bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lithocholic acid as a biomarker of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy during ursodeoxycholic acid treatment
Authors: Lucangioli Silvia E , Castaño Gustavo , Contin Mario D , Tripodi Valeria P 
Published: December 2008

Background The diagnosis and treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) has important implications on fetal health. The biochemical parameter commonly used in the diagnosis of ICP is the determination of the concentration of total serum bile acids (TSBA). However, bile acid profile, especially lithocholic acid (LCA) analysis is a more sensitive and specific biomarker for differential diagnosis of this pathology and also could be an alternative to evaluate the efficiency of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for ICP treatment. Methods Serum bile acid (SBA) profiles including LCA determination, were studied in 28 ICP patients using a capillary electrophoresis method. The effects of UDCA treatment on bile acid profile, were analysed in 23 out of 28 ICP patients and the two samples obtained before and 15 days after treatment were compared. Two samples taken as controls were also obtained from each of five patients without therapy. Results A dramatic decrease in LCA concentrations and maintenance of TSBA concentrations were found in all patients after UDCA therapy, whereas SBA profiles together with LCA values did not change in patients without therapy. Conclusion We propose LCA as an alternative biomarker and a more sensitive parameter than TSBA to evaluate the effectiveness of UDCA treatment, at least in ICP patients from Argentina.
A meta-analysis of leptin reference ranges in the healthy paediatric prepubertal population
Authors: Venner Allison A , Doyle-Baker Patricia K , Lyon Martha E , Fung Tak S 
Published: December 2008

Objective The initial discovery of leptin (1994) has given rise to a substantial number of published studies. This study aimed at identifying the published data on the reference ranges of total, free and bound leptin concentration in the healthy prepubertal population. Methods A search was conducted on original English language studies published from 1994 to 2005 in the following databases: PubMed ( n = 58), EMBASE ( n = 4), Biological Abstracts ( n = 2) and Science Finder Scholar ( n = 66). A cited reference search was completed in Science Citation Index on studies with a leptin range. A meta-analysis was completed on included studies containing a dataset and a sample size for a leptin concentration range and/or mean±standard deviation for a healthy prepubertal population. Preanalytical and analytical variations were examined. Preanalytical variables included aspects such as fasting state and gender, while analytical variation comprised the type of leptin assay methodology. Results Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. One study examined free leptin; 11 studies examined total concentration. No studies reported leptin reference ranges established by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria, although four studies reported specific study leptin ranges. The methodology of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated a wider leptin range than radio immunoassay (0.56–36.35 vs. 1.01–12.21 ng/mL). Males had a significantly lower mean leptin concentration than females ( P = 0.0006); obese children had a higher concentration than non-obese ( P = 0.0001). Conclusion No studies have established CLSI-based leptin reference ranges in prepubertal healthy children and there is a wide variation in the published leptin concentrations. These differences suggest that caution should be used in the interpretation and comparison between studies.
Are home sampling kits for sexually transmitted infections acceptable among men who have sex with men?
Authors: Llewellyn Carrie , Pollard Alex , Smith Helen , Fisher Martin 
Published: December 2008

Objective: There is an urgent need to increase opportunistic screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in community settings, particularly for those who are at increased risk including men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of this qualitative study was to explore whether home sampling kits (HSK) for multiple bacterial STIs are potentially acceptable among MSM and to identify any concerns regarding their use. This study was developed as part of a formative evaluation of HSKs. Methods: Focus groups and one-to-one semi-structured interviews with MSM were conducted. Focus group participants (n = 20) were shown a variety of self-sampling materials and asked to discuss them. Individual interviewees (n = 24) had experience of the self-sampling techniques as part of a pilot clinical study. All data were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a framework analysis approach. Results: The concept of a HSK was generally viewed as positive, with many benefits identified relating to increased access to testing, enhanced personal comfort and empowerment. Concerns about the accuracy of the test, delays in receiving the results, the possible lack of support and potential negative impact on ‘others’ were raised. Conclusion: The widespread acceptability of using HSKs for the diagnosis of STIs could have important public health impacts in terms of earlier diagnosis of asymptomatic infections and thus a decrease in the rate of onward transmission. In addition, HSKs could potentially optimize the use of genitourinary medicine services and facilitate patient choice.
