bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening for aneurysm of the abdominal aorta: prevalence in patients with stroke or TIA
Authors: Van Lindert N. H. A. , Bienfait H. P. , Gratama J. W. C. , Vriesema H. , Ten Hove W. , Vermeulen E. G. J. , Van Leeuwen R. B. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Population screening for aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (AAA) is still not implemented in any country, despite proven benefit both in decreased mortality and in cost effectiveness. Detecting a subpopulation with higher prevalence of AAA may alter this situation.Methods:  Between 2002 and 2005, all patients with a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) admitted to the department of Neurology of a community‐based hospital were classified according to the Toast criteria and enrolled in a prospective study to assess the diameter of the abdominal aorta. The diameter was assessed by ultrasonography. A written questionnaire and blood tests were used to assess risk factors.Results:  The prevalence of AAA amongst the 499 screened patients in the study was 5.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.6–6.0%]. Of the risk factors or Toast criteria, only male gender and age over 59 years correlated significantly with AAA. In the subgroup of 235 men aged over 59 years, the prevalence of AAA was 11.1% (95% CI 10.4–11.8%).Conclusion:  The prevalence of AAA in men over 59 years of age presenting with a stroke or TIA is nearly twofold increased (11.1%) compared with all patients. Therefore, screening for AAA in this subgroup of patients seems beneficial. However, further studies are needed to confirm this finding and to explore the clinical benefit and cost effectiveness.
Interferon‐induced Mx proteins in brain tissue of multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Al‐Masri A. N. , Heidenreich F. , Walter G. F. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Recombinant interferon‐beta is proven as an effective long‐term treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Unlike in other chronic inflammatory diseases, endogenous synthesis of type I interferons (IFN‐alpha and IFN‐beta) has not been studied extensively in MS. Mx proteins A and B (MxA and MxB) are intracellular proteins that are induced exclusively by type I IFNs. We investigated the expression of Mx proteins in post‐mortem brain tissue of IFN‐beta‐naïve MS patients as a marker for endogenous synthesis of type I IFNs.Methods:  By employing monoclonal antibodies specific for MxA and MxB positive staining was detectable predominantly in reactive astrocytes within the MS plaques but also in endothelial and ependymal cells as well as in lymphocytic infiltrates.Results:  This is of interest in view of results previously published by our group and others that Mx protein concentrations measured by ELISA increase in blood samples from MS patients after IFN‐beta therapy.Conclusions:  In MS, Mx proteins are detectable in plaques suggesting endogenous synthesis of type I IFNs as part of the acute inflammatory process.
Research review: A critical review of studies on the developmental trajectories of antisocial behavior in females
Authors: Fontaine Nathalie , Carbonneau René , Vitaro Frank , Barker Edward D. , Tremblay Richard E. 
Published: February 2009

Background:  Knowledge on the onset and the development of antisocial behavior in females is limited, because most of the research in this domain is based on males.Methods:  We critically reviewed 46 empirical studies that examined developmental trajectories of antisocial behavior in females, notably to help determine whether or not an early‐onset/life‐course‐persistent trajectory exists in females.Results:  The review suggested that antisocial behavior in females can follow different developmental trajectories (e.g., early‐onset/life‐course‐persistent, childhood‐limited, adolescence‐limited, adolescence‐delayed‐onset, adulthood‐onset). However, many of the studies reviewed were limited by factors such as the use of global measures of antisocial behavior, the identification of the trajectories based on threshold criteria, and the small sample sizes.Conclusions:  Future studies should take into account the shortcomings highlighted in this review. Such studies are needed to improve the understanding and prevention of the development of antisocial behavior in females.
