bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of acitretin on spermatogenesis of rats
Authors: Sengör B , Bayramgürler D , Müezzinoglu B , Altintas L , Bilen N , Apaydin R 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn this experimental study the possible effects of the acitretin on the spermatogenesis of the rats were investigated histopathologically. Thirty‐nine male adult Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups as two experimental groups and one control group. The first group consisting 14 rats were applied orally standard dose (0.75 mg/kg/day) acitretin and the second group consisting 16 rats were applied high dose (1.5 mg/kg/day) acitretin. Acitretin was given within dimetil sulphoxide (DMSO), which was diluted with saline solution as a ratio of 1/10, in order to increase its solubility. The control group consisting 9 rats were given only saline solution including DMSO for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of the administration, half of the rats in the first and second groups and the entire control group were sacrificed under deep ether anaesthesia and bilateral orchiectomy was made. The remaining rats were compared with the control group using a similar method at the end of 8 weeks of wash‐off period. The orchiectomy materials were histopathologically evaluated under the light microscope for spermatogenesis according to parameters including spermatogenetic activity, spermatogenetic organization, seminiferous tubular diameter, interstitial Leydig cells and fibroblasts. The groups, which were evaluated at the end of the 8th and 16th weeks, were compared with the control group regarding the mentioned parameters and no statistical significance was observed among the groups. In our study it was concluded that the standard and high doses of acitretin do not have any effect on the spermatogenesis of the rats.
Bilateral inguinal hernia with dislocation of great saphenous vein as complication of long‐standing granulomatous slack skin: a case report
Authors: Benedetti M , Niebel T , Tinozzi FP , Vassallo C , Brazzelli V , Paulli M , Borroni RG , Borroni G 
Published: April 2006

AbstractGranulomatous slack skin (GSS) represents a rare variant of mycosis fungoides, histologically characterized by a variably deep T helper lymphocytes infiltrate with alteration of the dermal elastic tissue and consequent elastolysis, elastophagocytosis and numerous giant cells. Clinically, a development of unelastic, slack skin, especially on flexural areas, is observed. Hereby, we describe a man with a 12‐year history of GSS. In 2002, for practical (limitation of movement, deambulation) and cosmetic reasons, he underwent the surgical excision of loose and sagging skinfold over inguinal area, and, afterwards, of the opposite affected inguinal skin. The surgical treatment of bilateral inguinal hernia with reposition of inguinal dislocated vasculature is also reported. In both cases the excised material confirmed the former diagnosis of GSS and revealed a very deep, muscular infiltrate of neoplastic lymphocytes. One year later, a new excision of GSS on the axillae was made. Now, after 2 years, deambulation keeps improving, although an initial relapse of the inguinal slack skin has been observed.
Calciphylaxis associated with alcoholic cirrhosis
Authors: Ferreres JR , Marcoval J , Bordas X , Moreno A , Muniesa C , Prat C , Peyrí J 
Published: April 2006

AbstractCalciphylaxis is an uncommon disease characterized by calcification of dermal vessels that determines skin necrosis. Calciphylaxis has been almost exclusively reported in association with renal failure and altered phosphor–calcium metabolism. Only a few cases have been described in hyperparathyroidism, malignancies, and, recently, cirrhosis. We report a patient that developed calciphylaxis related to end‐stage alcoholic cirrhosis, without any alteration in the phosphocalcic and parathyroid hormone metabolisms. Possible contributing factors were repeated albumin infusions and low levels of protein C and S.
The development of a new integrated mental health service for people with learning disabilities
Authors: Hall Ian , Higgins Alan , Parkes Charles , Hassiotis Angela , Samuels Sarah 
Published: April 2006

Accessible summary• People with learning disabilities can have mental health problems like anyone else.• People with learning disabilities should be able to use the same mental health services as anyone else.• In this article we say how we have tried to make this happen.SummaryIt is now well recognized that people with learning disabilities experience the full range of psychiatric disorders. Public policy in the United Kingdom advocates that people with learning disabilities should access mainstream mental health services. Here we discuss the challenges this policy presents, and then describe the somewhat tortuous and unpredictable processes we went through to set up a service that properly enabled such access. We describe the service model in some detail, then reflect on overcoming barriers to implementation, and how we maintain the service model. Finally we draw some lessons for future service development initiatives.
