bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding of and attitude to xenotransplantation among Italian university students: impact of a 3‐yr university course
Authors: Canova Daniele , Bona Manuela De , Rumiati Rino , Masier Annalisa , Ermani Mario , Naccarato Remo , Cozzi Emanuele , Ancona Ermanno , Burra Patrizia 
Published: May 2006

Canova D, De Bona M, Rumiati R, Masier A, Ermani M, Naccarato R, Cozzi E, Ancona E, Burra P. Understanding of and attitude to xenotransplantation among Italian university students: impact of a 3‐yr university course. Xenotransplantation 2006; 13: 264–271. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2006Abstract: Background: Young people, and students in particular, generally have a positive attitude to xenotransplantation. We reported previously that university students attending their first year approved of the idea of transplanting animal organs into humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 3‐yr course at various faculties on the university students’ understanding of and attitude to xenotransplantation.Methods: University students in their fourth year at five different faculties of Padua University (Italy), who had previously been surveyed in exactly the same way 3 yr earlier, were re‐administered an anonymous 19‐item questionnaire on their attitude to xenotransplantation.Results: A total of 453 students completed the fourth year questionnaire (84 males, 369 females; mean age 24.6 yr, range 21–36 yr). Students were attending courses in Medicine (22.1%), Veterinary Science (16.5%), Agriculture (10.4%), Educational Sciences (22.1%) and Psychology (28.9%). In their fourth year, 85% of the students knew that animal organs could, at some stage, be transplanted into humans, 81.5% approved of this idea and 84% would accept an animal organ to save their life if necessary (these percentages were 88%, 78% and 76%, respectively 3 yr earlier). A significantly larger proportion of the students who approved of xenotransplantation were attending science courses rather than art courses, while no differences emerged as regards gender. Those who refused xenotransplantation justified their position mainly on ethical‐moral (41.7%) and immunological (35.7%) grounds.Conclusion: As in their first year, so too in their fourth, University students were well informed about the feasibility of transplanting animal organs into human beings and those attending science courses were more likely to accept this idea than art students. Approval of xenotransplantation was much the same among fourth year males and females, whereas in the first year, male students had approved more than female students.
Additional computed tomography scans in the prone position to distinguish early interstitial lung disease from dependent density on helical computed tomography screening patient characteristics
Authors: KASHIWABARA Kosuke , KOHSHI Syu‐ichi 
Published: May 2006

Background:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefit of additional prone CT scanning to helical CT screening to detect early interstitial lung disease (ILD).Methods:  Helical CT screening was performed as an optional test in 1098 subjects during their annual health examination. Subjects with parenchymal abnormalities in the posterior subpleural aspect of the lung were advised to receive additional CT scans in the prone position. The CT images were assessed independently by both a radiologist and a chest specialist without reference to clinical data.Results:  Ninety‐three subjects (8%) had parenchymal abnormalities in the posterior subpleural aspect of the lung and 75 subjects (7%) received additional CT scans. These revealed 72 dependent densities and three early ILD (0.3%). By multivariate analysis, subjects aged over 70 years, with obesity (BMI ≥ 25) and currently smoking (pack years ≥ 20) had a tendency to have dependent density on helical CT, the predominant distribution of which was in the middle lung fields.Conclusions:  Additional CT scans were performed in 7% of subjects after abnormal CT screening and three early ILD were detected. Therefore, we recommend that additional CT scans in prone position be performed to detect early ILD after abnormal helical CT screening.