‘We can't get anything done because…’: Making sense of ‘barriers’ to Practice-based Commissioning
Authors: Checkland Kath , Coleman Anna , Harrison Stephen , Hiroeh Urara 
Published: December 2008

Objectives: To investigate the issues raised by participants as ‘barriers’ to the development of Practice-based Commissioning (PBC) in ‘early adopter’ sites in England. Methods: Detailed case studies of five PBC consortia in three Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). Data collection included interviews with a wide range of respondents (46 in total), including general practitioners, PCT employees, Local Authority employees and patient representatives, observation of many different types of meetings (68 in total), and analysis of documents tabled at meetings and circulated at other times. Results: It has been claimed that progress in developing PBC has been slow. Our respondents articulated a number of factors that they felt were holding them back, which could have been identified as ‘barriers’ preventing change. The issues raised were consistent across our sites (lack of time, resources and personnel, and difficult relationships with the PCT), but observation suggested that these issues arose out of very different organizational ‘sensemaking’, and as a result the apparent ‘barriers’ had different meanings in different organizational contexts. Conclusion: Weick's concept of ‘organizational sensemaking’ provides a useful framework within which to explore the problems encountered when implementing policy. Observational methods are a powerful tool in understanding sensemaking. The variations in sensemaking that we observed suggest that the use of ‘barrier’ metaphors in descriptions of implementation problems risks homogenizing the portrayal of situations that differ greatly in reality. This implies that top-down or centrally driven solutions to such situations will often be inappropriate.
How to find research before publication
Authors: Light Kate , Misso Kate , Stirk Lisa 
Published: December 2008

Such is the pace of research today that by the time a study has been published it may already be out of date. Add to this the fact that much research never makes it to publication and policymakers may rightly feel uneasy basing their decisions entirely on published papers. Tracking down unpublished material, however, can be challenging. Thankfully there are now a number of resources that specialize in bringing these invisible trials and projects into the limelight. If you would like to alert readers to useful web pages or suggest topics for this column, please send details to:
Fulminare i nemici: Silla, Postumio e l′ars fulguratoria
Authors: Marastoni Silvia 
Published: December 2008

Riassunto
Bellona è la divinità che, come una furia, spinge Silla a vendicarsi dei nemici. Essa lo aiuta in due momenti cruciali della sua ascesa politica : nell′88 a. C, mentre Silla sta per marciare contro Roma, essa, in sogno, gli porge i fulmini coi quali eliminare gli avversari politici. Questo episodio non può essere disgiunto dalla successiva proscrizione dei dodici mariani nemici di Roma. In seguito, nell′83 a. C., alla vigilia della seconda marcia su Roma, uno schiavo invasato di Ponzio Telesino, annuncia a Silla la vittoria e l′incendio del Campidoglio. Entrambi gli episodi sono accomunati dalla presenza della dea, assimilata alla macedonica Atena Areia o Alkidemos, che distrugge scagliando fulmini. Si riscontrano anche gli influssi della disciplina fulgurale etrusca; inoltre, possono essere individuati alcuni tratti che rimandano allo schema delle defixiones politiche greche.
Improved Method for Determining Antibiotic Susceptibility of Flavobacterium columnare Isolates by Broth Microdilution
Authors: Darwish Ahmed M. , Farmer Bradley D. , Hawke John P. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
A simple and reproducible microdilution method was developed to test the susceptibility of the bacterium Flavobacterium columnare to antibiotics in vitro. The testing was conducted at 28°C for 44–48 h at two dilutions of Mueller–Hinton broth (DMHB) using a standardized inoculum, a reference isolate of Escherichia coli ATCC25922 as a quality control organism, positive and negative control wells, and standardized custom made microtiter plates. The E. coli ATCC25922 and F. columnare ATCC23463 (the species type strain) had significantly better growth in DMHB at 1:5 (4 g/L) than at 1:7 (3 g/L). The E. coli ATCC25922 was found to be acceptable as a reference isolate and produced minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values similar to those in the range published by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute derived using standard Mueller–Hinton broth. The new method was used to determine the MIC of 23 F. columnare isolates (representing the three genotypes of the species) to enrofloxacin, ampicillin, oxytetracycline, erythromycin, florfenicol, flumequine, ormetoprim/sulfadimethoxine, and oxolinic acid.
