bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Na+‐independent Mg2+ transport sensitive to 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB) in vascular smooth muscle cells: involvement of TRPM‐like channels
Authors: Hamaguchi Yukihisa , Matsubara Tatsuaki , Amano Tetsuya , Uetani Tadayuki , Asano Haruhiko , Iwamoto Takashi , Furukawa Koichi , Murohara Toyoaki , Nakayama Shinsuke 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMagnesium is associated with several important cardiovascular diseases. There is an accumulating body of evidence verifying the important roles of Mg2+‐permeable channels. In the present study, we estimated the intracellular free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) using 31P‐nuclear magnetic resonance (31P‐NMR) in porcine carotid arteries. pHi and intracellular phosphorus compounds were simultaneously monitored. Removal of extracellular divalent cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+) in the absence of Na+ caused a gradual decrease in [Mg2+]i to ∼60% of the control value after 125 min. On the other hand, the simultaneous removal of extracellular Ca2+ and Na+ in the presence of Mg2+ gradually increased [Mg2+]i in an extracellular Mg2+‐dependent manner. 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB) attenuated both [Mg2+]i load and depletion caused under Na+‐ and Ca2+‐free conditions. Neither [ATP]i nor pHi correlated with changes in [Mg2+]i. RT‐PCR detected transcripts of both TRPM6 and TRPM7, although TRPM7 was predominant. In conclusion, the results suggest the presence of Mg2+‐permeable channels of TRPM family that contribute to Mg2+ homeostasis in vascular smooth muscle cells. The low, basal [Mg2+]i level in vascular smooth muscle cells is attributable to the relatively low activity of this Mg2+ entry pathway.
Antinociceptive activity of the S1P‐receptor agonist FTY720
Authors: Coste Ovidiu , Pierre Sandra , Marian Claudiu , Brenneis Christian , Angioni Carlo , Schmidt Helmut , Popp Laura , Geisslinger Gerd , Scholich Klaus 
Published: May 2008

AbstractFTY720 is a novel immunosuppressive drug that inhibits the egress of lymphocytes from secondary lymphoid tissues and thymus. In its phosphorylated form FTY720 is a potent S1P receptor agonist. Recently it was also shown that FTY720 can reduce prostaglandin synthesis through the direct inhibition of the cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). Since prostaglandins are important mediators of nociception, we studied the effects of FTY720 in different models of nociception. We found that intraperitoneal administration of FTY720 reduced dose‐dependently the nociceptive behaviour of rats in the formalin assay. Although the antinociceptive doses of FTY720 were too low to alter the lymphocyte count, prostanoid concentrations in the plasma were dramatically reduced. Surprisingly, intrathecally administered FTY720 reduced the nociceptive behaviour in the formalin assay without altering spinal prostaglandin synthesis, indicating that additional antinociceptive mechanisms beside the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis are involved. Accordingly, FTY720 reduced also the nociceptive behaviour in the spared nerve injury model for neuropathic pain which does not depend on prostaglandin synthesis. In this model the antinociceptive effect of FTY720 was similar to gabapentin, a commonly used drug to treat neuropathic pain. Taken together we show for the first time that FTY720 possesses antinociceptive properties and that FTY720 reduces nociceptive behaviour during neuropathic pain.
In silico promoters: modelling of cis‐regulatory context facilitates target predictio
Authors: Venter Mauritz , Warnich Louise 
Published: May 2008

Introduction
Combined in silico strategies contribute to accurate deciphering
Systematic module analysis leads to target discovery
Applications of in silico promoters based on conserved regulatory context
Conclusion

