bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sociocultural influences on science education: Innovation for contemporary times
Authors: Carter Lyn 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper reviews the significant sociocultural literatures on science studies, cultural diversity, and sustainability science to develop theoretical perspectives for science education more suitable to the challenges of contemporaneity. While the influences of science studies and cultural diversity are not uncommon within the science education literature on innovation, the difference here is the inclusion of the newer field of sustainability science. These threads are drawn are together to help formulate a view of science education that contributes to the ongoing discussion of what it could be in the 21st century. Finally, a science unit in a preservice teacher education course is then described, which aims to engage, inform, and empower beginning teachers in ways that tackle the challenges of contemporaneity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 92:165–181, 2008
Interim treatment selection using the normal approximation approach in clinical trials
Authors: Shun Zhenming , Lan K. K. Gordon , Soo Yuhwen 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe consider a study starting with two treatment groups and a control group with a planned interim analysis. The inferior treatment group will be dropped after the interim analysis, and only the winning treatment and the control will continue to the end of the study. This ‘Two‐Stage Winner Design’ is based on the concepts of multiple comparison, adaptive design, and winner selection. In a study with such a design, there is less multiplicity, but more adaptability if the interim selection is performed at an early stage. If the interim selection is performed close to the end of the study, the situation becomes the conventional multiple comparison where Dunnett's method may be applied.The unconditional distribution of the final test statistic from the ‘winner’ treatment is no longer normal, the exact distribution of which is provided in this paper, but numerical integration is needed for its calculation. To avoid complex computations, we propose a normal approximation approach to calculate the type I error, the power, the point estimate, and the confidence intervals. Due
to the well understood and attractive properties of the normal distribution, the ‘Winner Design’ can be easily planned and adequately executed, which is demonstrated by an example. We also provide detailed discussion on how the proposed design should be practically implemented by optimizing the timing of the interim look and the probability of winner selection. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment with dexamethasone and vitamin D3 attenuates neuroinflammatory age‐related changes in rat hippocampus
Authors: Moore Michelle , Piazza Alessia , Nolan Yvonne , Lynch Marina A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAmong the changes which occur in the brain with age is an increase in hippocampal concentration of proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and an increase in IL‐1β‐induced signaling. Here we demonstrate that the increase in IL‐1β concentration is accompanied by an increase in expression of IL‐1 type I receptor (IL‐1RI) and an age‐related increase in microglial activation, as shown by increased expression of the cell surface marker, major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII) and increased MHCII staining. The evidence indicates that these age‐related changes were abrogated in hippocampus of aged rats treated with dexamethasone and vitamin D3. Similarly, the age‐related increases in activation of the stress‐activated protein kinase, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), as well as caspase‐3 and PARP were all attenuated in hippocampal tissue prepared from rats that received dexamethasone and vitamin D3. The data indicate that dexamethasone and vitamin D3 ameliorated the age‐related increase in IFNγ and suggest that IFNγ may be the trigger leading to microglial activation, since it increases MHCII mRNA and IL‐1β release from cultured glia. In parallel with its ability to decrease microglial activation in vivo, we report that treatment of cultured glia with dexamethasone and vitamin D3 blocked the lipopolysaccharide increased MHCII mRNA and IL‐1β concentration, while the IL‐1β‐induced increases in activation of JNK and caspase 3 in cultured neurons were also reversed by treatment with dexamethasone and vitamin D3. The data suggest that the antiinflammatory effect of dexamethasone and vitamin D3 derives from their ability to downreguate microglial activation. Synapse 61:851–861, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Downregulation of κ‐opioid receptors in basolateral amygdala and septum of rats withdrawn for 14 days from an escalating dose “binge” cocaine administration paradigm