Levels and temporal trends (1983–2003) of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecanes in seabird eggs from North Norway
Authors: Helgason Lisa B. , Polder Anuschka , Føreid Siri , Bæk Kine , Lie Elisabeth , Gabrielsen Geir W. , Barrett Robert T. , Skaare Janneche U. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
The present study assessed temporal trends (1983–2003) of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabro-mocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in eggs of herring gulls (Larus argentatus), Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica), and black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) in North Norway. Generally, PBDE concentrations increased between 1983 and 1993 and then leveled out, although species-specific trends were reported. Levels of α-HBCD increased in all species throughout the 20-year period. Levels of nona-BDEs and BDE 209 ranged from nondetectable to parts per billion. Nevertheless, highly variable procedural blanks were reported for the nona-BDEs and BDE 209, which clearly illustrates the importance of including blanks repeatedly during determination of these compounds.
Reproductive health of bass in the Potomac, USA, drainage: Part 1. Exploring the effects of proximity to wastewater treatment plant discharge
Authors: Iwanowicz Luke R. , Blazer Vicki S. , Guy Christopher P. , Pinkney Alfred E. , Mullican John E. , Alvarez David A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIntersex (specifically, testicular oocytes) has been observed in male smallmouth bass (SMB; Micropterus dolomieu) and other centrarchids in the South Branch of the Potomac River, USA, and forks of the Shenandoah River, USA, during the past five years. This condition often is associated with exposure to estrogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals in some fish species, but such chemicals and their sources have yet to be identified in the Potomac. In an attempt to better understand the plausible causes of this condition, we investigated the reproductive health of bass sampled up- and downstream of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent point sources on the Potomac River in Maryland, USA. Smallmouth bass were sampled from the Conococheague Creek and the Monocacy River, and largemouth bass (LMB; Micropterus salmoides) were collected near the Blue Plains WWTP on the mainstem of the Potomac River. Chemical analyses of compounds captured in passive samplers at these locations also were conducted. A high prevalence of intersex (82–100%) was identified in male SMB at all sites regardless of collection area. A lower prevalence of intersex (23%) was identified in male LMB collected at the Blue Plains site. When up- and downstream fish were compared, significant differences were noted only in fish from the Conococheague. Differences included condition factor, gonadosomatic index, plasma vitellogenin concentration, and estrogen to testosterone ratio. In general, chemicals associated with waste-water effluent, storm-water runoff, and agriculture were more prevalent at the downstream sampling sites. An exception was atrazine and its associated metabolites, which were present in greater concentrations at the upstream sites. It appears that proximity to effluent from WWTPs may influence the reproductive health of bass in the Potomac watershed, but inputs from other sources likely contribute to the widespread, high incidence of testicular oocytes.