The calpain inhibitor MDL‐28170 and the AMPA/KA receptor antagonist CNQX inhibit neurofilament degradation and enhance neuronal survival in kainic acid‐treated hippocampal slice cultures
Authors: Lopez‐Picon Francisco R. , Kukko‐Lukjanov Tiina‐Kaisa , Holopainen Irma E. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe cytoskeleton controls the architecture and survival of the central nervous system neurons by maintaining the stability of axons, dendrites and cellular architecture, and any disturbance in this genuine structure could compromise cell survival. The developmentally regulated intracellular intermediate filament protein neurofilament (NF), composed of the light (NF‐L), medium (NF‐M) and high (NF‐H) molecular weight isoforms, is expressed abundantly in nerve cells but its significance in nerve cell survival in stress situations in the brain is unknown. We have used Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and Fluoro‐Jade B and thionin stainings to clarify the effect of kainic acid (KA) treatment on NF protein stability, and its importance for neuronal survival in hippocampal slice cultures. The contribution of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/KA glutamate receptor subtypes, calpain proteases and l‐type Ca2+‐channels to these processes were also assessed. Our results indicated that KA‐induced degradation of NF was a fast process, similarly affecting all three NF proteins. It was effectively inhibited by the AMPA/KA receptor antagonist CNQX and the calpain inhibitor MDL‐28170, whereas the Ca2+‐channel blocker nifedipine and the NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801 had no significant effect. Moreover, KA‐induced neuronal damage was effectively decreased in cultures treated with CNQX and MDL‐28170. Our results suggest that the stability of NF proteins is an important factor contributing to neuronal survival after excitotoxic injury, and that both AMPA/KA receptor antagonists and calpain inhibitors might serve as neuroprotectants against this type of insult in the immature hippocampus.
Expression of pheromone receptor gene families during olfactory development in the mouse: expression of a V1 receptor in the main olfactory epithelium
Authors: Karunadasa Delicia K. , Chapman Christopher , Bicknell R. John 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn the mouse, two large gene families, V1R and V2R, encoding putative pheromone receptors have been described. Studies have suggested a homotypic recognition role for V1Rs and V2Rs during development in the targeting of vomeronasal axons to specific sets of glomeruli in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). Analysis of the onset of expression of the V1R and V2R gene families in developing vomeronasal neurons using polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization now suggests that a role for these receptors in the organization of axon projections is only likely at the final stages of targeting within the AOB. Surprisingly, our studies reveal expression of a V1Rd receptor in scattered cells within the main olfactory epithelium, suggesting that limited pheromone detection may also take place in this structure. The pheromone sensory neurons of the vomeronasal system and the neuroendocrine gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons that regulate fertility both arise from progenitor cells of the nasal placode. The development of these two cell types is intimately linked, and the GnRH neuron population migrates into the forebrain during embryogenesis in close association with a subset of vomeronasal sensory axons; how GnRH neurons recognize this axon subset is unknown. We report selective expression of a V1Ra gene in the clonal NLT GnRH cell line, raising the possibility of a similar role for V1Rs or V2Rs in the directed migration of GnRH neurons. However, no expression of this gene or of other V1Rs and V2Rs is detectable at the cellular level in migrating GnRH neurons in the mouse.
Prominent corticosteroid disturbance in experimental prion disease
Authors: Voigtländer Till , Unterberger Ursula , Touma Chadi , Palme Rupert , Polster Brigitte , Strohschneider Michaela , Dorner Susanna , Budka Herbert 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPrion diseases comprise a group of neurodegenerative disorders that invariably lead to death in affected individuals. The most prominent event in these diseases is a rapid and pronounced neuronal loss, although the cause and the precise mechanisms of neuronal cell death have not been identified so far. Recently, it has been suggested that corticosteroids might play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders in general, as the regulation of these hormones was found to be disturbed in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. To evaluate the possible corticosteroid disturbances in prion diseases, we determined the concentration of corticosterone metabolites in the faeces of scrapie‐inoculated mice during the course of the clinical disease. We observed markedly elevated concentrations of the metabolites during the last 5 weeks of the disease, as well as a severe disturbance of circadian periodicity of corticosterone excretion as much as 2 weeks before this elevation. A simultaneous downregulation of cerebral neuronal glucocorticoid receptors was not detectable by immunohistochemistry, indicating that increased corticosteroids can elicit their effects in mouse scrapie freely. The dysregulation of corticosteroid excretion might act as a further cofactor in the pathogenesis of scrapie, for example by preconditioning nerve cells to disease‐immanent neurotoxic stimuli, such as oxidative stress, and to apoptosis.
