bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dexamethasone promotes DMP1 mRNA expression by inhibiting negative regulation of Runx2 in multipotential mesenchymal progenitor, ROB‐C26
Authors: Mikami Yoshikazu , Takahashi Tomihisa , Kato Shigeyuki , Takagi Minoru 
Published: September 2007

AbstractDentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is an acidic phosphorylated extracellular protein and essential for mineralization of dentin and bone; however, the precise mechanism regulating DMP1 expression is not fully understood. A synthetic glucocorticoid (GC), dexamethasone (Dex), promotes an early osteoblast differentiation of a mesenchymal progenitor, ROB‐C26 (C26), in parallel with inductive expression of an osteoblast‐specific transcription factor, Runx2, and other extracellular matrix proteins such as osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein (BSP). We have examined the effect of Dex on DMP1 expression via induction of Runx2 in C26 cells. Real time RT‐PCR showed that Dex increases DMP1 mRNA expression levels at time‐ and dose‐dependent manners and a GC antagonist, RU486, drastically inhibited DMP1 mRNA expression levels. Furthermore, Dex increased the luciferase activity of six‐repeated osteoblast‐specific cis‐acting element 2 (6 × OSE2), which is the binding sequence of Runx2, suggesting that Dex stimulates DMP1 expression via activation of Runx2. However, unexpected results showed that overexpression of exogenous Runx2 depressed DMP1 mRNA expression level, even after cells had been treated with Dex, while downregulated expression of endogenous Runx2 enhanced Dex‐induced DMP1 mRNA expression level. These results imply that large amounts of exogenous Runx2 inhibit DMP1 expression, whereas small amounts are more effective for Dex‐induced DMP1 expression in C26 cells. Therefore, Dex may activate some factors that inhibit negative action of Runx2 on DMP1 expression. Since mitogen‐activating protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase‐1 (MKP‐1) has been reported to affect the Dex‐induced osteoblast differentiation via decrease of Runx2‐phosphorylation, we focus on the relationship between MKP‐1 and DMP1 expression. Dex increases MKP‐1 expression, and overexpression of exogenous MKP‐1 showed significant increase of luciferase activity of 6 × OSE up to the level detected in Dex‐treated C26 cells. However, no inductive DMP1 mRNA expression level was found in C26 cells unlike BSP and OPN. These results suggest that although MKP‐1 increases DNA‐binding activity of Runx2, DMP1 expression may require the collaboration of MKP‐1 and additive factors to stimulate Runx2‐mediated DMP1 expression in the post‐transcriptional event of Dex‐treated C26 cells.
The effects of skin‐to‐skin contact during acute pain in preterm newborns
Authors: Castral Thaila C. , Warnock Fay , Leite Adriana M. , Haas Vanderlei J. , Scochi Carmen G.S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground and purpose: Several promising non‐pharmacological interventions have been developed to reduce acute pain in preterm infants including skin‐to‐skin contact between a mother and her infant. However, variability in physiological outcomes of existing studies on skin‐to‐skin makes it difficult to determine treatment effects of this naturalistic approach for the preterm infant. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of mother and infant skin‐to‐skin contact during heel prick in premature infants.Method: Fifty nine stable preterm infants (born at least 30 weeks gestational age) who were undergoing routine heel lance were randomly assigned to either 15min of skin‐to‐skin contact before, during and following heel prick (n=31, treatment group), or to regular care (n=28, control group). Throughout the heel lance procedure, all infants were assessed for change in facial action (NFCS), behavioral state, crying, and heart rate.Results: Statistically significant differences were noted between the treatment and control groups during the puncture, heel squeeze and the post phases of heel prick. Infants who received skin‐to‐skin contact were more likely to show lower NFCS scores throughout the procedure. Both groups of infants cried and showed increased heart rate during puncture and heel squeeze although changes in these measures were less for the treated infants.Conclusions: Skin‐to‐skin contact promoted reduction in behavioral measures and less physiological increase during procedure. It is recommended that skin‐to‐skin contact be used as a non‐pharmacologic intervention to relieve acute pain in stable premature infants born 30 weeks gestational age or older.