Cerebral folate deficiency
Authors: GORDON NEIL 
Published: February 2009

Cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) is associated with low levels of 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with normal folate levels in the plasma and red blood cells. The onset of symptoms caused by the deficiency of folates in the brain is at around 4 to 6 months of age. This is followed by delayed development, with deceleration of head growth, hypotonia, and ataxia, followed in one‐third of children by dyskinesias (choreo‐athetosis, hemiballismus), spasticity, speech difficulties, and epilepsy.The low level of 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate in the CSF can result from decreased transport across the blood–brain barrier, which is most probably because of the blocking of folate transport into the CSF by the binding of folate receptor antibodies to the folate receptors in the choroid plexus.Treatment of the condition with folinic acid for prolonged periods can result in significant improvement of clinical symptoms and a return of 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate levels in the CSF to normal. In view of this response to treatment in CFD and allied conditions, a case can be made for screening the CSF of patients with neurological disorders of unknown origin.
Phosphorylation of the amino‐terminal region of X11L regulates its interaction with APP
Authors: Sakuma Megumi , Tanaka Emi , Taru Hidenori , Tomita Susumu , Gandy Sam , Nairn Angus C. , Nakaya Tadashi , Yamamoto Tohru , Suzuki Toshiharu 
Published: February 2009

AbstractX11‐like (X11L) is neuronal adaptor protein that interacts with the amyloid β‐protein precursor (APP) and regulates its metabolism. The phosphotyrosine interaction/binding (PI/PTB) domain of X11L interacts with the cytoplasmic region of APP695. We found that X11L–APP interaction is enhanced in osmotically stressed cells and X11L modification is required for the enhancement. Amino acids 221–250 (X11L221–250) are required for the enhanced association with APP in osmotically stressed cells; this motif is 118 amino acids closer to the amino‐terminal end of the protein than the PI/PTB domain (amino acids 368–555). We identified two phosphorylatable seryl residues, Ser236 and Ser238, in X11L221–250 and alanyl substitution of either seryl residue diminished the enhanced association with APP. In brain Ser238 was found to be phosphorylated and phosphorylation of X11L was required for the interaction of X11L and APP. Both seryl residues in X11L221–250 are conserved in neuronal X11, but not in X11L2, a non‐neuronal X11 family member that did not exhibit enhanced APP association in osmotically stressed cells. These findings indicate that the region of X11L that regulates association with APP is located outside of, and amino‐terminal to, the PI/PTB domain. Modification of this regulatory region may alter the conformation of the PI/PTB domain to modulate APP binding.
In vitro glutaminase regulation and mechanisms of glutamate generation in HIV‐1‐infected macrophage
Authors: Erdmann Nathan , Tian Changhai , Huang Yunlong , Zhao Jianxing , Herek Shelley , Curthoys Norman , Zheng Jialin 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMononuclear phagocyte (MP, macrophages and microglia) dysfunction plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of HIV‐1‐associated dementia (HAD) through the production and release of soluble neurotoxic factors including glutamate. Glutamate production is greatly increased following HIV‐1 infection of cultured MP, a process dependent upon the glutamate‐generating enzyme glutaminase. Glutaminase inhibition was previously found to significantly decrease macrophage‐mediated neurotoxicity. Potential mechanisms of glutaminase‐mediated excitotoxicity including enzyme up‐regulation, increased enzyme activity and glutaminase localization were investigated in this report. RNA and protein analysis of HIV‐infected human primary macrophage revealed up‐regulation of the glutaminase isoform GAC, yet identified no changes in the kidney‐type glutaminase isoform over the course of infection. Glutaminase is a mitochondrial protein, but was found to be released into the cytosol and extracellular space following infection. This released enzyme is capable of rapidly converting the abundant extracellular amino acid glutamine into excitotoxic levels of glutamate in an energetically favorable process. These findings support glutaminase as a potential component of the HAD pathogenic process and identify a possible therapeutic avenue for the treatment of neuroinflammatory states such as HAD.