Working with the support network: applying systemic practice in learning disabilities services
Authors: Jenkins Rosemary , Parry Rhonwen 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe purpose of this paper is to present a model of practice termed ‘Network Training’ which describes a structured approach to working with the network of support around an individual with learning disabilities. Within learning disability services there are many contexts in which the support system has opportunities to come together. For example, care management review meetings; person centred planning meetings and a multitude of clinical and service forums. However, each would have its own purpose and agenda ultimately impacting on the extent to which people within to system can contribute to resolving issues pertinent to the person with learning disabilities. We describe a model of practice we have developed over several years. Systemic theory has influenced the way in which we practice. Using a case example, a model of the Network Training process is outlined. Reference is made to the role of the facilitator and the authors’ clinical experiences of using this approach. Issues of evaluation are also discussed.
Quinolinic acid modulates the activity of src family kinases in rat striatum: in vivo and in vitro studies
Authors: Metere Alessio , Mallozzi Cinzia , Minetti Maurizio , Domenici Maria Rosaria , Pèzzola Antonella , Popoli Patrizia , Di Stasi A. M. Michela 
Published: April 2006

AbstractQuinolinic acid (QA) has been shown to evoke neurotoxic events via NMDA receptor (NMDAR) overactivation and oxidative stress. NMDARs are particularly vulnerable to free radicals, which can modulate protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) and phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activities. The src family of tyrosine kinases are associated with the NMDAR complex and regulate NMDA channel function. Because QA is an NMDAR agonist as well as a pro‐oxidant agent, we investigated whether it may affect the activity of PTKs and PTPs in vivo and in vitro. In synaptosomes prepared from striata dissected 15 min, 30 min or 15 days after bilateral injection of QA we observed modulation of the phosphotyrosine pattern; a significant decrease in PTP activity; and a sustained increase in c‐src and lyn activity at 15 and 30 min after treatment with QA, followed by a decrease 2 weeks later. Striatal synaptosomes treated in vitro with QA showed time‐ and dose‐dependent modulation of c‐src and lyn kinase activities. Moreover, the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine‐methyl ester, the NMDAR antagonist d‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid and pyruvate suppressed the QA‐induced modulation of c‐src activity. These findings suggest a novel feature of QA in regulating src kinase activity through the formation of reactive radical species and/or NMDAR overactivation.
Neuropilin1 is a direct downstream target of Nurr1 in the developing brain stem
Authors: Hermanson Elisabet , Borgius Lotta , Bergsland Maria , Joodmardi Eliza , Perlmann Thomas 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 is expressed in the developing and adult central nervous system. Previous studies have shown that Nurr1 is essential for the generation of midbrain dopamine neurons. Furthermore, Nurr1 is critical for respiratory functions associated with the brain stem. Very few Nurr1 regulated genes have been identified and it remains unclear how Nurr1 influences the function and development of neurons. To identify novel Nurr1 target genes we have searched for regulated genes in the dopaminergic MN9D cell line. These experiments identified Neuropilin‐1 (Nrp1), a receptor protein involved in axon guidance and angiogenesis, as a novel Nurr1 target gene. Nrp1 expression was rapidly up‐regulated by Nurr1 in MN9D cells and in situ hybridization analysis showed that Nrp1 was coexpressed with Nurr1 in the brain stem dorsal motor nucleus. Importantly, Nrp1 expression was down‐regulated in this area in Nurr1 null mice. Moreover, two functional Nurr1 binding sites were identified in the Nrp1 promoter and Nurr1 was found to be recruited to these sites in MN9D cells, further supporting that Nrp1 is a direct downstream target of Nurr1. Taken together, our findings suggest that Nurr1 might influence the processes of axon guidance and/or angiogenesis via the regulation of Nrp1 expression.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α activates signal transduction in hypothalamus and modulates the expression of pro‐inflammatory proteins and orexigenic/anorexigenic neurotransmitters