Investigating aggregation in Suwannee River, USA, dissolved organic matter using diffusion-ordered nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Lam Buuan , Simpson André J. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Aggregation of the Suwannee River (USA) dissolved organic matter (SRDOM) is studied using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Diffusion-ordered spectroscopy identifies two distinct bands, one corresponding to smaller components and the other to larger components. At lower concentrations (500 ppm), the dissolved organic matter (DOM) is present mainly as small components; however, with increasing concentration, the larger components become more pronounced as a result of aggregation. Calibrations indicate the small materials behave in a manner similar to that of maltodextrins of approximately 180 to 950 Da or proteins of 100 to 1,000 Da. The aggregated species show behavior similar to that of maltodextrins of approximately 1,000 to 21,000 Da or proteins of 1,050 to 70,000 Da. The mean diffusivity of the aggregated components in SRDOM is consistent with that of maltodextrins of approximately 4,500 Da and proteins of approximately 8,000 Da at the highest concentration measured. At the lowest concentration (closest to environmental concentrations), little to no aggregation is observed. Diffusion profiles show an increase in large-molecular-weight material, with a simultaneous decrease in small-molecular-weight components with increasing DOM concentration. This suggests aggregates in SRDOM may be weak dispersive associations of low-molecular-weight material. Additionally, with a decrease in temperature, aggregates show faster diffusion, suggesting a tighter, more condensed arrangement. Further evidence supports DOM aggregation as conglomerations of numerous components in DOM rather than a more organized self-association. Carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules (CRAM) play a prominent role in aggregation of SRDOM and, to a lesser extent, material-derived from linear terpenoids (MDLT). The role of lignin and carbohydrates is less clear, although at least some of the lignin is present as macromolecules and tends to show interactions with both the MDLT and CRAM components.
Cadmium ions and cadmium sulphide particles in γ-titanium dihydrogen phosphate. Synthesis, thermal behaviour and X-ray characterization
Authors: Ferragina Carla , Rocco Romolo , Patrono Pasquale , Petrilli Lucantonio 
Published: December 2008

AbstractLayered compounds with CdS particles supported on the ion-exchanger, γ-titanium dihydrogen phosphate, were prepared by the stepwise reaction of the ion-exchanger and cadmium solution, followed by reaction with H2S gas. The CdS content on the ion-exchanger is dependent on the timeframe of the H2S gas flow. The materials obtained were layered, as shown by the X-ray measurements that exhibit both precursor and CdS diffraction peaks. The thermal treatment of the material obtained gives evidence of its stability (≤ 320°C) before the CdS decomposition, which occurs in a single step.
Spatial trends of petroleum hydrocarbons in water and sediments
Authors: Ololade Issac , Lajide Labunmi , Amoo Isiaka 
Published: December 2008

AbstractSeasonal changes in petroleum hydrocarbons in water and streambed sediment from selected oil-related areas of Ondo State, Nigeria have been examined using gravimetric and infrared methods. The highest and lowest total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations (TPH) in water (sediments in brackets) gravimetrically were 3.49 mg L−1 (199.3) mg kg−1 and 0.003 mg L−1 (81.0) mg kg−1 while the concentrations found by IR were 24.0 mg L−1 (135.0 mg kg−1) and 14.0 mg L−1 (33.0 mg kg−1) respectively. The two seasons were positively correlated (α = 0.01) by both methods. The TPH level was well correlated with the sediment organic carbon (OC) during both seasons. The characteristic carbonyl (C=O) vibrations at 1650 cm−1 and 1700 cm−1 indicate oxidation of the oil residue. The study recommends further investigation into the type of organics present to evaluate their toxicity and appropriate remediation.
In situ determination of aniline polymerization kinetics through near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: de Souza Fernando Gomes , Anzai Thiago Koichi , Rodrigues Marcus V. A. , Melo Príamo Albuquerque , Nele Márcio , Pinto José Carlos 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis article describes a method for the determination of kinetic constants in aniline polymerizations performed in the presence of dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid. The procedure was based on the measurement of light absorbances at 668 and 1026 nm. The absorption at 668 nm is related to pernigraniline formation and is ordinarily used for ultraviolet–visible kinetic studies. The absorption at 1026 nm is related to the second overtone of the NH bonds, which may be used to monitor the aniline consumption along the reaction time. Tzou and Gregory's empirical reaction model was used as a reference for kinetic studies. The best fits were obtained when the kinetic constants were evaluated at 1026 nm because of the lower noise/signal ratio in this spectral region and the smaller sensitivity to the pernigraniline/emeraldine transition during the last stages of the polymerization. The remarkable innovation supplied by this study is the possibility to study aniline polymerizations in situ in realistic reaction conditions, which will allow the use of concentrated monomer solutions, large reaction volumes, efficient cooling conditions, and agitation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Thermochromic core–shell nanofibers fabricated by melt coaxial electrospinning
