bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The human brain endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 as a human blood‐brain barrier model for drug transport studies
Authors: Poller Birk , Gutmann Heike , Krähenbühl Stephan , Weksler Babette , Romero Ignacio , Couraud Pierre‐Olivier , Tuffin Gerald , Drewe Jürgen , Huwyler Jörg 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe human brain endothelial capillary cell line hCMEC/D3 has been developed recently as a model for the human blood‐brain barrier. In this study a further characterization of this model was performed with special emphasis on permeability properties and active drug transport. Para‐ or transcellular permeabilities (Pe) of inulin (0.74 × 10−3 cm/min), sucrose (1.60 × 10−3 cm/min), lucifer yellow (1.33 × 10−3 cm/min), morphine (5.36 × 10−3 cm/min), propranolol (4.49 × 10−3 cm/min) and midazolam (5.13 × 10−3 cm/min) were measured. By addition of human serum the passive permeability of sucrose could be reduced significantly by up to 39%. Furthermore, the expression of a variety of drug transporters (ABCB1, ABCG2, ABCC1–5) as well as the human transferrin receptor was demonstrated on the mRNA level. ABCB1, ABCG2 and transferrin receptor proteins were detected and functional activity of ABCB1, ABCG2 and the ABCC family was quantified in efflux experiments. Furthermore, ABCB1‐mediated bidirectional transport of rhodamine 123 was studied. The transport rate from the apical to the basolateral compartment was significantly lower than that in the inverse direction, indicating directed p‐glycoprotein transport. The results of this study demonstrate the usefulness of the hCMEC/D3 cell line as anin vitromodel to study drug transport at the level of the human blood‐brain barrier.
Docosahexaenoic acid disrupts in vitro amyloid β1‐40 fibrillation and concomitantly inhibits amyloid levels in cerebral cortex of Alzheimer’s disease model rats
Authors: Hashimoto Michio , Shahdat Hossain Md , Yamashita Shinji , Katakura Masanori , Tanabe Yoko , Fujiwara Hironori , Gamoh Shuji , Miyazawa Teruo , Arai Hiroyuki , Shimada Toshio , Shido Osamu 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe have previously reported that dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves and/or protects against impairment of cognition ability in amyloid beta1‐40 (Aβ1‐40)‐infused Alzheimer’s disease (AD)‐model rats. Here, after the administration of DHA to AD model rats for 12 weeks, the levels of Aβ1‐40, cholesterol and the composition of fatty acids were investigated in the Triton X100‐insoluble membrane fractions of their cerebral cortex. The effects of DHA on the in vitro formation and kinetics of fibrillation of Aβ1‐40 were also investigated by thioflavin T fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Dietary DHA significantly decreased the levels of Aβ1‐40, cholesterol and saturated fatty acids in the detergent insoluble membrane fractions of AD rats. The formation of Aβ fibrils was also attenuated by their incubation with DHA, as demonstrated by the decreased intensity of thioflavin T‐derived fluorescence and by electron micrography. DHA treatment also decreased the intensity of thioflavin fluorescence in preformed‐fibril Aβ peptides, demonstrating the anti‐amyloidogenic effects of DHA. We then investigated the effects of DHA on the levels of oligomeric amyloid that is generated during its in vitro transformation from monomers to fibrils, by an anti‐oligomer‐specific antibody and non‐reducing Tris‐Glycine gradient (4–20%) gel electrophoresis. DHA concentration‐dependently reduced the levels of oligomeric amyloid species, suggesting that dietary DHA‐induced suppression of in vivo Aβ1‐40 aggregation occurs through the inhibitory effect of DHA on oligomeric amyloid species.
Neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone exerts anti‐apoptotic effects by membrane‐mediated, integrated genomic and non‐genomic pro‐survival signaling pathways
Authors: Charalampopoulos Ioannis , Margioris Andrew N. , Gravanis Achille 
Published: October 2008

AbstractDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) protects neural crest‐derived PC12 cells from serum deprivation‐induced apoptosis via G protein‐associated specific plasma membrane‐binding sites (mDBS). Here, we studied the signaling pathways involved in the pro‐survival effects of DHEA‐mediated activation of the mDBS binding sites. Membrane impermeable DHEA‐bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugate induced an acute phosphorylation of the prosurvival kinases Src, protein kinase A (PKA), MEK1/2/ERK1/2, and PI3K/Akt in serum deprived PC12 cells in parallel to an elevation of intracellular cAMP. The physiological significance of these findings was further assessed in a series of experiments using several selective pro‐survival kinase inhibitors. Our combined findings suggest that the following sequence of events may take place following activation of mDBS binding sites: DHEA‐BSA induces an acute but transient sequential phosphorylation of the pro‐survival kinases Src/PKCa/b/MEK1/2/ERK1/2 which, in their turn, activate transcription factors cAMP responsive element binding protein and nuclear factor kappa B which induce the expression of the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 genes. In parallel, DHEA‐BSA increases intracellular cAMP, and the subsequent phosphorylation of PKA kinase and of cAMP responsive element binding protein. Finally, DHEA‐BSA induces phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt kinases which, subsequently, lead to phosphorylation/deactivation of the pro‐apoptotic Bad. Our findings suggest that the neurosteroid DHEA affects neural crest‐derived cell survival by multiple pro‐survival signaling pathways comprising an integrated system of non‐genomic and genomic mechanisms.
‘No painting on earth would be more beautiful’: an analysis of Giovanna degli Albizzi's portrait inscription
Authors: DePrano Maria 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTDomenico Ghirlandaio has been accepted as the author and speaker of the epigram written on the fictive parchment posted behind Giovanna degli Albizzi in her profile portrait, lamenting the limit of his skills to fully represent her. However, the patronage context of this work, processes of composing art, as well as the realities of artistic education and social status in Quattrocento Florence suggest that another speaker uttered these words and intended a different meaning. An analysis of inscriptions in the small sorority of women's portraits bearing a text demonstrates that these epithets carry three messages: to name the women, declare their virtues or mourn their death. Examining her likeness within the patronage context of her conjugal family and her early death, this essay gives a new interpretation of Giovanna's epigram, arguing that her portrait and inscription, a slightly modified version of a verse by Martial, convey all three messages. Giovanna's husband, the learned and poetic Lorenzo Tornabuoni, is identified as the probable speaker of the portrait's lines, which he may have written with the assistance of his friend, the humanist Angelo Poliziano, to express his wistful desire for his deceased wife's return.
Qualities and Health of Lay Trainers With Migraine for Behavioral Attack Prevention
Authors: Mérelle Saskia Y.M. , Sorbi Marjolijn J. , Duivenvoorden Hugo J. , Passchier Jan 
Published: October 2008

(Headache 2010;50:613‐625)Objectives.— To evaluate the qualities of lay trainers with migraine and to quantify their self‐management results.Background.— Little is known about the qualities of lay trainers with chronic diseases and the benefits for their own health.Methods.— Thirteen lay trainers (12 F, 1 M) completed a 3‐step program that consisted of self‐experience of a behavioral training (BT), providing BT to one fellow patient, and subsequently to a small group at home. Successful mastery of own migraine attacks was required for participation, and lay trainers received intensive guidance. Evaluation of the qualities of trainers took place post‐BT by means of a specially constructed questionnaire. Their self‐management was measured before self‐experience of BT, post‐BT, and at 6‐month follow‐up by a headache diary and questionnaires.Results.— The qualities of the 13 trainers were positively evaluated by 95 trainees, particularly their warmth, expertise, organization, explanation of BT, active control, and advice and guidance. Higher active control of lay trainers during the group sessions was significantly related to improvements on migraine frequency and internal locus of control in their trainees post‐BT. Advice and guidance increased the likelihood of less attacks at follow‐up and supportive encouragement promoted a higher internal locus of control. However, humor slightly increased the likelihood of more attacks post‐BT, while fellowship and individualization negatively influenced internal locus of control. Lay trainers showed significantly more improvement in migraine frequency than their trainees at follow‐up, as well as enhanced internal locus of control and quality of life.Conclusions.— Participation in a stepwise training program can produce capable trainers and may positively influence their own health. Lay trainers may be more motivated to enhance their self‐management skills as they have to present the benefits to their trainees.
Is Balance Normal in Migraineurs Without History of Vertigo?
Authors: Akdal Gülden , Dönmez Birgül , Öztürk Vesile , Angın Salih 
Published: October 2008

