bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of phosphatidylserine by base exchange in Triton‐insoluble floating fractions from rat cerebellum
Authors: Buratta Sandra , Felicetti Michela , Mozzi Rita 
Published: August 2007

AbstractPhosphatidylserine (PS), which is synthesized in mammalian tissues by the exchange between free serine and the nitrogen bases present in membrane glycerophospholipids, is strictly required for protein kinase C (PKC) activity. PKC, as other molecules involved in signal transduction, is present in lipid rafts, considered as a platform for molecular signaling. Membrane microdomains enriched in components of rafts can be isolated on the basis of their insolubility in Triton X‐100 at 4°C and their low density in sucrose density gradient. This study demonstrates the existence of serine base exchange enzyme (SBEE) in Triton‐insoluble floating fractions containing associated PKC. Using two fractions of detergent‐resistant membranes from rat cerebellum, we observed a correlation between the level of SBEE activity and that of membrane‐associated PKC. This suggests that SBEE, synthesizing PS in the binding area for PKC, participates to signal transduction. The capability of SBEE to utilize not only serine but also ethanolamine, as free exchanging base, suggests a mechanism for modulating in loco PS concentration.
Influence of breast cancer resistance protein (Abcg2) and p‐glycoprotein (Abcb1a) on the transport of imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®) across the mouse blood–brain barrier
Authors: Bihorel Sébastien , Camenisch Gian , Lemaire Michel , Scherrmann Jean‐Michel 
Published: August 2007

AbstractImatinib, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, may prevent the growth of glioblastoma cells. Unfortunately, its brain distribution is restricted by p‐glycoprotein (p‐gp or multidrug resistance protein Mdr1a), and probably by breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp1), two efflux pumps expressed at the blood–brain barrier (BBB). We have usedin situbrain perfusion to investigate the mechanisms of imatinib transport across the mouse BBB. The brain uptake of imatinib in wild‐type mice was limited by saturable efflux processes. The inhibition of p‐gp, by valspodar and zosuquidar, increased imatinib uptake (2.5‐fold), as did the deficiency of p‐gp inMdr1a/1b(−/−) mice (5.5‐fold). Perfusing imatinib with the p‐gp/Bcrp1 inhibitor, elacridar, enhanced the brain uptake of imatinib in wild‐type (4.1‐fold) andMdr1a/1b(−/−) mice (1.2‐fold). However, the brain uptake of imatinib was similar in wild‐type andBcrp1(−/−) mice when it was perfused at a non‐saturating concentration. The brain uptake of CGP74588, an active metabolite of imatinib, was low. It was increased by perfusion with elacridar (twofold), but not with valspodar and zosuquidar. CGP74588 uptake was 1.5 times greater inBcrp1(−/−) mice than in wild‐type mice. These data suggest that imatinib transport at the mouse BBB is limited by p‐gp and probably by Bcrp1, and that CGP74588 transport is restricted by Bcrp1.
PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Development of microsatellite markers of the Mexican understorey palm Chamaedorea elegans, cross‐species genotyping, and amplification in congeners
Authors: CIBRIÁN‐JARAMILLO ANGÉLICA , HAHN WILLIAM J. , DESALLE ROB 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWith striking morphological diversity and adaptability, Chamaedorea palms constitute an ecologically and economically important understorey component of Neotropical forests. Nine loci developed for Chamaedorea elegans evaluated in three Veracruz populations resulted in a large number of alleles (8–18), and high expected heterozygosity (0.49–0.92), but low observed (0.27–0.65) heterozygosity. Deviations from Hardy–Weinberg and high inbreeding suggest a lack of panmixia. Eight loci optimized for Chamaedorea ernesti‐augustii showed similar patterns of variation. All nine multiplexing loci amplified in other five congeneric species, which will facilitate comparisons within the genus and contribute to the conservation of its genetic resources.
PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Isolation, characterization and multiplex genotyping of 11 autosomal and four sex‐linked microsatellite loci in the reed bunting, Emberiza schoeniclus (Emberizidae, Aves)
Authors: MAYER C. , SCHIEGG K. , PASINELLI G. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractFifteen highly polymorphic microsatellite loci were characterized in the reed bunting, Emberiza schoeniclus. Eleven loci were autosomal and four linked to the Z chromosome. All loci were characterized and tested in 45 unrelated reed buntings from a Swiss population. Autosomal loci displayed seven to 17 and sex‐linked loci displayed four to 13 alleles with heterozygosities ranging from 0.756 to 0.933 and from 0.478 to 0.957, respectively. These loci will be used in population genetic and mating system studies of reed buntings.
Post‐exercise abdominal, subcutaneous adipose tissue lipolysis in fasting subjects is inhibited by infusion of the somatostatin analogue octreotide
Authors: Enevoldsen Lotte H. , Polak Jan , Simonsen Lene , Hammer Troels , Macdonald Ian , Crampes Francois , De Glisezinski Isabelle , Stich Vladimir , Bülow Jens 
Published: August 2007

SummaryTo determine whether blockade of the exercise‐induced increase in growth hormone (GH) secretion may affect the regional lipolytic rate in the post‐exercise recovery period, the aim of the present experiments was to study the effect of infusion of the somatostatin analogue octreotide on the s.c., abdominal adipose tissue metabolism, before, during and after exercise in healthy, fasting, young male subjects. The adipose tissue net releases of fatty acids and glycerol were measured by arterio‐venous catherizations and simultaneous measurements of adipose tissue blood flow with the local Xe‐clearance method. Nine subjects were studied during 1‐h basal rest, and then during continuous octreotide infusion during 1‐h rest, 1‐h exercise at 50% of maximal oxygen consumption and 4‐h post‐exercise rest. A control study on seven subjects was performed under similar conditions but without octreotide infusion. The results show that octreotide infusion during rest increased lipolysis and fatty acid release from the abdominal, s.c. adipose tissue. The exercise‐induced increase in lipolysis and fatty acid release does not seem to be affected by octreotide when compared with the control study without octreotide infusion while the post‐exercise increase in lipolysis is inhibited by octreotide, suggesting that the exercise‐induced increase in GH secretion plays a role for the post‐exercise lipolysis in s.c., abdominal adipose tissue.
Muscle metaboreflex contribution to resting limb haemodynamic control is preserved in older subjects
Authors: Roseguini Bruno T. , Alves Cristiano N. , Chiappa Gaspar R. , Stein Ricardo , Ribeiro Jorge P. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryAgeing is associated with tonic elevations in basal sympathetic vasoconstrictor outflow to skeletal muscle and a parallel decline in vascular function. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that older individuals exhibit attenuated calf vascular resistance (CVR) responses to muscle metaboreflex activation in comparison with young subjects. Fourteen young (mean ± SD age 23 ± 3 years) and 13 older (62 ± 7 years) sedentary subjects participated in the study. To evaluate muscle metaboreflex, we measured heart rate, mean blood pressure (MBP), calf blood flow (CBF) (venous occlusion plethysmography) and CVR responses to static handgrip exercise at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, followed by recovery with [postexercise circulatory occlusion, (PECO+)] or without (PECO−) circulatory occlusion. Mean BP and CVR increased significantly (ANOVAP<0·05) throughout exercise and remained elevated during PECO+ when compared with PECO− in both groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in BP and CVR relative changes from baseline during the entire protocol in both trials. CBF responses were also similar in the young and older subjects, except for the first minute of exercise, where young subjects had higher CBF responses. Our results demonstrate that older subjects have similar BP and calf haemodynamic responses to static handgrip exercise and selective action of the muscle metaboreflex when compared with young subjects, compatible with preserved muscle metaboreflex contribution to resting limb haemodynamic control with ageing in humans.