Authors: Li Fengyu , Zhao Yong , Wang Sen , Han Dong , Jiang Lei , Song Yanlin 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMicrocapsule/nanocapsule and encapsulation techniques have great potential for devices of functional materials. Also, electrospinning has attracted great attention for the fabrication of microstructures and nanostructures. The fluidity after melting limits the application of phase‐transformation thermochromic materials. In this study, with the melt coaxial electrospinning technique, a phase‐transformation thermochromic material was encapsulated in poly(methyl methacrylate) nanofibers. A device of this phase‐transformation thermochromic material was realized. With a poly(methyl methacrylate) shell with good optical transmission and a thermoresponsive core made of crystal violet lactone, bisphenol A, and 1‐tetradecanol core, the fibers had good thermal energy management, fluorescent thermochromism, and reversibility. The fabrication of thermochromic core–shell nanofibers has further potential in the preparation of temperature sensors with good fluorescence signals and body‐temperature calefactive materials with intelligent thermal energy absorption, retention, and release. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The JIP3 scaffold protein UNC‐16 regulates RAB‐5 dependent membrane trafficking at C. elegans synapses
Authors: Brown Heather M. , Van Epps Heather A. , Goncharov Alexandr , Grant Barth D. , Jin Yishi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractHow endosomes contribute to the maintenance of vesicular structures at presynaptic terminals remains controversial and poorly understood. Here, we have investigated synaptic endosomal compartments in the presynaptic terminals of C. elegans GABAergic motor neurons. Using RAB reporters, we find that several subsynaptic compartments reside in, or near, presynaptic regions. Loss of function in the C. elegans JIP3 protein, UNC‐16, causes a RAB‐5‐containing compartment to accumulate abnormally at presynaptic terminals. Ultrastructural analysis shows that synapses in unc‐16 mutants contain reduced number of synaptic vesicles, accompanied by an increase in the size and number of cisternae. FRAP analysis revealed a slow recovery of RAB‐5 in unc‐16 mutants, suggestive of an impairment of RAB‐5 activity state and local vesicular trafficking. Overexpression of RAB‐5:GDP partially suppresses, whereas overexpression of RAB‐5:GTP enhances, the synaptic defects of unc‐16 mutants. Our data demonstrate a novel function of UNC‐16 in the regulation of synaptic membrane trafficking and suggest that the synaptic RAB‐5 compartment contributes to synaptic vesicle biogenesis or maintenance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009.
Calpain‐mediated degradation of G‐substrate plays a critical role in retinal excitotoxicity for amacrine cells
Authors: Nakazawa Toru , Shimura Masahiko , Mourin Ryu , Kondo Mineo , Yokokura Shunji , Saido Takaomi C. , Nishida Kohji , Endo Shogo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe role of neuronal N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated intracellular signaling has been elucidated in both physiological and pathological conditions. However, the details of relative vulnerability for excitotoxicity remain unknown. Retinal excitotoxicity is involved in various diseases leading to irreversible blindness. Here, we used the visual system and explored the mechanistic details of the NMDA‐elicited intracellular events, especially in the amacrine cells, which are the most vulnerable type of neuron in the retina. G‐substrate, a specific substrate of cyclic guanosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cGMP)‐dependent protein kinase, is colocalized with amacrine cells and acts as an endogenous inhibitor of protein phosphatase. To elucidate how G‐substrate was involved in NMDA‐induced amacrine cell death, the immunohistochemical analysis with G‐substrate antibody was performed following NMDA injury. In vivo, NMDA immediately decreased G‐substrate immunoreactivity, and the suppression of calpain activation using ALLN or calpain III, an inhibitor of calpain, blocked this decrease. In vitro, degraded fragments of G‐substrate were detected within 10 min after coincubation of G‐substrate and calpain. Moreover, G‐substrate knockout (G‐substrate−/−) mice were more susceptible to NMDA injury than wild‐type mice. ALLN did not have a neuroprotective effect in G‐substrate−/− mice. These data strongly suggest that calpain‐mediated loss of G‐substrate represents an important mechanism contributing to NMDA‐induced amacrine cell death. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.