgenic mice after immunization with rTAT‐p53‐transduced bone‐marrow‐derived DCs. In these mice, p53‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell proliferation was observed and immunization resulted in the induction of HLA‐A*0201‐restricted CTLs specific for two human p53‐derived HLA‐A*0201‐binding peptides, p5365−73 and p53149−157. Addition of GrpE to generate rTAT‐GrpE‐p53 led to a further increase in protein solubility and to a small increase in DC maturation but did not increase the observed p53‐specific T‐cell responses. The use of rTAT‐p53 in ongoing clinical protocols should be applicable and offers advantages to current strategies omitting the use of HLA‐typed patients.
The effect of temperature on C4‐type leaf photosynthesis parameters
Authors: MASSAD RAIA‐SILVIA , TUZET ANDRÉE , BETHENOD OLIVIER 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTC4‐type photosynthesis is known to vary with growth and measurement temperatures. In an attempt to quantify its variability with measurement temperature, the photosynthetic parameters – the maximum catalytic rate of the enzyme ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) (Vcmax), the maximum catalytic rate of the enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) (Vpmax) and the maximum electron transport rate (Jmax) – were examined. Maize plants were grown in climatic‐controlled phytotrons, and the curves of net photosynthesis (An) versus intercellular air space CO2 concentrations (Ci), and An versus photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) were determined over a temperature range of 15–40 °C. Values of Vcmax, Vpmax and Jmax were computed by inversion of the von Caemmerer & Furbank photosynthesis model. Values of Vpmax and Jmax obtained at 25 °C conform to values found in the literature. Parameters for an Arrhenius equation that best fits the calculated values of Vcmax, Vpmax and Jmax are then proposed. These parameters should be further tested with C4 plants for validation. Other model key parameters such as the mesophyll cell conductance to CO2 (gi), the bundle sheath cells conductance to CO2 (gbs) and Michaelis–Menten constants for CO2 and O2 (Kc, Kp and Ko) also vary with temperature and should be better parameterized.
Rapid variations of mesophyll conductance in response to changes in CO2 concentration around leaves
Authors: FLEXAS JAUME , DIAZ‐ESPEJO ANTONIO , GALMÉS JERONI , KALDENHOFF RALF , MEDRANO HIPÓLITO , RIBAS‐CARBO MIQUEL 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe effects of short‐term (minutes) variations of CO2 concentration on mesophyll conductance to CO2 (gm) were evaluated in six different C3 species by simultaneous measurements of gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, online carbon isotope discrimination and a novel curve‐fitting method. Depending on the species, gm varied from five‐ to ninefold, along the range of sub‐stomatal CO2 concentrations typically used in photosynthesis CO2‐response curves (AN–Ci curves; where AN is the net photosynthetic flux and Ci is the CO2 concentrations in the sub‐stomatal cavity), that is, 50 to 1500 µmol CO2 mol−1 air. Although the pattern was species‐dependent, gm strongly declined at high Ci, where photosynthesis was not limited by CO2, but by regeneration of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate or triose phosphate utilization. Moreover, these changes on gm were found to be totally independent of the velocity and direction of the Ci changes. The response of gm to Ci resembled that of stomatal conductance (gs), but kinetic experiments suggested that the response of gm was actually faster than that of gs. Transgenic tobacco plants differing in the amounts of aquaporin NtAQP1 showed different slopes of the gm–Ci response, suggesting a possible role for aquaporins in mediating CO2 responsiveness of gm. The importance of these findings is discussed in terms of their effects on parameterization of AN–Ci curves.
Structural trends and palaeogeography of the central and western Sicily belt: new insights
Authors: Catalano Raimondo , Di Stefano Piero , Vitale Francesco Paolo 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe geology of the Sicilian mainland is summarized by N–S geological sections. A continuous late Cenozoic orogenic belt through central and western Sicily resulted from a complex deformative history, recorded by several tectonic events. The deformation mainly involved the sedimentary cover of the old African continental margin, formed in a large basinal area, bordered at its southern margin by a shallow‐water carbonate environment attached to Gondwana. The orogenic belt involves a complex architecture of thrust systems, of different size, geometry and palaeogeographical origin. Deformation, which mainly developed in the earlier stages of thrusting in the basinal rock assemblages, mainly gave rise to a stack of three different duplex structures, respectively, composed of Palaeozoic, Mesozoic–Palaeogene and Neogene strata. Large‐scale clockwise rotation of the thrusts predated transpressional movements in the hinterland during the latest Miocene to Pliocene. High‐ angle reverse faults, with lateral components, modified earlier tectonic contacts within the allochthons. Contemporaneous southwards‐ directed imbrications affected the external southern areas, progressively incorporating foreland and piggyback basirts. The stratigraphic relationships of basin‐fills to the tectonic structures reveals that reactivation processes have been active during the last Plio‐Pleistocene.