AbstractElucidation of gene regulatory complexity holds much promise towards aiding therapeutic interventions in medical research. It has become progressively more evident that the characterization of highly conserved regulatory modules within promoters may assist in the elucidation of distinct cis‐motif and trans‐element regulatory interactions, shared in response to stimulus‐evoked pathological changes. With special emphasis on the promoter, accurate analyses of cis‐motif architecture combined with integrative in silico modelling might serve as a more refined approach for prediction and study of regulatory targets and major regulators governing transcriptional control. In this review, we have highlighted key examples and recent advances implementing in silico promoter models that could serve as essential contributions for future research in molecular medicine.
The pro‐apoptotic protein Par‐4 facilitates vascular contractility by cytoskeletal targeting of ZIPK
Authors: Vetterkind Susanne , Morgan Kathleen G. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPar‐4 (prostate apoptosis response 4) is a pro‐apoptotic protein and tumour suppressor that was originally identified as a gene product up‐regulated during apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Here, we show, for the first time, that Par‐4 is expressed and co‐localizes with the actin filament bundles in vascular smooth muscle. Furthermore, we demonstrate that targeting of ZIPK to the actin filaments, as observed upon PGF‐2α stimulation, is inhibited by the presence of a cell permeant Par‐4 decoy peptide. The same decoy peptide also significantly inhibits PGF‐2α induced contractions of smooth muscle tissue. Moreover, knockdown of Par‐4 using antisense morpholino nucleotides results in significantly reduced contractility, and myosin light chain and myosin phosphatase target subunit phosphorylation. These results indicate that Par‐4 facilitates contraction by targeting ZIPK to the vicinity of its substrates, myosin light chain and MYPT, which are located on the actin filaments. These results identify Par‐4 as a novel regulator of myosin light chain phosphorylation in differentiated, contractile vascular smooth muscle.
Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma or trichofolliculoma? A spectrum of hamartomatous changes inducted by perifollicular stroma in the follicular epithelium
Authors: Wu Yu‐Hung 
Published: May 2008

Background:  Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma (FSCH) histologically resembles trichofolliculoma.Methods:  The clinical and histologic characteristics of both tumors were studied retrospectively, comparing these findings with those of other similar follicular tumors described in the literature.Results:  Fourteen cases of FSCH and 15 cases of trichofolliculoma were diagnosed over 5 years. FSCH were larger, of longer duration, located mostly in the head and neck region. Histologically, the two lesions had a similar architecture except for the presence of a secondary follicle in trichofolliculoma.Conclusion:  FSCH are probably more common than previously thought and may be part of a spectrum of cystic follicular tumors. The perifollicular stroma may influence differentiation of the cystic wall, resulting in a variety of follicular tumors with overlapping features.
Delayed-onset delirium tremens – a diagnostic and management challenge
Authors: Saddichha Sahoo , Manjunatha Narayana , Prasad Sinha Baxi Neeraj , Khess Christoday R.J. 
Published: May 2008

Background:Delirium tremens (DT) is one of the most serious complications of alcohol withdrawal, affecting 5–10% of in-patients with a mortality rate up to 15%. DT, characterised by delirium and tremors, appears within 48–72 h of abstinence and persists for about 5–10 days.Case presentation:We report a case of DT in a young man with delayed onset on the 15th day after the cessation of alcohol use, despite an uncomplicated detoxification with benzodiazepine treatment.Conclusion:We hypothesise that the intake of country liquor in our patient, which contains higher percentages of alcohol, causes a prolonged imbalance ofN-methyl-d-aspartic acid and glutamate receptor activity, leading to the picture of delayed-onset DT and that an atypical presentation at the time of admission and atypicality in early course are clinical pointers to the subsequent development of delayed-onset DT.
Herpes simplex vegetans: atypical genital herpes infection with prominent plasma cell infiltration in B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Römer Annette , Greiner Axel , Enk Alexander , Hartschuh Wolfgang 
Published: May 2008