Objective.— To investigate by static posturography the occurrence of balance disorder in migraineurs without a history of vertigo during the interictal period.Background.— The link between migraine and balance disorders has long been known but postural balance in migraineurs without manifest vestibulopathy has been rarely studied.Methods.— We studied 25 migraineurs and age‐ and gender‐matched controls. With static posturography we measured: (1) postural sway with eyes open or closed on a platform or on foam with 4 different head positions; (2) limits of stability as patients change their center of gravity to reach to 8 different points; (3) tandem walking.Results.— With eyes open, sway velocity was significantly greater in migraineurs than in controls while standing on a firm surface with head backwards or on a foam surface in all head positions. With eyes closed, sway velocity was significantly greater in migraineurs than in controls only while standing on a foam surface with head backwards or turned sideways.Migraineurs also had an offset center of gravity alignment in all conditions and their average reaction time and maximal excursions were significantly greater in the limits of stability test. In tandem walking, step width was significantly wider and walk speed was significantly slower in migraineurs.Conclusion.— Our findings support the notion that there is a slight but significant postural instability in migraineurs and it is of central vestibular origin.
Prevalence and Burden of Headache and Migraine in Germany
Authors: Radtke Andrea , Neuhauser Hannelore 
Published: October 2008

Objective.— To determine prevalence and burden of headache and migraine in the general population in Germany including patterns of healthcare and medication use.Methods.— Telephone interviews were conducted on a representative sample of the general population in Germany aged ≥18 years (n = 7341). Migraine was diagnosed according to the International Headache Society criteria.Results.— One‐year prevalence was: headache 60.2%, migraine 10.6%, nonmigrainous severe headache 24.7% (women 66.6%, 15.6%, and 27.1%; men 53.0%, 5.3%, and 22.2%). Approximately 60% of headache sufferers reported severe headaches, 30% of which were migrainous. Migraineurs reported more often frequent headaches, disability, use of analgesics, and medical consultation than individuals with nonmigrainous severe headaches. Only 42% of migraineurs had consulted a physician and the majority relied exclusively on over‐the‐counter medication.Conclusion.— Migraine accounts for a great part of the healthcare impact of headaches in Germany. However, the majority of migraineurs do not seek medical care and may not be optimally treated.
Globalization and Investment Opportunities: A Cointegration Study of Arab, U.S., and Emerging Stock Markets
Authors: Elfakhani Said , Arayssi Mahmoud , Smahta Hanin A. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractUsing a sample of Arab, U.S., and emerging stock markets from 1997 to 2002, this study is designed to determine if international diversification is still possible despite growing globalization and the consequent integration among various stock markets. Our results show that within Arab markets, Kuwait cointegrates individually with Jordan, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia and between Tunisia and Jordan, thus offering investors possible continued diversification opportunities. On the other hand, only Jordan, Kuwait, and Morocco are cointegrated with the U.S. general market index, implying that these markets offer a probable substitute for those investing in the U.S. markets.
Hope in psychiatry: a review of the literature
Authors: Schrank B. , Stanghellini G. , Slade M. 
Published: October 2008