Dopaminergic responses to self‐administered cocaine in Rhesus monkeys do not sensitize following high cumulative intake
Authors: Bradberry Charles W. , Rubino Susan R. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSensitization of mesolimbic dopamine (DA) systems by administration of psychostimulants has been observed repeatedly in rodents. This phenomenon has been incorporated into theories of neurobiological adaptation underlying addiction, and is believed to be a mechanism whereby drug‐associated cues acquire the ability to control behaviour via a conditioned release of DA. However, we have previously demonstrated in nonhuman primates that drug cues that cause cocaine seeking do not promote a conditioned increase in DA release of sufficient endurance to be measured in 2‐min samples. In addition, imaging studies in humans and nonhuman primates that have been chronically exposed to psychostimulants have not demonstrated an increase in DA release upon psychostimulant challenge. Here we report that following 32 weeks of self‐administration by rhesus monkeys, no increase over time in the DA response to self‐administered cocaine was observed in any striatal subregion or individual animal. These results are consistent with clinical imaging studies showing a lack of DA sensitization, and might provide a mechanism to explain our previous observation that the rodent and primate differ in neurochemical response to drug‐associated cues.
Neuroprotective effects of the P2 receptor antagonist PPADS on focal cerebral ischaemia‐induced injury in rats
Authors: Lämmer A. , Günther A. , Beck A. , Krügel U. , Kittner H. , Schneider D. , Illes P. , Franke H. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAfter acute injury of the central nervous system extracellular adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) can reach high concentrations as a result of cell damage and subsequent increase in membrane permeability. Released ATP may act as a toxic agent, which causes cellular degeneration and death, mediated through P2X and P2Y receptors. Mechanisms underlying the various effects of purinoceptor modulators in models of cerebral damage are still uncertain. In the present study the effect of P2 receptor inhibition after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in spontaneously hypertensive rats was investigated. Rats received either the non‐selective P2 receptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulphonic acid (PPADS) or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) as control by the intracerebroventricular route. First, these treatments were administered 10 min before MCAO and subsequently twice daily for 1 or 7 days after MCAO. The functional recovery of motor and cognitive deficits was tested at an elevated T‐labyrinth. The PPADS‐treated group showed a significant reduction of paresis‐induced sideslips compared with ACSF‐treated animals. Infarct volume was reduced in the PPADS group in comparison with the ACSF group. A significant decrease in intermediately and profoundly injured cells in favour of intact cells in the PPADS group was revealed by quantification of celestine blue/acid fuchsin‐stained cells in the peri‐infarct area. The data provide further evidence for the involvement of P2 receptors in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischaemiain vivo. The inhibition of P2 receptors at least partially reduces functional and morphological deficits after an acute cerebral ischaemic event.
Decolonizing Josiah: Toward a Postcolonial Reading of the Deuteronomistic History – Uriah Y. Kim
Authors: Yamada Frank M. 
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed: Decolonizing Josiah: Toward a Postcolonial Reading of the Deuteronomistic History, Uriah Y. Kim, Sheffield Phoenix Press 2005 (1‐905048‐13‐0), xii + 265 pp., hb £50.00/$85.00
Spirit in the Cities: Searching for Soul in the Urban Landscape – Edited by Kathryn Tanner (ed.)
Authors: Livezey Lowell W. 
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed: Spirit in the Cities: Searching for Soul in the Urban Landscape, Kathryn Tanner (ed.), Fortress Press 2004 (0‐8006‐3682‐1), xv + 144 pp., pb $10.20
How to Read the Bible: History, Prophecy, Literature – Why Modern Readers Need to Know the Difference and What It Means for Faith Today – Steven L. McKenzie
Authors: Kalve Peter 
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed: How to Read the Bible: History, Prophecy, Literature – Why Modern Readers Need to Know the Difference and What It Means for Faith Today, Steven L. McKenzie, Oxford University Press 2005 (0‐19‐516149‐6, 0‐19‐516149‐1), 204 pp., hb $26.00
Contemporary Doctrine Classics: The Combined Reports by the Doctrine Commission of the General Synod of the Church of England – Church House
Authors: Ables Travis E. 