SummaryHerpes simplex vegetans is a rare disorder even in immunocompromised patients. It typically affects patients with HIV or myeloproliferative diseases.The atypical cutaneous lesions show papillomatous vegetations in varying locations. Histologically the lesions show pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of squamous epithelium, plasma cell infiltration and are positive for HSV 1 and/or HSV 2. Herpes simplex vegetans often responds poorly to treatment in immunocom‐promised patients.
Interleukin‐2 immediate type hypersensitivity?
Authors: Caucig Peri , Lescau Susanne , Knop Jürgen , Maurer Marcus , Von Stebut Esther 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTwo patients with metastatic malignant melanoma developed immediate type hypersensitivity‐like symptoms while being treated with recombinant interleukin‐(IL‐)2 immunotherapy. Both patients showed positive skin prick tests to IL‐2, enhanced basophil degranulation in vitro and responded to anti‐histamines, but laboratory investigations suggested an IgE‐independent, pseudoallergic mast cell degranulation against IL‐2.
End‐of‐life care for older adults with dementia living in group homes in Japan
Authors: KOBAYASHI Sayuri , YAMAMOTO‐MITANI Noriko , NAGATA Satoko , MURASHIMA Sachiyo 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to elucidate the components of end‐of‐life care provided to older adults with dementia who live in group homes (GHs) in Japan.Introduction:  The number of GHs in Japan is rapidly increasing. Although GHs were originally not established to care for elderly people with advanced‐stage dementia, many residents remain in the GH even after their stage of dementia advances; thus, end‐of‐life care is required.Methods:  Interviews were conducted with seven GH administrators on their experience in providing end‐of‐life care to their residents. The constant comparative approach was used for data collection and analysis.Findings:  Four themes emerged as essential components of end‐of‐life care in the GH setting: (i) maintaining a familiar lifestyle; (ii) minimizing physical and mental discomfort; (iii) proactively utilizing desirable medical care; and (iv) collaborating with family members.Conclusion:  The combination of the four components seems to be a unique characteristic of end‐of‐life care in GHs in Japan. These findings may be used to establish a framework for end‐of‐life care at GHs.
Relationship of experience and the place of work to the level of competency among public health nurses in Japan
Authors: OKAMOTO Reiko , SHIOMI Misa , IWAMOTO Saori , HATONO Yoko , CHIBA Yumi , OJIMA Toshiyuki , BESSYO Yuko , NAKAYAMA Kimiko , INOUE Kiyomi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim:  To examine the actual competencies of public health nurses (PHNs) working in public organizations in Japan in order to clarify the relationship between the level of competency and the number of years of experience and the place of work.Methods:  The subjects were 1799 full‐time PHNs working at 135 prefectural public health centers and 115 municipal health centers, which were randomly selected. Each subject received a questionnaire in the mail, requesting basic personal information and a self‐evaluation of six levels of achievement in 11 topics in five categories of competencies.Results:  The number of respondents was 1261 (70.1%), with a total of 1184 valid responses (65.8%). In terms of the level of competency, the average score was >3 for all items and the number of PHNs who achieved Ladders 5 and 6 was low, with very few achieving Ladder 6, despite having more years of experience. Furthermore, the level of achievement depended on the workplace, position, and academic background.Conclusion:  The tasks regarding the education of PHNs in Japan are to establish achievement goals clearly and incrementally and to develop methods and systems that consistently and systematically increase competencies, not only in basic undergraduate education, but also for employed PHNs, through specialized education. In particular, educational methods that lead to high‐quality experiences need to be selected in order to develop competencies.
Penile Prosthesis Pump Tubing Erosion into Urethra Appearing as Inability to Catheterize: A Case Report
Authors: Brown Elizabeth T. , Saunders Susan E. , Zaslau Stanley 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erosion of penile prosthesis tubing represents a late complication of penile prosthesis surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of isolated erosion of penile implant pump tubing into the urethra in an otherwise asymptomatic patient. The patient had no signs of infection or erosion and no voiding complaints. His only problem was that his urinary catheter was not able to be placed during his vascular surgery procedure.

Methods
Patient with a 5-year history of erectile dysfunction refractory to therapy with PDE5 inhibitors, injection therapy, and vacuum erection device therapy underwent placement of an Alpha-1 Mentor inflatable penile prosthesis. The patient underwent femoral-popliteal bypass at month 21, and during the procedure, the vascular service was unable to place a urinary catheter. Erosion of the tubing from his penile prosthesis was then noted at approximately the junction between the membranous and bulbar urethra.