Authors: Bailey Alexis , Gianotti Robert , Ho Ann , Kreek Mary J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThere is evidence showing that the opioid systems play an important role in cocaine addiction; fewer studies have examined their roles in cocaine withdrawal. This study was conducted to determine whether cocaine or chronic withdrawal from cocaine alters the receptor component of the κ‐opioid system. Male Fischer rats were injected with saline or cocaine (3 × 15 mg/kg/day for 4 days, 3 × 20 mg/kg/day for 4 days, 3 × 25 mg/kg/day for 4 days, and 3 × 30 mg/kg/day for 2 days), three times daily at 1‐h intervals in an escalating dose paradigm for 14 days. Identically treated rats were withdrawn from cocaine or saline for 14 days. We performed quantitative autoradiographic mapping of κ‐opioid receptors (KOP‐r) in the brains of rats treated with this escalating dose “binge” cocaine administration paradigm and of rats withdrawn from cocaine for 14 days. A significant condition (chronic/withdrawal) effect was shown across all regions analyzed. A significant increase in [3H]CI‐977 binding to KOP‐r was detected in the septum of rats treated with an escalating dose binge cocaine administration paradigm and killed 30 min after the last cocaine injection. In contrast, there was a decrease in KOP‐r binding in the septum and the basolateral amygdala of rats withdrawn for 14 days from chronic escalating dose binge cocaine administration, compared to rats at the end of 14 days chronic escalating dose cocaine administration. These results reconfirm and extend that KOP‐r undergoes upregulation in response to chronic binge cocaine administration here, with an escalating dose. The observed lowering in KOP‐r binding, which was shown in two brain regions of cocaine withdrawn animals, might contribute to the persistent dysphoria reported a long time after the discontinuation of the drug. Synapse 61:820–826, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plant sterol-enriched milk tea decreases blood cholesterol concentrations in Chinese adults: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Li Nicole Y. , Li Keji , Qi Zhi , Demonty Isabelle , Gordon Michelle , Francis Lesley , Molhuizen Henri O. F. , Neal Bruce C. 
Published: July 2007

The cholesterol-lowering effects of plant sterols in a format suitable for use in China have not previously been investigated. We conducted the study to quantify in adult Chinese the effects on blood lipid concentrations of a plant sterol-enriched milk tea powder. The study was a double-blind, randomised trial in which 309 participants were randomised to receive daily 2·3 or 1·5 g plant sterol supplementation or placebo for 5 weeks. The milk tea was consumed with the two fattiest meals of the day with half the assigned daily dose taken on each occasion. Fasting venous blood samples were collected before commencement and upon completion of randomised treatment. The mean age of study participants was 44 years, 62 % were female and 62 % had a history of hypercholesterolaemia. Baseline mean total cholesterol was 5·5 mmol/l and LDL-cholesterol was 3·2 mmol/l. Compared with placebo, the 2·3 g/d plant sterol dose reduced total cholesterol by 0·25 (95 % CI 0·07, 0·43) mmol/l (P = 0·01) and the 1·5 g/d dose by 0·23 (95 % CI 0·06, 0·41) mmol/l (P = 0·01). For LDL-cholesterol the corresponding reductions were 0·17 (95 % CI 0·00, 0·35) mmol/l (P = 0·06) and 0·15 (95 % CI − 0·02, 0·32) mmol/l (P = 0·08). For neither outcome was there evidence of differences between the effects of the two doses (both P values >0·4). In conclusion, the consumption of plant sterol-enriched milk tea decreased cholesterol concentrations although to a lesser extent than was anticipated. The reason for reduced efficacy is unclear but may be attributable to the novel food format used or the Chinese population studied.
Mechanism involved in genistein activation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor expression in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Chen Wen-Fang , Gao Quan-Gui , Wong Man-Sau 
Published: July 2007

Our previous studies have shown that genistein can enhance the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 receptor signalling pathway via an oestrogen receptor (ER) in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The present study aims to investigate how genistein regulates IGF-1 receptor expression in human MCF-7 cells. Genistein at 1 μm stimulated the growth of MCF-7 cells and this effect could be completely blocked by the IGF-1 receptor antagonist JB-1, suggesting that IGF-1 receptor is essential for mediating the proliferative effects of genistein in MCF-7 cells. Genistein increased IGF-1 receptor promoter activity. This effect could be completely abolished by co-treatment of MCF-7 cells with ICI 182,780 (10− 6 m). Genistein increased IGF-1 receptor gene expression and this effect could be completely blocked by the IGF-1 receptor antagonist JB-1. Co-treatment of MCF-7 cells with cycloheximide (5 μg/ml) completely blocked the induction of IGF-1 receptor protein and mRNA expression by genistein. The results indicated that the induction of IGF-1 receptor promoter activity by genistein required the action of ER while the stimulatory actions of genistein on IGF-1 receptor expression required the activity of the IGF-1 receptor and de novo protein synthesis. These data provide evidence to support the hypothesis that the inductive effects of genistein on IGF-1 receptor expression require the cross-talk between IGF-1 receptor and the ER-dependent pathways.