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed: Contemporary Doctrine Classics: The Combined Reports by the Doctrine Commission of the General Synod of the Church of England, Church House Publishing 2005 (0‐7151‐4045‐0), xxxiv + 475 pp., pb £20.00
The Broken Whole: Philosophical Steps toward a Theology of Global Solidarity – Thomas E. Reynolds
Authors: Pinnock Sarah K. 
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed: The Broken Whole: Philosophical Steps toward a Theology of Global Solidarity, Thomas E. Reynolds, State University of New York 2006 (0‐7914‐6611‐6), viii + 250 pp., hb $70.00
The Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology – Kevin J. Vanhoozer
Authors: Webb Stephen H. 
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed: The Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology, Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Westminster John Knox Press 2005 (0‐6642‐2327‐3), xv + 487 pp., $25.00
Ethanol's Actions on cAMP‐Mediated Signaling in Cells Transfected With Type VII Adenylyl Cyclase
Authors: Yoshimura M. , Tabakoff B. 
Published: May 2006

Background: Adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity is increased in the presence of ethanol. The magnitude of ethanol's action on AC depends on the isoform of AC expressed in a particular cell type. Type VII AC demonstrates the greatest potentiation of activity in the presence of ethanol, but questions have arisen regarding the effects of pharmacologically relevant (∼ 50 mM) concentrations of ethanol on type VII AC activity. Questions also remain as to whether the potentiation of AC activity by ethanol initiates downstream effects on protein kinase A activity.Methods: HEK293 (human embryonic kidney 293) cells overexpressing type VII AC were used to study the dose‐dependent actions of ethanol on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production. Studies were performed in the presence and absence of phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Protein kinase A activity was assessed under conditions similar to those used to measure ethanol's actions on AC.Results: A significantly greater percent stimulation of prostaglandin E1‐mediated cAMP accumulation was evident in the absence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors 3‐isobutyl‐l‐methylxanthine and Ro 20–1724 than in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors. We also showed that ethanol was not, itself, acting as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. The calculated percent stimulation of AC activity by ethanol depended on the baseline levels of cAMP production in the absence of ethanol. In the absence of 3‐isobutyl‐l‐methylxanthine (or other phosphodiesterase inhibitors), a 50 mM concentration of ethanol produced a 56% increase in prostaglandin E1‐stimulated cAMP production in the type VII AC transfected HEK293 cells. This concentration of ethanol also produced a significant activation of protein kinase A beyond that produced by prostaglandin E1 alone.Conclusions: The present study indicates that, in the presence of a particular isoform of AC, moderately intoxicating concentrations of ethanol will significantly potentiate the transmitter‐mediated activation of the cAMP signaling cascade. Activation of this signaling cascade may have important implications for the mechanisms by which ethanol produces intoxication and/or in the mechanisms of neuroadaptation leading to tolerance to, and physical dependence on, ethanol.
Naltrexone Reduces Ethanol‐ and/or Water‐Reinforced Responding in Rhesus Monkeys: Effect Depends Upon Ethanol Concentration
Authors: Williams Keith L , Woods James H. 
Published: May 2006

Background:The opioid antagonist naltrexone reduces responding for ethanol. If naltrexone produces this effect by blocking ethanol‐induced opioid activity, then naltrexone should reduce responding for ethanol regardless of level of the ethanol responding relative to an alternatively available reinforcer. In addition, if naltrexone competitively blocks ethanol‐induced opioid activity, then the naltrexone effect may be surmountable by increasing ethanol concentration and, thus, ethanol intake (g/kg). This study was conducted to determine whether naltrexone will selectively reduce ethanol‐reinforced responding when the ethanol concentration is varied such that ethanol fluid deliveries are less than, greater than, or equal to the fluid deliveries of concurrently available water.Methods:Four adult male rhesus monkeys were allowed to respond for ethanol or water concurrently for 2 hr per day. Ethanol concentration was either 2%, 8%, or 32%. On various days, either saline or naltrexone (0.1 mg/kg) was given intramuscularly 30 min before the drinking session.Results:When ethanol fluid deliveries were greater than those of water (at 2% ethanol), naltrexone reduced responding for ethanol. When the ethanol and water fluid deliveries were approximately equal (at 8% ethanol), naltrexone reduced both ethanol and water fluid deliveries. When water fluid deliveries were greater than those of ethanol (at 32% ethanol), naltrexone reduced responding for water.Conclusions:Thus, naltrexone reduced responding for the preferred fluid, either ethanol or water, depending on ethanol concentration. The effect was not surmountable by increasing ethanol concentration and, therefore, ethanol intake (g/kg). Naltrexone may reduce ethanol‐reinforced responding by a mechanism other than that of blocking ethanol‐induced opioid activity. Naltrexone may be inducing an aversive interoceptive state.