Objective:  Hope has long been considered an important therapeutic factor in medicine, nursing and mental health and recently received attention as a central component of recovery. However, conceptual clarity, applicability and the predictive value of hope remain unclear. This review aims to define hope, review current approaches to assessment, and outline research evidence linking hope with effectiveness.Method:  We conducted a comprehensive review of publications on the conceptualisation and measurement of hope, and on its use as a predictive variable specifically in mental health patients.Results:  Forty‐nine definitions of hope were identified, which were grouped into seven emergent dimensions. Thirty‐two measurement tools were identified, although few have been used in research involving mental health patients. Eleven studies investigated hope as a predictive variable for differing outcomes, with inconclusive results.Conclusion:  Many conceptual frameworks for hope have been proposed, but empirical evidence on its predictive power in mental health is lacking.
Larval survival in populations of the large copper butterfly Lycaena dispar batavus
Authors: Webb Mark R. , Pullin Andrew S. 
Published: October 2008

Lycaena dispar is recorded as an early case of extinction and subsequent re‐introduction in the UK. However, repeated establishment attempts have not resulted in self‐sustaining populations, including those having taken place at Woodwalton Fen (Cambridgeshire, UK).Earlier studies at Woodwalton Fen showed that the highest mortalities occurred between the egg stage and resumption of larval feeding in spring.This study was designed; firstly, to investigate factors causing field mortality during different larval stages; secondly, to compare survival on Rumex hydrolapathum foodplants in different habitat situations; and thirdly, to compare survival in a natural population (Weerribben, The Netherlands) with the introduced Woodwalton Fen population. Experiments employed exclusion cages in order to examine the relative roles of vertebrate and invertebrate natural enemies, and survival on food‐plants in open fen and waterside situations was compared.Results suggest invertebrate predation to be the dominant mortality factor acting upon pre‐diapause larvae. Over the winter diapause natural enemies do not have a significant role. However during both these stages losses still occur that are unaccounted for. Extensive winter flooding appears to increase overwintering losses. Vertebrate predators cause significant mortality of post‐diapause larvae.No significant difference was found between larval survival on open fen versus waterside plants.Comparison of introduced and native populations reveal that overwintering survival was significantly higher in the latter; potential reasons for this difference are discussed.
Genres in Action: The Pragmatics of Literary Interpretation
Authors: Swirski Peter 
Published: October 2008

In my essay I argue for a rethinking of the concept of literary genre. I criticize the static, logico‐empirical approach still favoured by structuralist scholars of various stripes. I make the case for, and describe a dynamic and pragmatic model of literary genre as part of an interactive process of literary interpretation. I also outline one promising way to formulate such a model, based on interdisciplinary work in philosophical pragmatics and game theory.Specifically, I begin with a look of the concept of genre theory within Uri Margolin's tripartite system of deductive models in genre theory. I follow with a critique of the classical logic‐based, nonpragmatic view of literary forms as well as their reliance on structuralist kernel primitives, both of which characterize most deductive models. Using Kendal Walton's classical thought‐experiment from aesthetics, I argue against the persistent belief that literary forms are somehow empirically definable and immutable. On my view, aesthetic qualities of artworks are determined not just by purely structural (pictorial, textual, etc.) features, but by these features as seen through the work's category. In the remainder of my essay I develop an analytic model of genre‐guided strategies of reception, employed cooperatively and reflexively (in the Gricean sense) by the author and the reader.
Barthes meets Benjamin? A Relating of their Views on the Conjunction between Language and Literature
Authors: Thobo‐Carlsen John 
Published: October 2008

For Walter Benjamin and Roland Barthes literature appears to be inseparable from the language in which it speaks. With their theories of language as the starting point, I discuss how their views on literature meet.Their paths cross, for example, in the antithesis: the idea that the allegorical counter‐image creates the field of tension in the text that is able to release one from all that which is cramped and unfree in existence. This release always comes ‘from within,’ from language's concrete use of emblematic or coded stereotypes. And not ‘from without,’ like the impact of an already existing truth or release in a symbolic indirectness in the text. In Benjamin's critique of the ‘profane concept of symbols’ of classical‐romantic aesthetics and in his indication of the cognitive potential of the dialectic concept of allegory there is an attitude which is fundamentally in agreement with that of Barthes regarding the semiotic way in which both the content and the expression sides of language function.
Erectile Dysfunction Among Men with Diabetes is Strongly Associated with Premature Ejaculation and Reduced Libido
Authors: Malavige Lasantha S. , Jayaratne Shanthilal D. , Kathriarachchi Samudra T. , Sivayogan Sivagurunathan , Fernando Devaka J. , Levy Jonathan C. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Among men with diabetes, little attention has been given to premature ejaculation (PE), reduced libido, and their associations with erectile dysfunction (ED), despite the presence of physical and psychologic factors that could predispose to all three.