Transgenic expression of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 in mouse neurons
Authors: Parkinson Fiona E. , Xiong Wei , Zamzow Christina R. , Chestley Taeyo , Mizuno Tooru , Duckworth Mary Lynn 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTransgenic mice that express human equilibrative nucleoside transporter subtype 1 (hENT1) under the control of a neuron‐specific enolase promoter have been generated. Southern blot and PCR revealed the presence of the transgene in five founder mice. Mice from each founder line were examined by reverse transcriptase (RT)‐PCR and found to express hENT1 in RNA isolated from whole brain, cerebral cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum but not liver, kidney, heart, lung or skeletal muscle. Cortical synaptosomes prepared from transgenic mice had significantly increased [3H]adenosine uptake and [3H]nitrobenzylthioinosine binding, relative to samples from wild‐type mice. In behavioral tests, transgenic mice had altered responses to caffeine and ethanol, two drugs that inhibit and enhance, respectively, adenosine receptor activity. Caffeine‐induced locomotor stimulation was attenuated whereas the hypnotic effect of ethanol was enhanced in transgenic mice. Caffeine was more potent in inhibiting ethanol‐induced motor incoordination in wild‐type than in transgenic mice. No differences in expression of mouse genes for adenosine receptors, nucleoside transporters, or purine metabolizing enzymes were detected by RT‐PCR analyses. These data indicate that expression of hENT1 in neurons does not trigger adaptive changes in expression of adenosine‐related genes. Instead, hENT1 expression affects dynamic changes in endogenous adenosine levels, as revealed by altered behavioral responses to drugs that affect adenosine receptor signalling.
Drebrin E is involved in the regulation of axonal growth through actin–myosin interactions
Authors: Mizui Toshiyuki , Kojima Nobuhiko , Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Katayama Michihito , Hanamura Kenji , Shirao Tomoaki 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDrebrin is a well‐known side‐binding protein of F‐actin in the brain. Immunohistochemical data suggest that the peripheral parts of growing axons are enriched in the drebrin E isoform and mature axons are not. It has also been observed that drebrin E is concentrated in the growth cones of PC12 cells. These data strongly suggest that drebrin E plays a role in axonal growth during development. In this study, we used primary hippocampal neuronal cultures to analyze the role of drebrin E. Immunocytochemistry showed that within axonal growth cones drebrin E specifically localized to the transitional zone, an area in which dense networks of F‐actins and microtubules overlapped. Over‐expression of drebrin E caused drebrin E and F‐actin to accumulate throughout the growth cone and facilitated axonal growth. In contrast, knockdown of drebrin E reduced drebrin E and F‐actin in the growth cone and prevented axonal growth. Furthermore, inhibition of myosin II ATPase masked the promoting effects of drebrin E over‐expression on axonal growth. These results suggest that drebrin E plays a role in axonal growth through actin–myosin interactions in the transitional zone of axonal growth cones.
The Application of Monoline Insurance Principles to the Reregulation of Investment Banks and the GSEs
Authors: Jaffee Dwight M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis article explores the benefits of reregulating the investment banks and government‐sponsored enterprises (GSEs, namely, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) by applying the monoline principle that has been long established in regulating insurers that offer coverage against mortgage and bond default risks. The monoline regulatory principle was created to ensure that losses on a risky insurance line would not endanger other safe lines. The principle is applicable to both investment banks and the GSEs because both sets of institutions have operated with two basic divisions: a hedge fund division that maintained a highly risky investment portfolio and an infrastructure division that carried out activities with high direct value for the overall financial or mortgage markets. The monoline principle involves placing the two divisions in a new regulatory structure whereby the infrastructure division is bankruptcy remote from any losses that might occur within the hedge fund division.
Interorganizational Exchanges in China: Organizational Forms and Governance Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Keh Hean Tat 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis article discusses how organizations exchange with one another in China, focusing on the type of organizational ownership and the form of governance mechanism. The theoretical foundation builds on institutional theory, resource dependence theory, agency theory, and evolutionary theory. Given the three main forms of organizations in China – state-owned enterprises, privately owned enterprises, and foreign-invested enterprises - we show how these organizations choose between two types of governance mechanisms, contracts andguanxi, to manage interorganizational exchanges. We then analyze the possible modes of interaction between organizational forms. We argue that the relative importance ofguanxiis likely to decline or thatguanxiwill shift from being primary in some organizations to complementary in all organizations with the progress of market transition. This conceptual framework is expected to help provide the momentum for further theoretical exploration and empirical study in this area.