Authors: Amaral Maria E. , Barbuio Raquel , Milanski Marciane , Romanatto Talita , Barbosa Helena C. , Nadruz Wilson , Bertolo Manoel B. , Boschero Antonio C. , Saad Mario J. A. , Franchini Kleber G. , Velloso Licio A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractTumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is known to participate in the wastage syndrome that accompanies cancer and severe infectious diseases. More recently, a role for TNF‐α in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity has been shown. Much of the regulatory action exerted by TNF‐α upon the control of energy stores depends on its action on the hypothalamus. In this study, we show that TNF‐α activates canonical pro‐inflammatory signal transduction pathways in the hypothalamus of rats. These signaling events lead to the transcriptional activation of an early responsive gene and to the induction of expression of cytokines and a cytokine responsive protein such as interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐10 and suppressor of cytokine signalling‐3, respectively. In addition, TNF‐α induces the expression of neurotransmitters involved in the control of feeding and thermogenesis. Thus, TNF‐α may act directly in the hypothalamus inducing a pro‐inflammatory response and the modulation of expression of neurotransmitters involved in energy homeostasis.
Identification of Miltirone as Active Ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza Responsible for the Reducing Effect of Root Extracts on Alcohol Intake in Rats
Authors: Colombo Giancarlo , Serra Salvatore , Vacca Giovanni , Orrù Alessandro , Maccioni Paola , Morazzoni Paolo , Bombardelli Ezio , Riva Antonella , Gessa Gian Luigi , Carai Mauro A.M. 
Published: April 2006

Background: Previous work found that extracts from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, a Chinese medicinal herb, reduced alcohol intake in selectively bred Sardinian alcohol‐preferring (sP) rats. The present study was designed to evaluate whether miltirone, one of the possible active constituents of S. miltiorrhiza, might be responsible for the reducing effect of the extracts on alcohol intake.Methods: An initial experiment assessed the effect of 100 mg/kg (intragastric, i.g.) of 4 extracts of S. miltiorrhiza, differing in miltirone content (0, 2, 3, and 7%, respectively), on alcohol intake in alcohol‐experienced sP rats exposed to the 2‐bottle “alcohol (10%, volume in volume) versus water” choice regimen. Subsequently, the effect of pure miltirone (2.5–10 mg/kg, i.g., i.e., a dose range comparable to its content in the effective doses of the active extracts) on acquisition and maintenance of alcohol‐drinking behavior was evaluated in alcohol‐naive and alcohol‐experienced sP rats exposed to the 2‐bottle choice regimen. The effect of miltirone (10 mg/kg, i.g.) on blood alcohol levels was assessed after the i.g. and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of alcohol. Finally, the effect of miltirone (30–100 mg/kg, i.g.) on the severity of alcohol withdrawal syndrome was evaluated in Wistar rats made physically dependent on alcohol by the repeated administration of intoxicating doses of alcohol.Results: The reducing effect of 4 different extracts of S. miltiorrhiza on alcohol intake was positively and significantly correlated with their miltirone content. Pure miltirone reduced alcohol intake in alcohol‐experienced rats and delayed acquisition of alcohol‐drinking behavior in alcohol‐naive rats. Similar to S. miltiorrhiza extracts, miltirone markedly reduced blood alcohol levels when alcohol was administered i.g. but not i.p., suggesting that miltirone hampered alcohol absorption from the gastrointestinal system. Finally, miltirone failed to affect the severity of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in alcohol‐dependent rats.Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that miltirone is the likely active constituent of S. miltiorrhiza responsible for the reducing effect of its extracts on alcohol intake in different experimental models of excessive alcohol consumption.
Ethanol‐Related Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum Dilation in Purkinje Dendrites of Aging Rats
Authors: Dlugos Cynthia A. 