Analgesic and antinociceptive effects of peripheral nerve neurostimulation in an advanced human experimental model
Authors: Ristić Dejan , Spangenberg Peter , Ellrich Jens 
Published: September 2007

AbstractElectrical peripheral nerve neurostimulation (PNS) is reported to be an effective pain treatment. An objective proof of antinociceptive effect is lacking. The human experimental study addressed PNS effects on nociception and pain by electrophysiology and psychophysics.In 23 healthy volunteers, 39 sessions were conducted. Three experiments (PNS ipsilateral, PNS contralateral, Control) consisted of 13 sessions each. Conditioning PNS (100Hz) of left (PNS ipsilateral) or right (PNS contralateral) superficial radial nerve trunk evoked non‐painful, tingling sensations on the hand dorsum. Local cutaneous anesthesia at PNS site provided for preferential nerve trunk stimulation. Cortical laser‐evoked potentials (LEP) after painful stimulation at left hand dorsum were recorded together with mechanical and thermal perception thresholds at the same site before (T1), during (T2), and after (T3) PNS or a no stimulation period (Control).Mechanical and thermal perception decreased in the anesthetized area. Late LEP amplitude decreased independently of PNS site. Exclusively under ipsilateral PNS, N2 latency increased and laser ratings decreased. Mechanical detection threshold transiently increased during ipsilateral PNS at hand dorsum.PNS induced strong reduction of mechanical perception due to peripheral collision of orthodromic (test stimulus) and antidromic (PNS) selective Aβ fiber excitation. Delay of N2 component and reduction of laser pain were specific to ipsilateral PNS. Divergent and common effects of ipsilateral and contralateral PNS suggest a combination of peripheral and central antinociceptive mechanisms. The study in man documents inhibition of nociception and pain by PNS and provides with an experimental model for future objectives in neuromodulation.
Dose‐ and time‐dependent estradiol modulation of morphine antinociception in adult female rats
Authors: Craft Rebecca M. , Ulibarri Catherine , Leitl Michael D. , Sumner Jean E. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractTo clarify the activational role of ovarian hormones on pain and analgesia, the present study determined whether estradiol (E2) modulation of nociception and morphine antinociception in adult female rats depends on (1) the dose of E2 and (2) the interval between E2 treatment and nociceptive testing. Female rats were ovariectomized (OvX) and either oil vehicle (0), or E2 (0.25, 2.5 or 25μg/0.1ml vehicle) was injected s.c. two consecutive days of every four days for five cycles before testing. Either 4, 24, 48 or 96h after the last injection, nociception was evaluated on the 50°C hotplate and warm water tail withdrawal tests before and after escalating doses of s.c. morphine. Lordosis behavior and uterine weight were assessed in other rats at the same E2 doses and time points. E2 significantly lengthened latency to respond on the hotplate test at 24h after the last injection, but had no significant effect on tail withdrawal latencies. The lower doses of E2 significantly increased morphine antinociceptive potency at 4–24h on one or both tests, but the intermediate E2 dose significantlydecreasedmorphine potency at 48h on the hotplate test. Thus, E2 modulation of morphine antinociception in the adult female rat is bidirectional, and occurs at E2 doses producing cyclic changes in sexual behavior, uterine weight and vaginal cytology that are similar to those observed in gonadally intact, cycling females.
Strengthening public health priority‐setting through research on fistula, maternal health, and health inequities
Authors: Bangser M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveFindings from 4 studies conducted by the Women's Dignity Project and partners on the subjects of obstetric fistula, maternal mortality and morbidity, and health inequities are presented.MethodsThe studies include qualitative and quantitative research, a survey, and an analysis of secondary data that examine women's experiences of fistula; constraints in service delivery for fistula treatment; factors shaping women's access to delivery care and constraints health workers face in providing care; and health inequities.ResultsFindings from the studies are being used to improve fistula prevention and management, strengthen access to and provision of quality maternity care, and redress the health inequities that so adversely affect the poor.ConclusionThe studies provide policy makers, program managers, and service providers with evidence and the impetus to re‐equilibrate policies, financial and human resources, and services in the interest of those in greatest need: women living in poverty.