Formulated meal replacements: A comparison of the nutritional adequacy of available products
Authors: COLLINS Clare , JONES John , SHERWOOD Dorothy 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective:  To assess the nutritional compliance of formulated meal replacements available in Australian pharmacies with the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand guidelines; and to assess the nutritional adequacy of formulated meal replacements recommended diets based on meal replacement or total diet replacement (very low energy diets).Design:  Products available at major pharmacies as of November 2007 were identified and nutritional information and instructions for use were obtained from the product packaging and/or the manufacturing company.Main Outcome Measures:  Individual serves, prepared as directed, were compared to Standards Australia and New Zealand standard 2.9.3 of the food standards code. Nutritional adequacy was assessed by comparing the nutritional composition to the Nutrient Reference Values for average obese adult males and females, using Foodworks 2007.Results:  Results demonstrated that while most products were compliant with the Standards Australia and New Zealand standard for formulated meal replacements composition the majority of the products and/or programs were deficient in one or more nutrients. Of the 17 products from 11 brands, no very low energy diets programs (of seven) were found to be nutritionally complete. Only two meal replacement programs (of 16) were nutritionally complete in comparison to the recommended dietary intakes and AIs for both a representative obese man and woman.Conclusion:  The results highlight the important role of clinicians in ensuring programs followed by patients are nutritionally adequate and implemented and supervised as intended, in order to minimise side‐effects and risks. There is a need for Standards Australia and New Zealand regulations governing very low energy diets, where formulated meal replacements are recommended for total diet replacement.
Trends in affordability of the Illawarra Healthy Food Basket 2000–2007
Authors: WILLIAMS Peter , HULL Alycia , KONTOS Marianne 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAims:  The Illawarra Healthy Food Basket was developed as one measure to monitor the affordability of healthy eating in Australia. It consists of 57 items selected to meet the nutritional requirements of a reference family of five. The basket was first costed in the Illawarra region of Australia in 2000 and again in 2001 and 2003. The present study aimed to repeat the costing of the basket in 2005 and 2007 and to assess the trends in affordability since 2000.Methods:  Costing was carried out in the same five suburbs as previous surveys, using a large supermarket, greengrocer and butcher from each. Comparison data included: welfare entitlements obtained from Centrelink, average weekly earnings and the consumer price index for food.Main outcome measures:  The average weekly cost of the Illawarra Healthy Food Basket in 2005 and 2007, and trends in the costs compared with changes in average weekly earning and welfare benefits for the reference family.Results:  The total cost of the Illawarra Healthy Food Basket in 2007 was $242.49, an increase of 20.4% since 2000, with the greatest increases in the prices of vegetables (55.7%) and fruit (46.7%). Fruits, vegetables and meat were cheaper at independent grocers and butchers than in supermarkets. The percentage of average weekly earning or welfare payments required to purchase the Illawarra Healthy Food Basket remained stable at slightly below 30%.Conclusion:  These results indicate that the affordability of healthy eating has remained relatively constant from 2000 to 2007, but the significant increases in fruit and vegetable prices might be making healthy food choices more difficult.