Vitamin C deficiency in weanling guinea pigs: differential expression of oxidative stress and DNA repair in liver and brain
Authors: Lykkesfeldt Jens , Perez Trueba Gilberto , Poulsen Henrik E. , Christen Stephan 
Published: July 2007

Neonates are particularly susceptible to malnutrition due to their limited reserves of micronutrients and their rapid growth. In the present study, we examined the effect of vitamin C deficiency on markers of oxidative stress in plasma, liver and brain of weanling guinea pigs. Vitamin C deficiency caused rapid and significant depletion of ascorbate (P < 0·001), tocopherols (P < 0·001) and glutathione (P < 0·001), and a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity (P = 0·005) in the liver, while protein oxidation was significantly increased (P = 0·011). No changes in lipid oxidation or oxidatively damaged DNA were observed in this tissue. In the brain, the pattern was markedly different. Of the measured antioxidants, only ascorbate was significantly depleted (P < 0·001), but in contrast to the liver, ascorbate oxidation (P = 0·034), lipid oxidation (P < 0·001), DNA oxidation (P = 0·13) and DNA incision repair (P = 0·014) were all increased, while protein oxidation decreased (P = 0·003). The results show that the selective preservation of brain ascorbate and induction of DNA repair in vitamin C-deficient weanling guinea pigs is not sufficient to prevent oxidative damage. Vitamin C deficiency may therefore be particularly adverse during the neonatal period.
Alternative strategies for activation of the natural lactoperoxidase system in cows' milk: trials in Tanzania
Authors: Fweja Leonard WT , Lewis Michael J , Grandison Alistair S 
Published: July 2007

Thiocyanate content and lactoperoxidase activity of individual cow's milk of different breeds were determined, and the effects of different lactoperoxidase system (LP-s) activation strategies were compared. Lactoperoxidase activity varied significantly between Friesian and both Ayrshire and Tanzania Short Horn Zebu (TSHZ), but differences between Ayrshire and TSHZ were not significant. There was no significant variation in SCN− content between breeds. The LP-s was activated using three strategies based on SCN−: namely; equal concentrations of SCN− and H2O2 (7:7, 10:10, 15:15 mg/l), excess SCN− concentrations (15:10, 20:10, 25:10 mg SCN−:H2O2/l), and excess H2O2 concentrations (10:15, 10:20, 10:25 mg SCN−:H2O2/l), plus a fourth strategy based on I− (15:15 mg I−:H2O2/l). The keeping quality (KQ) was assessed using pH, titratable acidity, clot on boiling and alcohol stability tests. All activation strategies enhanced the shelf life of milk (typically increasing KQ from around 10 to around 20 h), but it was clear that the effectiveness of the LP-s depends on the type and concentrations of the activators of the system. The LP-s activated using I− as an electron donor was more effective than the LP-s activated using SCN− as an electron donor, increasing the KQ by a further 6–8 h compared with SCN−.
The effect of probiotic fermented milk and inulin on the functions and microecology of the intestine
Authors: Sairanen Ulla , Piirainen Laura , Gråsten Soile , Tompuri Tuomo , Mättö Jaana , Saarela Maria , Korpela Riitta 
Published: July 2007

We investigated the effects of a probiotic fermented milk and inulin on gastrointestinal function and microecology. The study was double-blinded and comprised 66 healthy adults (22 male, 44 female), mean age 40 years (range, 22–60 years). After a 12-d baseline period the subjects were randomized to consume, for 3 weeks, 3×200 ml daily of either (1) a fermented milk with probiotics (Bifidobacterium longumBB536,Bifidobacteriumspp. 420 andLactobacillus acidophilus145), (2) a fermented milk with the same probiotics plus 4 g inulin, or (3) a control fermented milk. During the last 7 d of the baseline and the intervention periods, the subjects kept a record of their defaecation frequency and gastrointestinal symptoms, and collected all their faeces. Intestinal transit time, stool weight and faecal enzyme activities were measured. Thirty-nine subjects were randomized to give faecal samples for analysis of pH and microbes, including lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, coliforms,Escherichia coli,BacteroidesandClostridium perfringens. Consumption of fermented milk with probiotics or with probiotics and inulin increased the faecal number of lactobacilli (P=0·009,P=0·003) and bifidobacteria (P=0·046,P=0·038) compared with the baseline. Compared with the control fermented milk, both active products increased lactobacilli (P=0·005, ANCOVA). Subjects consuming fermented milk with probiotics and inulin suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms, especially flatulence, more than the others (P<0·001). In conclusion, the probiotic fermented milk product had a positive effect by increasing the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the colon. Inulin did not alter this effect but it increased gastrointestinal symptoms.