Improving community knowledge of obstetric fistula prevention and treatment
Authors: Wegner M.N. , Ruminjo J. , Sinclair E. , Pesso L. , Mehta M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn recent years, information has emerged in the scientific literature regarding the experience of physicians and clinical staff who try to prevent and treat obstetric fistulas at health facilities in developing countries. However, little is known about attempts to match the services they provide with policy and programmatic interventions in the communities they serve. To determine what is known about community involvement in the prevention and treatment of obstetric fistulas, the authors inquired into experiments carried out by EngenderHealth and partners in 15 African and Asian countries. From raw data, gray literature, and personal communications with those working in the field, they learned that engaging the community may be the keystone in the eradication of fistulas in low‐resource settings, and they learned how to engage the community.
The life cycle of Hapladena gymnocephali sp. nov. (Digenea: Haploporidae) from the bald glassy perchlet Ambassis gymnocephalus in Kerala, India
Authors: Sheena P. , Janardanan K.P. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe life cycle of a new haploporid digenean, Hapladena gymnocephali sp. nov., infecting the bald glassy perchlet Ambassis gymnocephalus from the Chaliyar and Kadalundi rivers of Kozhikode district, Kerala, India, is elucidated. The new species is described in detail, its systematic position discussed and compared with related species, H. acanthuri Siddiqi & Cable, 1960 and H. spinosa Manter & Pritchard, 1961. Hapladena gymnocephali is distinctly different from the two latter species in the shape and size of body, nature of testis, extent of vitelline field and excretory bladder. Hapladena gymnocephali has a typical haploporid, two-host life cycle: the gymnocephalous, bi-ocellate, distome cercariae released by the snail Gabbia travancorica are ingested by the fish and develop directly into adults without undergoing a metacercarial stage of development. This is the first report of the genus Hapladena from India, and also the first report of the life cycle of the genus.
Western blot antibody determination in sera from patients diagnosed with Anisakis sensitization with different antigenic fractions of Anisakis simplex purified by affinity chromatography
Authors: Rodero M. , Cuéllar C. , Chivato T. , Mateos J.M. , Laguna R. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractUsing Western blot techniques, the specificities of crude and purified (PAK and PAS) Anisakis simplex antigens were compared against 24 sera from patients diagnosed with Anisakis sensitization. All patients recognized a 60 kDa protein against the A. simplex crude extract, while 37.5% and 12.5% reacted with proteins of 40 and 25 kDa, respectively, when IgG was tested. In the case of IgE determination, 41.6% of sera were negative, while 12.5% and 20.8% appeared to cross-react against Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum, respectively. When the PAK antigen (A. simplex antigen purified by means of a column of IgG anti-A. simplex) was tested, immune recognition towards the 60, 40 and 25 kDa proteins increased in 83.3%, 16.7% and 4.2%, respectively, when the Ig antibodies were tested. In the case of the PAS antigen (PAK antigen purified by means of a column of IgG anti-A. suum), the reaction against the 40 and 25 kDa proteins increased to 45.8% and 25%, respectively, when Ig antibodies were used. Finally, when the EAS antigen (eluted from the anti-A. suum column after PAK purification) was tested, 83.3% of the assayed sera reacted against the 14 kDa protein, when the Ig antibodies, IgG and IgM immunoglobulins were measured. With the IgE determination, the reactions were observed in 41.7% of patients with proteins between 60 and 35 kDa against the PAS antigen. With the EAS antigen, reactive bands of 184, 84 and 14 kDa appeared. In conclusion, in the purification process of the A. simplex larval crude extract, the proteins implicated in cross-reactions with Ascaris and Toxocara were eliminated, with an important concentration of proteins responsible for the induction of specific responses.
Cardiac history, prior depression and personality predict course of depressive symptoms after myocardial infarction
Authors: Martens E. J. , Smith O. R. F. , Winter J. , Denollet J. , Pedersen S. S. 