Expression of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 in human hepatocelluar carcinoma
Authors: Takii Yasushi , Abiru Seigo , Fujioka Hikaru , Nakamura Minoru , Komori Atsumasa , Ito Masahiro , Taniguchi Ken , Daikoku Manabu , Meda Yumi , Ohata Kazuyuki , Yano Koji , Shimoda Shinji , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Ishibashi Hiromi , Migita Kiyoshi 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground/Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues.Methods: Forty surgically resected HCC tissues with adjacent non‐tumorous liver tissues and 14 surgically resected, histologically normal liver tissues were used. The immunohistochemical expressions of the mPGES‐1 protein in these HCC tissues and normal control livers were analysed. mPGES‐1 mRNA expression was also analysed by the real‐time polymerase chain reaction method using the same tissues.Results: Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 was not expressed in hepatocytes but instead in vascular endothelial cells and bile duct epithelial cells in normal liver tissues. The mPGES‐1 expression in HCC tissues was significantly greater than its expression in the non‐tumorous tissues. All types of HCC expressed more mPGES‐1 than normal or hepatitis livers, and the levels of mPGES‐1 expression in poorly differentiated HCC were similar to the levels in well‐differentiated HCC. The mPGES‐1 mRNA expression paralleled its protein expression in these tumorous and non‐tumorous tissues.Conclusions: The present study is the first to demonstrate a high expression of mPGES‐1 in well‐differentiated HCC as well as in poorly differentiated HCC. These findings suggest that mPGES‐1 may play a role in the advanced as well as early stage of hepatocarcinogenesis.
Aberrant Notch3 and Notch4 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gramantieri Laura , Giovannini Catia , Lanzi Arianna , Chieco Pasquale , Ravaioli Matteo , Venturi Annamaria , Grazi Gian Luca , Bolondi Luigi 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground: Notch signalling is altered in several solid tumours and it plays a role in growth inhibition and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)‐derived cell lines, bile duct development and hepatocyte regeneration.Aims: This study aims to analyse the expression of Notch3, Notch4 and HES1 and HES6 as Notch‐target genes in HCC, matched non‐neoplastic tissue and HEPG2 cells.Results: Notch3 and Notch4 are not expressed in normal liver and in chronic hepatitis surrounding HCC. Cirrhotic tissue stains negative for Notch3, while Notch4 is expressed by hepatocytes at the edge of regenerative nodules and in cell planes adjacent to fibrous septa. HCC tissue displays Notch3 and Notch4 abnormal accumulation, respectively, in 78% and 68% of the cases. The endothelium of hepatic veins with neoplastic permeation is frequently Notch4 positive. An upregulation of Notch3 mRNA was found in 95% of HCCs vs cirrhosis (P=0.0001), while Notch4 mRNA was downregulated in 80% of HCCs. HES6 mRNA expression was higher in HCC tissue when compared with cirrhosis (P=0.007), paralleling Notch3 mRNA expression. The HEPG2 cell line displays high Notch3 and low Notch4 protein and mRNA levels.Conclusions: These descriptive findings suggest an aberrant expression of Notch3 and Notch4 in HCC and allow the hypothesis of an activation of Notch signalling by Notch3.
Using estimated thermodynamic properties to model accessory phases: the case of tourmaline
Authors: VAN HINSBERG V. J. , SCHUMACHER J. C. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAccessory phases and minor components in minerals are commonly ignored in thermodynamic modelling. Such an approach seems unwarranted, as accessory phases can represent a significant element reservoir and minor components can substantially change their host mineral's stability field. However, a lack of thermodynamic data prohibits assessment of these effects. In this contribution, the polyhedron method is used to estimate the thermodynamic properties of tourmaline, a common and widespread accessory phase, stable over a range of P–T–X conditions. The polyhedron method allows ΔH, S, V, CP and Vm(T,P) properties to be estimated from a linear stoichiometric summation over the fractional properties of its polyhedron constituents. To allow for estimates of tourmaline, fractional thermodynamic properties for BIII and BIV polyhedra were derived. Mixing contributions to molar volume were evaluated and symmetrical mixing parameters derived for Al‐Mg, Al‐Fe and Al‐Li interaction on tourmaline's Y‐site and T‐site Al‐Si interaction. Evaluation of the estimated properties using experimental and natural equilibria between tourmaline and melts, minerals and hydrothermal fluids, shows that reliable semi‐quantitative results are obtained. The boron contents in fluids coexisting with tourmaline are calculated to within an order of magnitude of measured content, and where anchor‐points are available, agreement improves to within a factor of 2. Including tourmaline in petrogenetic modelling of metamorphic rocks indicates that its presence leads to disappearance of staurolite and garnet, among others, and modifies the XMg of coexisting phases, in line with observations on natural rocks.