Regional Analysis of the Ependyma of the Third Ventricle of Rat by Light and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Mathew T. C. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryEpendymal lining of cerebral ventricles lies at the interface between the ventricular cavities and the brain parenchyma. Ependymal cells are involved in various functions within the brain and play a major role in the production of the chemical principals of the cerebrospinal fluid. Histological studies on the regional variation of the third ventricular ependyma and the subependyma of adult rats were carried out by light and electron microscopic methods. For light microscopic analysis, methacrylate sections were used. In addition to the routine haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining for histological studies, the sections were stained with toluidine blue, cresyl violet and periodic acid Schiff’s reagent (PAS). A regional analysis of the ependyma of the third ventricle showed that in most regions the ependyma was monolayered. The sidewalls and floor of the ventral portion of the third ventricle showed a multilayered ependyma. For descriptive purposes at the light microscopic level, the ependymal cells were classified, based on the cell shape (flat, cuboidal or columnar), presence or absence of cilia and the number of cytoplasmic granules present in the cells. Studies of transmission electron microscope have shown that these granules represent the cell organelles of the ependyma. The subependyma also showed a regional morphological variation, and, in most instances, contained glial and neuronal elements. In regions of specific brain nuclei, neurons were the major cell type of the subependyma. PAS staining did not show any positive granules in the ependymal cytosol. Characteristic supraependymal elements were present at the ependymal surface of the third ventricle.
Selection of entomopathogenic fungi for the control of the western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera
Authors: Pilz C. , Wegensteiner R. , Keller S. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  The western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte (Col., Chrysomelidae), a serious pest of maize, has been recently introduced into Europe. Several approaches for its control are presently under investigation including microbial agents. During a field survey in Hungary in 2005, naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi were found to attack this pest. These novel isolates together with standard isolates were tested for virulence against D. v. virgifera larvae and adults. Twenty strains of Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana and Beauveria brongniartii were used in bioassays in the laboratory. Larvae and adults were dipped into a spore suspension with a concentration of 1 × 107 conidia (con.)/ml. They were kept for 14 days at 22°C (±2°C) and 70% relative humidity. The number of infected larvae and adults were counted and infection rates were calculated. Adults were significantly more susceptible to entomopathogenic fungi than larvae. The most virulent isolate infected about 47% of larvae (M. anisopliae Ma2277), whereas the infection rate in adults was up to 97% (M. anisopliae Ma2275). Isolates of M. anisopliae caused significantly higher mortalities than isolates of B. brongniartii and B. bassiana. Most of the adult beetles were killed within 12 days. Isolates from D. v. virgifera were more virulent than those from other hosts.
Tissue levels of pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase activity in human and rodent bladder cancer and normal bladder tissue
Authors: Fujimoto Kiyohide , Matsumura Yoshiaki , Tani Yoshihiro , Ozono Seiichiro , Hirao Yoshihiko , Okajima Eigoro 
Published: July 2007

Objectives:  To assess the relationship between the tissue levels of pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNpase) and clinicopathological parameters in human bladder cancer and to investigate the PyNpase levels in rat and mouse urinary bladder initiated by N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN).Methods:  The PyNpase levels in tumor tissue, normal tissue adjacent to the tumor, and normal tissue apart from the tumor were measured in 102 patients. Additionally, the PyNpase levels were measured in rat and mouse urinary bladders treated with BBN.Result:  The PyNpase levels of tumor tissue significantly correlated to the tumor grade and growth pattern (papillary/non‐papillary), while stage, multiplicity, and tumor shape (peduncle/sessile) were not independent factors. The low‐risk tumor of primary, single, G1‐Ta showed significantly low levels of PyNpase. The PyNpase levels in the tumor tissue were significantly higher than those in the normal tissue. The PyNpase levels in the adjacent normal tissue were significantly higher than those in the distant normal tissue. The PyNpase levels in rat bladder tissue were significantly higher in the BBN‐treatment groups than in those in the control group, only during the early carcinogenic stage. The PyNpase levels in mouse bladder tissue were significantly higher in BBN‐treatment groups than in those in the control group during the whole experiment period.Conclusion:  Our results indicated that not only tumor tissue but also normal tissue adjacent to the tumor had a potential of angiogenesis for tumor development, and transurethral resection of the bladder tumor with a wide normal margin seems to be a reasonable strategy for decreasing the risk of recurrence.
Morphological subtyping of papillary renal cell carcinoma: Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis
Authors: Yamashita Shinichi , Ioritani Naomasa , Oikawa Katsuhiko , Aizawa Masataka , Endoh Mareyuki , Arai Yoichi 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of morphological subtyping of papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC).Methods:  The patients treated for renal cell carcinoma in our department from January 1985 to March 2006 were evaluated retrospectively. Thirty‐two of the 591 patients (5.4%) were diagnosed with PRCC. To determine the prognostic factors, we re‐evaluated the pathological stage according to the 2002 TNM classification of malignant tumors, and the tumor type of renal cell carcinoma according to the 2004 World Health Organization histological classification. Survival was analysed using the Kaplan‐Meier method and the log‐rank test.Results:  The age at diagnosis ranged from 33 to 81 years (median: 63 years old) and the follow‐up time after the surgical treatment ranged from 4 to 191 months (median: 54 months). The cancer‐specific 5‐year survival rate of the 32 PRCC patients was 74%. Pathologically, 17 patients (53%) and 15 patients (47%) were diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 PRCC, respectively. The type 2 PRCC patients had a significantly higher tumor grade (P < 0.001), a more advanced stage (P < 0.001), more frequent vascular invasion (P < 0.001), and a higher sarcomatoid component (P = 0.038) compared to the type 1 PRCC patients. The type 1 patients had a better cancer‐specific 5‐year survival rate than the type 2 patients (94% vs 50%) (P = 0.008).Conclusion:  The morphological subtyping of PRCC is significantly associated with clinicopathological features and the prognosis. Our results provide evidence of the clinical utility of dividing PRCC into two subtypes.