Published: September 2007

BackgroundAlthough many studies have focused on post-myocardial infarction (MI) depression, there is limited information about the evolution and determinants of depressive symptoms in the first year post-MI. Therefore we examined (1) the course of depressive symptoms during the first year post-MI and (2) the predictors of these symptom trajectories.MethodTo assess depressive symptoms, 287 patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory during hospitalization for MI, and 2, and 12 months post-MI. Personality was assessed with the Type-D scale during hospitalization. We used latent class analysis to examine the evolution of depressive symptoms over a 1-year period and multinomial logit regression analyses to examine predictors of these symptom trajectories.ResultsThe course of depressive symptoms was stable during the first year post-MI. Four groups were identified and classified as non-depressed [40%, intercept (IC) 2.52], mildly depressed (42%, IC 6.91), moderately depressed (14%, IC 13.73) or severely depressed (4%, IC 24.54). In multivariate analysis, cardiac history (log ORsevere2.93,p=0.02; log ORmoderate1.81,p=0.02; log ORmild1.46,p=0.01), history of depression (log ORsevere4.40,p<0.001; log ORmoderate1.97,p=0.03) and Type-D personality (log ORsevere4.22,p<0.001; log ORmoderate=4.17,p<0.001; log ORmild1.66,p=0.02) were the most prominent risk factors for persistence of depressive symptoms during the first year post-MI.ConclusionsSymptoms of depression tend to persist during the first year post-MI. Cardiac history, prior depression and Type-D personality were identified as independent risk factors for persistence of depressive symptoms. The results of this study strongly argue for routine psychological screening during hospitalization for acute MI in order to identify patients who are at risk for chronicity of depressive symptoms and its deleterious effects on prognosis.
Comparing entropy measures of idea links in design protocols: Linkography entropy measurement and analysis of differently conditioned design sessions
Authors: Kan Jeff W.T. , Bilda Zafer , Gero John S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis paper explores using Shannon's entropy of information to measure linkographs of 12 design sessions that involved six architects in two different experimental conditions. The aim is to find a quantitative tool to interpret the linkographs. This study examines if the differences in the design processes and the design outcomes can be reflected in the entropic interpretations. The results show that the overall entropy of one design condition is slightly higher than the other. Further, there are indications that the change of entropy might reflect design outcomes.
Aliens in disguise: Byzantine and Gallican chants in the Latin liturgy
Authors: NARDINI LUISA 
Published: September 2007

AbstractComparison of a considerable number of Gregorian sources dating from the tenth to the thirteenth centuries reveals a handful of Mass Proper items that do not belong to the standard repertory and show possible ties with the Byzantine and/or Gallican traditions. These pieces are not recorded in most of the earliest French and German sources of the Gregorian tradition. Some of them seem to have been composed in Italy (but not in Rome), while others would appear to have Eastern or Frankish ties. Comparative melodic analysis, along with the discussion of their position in the liturgical year, discloses insights about their origin, date, routes of transmission and the ways to compare chants belonging to different liturgical families.
Embolization of a pulmonary arterial pseudoaneurysm with endovascular coils
Authors: Menon Shaji C. , Stanson Anthony W. , Hagler Donald J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractUnrecognized pseudoaneurysm or rupture of a pulmonary artery is a rare but potentially catastrophic complication of pulmonary arterial catheterization. Herein, we describe a teenage patient with a pulmonary arterial pseudoaneurysm, probably iatrogenic, who presented with haemoptysis following catheterization of the right heart. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully embolized using coils inserted by catheter. Increased awareness of this lesion, its rapid recognition, and prompt therapy are the keys to a successful outcome.
The effect of atrial septostomy on the concentration of brain-type natriuretic peptide in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: O’Byrne Michael L , Rosenzweig Erika S Berman , Barst Robyn J 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAtrial septostomy has improved haemodynamics and clinical symptoms in selected patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. We found that, in 5 patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, septostomy resulted in decreased levels of brain-type natriuretic peptide, and improvement in symptoms of cardiac failure, suggesting that serial measurements of the peptide may have clinical utility.