Permian to Cretaceous polymetamorphic evolution of the Stewart River region, Yukon‐Tanana terrane, Yukon, Canada:P–Tevolution linked within situSHRIMP monazite geochronology
Authors: BERMAN R. G. , RYAN J. J. , GORDEY S. P. , VILLENEUVE M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractTextural relationships and the trace element chemistry of accessory minerals and garnet can provide the linkage betweenin situSHRIMP ages and quantitative pressure–temperature data that is required to decipher complex polymetamorphic and polydeformational histories. Application of these methods to lower amphibolite facies rocks of the Stewart River area, Yukon (Canada) yields robust new constraints on the tectonic evolution of central Yukon Tanana Terrane (YTT).A TIMS U/Pb titanite age of 365–350 Ma is interpreted to date low‐Pmetamorphism (M1) and D1 deformation associated with arc plutonism above an east‐dipping subduction zone. Monazite inclusions in garnet porphyroblasts record a transition from low to high pressure (∼9 kbar and 600 °C) atc. 239 Ma. These data help to establish ac. 260–240 Ma tectonometamorphic event (M2–D2) reflecting intra‐arc thickening during west‐dipping subduction of Slide Mountain Ocean. Another transition from low‐ to high‐P(M3–D3; 7.8 kbar and 595 °C), dated byc. 195–187 Ma monazite, is interpreted to reflect the change from regional contact metamorphism during arc plutonism to internal duplication of YTT during initial collision of YTT with the North American craton.The Mt Burnham (north‐eastern) region records a different history because of its proximity to later plutons and its late exhumation via extensional faulting. Monazite growth at 146 Ma dates ∼9 kbar metamorphism (M4), interpreted to reflect a previously unrecognized period of plutonism associated with auriferous quartz veins in the Klondike region. Monazite growth at 114–107 Ma reflects low‐P(<4.6 kbar) contact metamorphism (M5) accompanying regional plutonism and extension.
Credentialing for Public Health Nurses: Personally Valued … But Not Well Recognized
Authors: Bekemeier Betty 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT
Objective: This study examined the extent to which public health nurses (PHNs) see value in credentialing and perceive specific barriers related to a community/public health nursing (C/PHN) credential.Design: A cross‐sectional exploratory survey was used to examine the perceived value of credentialing for PHNs and the perceived barriers to obtaining or maintaining the C/PHN credential as the primary variables of interest.Sample: Data were collected from 655 PHN members of national public health nursing organizations who participated in an online survey.Measurement: Responses related to the perceived value of credentialing were analyzed using factor analysis and descriptive statistics. Data regarding perceived barriers to the C/PHN credential were analyzed through descriptive statistics and through the Borda Count Method for analysis of ranked data (Tannenbaum, 1995).Results: Similar to nurses in other specialties, study participants perceived that credentialing has a high personal value for PHNs, but that certification provides less value in terms of extrinsic recognition. Respondents identified issues related to the lack of external recognition as particular barriers to the C/PHN credential.Conclusions: These findings provide guidance to public health nursing leaders and inform discussions regarding the development of credentialing systems within the field of public health.
Factors Associated With the Professional Competencies of Public Health Nurses Employed by Local Government Agencies in Japan
Authors: Saeki Kazuko , Izumi Hisako , Uza Miyoko , Murashima Sachiyo 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT
Objective: This paper aims to clarify some of the factors associated with the professional competencies of public health nurses (PHNs) employed by local government agencies in Japan.Design: A cross‐sectional study.Sample: PHNs (N=1,614) working in local government agencies in Japan.Measurements: Based on self‐reported questionnaires, the nurses were grouped according to experience. Statistical differences between the groups were analyzed using analysis of variance. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine associated factors.Results: Variables contributing to high self‐evaluation of interpersonal health support competencies were length of experience as a PHN, an awareness of the role expectations of community health support and administration, marital status, and participation in off‐the‐job training programs. The same variables contributed to high self‐evaluation of community health support and administration competencies. In addition, experience of job transfer or rotation was found to be a variable.Conclusions: These results show the importance of off‐the‐job training programs designed to foster exposure to a wide variety of personal and professional experiences. They also illustrate the importance of planned on‐the‐job training programs that promote an understanding of the nature of the field, as well as developing planning and administrative competency in career development.