Aim
To estimate the prevalence and inter-associations of ED, PE, and reduced libido among diabetic men and to describe the associated clinical, socioeconomic, and lifestyle parameters.

Methods
Cross-sectional observational study of 253 men with type 2 diabetes randomly selected from a clinic in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Main Outcome Measures
Erectile function was assessed using the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function scale. The presence of PE, reduced libido, sociodemographic, and lifestyle data was obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Clinical data were obtained from relevant physical examination, patient records, and laboratory tests, which included glycosylated hemoglobin, serum cholesterol, serum creatinine, and electrocardiogram.

Results
One hundred and eighty-five (73.1%) of the individuals had some degree of ED, while 84 (33.2%) had severe to complete ED. After excluding men with complete ED, the prevalence of PE was 68 (40.2%). The overall prevalence of reduced libido was 64 (25%). In the multivariate analysis, the strongest associations with ED were PE (odds ratio [OR] = 4.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.08–9.39) and reduced libido (OR = 4.38, CI = 1.39–13.82) followed by lower income (OR = 2.16, CI = 1.32–3.52), advancing age (OR = 2.06, CI = 1.44–2.95), and duration of diabetes (OR = 1.48, CI = 1.09–2.01). In addition, ED was univariately associated with lower educational level (P = 0.05), the presence of hypertension (P = 0.005), and no alcohol intake (P = 0.001). The only significant association of PE was the severity grade of ED. Associations of reduced libido in the multivariate analysis were ED (OR=1.61, CI = 1.23–2.70), advancing age (OR = 1.7, CI = 1.4–2.2), and absence of masturbation (OR = 3.3, CI = 1.2–8.8).

Conclusions
ED was strongly associated with PE and reduced libido. Diabetic patients presenting with one of these three conditions should be screened for the other two.
Treatment of Dyspareunia by Creation of a Pseudojoint in Rigid Bone Following Total Penile Reconstruction with Fibular Osteocutaneous Flap
Authors: Salgado Christopher , Rampazzo Antonio , Xu Enny , Chen Hung-Chi 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Gender reassignment requires total penile reconstruction, which is commonly performed with autologous tissue. One option for reconstruction is the free fibula osteocutaneous flap, which provides a long segment of vascularized bone that is less susceptible to infection and allows for deep penetration into the vagina during sexual intercourse. One problem, however, is that their sexual partner may suffer from pain (dyspareunia) because of the long and rigid bone.

Aims
Our intent is to elucidate the treatment of female dyspareunia by surgically modifying the reconstructed penis with segmental osteotomies and fascia interposition within the rigid bone stock resulting from gender reassignment with a free fibula osteocutaneous flap.

Methods
In order to improve their sexual relations and alleviate dyspareunia, a semirigid penis was created by forming a pseudojoint at the junction of the proximal and distal third of the fibula bone stock with osteotomies and fascia interposition.

Main Outcome Measures
Alleviation of dyspareunia by surgical modification of a previously reconstructed penis for the couple to continue to have sexual relations.

Results
The created pseudojoints in the reconstructed penis allowed for pain-free vaginal intercourse between the patient and his wife because of its now semirigid structure.

Conclusion
The surgical modification presented in this case report addresses the treatment of dyspareunia by creating a more malleable penile reconstruction, which will now allow for a pain-free vaginal intercourse.