Published: April 2006

Background: Long‐term ethanol consumption in aging rats results in degeneration and regression of the Purkinje neuron (PN) dendritic arbor. One marked ethanol‐related change in Purkinje dendrite ultrastructure is dilation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) within PN dendritic shafts. The purpose of this study was to determine a time course for ethanol‐related dendritic regression in PN dendritic shafts and spines.Methods: One‐hundred eighty aging, male Fischer 344 rats were used. Four durations of treatment (5, 10, 20, and 40 weeks) and 3 dietary treatment groups (60 rats/treatment group) were studied. Ethanol‐fed rats received a liquid ethanol diet (35% of dietary calories from ethanol). Pair‐fed rats received an isocaloric liquid control diet and chow‐fed rats received rat chow and water ad libitum. After each duration of treatment, 45 rats (15/treatment) were euthanized and 2 posterior cerebellar lobules/rat were viewed with electron microscopy and photographed. Diameters of SER profiles within PN shafts and spines were measured with image analysis.Results: Ethanol‐related SER dilation in dendritic shafts occurred following 40 weeks of treatment. Ethanol‐related SER dilation was not detected in PN dendritic spines.Conclusions: These results confirm that ethanol‐related dilation of SER profiles in PN dendritic shafts occurs following the same duration of treatment as the dendritic regression previously reported in other studies. Degenerating bodies that may be linked to dendritic regression were also identified in PN dendrites.
Cognitive Function of Older Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Pilot Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Hurria Arti , Rosen Carol , Hudis Clifford , Zuckerman Enid , Panageas Katherine S. , Lachs Mark S. , Witmer Matthew , Van Gorp Wilfred G. , Fornier Monica , D'Andrea Gabriella , Moasser Mark , Dang Chau , Van Poznak Catherine , Hurria Anju , Holland Jimmie 
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To report on the longitudinal cognitive functioning of older women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.DESIGN: Neuropsychological and functional status testing were performed before chemotherapy and 6 months after chemotherapy.SETTING: Cancer center.PARTICIPANTS: Thirty‐one patients aged 65 and older with Stage I to III breast cancer. Of the 31 patients enrolled, three refused posttesting, and 28 were evaluable.MEASUREMENTS: The following domains of cognitive function were examined: attention; verbal memory; visual memory; and verbal, spatial, psychomotor, and executive functions.RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 71 (range 65–84): 39% Stage I, 50% Stage II, and 11% Stage III. The number of scores 2 standard deviations (SDs) below the norm were calculated for each patient before and 6 months after chemotherapy; 14 (50%) had no change, 11 (39%) worsened, and three (11%) improved (P=.05). Seven patients (25%) experienced a decline in cognitive function, defined as a 1‐SD decline from pre‐ to posttesting in two or more neuropsychological domains. Exploratory analyses revealed no significant difference between functional status, comorbidity, and depression scale scores and change in overall quality‐of‐life scores before and after chemotherapy.CONCLUSION: In this cohort of older women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, a subset experienced a decline in cognitive function from before chemotherapy to 6 months after chemotherapy. Further prospective study is needed to confirm these observations and to identify the subgroup at special risk.
An Emergency Medical Services Program to Promote the Health of Older Adults
Authors: Shah Manish N. , Clarkson Lindsay , Lerner E. Brooke , Fairbanks Rollin J. , McCann Robert , Schneider Sandra M. 