Prevalence and Characterization of Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs with Surgically Treated Type 1 Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Extrusion
Authors: STIFFLER KEVIN S. , STEVENSON M.A. McCRACKIN , SANCHEZ SUSAN , BARSANTI JEANNE A. , HOFMEISTER ERIK , BUDSBERG STEVEN C. 
Published: May 2006

Objective— To determine the prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTI), factors that correlate positively with UTI, and whether identified UTI are most likely community‐ or hospital acquired in dogs with surgically treated type 1 thoracolumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) extrusions.Study Design— Prospective cross‐sectional clinical study.Sample Population— Dogs (n=92) that were surgically treated for a thoracolumbar extradural compressive spinal cord lesion that was consistent with type 1 IVD extrusion.Methods— Dogs were evaluated for bacterial lower UTI when possible by cystocentesis and urine culture before surgery, and 48–72, 96–120 hours, and 7 days after surgery while hospitalized. Paraparesis, confirmation of thoracolumbar extruded nucleus pulposus, and informed owner consent were required for study inclusion. Urine specimens (n=297) were cultured and both objective and subjective clinical data were obtained.Results— Prevalence of UTI in dogs with surgically treated type 1 thoracolumbar IVD extrusion was 27% (25 dogs). Temporal prevalence of UTI was 15% (13/89) before surgery, 12% (11/91) at 2–3 days, 16% (12/76) at 4–5 days, and 20% (8/41) at 7 days after surgery. Statistically significant factors affecting UTI prevalence included neurologic and urinary status, sex, administration of perioperative antibiotics, and amount of time body temperature was <35°C during anesthesia.Conclusion— UTI are common in dogs with surgically treated type 1 thoracolumbar IVD extrusion. Females, dogs that cannot ambulate or voluntarily urinate, dogs not administered perioperative cefazolin, and dogs whose body temperature falls <35°C during anesthesia have a higher incidence of UTI.Clinical Relevance— All dogs with surgically treated type 1 thoracolumbar IVD extrusion should be monitored for the presence of UTI; however, close attention should be paid to females and dogs that cannot ambulate or voluntarily urinate.
National audit of post-operative management in spinal surgery
Authors: McGregor Alison H , Dicken Ben , Jamrozik Konrad 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
There is some evidence from a Cochrane review that rehabilitation following spinal surgery may be beneficial.

Methods
We conducted a survey of current post-operative practice amongst spinal surgeons in the United Kingdom in 2002 to determine whether such interventions are being included routinely in the post-operative management of spinal patients.
The survey included all surgeons who were members of either the British Association of Spinal Surgeons (BASS) or the Society for Back Pain Research. Data on the characteristics of each surgeon and his or her current pattern of practice and post-operative care were collected via a reply-paid postal questionnaire.

Results
Usable responses were provided by 57% of the 89 surgeons included in the survey. Most surgeons (79%) had a routine post-operative management regime, but only 35% had a written set of instructions that they gave to their patients concerning this. Over half (55%) of surgeons do not send their patients for any physiotherapy after discharge, with an average of less than two sessions of treatment organised by those that refer for physiotherapy at all. Restrictions on lifting, sitting and driving showed considerable inconsistency both between surgeons and also within the recommendations given by individual surgeons.

Conclusion
Demonstrable inconsistencies within and between spinal surgeons in their approaches to post-operative management can be interpreted as evidence of continuing and significant uncertainty across the sub-speciality as to what does constitute best care in these areas of practice. Conducting further large, rigorous, randomised controlled trials would be the best method for obtaining definitive answers to these questions.