Immediate post-operative vocal changes in patients using laryngeal mask airway versus endotracheal tube
Authors: Hamdan A-L , Kanazi G , Rameh C , Rifai H , Sibai A 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective and hypothesis:(1) To examine the vocal symptoms and acoustic changes perceived in the short period immediately after laryngeal mask airway, and (2) to compare these findings in patients using laryngeal mask airway and endotracheal tube.Materials and methods:A total of 27 patients were enrolled. They were evaluated pre-operatively and then at 2 and 24 hours post-operatively. Patients were divided into two subgroups, laryngeal mask airway and endotracheal tube. Patients were asked about the presence or absence of the following: hoarseness, vocal fatigue, loss of voice, throat-clearing sensation, globus pharyngeus and throat pain. Patients then underwent acoustic analysis of their voice, measuring the average fundamental frequency, relative average perturbation, shimmer, noise to harmony ratio, voice turbulence index, habitual pitch and maximum phonation time.Results:In the laryngeal mask airway group, there was an increase in the incidence of all vocal symptoms two hours post-operatively, except for globus pharyngeus. The increase was statistically significant for vocal fatigue, loss of voice and throat pain. All the symptoms had reverted back to a normal baseline level by 24 hours. There was a decrease in the maximum phonation time and habitual pitch, with an increase in all the perturbation parameters, two hours post-operatively. At 24 hours, an increase was still present for shimmer, noise to harmony ratio and voice turbulence index. The maximum phonation time and habitual pitch reverted back to normal values.In the endotracheal tube group, there was a significant increase two hours post-operatively in the incidence of hoarseness, loss of voice and throat pain. At 24 hours, all the symptoms reverted to baseline, except for vocal fatigue and throat pain. Two hours post-operatively, there was a significant decrease in maximum phonation time and an increase in all other parameters (however, the latter was significant only for relative average perturbation and noise to harmony ratio). At 24 hours, there was a significant increase in the maximum phonation time and a persistent (but statistically insignificant) increase in the average fundamental frequency, habitual pitch, noise to harmony ratio and voice turbulence index.At two hours, there was more loss of voice and vocal fatigue in the laryngeal mask airway group, compared with the endotracheal tube group. At 24 hours, these symptoms were comparable in both groups. Comparing changes in acoustic parameters to baseline values in both groups, there were no statistically significant changes.Conclusion:Shortly after reversal of anaesthesia, laryngeal symptoms following laryngeal mask airway are no less significant than those experienced following endotracheal tube anaesthesia. Both methods can be regarded as nontraumatic, in view of the lack of significant vocal symptoms and acoustic changes 24 hours after anaesthesia.
The psychological evaluation of Samaritan kidney donors: a systematic review
Authors: Kranenburg L. , Zuidema W. , Erdman R. , Weimar W. , Passchier J. , Busschbach J. 
Published: July 2007

BackgroundLiving kidney donation to a loved one has become common practice. Another type of living donation that is becoming more acceptable to the transplant community is ‘Samaritan donation’. Samaritan kidney donors are willing to donate to patients they do not know. Until recently there has been great reluctance to accept the offers of Samaritan donors because it was feared that these donors might be mentally unstable.MethodThe purpose of this article is to review the literature about the psychological evaluation of potential Samaritan kidney donors for donor suitability. We have performed a systematic literature search in Pubmed, ISI Web of Science and PsycINFO. We compare and discuss how each study approaches the question about Samaritan donor selection. In addition, we have also screened the studies for reports of rejections of Samaritan donors on psychological grounds.ResultsWe have found five articles that at least in some detail describe the evaluation of potential Samaritan donors. For all five articles found, a consultation with either a psychiatrist or a psychologist formed a standard part of the donor evaluation procedure. This evaluation consisted of an interview, and in most instances, additional psychometric testing. According to the articles found, the two major criteria for donor rejection were psychopathology/psychological instability and motivational issues. Three studies reported on the rejection of potential donors on psychological grounds.ConclusionsThe evaluation of Samaritan kidney donors is a developing field in clinical medicine. Given the relatively low incidence of these types of donations, we recommend the exchange of experience between centres that run a Samaritan donor programme, in order to improve donor evaluation criteria.