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and effect of an emergency medical services (EMS) program that screened, educated, and referred older adults with unmet needs.DESIGN: A cluster sample design evaluation of an intervention conducted by EMS in one of two communities.SETTING: Two rural communities in upstate New York.PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred fifty‐eight intervention‐group and 143 control‐group community‐dwelling older adults receiving emergency care from participating EMS agencies between February 2004 and June 2005.INTERVENTION: EMS providers screened intervention group patients to identify those at risk for falls, influenza, and pneumococcal infections and provided patients educational materials. Patients' physicians were notified of screening results to provide interventions. Control group patients were provided usual care.MEASUREMENTS: Variables included patient demographic and clinical characteristics, the proportion of eligible patients screened, patient risk during EMS care and 14 days later, and patient recollection of receiving educational materials and conversations with physicians regarding needs.RESULTS: Follow‐up was successful in 245 (61%) patients. Approximately 80% of intervention‐group patients were successfully screened for each item. No differences were identified for characteristics collected at the time of EMS care, but a notable number of patients were at risk for each item. No differences existed between the control or intervention group for process measures such as recollection of receiving educational materials. For outcome measures, only an improvement in pneumococcal vaccination levels was found.CONCLUSION: EMS screening of older adults during emergency responses is feasible, but a simple intervention of providing educational materials to patients during emergency responses and faxing notifications to physicians appears insufficient to address patients' needs.
ATX‐II Effects on the Apparent Location of M Cells in a Computational Model of a Human Left Ventricular Wedge
Authors: DOS SANTOS RODRIGO WEBER , OTAVIANO CAMPOS FERNANDO , NEUMANN CIUFFO LEANDRO , NYGREN ANDERS , GILES WAYNE , KOCH HANS 
Published: April 2006

Introduction:The apparent location of the myocytes (M cells) with the longest action potential duration (APD) in a canine left ventricular (LV) wedge have been reported to shift after application of a sea anemone toxin, ATX‐II. This toxin slows inactivation ofINaand thus prolongs APD. Thus, M cells may exhibit dynamic functional states, rather than being a static, anatomically discrete, myocyte population. In this study, we attempted to further define and understand this phenomenon using a mathematical model of the human ventricular myocyte action potential incorporated into an in silico “wedge” preparation. Our simulations demonstrate that even under conditions of a fixed population and ratio of epicardial, M, and endocardial myocytes, the apparent anatomical position (transmural location) of the myocytes with the longest APD can shift following ATX‐II treatment. This arises because the ATX‐II effect, modeled as a small increase in the late or persistent Na+current, and consequent prolongation of APD significantly changes the electrotonic interactions between ventricular myocytes in this LV wedge preparation.Methods and Results:This LV wedge model is based on bidomain equations. It corresponds to a rectangular tissue immersed in a passive and isotropic medium that represents the superfusion bath. In this theoretical work, the three known different and discrete populations of myocytes in the human left ventricle have been included: the epicardial, M, and endocardial cells. The effects of ATX‐II onINawere simulated by altering the voltage‐dependent steady‐state inactivation of the parameters h (fast gate) and j (slow gate). As a result, in these ATX‐II simulations a persistent late Na+current was generated in all three types of ventricular myocytes. However, the APDs were prolonged in a heterogeneous pattern. Our simulations demonstrate that after the ATX‐II effects develop, alterations in transmural electrotonic interactions can produce changes in the transmural location of myocytes with the longest APD.Conclusions:The combination of intercellular electrotonic interactions, which tend to reduce and smooth out the discrete transmural APD variations, and the heterogeneous effects of ATX‐II, which preferentially prolong the APD of M cells, can shift the location of the ventricular myocytes. This shift results in significantly altered transmural patterns of action potential durations, which would be expected to change localized refractory period and excitability. These cellular changes give rise to alterations in the corresponding surface electrograms and may change the overall substrates for conduction and rhythm disturbances.
Efficiency effects of agricultural economics research in the United States
Authors: Schimmelpfennig David E. , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Norton George W. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAllocations of research funds across programs are often made for efficiency reasons. Social science research is shown to have small, lagged but significant effects on U.S. agricultural efficiency when public agricultural R&D and extension are simultaneously taken into account. Farm management and marketing research variables are used to explain variations in estimates of allocative and technical efficiency using a Bayesian approach that incorporates stylized facts concerning lagged research impacts in a way that is less restrictive than popular polynomial distributed lags. Results are reported in terms of means and standard deviations of estimated probability distributions of parameters and long‐run total multipliers. Extension is estimated to have a greater impact on both allocative and technical efficiency than either R&D or social science research.