Innovative model for clinical education in dietetics
Authors: ROBERTS Noel J. , BROCKINGTON Sonia , DOYLE Elizabeth , PEARCE Leonie M. , BOWIE Alison J. , SIMMANCE Natalie , EVANS Sherryn , CROWE Timothy C. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim:  Professional practice placement programs in dietetics face a number of challenges in respect of quantity, quality and sustainability. The aim of the present study is to report on the development of an innovative placement model based on a variety of training and supervision approaches to address these aforementioned challenges.Methods:  The model was developed following an investigation of existing practice and the literature with approaches that were identified as important to the requirements and constraints of dietetics clinical training incorporated into the model.Results:  Although one‐on‐one supervision is the predominant approach in Australian dietetic education, the educational literature and the authors' experience showed that a variety of approaches are represented in some form. The model developed involves the pairing of two students with one supervisor with students changing peer partners and supervisors every three weeks during the nine‐week placement to diversify exposure to working and learning styles. The model integrates four customised approaches: incremental exposure to tasks; use of a clinical reasoning framework to help structure student understanding of the methods and judgements involved in patient care; structured enquiry in group discussions; and peer observation and feedback.Conclusions:  The model has potential to achieve efficiencies in supervisors' involvement by coordinating the skill development activities of students as a group and promoting peer‐assisted learning.
Hoarse voice in adults: an evidence‐based approach to the 12 minute consultation
Authors: Syed I. , Daniels E. , Bleach N.R. 
Published: February 2009

Background:  The hoarse voice is a common presentation in the adult ENT clinic. It is estimated that otolaryngology/voice clinics receive over 50 000 patients with dysphonia each year. Good vocal function is estimated to be required for around 1/3 of the labour force to fulfil their job requirements. The assessment and management of the patient with a hoarse voice is potentially a complex and protracted process as the aetiology is often multi‐factorial. This article provides a guide for the clinician in the general ENT clinic to make a concise, thorough assessment of the hoarse patient and engage in an evidence based approach to investigation and management.Method:  Literature search performed on 4 October 2008 using EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane databases using subject headings hoarse voice or dysphonia in combination with diagnosis, management, investigation, treatment, intervention and surgery.Results:  General vocal hygiene is beneficial for non organic dysphonia but the evidence base for individual components is poor. There is a good evidence base for the use of voice therapy as first line treatment of organic dysphonia such as vocal fold nodules and polyps. There is little evidence for surgical intervention as first line therapy for most common benign vocal fold lesions. Surgery is, however, the treatment of choice for hoarseness due to papillomatosis. Both CO2 laser and microdissection are equally acceptable modalities for surgical resection of common benign vocal fold lesions. Laryngopharyngeal reflux is commonly cited as a cause of hoarseness but the evidence base for treatment with gastric acid suppression is poor. Despite the widespread use of proton pump inhibitors for treating laryngopharyngeal reflux, there is high quality evidence to suggest that they are no more effective than placebo.Conclusion:  A concise and thorough approach to assessment in the general ENT clinic will provide the diagnosis and facilitate the management of the hoarse voice in the majority of cases. Voice therapy is an important tool that should be utilised in the general ENT clinic and should not be restricted to the specialist voice clinic. If there is no improvement after initial measures, the larynx appears normal and/or the patient has failed initial speech & language therapy, referral to a specialist voice clinic may be helpful. More research is still required particularly with regard to laryngopharyngeal reflux which is often cited as an important cause of hoarseness but is still poorly understood.
A New Theropod Dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic of Lufeng, Yunnan, China
Authors: WU Xiao‐chun , CURRIE Philip J. , DONG Zhiming , PAN Shigang , WANG Tao 
Published: February 2009

Abstract:A new theropod dinosaur, Shidaisaurus jinae gen. et sp. nov., has been described on the basis of an incomplete skeleton. The specimen was found near the base of the Upper Lufeng Formation (early Middle Jurassic) in Yunnan, China. It is the first theropod dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic of Yunnan. Shidaisaurus jinae is distinguishable from other Jurassic theropods by certain features from the braincase, axis, and pelvic girdle. The absence of any pleurocoels in the axis or in any anterior dorsal vertebrae suggests that the new Lufeng theropod is relatively primitive and more plesiomorphic than most of the Middle to Late Jurassic theropods from China. Most Chinese taxa of Jurassic theropod dinosaurs have not been well described; a further detailed study will be necessary for us to determine their phylogenetic relationships with Shidaisaurus jinae.