Results
Patient was without signs of infection and had no voiding complaints. These findings were discovered because of the inability to place a urinary catheter for his femoral-popliteal bypass. Diagnosis was made by flexible cystoscopy.

Conclusions
No evidence of infection was noted on examination, and the patient was otherwise asymptomatic. Diagnosis can be made by flexible cystoscopy. Subsequent removal of the penile implant was curative.
Formation of blue compact dwarf galaxies from merging and interacting gas-rich dwarfs
Authors: Bekki Kenji 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
We present the results of numerical simulations which show the formation of blue compact dwarf (BCD) galaxies from merging between very gas-rich dwarfs with extended H i gas discs. We show that dwarf–dwarf merging can trigger central starbursts and form massive compact cores dominated by young stellar populations. We also show that the pre-existing old stellar components in merger precursor dwarfs can become diffuse low surface brightness components after merging. The compact cores dominated by younger stellar populations and embedded in more diffusely distributed older ones can be morphologically classified as BCDs. Since new stars can be formed from gas transferred from the outer part of the extended gas discs of merger precursors, new stars can be very metal-poor ([Fe/H] &lt; -1). Owing to very high gaseous pressure exceeding 105kB (where kB is the Boltzmann constant) during merging, compact star clusters can be formed in forming BCDs. The BCDs formed from merging can still have extended H i gas discs surrounding their blue compact cores. We discuss whether tidal interaction of gas-rich dwarfs without merging can also form BCDs.
Peripheral blood candidosis infection leading to spurious platelet and white blood cell counts
Authors: LESESVE J. F. , KHALIFA M. A. , DENOYES R. , BRAUN F. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryWe report a patient with thrombocytopenia secondary to disseminated stomach adenocarcinoma and sepsis whose platelet and white blood cells were falsely enumerated by two automated haematology analyzers. The cause of the spurious counts became obvious when numerous yeast forms were observed on the peripheral blood smear. Artefactual automated analyzer results are detailed.
Integrating Bioethics into Clinical and Translational Science Research: A Roadmap
Authors: Shapiro Robyn S. , Layde Peter M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractRecent initiatives to improve human health emphasize the need to effectively and appropriately translate new knowledge gleaned from basic biomedical and behavioral research to clinical and community application. To maximize the beneficial impact of scientific advances in clinical practice and community health, and to guard against potential deleterious medical and societal consequences of such advances, incorporation of bioethics at each stage of clinical and translational science research is essential. At the earliest stage, bioethics input is critical to address issues such as whether to limit certain areas of scientific inquiry. Subsequently, bioethics input is important to assure not only that human subjects trials are conducted and reported responsibly, but also that results are incorporated into clinical and community practices in a way that promotes and protects bioethical principles. At the final stage of clinical and translational science research, bioethics helps to identify the need and approach for refining clinical practices when safety or other concerns arise. The framework we present depicts how bioethics interfaces with each stage of clinical and translational science research, and suggests an important research agenda for systematically and comprehensively assuring bioethics input into clinical and translational science initiatives.
A Patient Suffering from Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis Is Deficient in Skeletal Muscle ATP‐sensitive K+ channels
Authors: Jovanović Sofija , Du Qingyou , Mukhopadhyay Somnath , Swingler Robert , Buckley Richard , McEachen Jane , Jovanović Aleksandar 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHypokalemic periodic paralysis (HOPP) is a rare disease associated with attacks of muscle weakness and hypokalemia. In the present study, immunoprecipitation/Western blotting has shown that a HOPP patient was deficient in sarcolemmal KATP channels. Real‐time RT‐PCR has revealed that HOPP has decreased mRNA levels of Kir6.2, a pore‐forming KATP channel subunit, without affecting the expression of other KATP channel‐forming proteins. Based on these findings, we conclude that HOPP could be associated with impaired expression of Kir6.2 which leads to deficiency in skeletal muscle KATP channels, which may explain the symptoms and clinical signs of this disease.
Simultaneous Administration of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 and Darbepoetin Alfa Protects the Rat Myocardium Against Myocardial Infarction and Enhances Angiogenesis
Authors: Boucher Matthieu , Pesant Stéphanie , Lei Yong Hong , Nanton Natasha , Most Patrick , Eckhart Andrea D. , Koch Walter J. , Gao Erhe 
Published: May 2008