Good statistical practice in pharmacology Problem 2
Authors: Lew M 
Published: July 2007

Background and purpose:This paper is intended to assist pharmacologists to make the most of statistical analysis and in avoid common errors.Approach:A scenario is presented where an experimenter performed an experiment to test the effects of two drugs on cultured cells. Analysis of the results, expressed as percentage of control, by a one‐way ANOVA yielded P=0.058 and the experimenter concluded that neither drug was effective. The data were expressed as percentage of control because of pairing of the data within each experimental run, a common feature in cell culture experiments. Such data can be analysed with potentially more powerful ANOVA methods equivalent to the paired t‐test. Monte Carlo simulations are presented to compare the power of relevant analyses.Results:For data correlated within experimental run (i.e. paired values), transformation to percentage of control improved the power of a one‐way ANOVA to detect a real effect, but a randomized block ANOVA (equivalent to a 2‐way ANOVA with experiment and treatment as factors) using the raw values was substantially more powerful. The randomized block ANOVA performed well even with uncorrelated data, being only marginally less powerful than the one‐way ANOVA.Conclusions and implications:A randomized block ANOVA is far superior to the one‐way ANOVA with correlated data, and with uncorrelated data it is only marginally less powerful. Thus where there is, or might reasonably be, such a correlation (e.g. relatedness among the data within a single experimental run, or within a multi‐well culture plate, or within an animal, et cetera), use the more powerful randomized block ANOVA rather than one‐way ANOVA.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 299–303; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707372; published online 9 July 2007
Nocistatin inhibits 5‐hydroxytryptamine release in the mouse neocortex via presynaptic Gi/oprotein linked pathways
Authors: Fantin M , Fischetti C , Trapella C , Morari M 
Published: July 2007

Background and purpose:Nocistatin (NST) is a neuropeptide generated from cleavage of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) precursor. Evidence has been presented that NST acts as a functional antagonist of N/OFQ, although NST receptor and transduction pathways have not yet been identified. We previously showed that N/OFQ inhibited [3H]5‐hydroxytryptamine ([3H]5‐HT) release from mouse cortical synaptosomes via activation of NOP receptors. We now investigate whether NST regulates [3H]5‐HT release in the same preparation.Experimental approach:Mouse and rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes in superfusion, preloaded with [3H]5‐HT and stimulated with 1 min pulses of 10 mM KCl, were used.Key results:Bovine NST (b‐NST) inhibited the K+‐induced [3H]5‐HT release, displaying similar efficacy but lower potency than N/OFQ. b‐NST action underwent concentration‐dependent and time‐dependent desensitization, and was not prevented either by the NOP receptor antagonist [Nphe1Arg14,Lys15]N/OFQ(1‐13)‐NH2(UFP‐101) or by the non‐selective opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone. Contrary to N/OFQ, b‐NST reduced [3H]5‐HT release from synaptosomes obtained from NOP receptor knockout mice. However, both N/OFQ and NST were ineffective in synaptosomes pre‐treated with the Gi/oprotein inhibitor,Pertussistoxin. NST‐N/OFQ interactions were also investigated. Co‐application of maximal concentrations of both peptides did not result in additive effects, whereas pre‐application of maximal b‐NST concentrations partially attenuated N/OFQ inhibition.Conclusions and implications:We conclude that b‐NST inhibits [3H]5‐HT release via activation of Gi/oprotein linked pathways, not involving classical opioid receptors and the NOP receptor. The present data strengthen the view that b‐NST is,per se, a biologically active peptide endowed with agonist activity.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)152, 549–555; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707377; published online 9 July 2007