Chronic Anemia and Fatigue in Elderly Patients: Results of a Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Crossover Exploratory Study with Epoetin Alfa
Authors: Agnihotri Parag , Telfer Margaret , Butt Zeeshan , Jella Abhay , Cella David , Kozma Chris M. , Ahuja Mukesh , Riaz Shahbaz , Akamah Joseph 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of epoetin alfa treatment on hemoglobin (Hb), fatigue, quality of life (QOL), and mobility in elderly patients with chronic anemia.DESIGN: An exploratory, 32 week, randomized, double‐blind, crossover treatment trial.PARTICIPANTS: Sixty‐two community‐dwelling individuals aged 65 and older with chronic anemia (Hb ≤11.5 g/dL).INTERVENTION: Subcutaneous epoetin alfa or placebo weekly for 16 weeks (Phase I) with crossover to the opposite treatment (Phase II).MEASUREMENTS: Hb and QOL scores from the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) measurement system. Mobility was assessed as a secondary outcome using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.RESULTS: Of the 62 subjects enrolled, complete data were analyzed for 58 in Phase I and 54 participants in Phase II. Of those enrolled, most were African American (95%) and female (85%) and had multiple comorbidities and a mean age±standard deviation of 76.1±7.2. Mean baseline Hb was 10.5±0.9 g/dL (7.3–11.5). In Phase I, 67% of those taking epoetin alfa, and in Phase II, 69% of those taking epoetin alfa had an increase in Hb of more than 2 g/dL, significantly more than those taking placebo (P<.001). Similarly, elderly participants significantly improved on the fatigue and anemia subscales of the FACIT across phases (all P<.05). No significant differences were found between treatment and placebo on TUG scores. Epoetin alfa was well tolerated.CONCLUSION: In this trial involving predominantly older African‐American women with anemia, a direct relationship existed between increases in Hb during epoetin alfa therapy and improvements in fatigue and QOL.
A Population‐Based Study of Cholinesterase Inhibitor Use for Dementia
Authors: Herrmann Nathan , Gill Sudeep S. , Bell Chaim M. , Anderson Geoffrey M. , Bronskill Susan E. , Shulman Kenneth I. , Fischer Hadas D. , Sykora Kathy , Shi Haijiang Steven , Rochon Paula A. 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVES: To examine current utilization patterns of cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) therapy for dementia to determine treatment duration, use in long‐term care, how often patients receive these drugs until death, and frequency of switching between the available ChEIs.DESIGN: A population‐based healthcare administrative database study.SETTING: Patients aged 66 and older from the Canadian province of Ontario who received a new prescription for a ChEI between June 1, 2000, and December 31, 2002. Patients were followed until discontinuation of ChEI therapy, death, or end of the observation period (March 31, 2005).PARTICIPANTS: Twenty‐eight thousand nine hundred and sixty‐one patients, including 4,601 residing in long‐term care, mean age 80, 63% female.MEASUREMENTS: Information on diagnosis, medical comorbidity, physician visits, and concomitant medication use was obtained. Estimates of duration of continuous use were determined. The percentage of patients who remained on the initial dose prescribed, the proportion who switched to a second ChEI, and the percentage who remained on ChEIs until death were calculated.RESULTS: Patients had on average more than 26 physician visits in the year before ChEI therapy, but only 28% had seen a dementia specialist. Concomitant use of potentially inappropriate medications (strongly anticholinergic medications and benzodiazepines) was noted in 37% of patients. The average length of treatment for all patients was 866 days. Many patients (43%) remained on the initial dose prescribed, 6% switched to another ChEI, and 19% died while on ChEI therapy.CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with dementia are treated for lengthy periods of time with ChEIs in the community and in long‐term care facilities. Further research is required to determine whether these utilization patterns are appropriate. It is also unclear whether these results are generalizable to other populations without universal health coverage or drug formulary benefits.