AbstractRecent studies have shown that insulin growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and either erythropoietin (EPO) or the long‐acting EPO analog Darbepoetin alfa (DA) protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and myocardial infarction (MI). The present study examined the cardioprotective effect of simultaneous treatments with IGF‐1 and DA in these models of cardiac injury. Rats were subjected to I/R or MI and were treated with IGF‐1, DA, and a combination of IGF‐1 and DA, or vehicle treatment. IGF‐1 and DA treatments imparted similar protective effect by reducing infarct size. Moreover, these treatments led to improvement of cardiac function after I/R or MI compared to vehicle. In the reperfused heart, apoptosis was reduced with either or both IGF‐1 and DA treatments as measured by reduced TUNEL staining and caspase‐3 activity. In addition, after MI, treatment with IGF‐1 or DA significantly induced angiogenesis. This angiogenic effect was enhanced significantly when IGF‐1 and DA were given simultaneously compared to vehicle or either agents alone. These data indicate simultaneous pharmacological treatments with IGF‐1 and DA protect the heart against I/R and MI injuries. This protection results in reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function. Moreover, this treatment reduces apoptosis and enhances angiogenesis in the ischemic heart.
Functional Capillary Rarefaction in Mild Blood Pressure Elevation
Authors: Cheng Cynthia , Diamond James J. , Falkner Bonita 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCapillary rarefaction is described in patients with moderate‐to‐severe hypertension. The study objective was to determine if structural and/or functional capillary rarefaction is detectable and associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with mild blood pressure elevation (HBP: Systolic blood pressure 130–160 mm Hg). Capillary density was quantified by direct capillaroscopy in 110 nondiabetic black and non‐black subjects. Endothelial function was quantified by plethysmographic measures of flow‐mediated vasodilation. Compared to normotensives (NBP: N = 90), functional capillary rarefaction was detected in HBP (N = 20; p < 0.001). Functional capillary density measures correlated with endothelial function (p < 0.001). Functional, but not structural, capillary rarefaction is detectable and associated with endothelial dysfunction in both black and non‐black individuals with mild blood pressure elevation.
MicroRNAs as New Players in the Genomic Galaxy and Disease Puzzles
Authors: Barbarotto Elisa , Secchiero Paola , Dasgupta Abhijit , Fortina Paolo , Calin George A. , Hyslop Terry 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large family of short, single‐stranded, highly conserved noncoding RNAs involved in gene regulation that can regulate gene expression through sequence‐specific base pairing with target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). miRNAs have been implicated in the development of a wide variety of cancers as well as heart disease and other diseases. This review describes the role of miRNAs in human disease, methodology for evaluating miRNA gene expression, and the potential role of miRNAs as therapeutic agents and targets for the treatment of disease.
The Human Heart: A Self‐Renewing Organ
Authors: Kajstura Jan , Hosoda Toru , Bearzi Claudia , Rota Marcello , Maestroni Silvia , Urbanek Konrad , Leri Annarosa , Anversa Piero 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe dogma that the heart is a static organ which contains an irreplaceable population of cardiomyocytes prevailed in the cardiovascular field for the last several decades. However, the recent identification of progenitor cells that give rise to differentiated myocytes has prompted a re‐interpretation of cardiac biology. The heart cannot be viewed any longer as a postmitotic organ characterized by a predetermined number of myocytes that is defined at birth and is preserved throughout life. The myocardium constitutes a dynamic entity in which new young parenchymal cells are formed to substitute old damaged dying myocytes. The regenerative ability of the heart was initially documented with a classic morphometric approach and more recently with the demonstration that DNA synthesis, mitosis, and cytokinesis take place in the newly formed myocytes of the normal and pathologic heart. Importantly, replicating myocytes correspond to the differentiated progeny of cardiac stem cells. These findings point to the possibility of novel therapeutic strategies for the diseased heart.