Is there a functional correlate of Kv1.5 in the ventricle of canine heart and what would it mean for the use of IKur blockers?
Authors: Wettwer E 
Published: September 2007

The cardiac ultrarapid outward current IKur, encoded by KCNA5, is of special pharmacological interest, because it is considered to be atrium‐specific. IKur has therefore become a target in the therapy of atrial tachyarrhythmias. However, the concept of atrium specificity is only valid if a functional IKur current is in fact absent from the ventricle. However, new work has detected a IKur‐like current in canine ventricular myocytes, sensitive to 4‐aminopyridine and suppressed by the IKur blocker DPO‐1, findings that support the existence of a functional ventricular IKur. These indications are, however, indirect and more effort is needed to clarify unequivocally the putative role of an expectedly small IKur component in the ventricle.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 835–837; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707463; published online 17 September 2007
GPR55: a new member of the cannabinoid receptor clan?
Authors: Pertwee R G 
Published: September 2007

In this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, Ryberg et al. present convincing in vitro evidence that the orphan GPCR, GPR55, is a cannabinoid receptor. GPR55 was activated by a range of plant, synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids and blocked by the non‐psychoactive phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol. Their experiments have revealed several differences between the pharmacology of GPR55 and the established cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors. For example, the CB1 receptor antagonist, AM251, activated GPR55 and the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, displayed greater efficacy at GPR55 than at CB1 or CB2 receptors. They also compared the distribution of GPR55 and CB1 mRNA in mouse and report that GPR55 couples to Gα13, that it is activated by virodhamine, palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide, and that virodhamine displays relatively high efficacy as a GPR55 agonist. Still to be identified are the main roles played by GPR55 in health and disease and any potential therapeutic benefits of activating or blocking this receptor.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 984–986; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707464; published online 17 September 2007
1 Martial Arts
Authors: Barchiesi Alessandro 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis chapter examines strategies which emphasize the active contribution of the poetic text towards the construction of meaning for new Augustan monuments, using the example of the Forum Augusti in Book V. It argues that the role of Mars in his capacity of The Avenger is decisive for the issue of narrative authority and focalization in the episode. It contends that the problem of constructing and debating a meaning for the new Augustan monuments was a serious one for contemporary observers, that the Fasti was not a marginal witness to the collective debate. Ovid innovates the tradition of poetic ecphrasis by intensifying the political responsibility of the verbal monument and the potential of verbal art for bringing out implications and innuendos enshrined in the communal vision of the public artefact.
Do pollen feeding, pupal-mating and larval gregariousness have a single origin in Heliconius butterflies? Inferences from multilocus DNA sequence data
Authors: BELTRÁN MARGARITA , JIGGINS CHRIS D. , BROWER ANDREW V. Z. , BERMINGHAM ELDREDGE , MALLET JAMES 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPhylogenetic information is useful in understanding the evolutionary history of adaptive traits. Here, we present a well-resolved phylogenetic hypothesis for Heliconius butterflies and related genera. We use this tree to investigate the evolution of three traits, pollen feeding, pupal-mating behaviour and larval gregariousness. Phylogenetic relationships among 60 Heliconiina species (86% of the subtribe) were inferred from partial DNA sequences of the mitochondrial genes cytochrome oxidase I, cytochrome oxidase II and 16S rRNA, and fragments of the nuclear genes elongation factor-1α, apterous, decapentaplegic and wingless (3834 bp in total). The results corroborate previous hypotheses based on sequence data in showing that Heliconius is paraphyletic, with Laparus doris and Neruda falling within the genus, demonstrating a single origin for pollen feeding but with a loss of the trait in Neruda. However, different genes are not congruent in their placement of Neruda; therefore, monophyly of the pollen feeding species cannot be ruled out. There is also a highly supported monophyletic ‘pupal-mating clade’ suggesting that pupal mating behaviour evolved only once in the Heliconiina. Additionally, we observed at least three independent origins for larval gregariousness from a solitary ancestor, showing that gregarious larval behaviour arose after warning coloration.