bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Regulation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR)-α1 and Truncated PPARα2 as an Adaptive Response to Fasting in the Control of Hepatic Peroxisomal Fatty Acid β-Oxidation in the Hibernating Mammal
Authors: El Kebbaj Zakaria , Andreoletti Pierre , Mountassif Driss , Kabine Mostafa , Schohn Hervé , Dauça Michel , Latruffe Norbert , El Kebbaj M'Hammed Saïd , Cherkaoui-Malki Mustapha 
Published: October 2008

Seasonal obesity and fasting-associated hibernation are the two major metabolic events governing hepatic lipid metabolism in hibernating mammals. In this process, however, the role of the nuclear receptor known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α has not been elucidated yet. Here we show, as in human, that jerboa (Jaculus orientalis) liver expresses both active wild-type PPARα (PPARα1wt) and truncated PPARα forms and that the PPARα1wt to truncated PPARα2 ratio, which indicates the availability of active PPARα1wt, is differentially regulated during fasting-associated hibernation. Functional activation of hepatic jerboa PPARα, during prehibernating and hibernating states, was demonstrated by the induction of its target genes, which encode peroxisomal proteins such as acyl-CoA oxidase 1, peroxisomal membrane protein 70, and catalase, accompanied by a concomitant induction of PPARα thermogenic coactivator PPARγ coactivator-1α. Interestingly, sustained activation of PPARα by its hypolipidemic ligand, ciprofibrate, abrogates the adaptive fasting response of PPARα during prehibernation and overinduces its target genes, disrupting the prehibernation fattening process. In striking contrast, during fasting-associated hibernation, jerboas exhibit preferential up-regulation of hepatic peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation instead of the mitochondrial pathway, which is down-regulated. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that PPARα is subject to a hibernation-dependent splicing regulation in response to feeding-fasting conditions, which defines the activity of PPARα and the activation of its target genes during hibernation bouts of jerboas.Jerboa PPARα is subject to a hibernation-dependent splicing regulation in response to feeding-fasting conditions, which define activation of PPARα and its target genes.
Refinement of an osteoporosis risk-assessment questionnaire for use in community pharmacy
Authors: Poh Lee Ser , Taylor Susan , McAteer Sean 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Objective
To explore the influence of bone mineral density (BMD) tests in osteoporosis risk categorisation in community pharmacies, and to develop a simple tool for pharmacists to use as a pre-BMD test screen.

Method
A secondary data analysis was conducted on the responses of 193 participants to a risk-assessment questionnaire, used in previous osteoporosis research that included a BMD test. To explore the impact of the BMD test on pharmacists' categorisation of risk, the researchers made an independent assessment based on responses of the questionnaire. The influence of risk factors on BMD scores/bone status was explored using multiple and logistic regression respectively.

Key findings
A total of responses of 193 participants were available for study, with 113 in the BMD group and 80 from the non-BMD group. In the BMD group, both researchers and pharmacists identified a similar proportion of patients in the moderate/high-risk category when BMD results were incorporated in the risk assessments (X2 = 0.78, degrees of freedom (df) = 1, 0.3 &lt; P &lt; 0.5). A statistically significant difference in risk categorisation was found between the pharmacists and researchers in the non-BMD group (X2 = 23.9, df = 1, P &lt; 0.001). Risk factors identified to be significantly affecting BMD and of use for identifying patients at high risk for osteopenia/osteoporosis were age, weight, postmenopause and absence of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). These four factors were used to construct a simple risk index to guide pharmacists' initial risk categorisation.

Conclusion
The findings of this study suggested that BMD testing may increase the effectiveness of risk assessments and enhance the screening procedures in the community pharmacy. The simple risk index could serve as a pre-BMD test screen, with a BMD test recommended when necessary. A refined risk-assessment questionnaire could serve to guide pharmacists in directing individualised counselling and advice for at-risk patients, through identification of modifiable risk factors and conditions.
Non-prescription medicine use by outpatients of a hospital in north-central Trinidad living with hypertension, and the potential clinical risks
Authors: Extavour Rian , Edwards Ruth 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the reported use of non-prescription medicines (NPMs) and the reported frequency of use by outpatients living with hypertension; to identify potential drug-drug and drug-disease interactions between reported NPMs and either antihypertensives prescribed or hypertension.SettingAdult outpatient clinics of the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex Adult Hospital in Trinidad.MethodOutpatients were interviewed about their use of NPMs using a structured instrument. Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test was used to test for associations between NPM use and selected variables: age group, gender, education level, number of prescribed medicines, use of prescribed medicines and the presence of comorbidities. Combinations of NPMs and antihypertensive drugs or hypertension itself that may lead to undesirable interactions were identified.Key findingsOne hundred and fifty-five clients were interviewed (mean age 61 years; 46% men; 56% of East Indian descent). Of these, 82% were living with a cardiac condition and 60% with diabetes mellitus. In addition, 92% reported using NPMs to treat minor illnesses. Analgesic use was reported by 81%. Some 66% reported using paracetamol, 54% reported antitussives, 48% antacids, 47% antihistamines and 39% said they used sympathomimetic drugs. The majority (98%) of NPMs were used only when needed. Sixty per cent had at least one combination a with risk of interaction with NPMs and hypertension or antihypertensive medicines: 16% had risk of interactions between enalapril (or captopril) and antacids, 13% between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 12% between beta-blockers and NSAIDs and 12% between thiazide diuretics and NSAIDs. Thirty-nine per cent had a drug-disease interaction risk due to sympathomimetic drugs and 26% had one due to NSAID use.ConclusionBased on self-reports, outpatients living with hypertension in north-central Trinidad use NPMs when needed to treat minor illnesses, mainly paracetamol for pain. Non-prescription-antihypertensive interactions may arise due to ACE inhibitor/antacid combinations and NPM-hypertension interactions may result from use of sympathomimetics. Interactions may also arise as a result of the use of NPMs containing NSAIDs and sodium.
Consumer over-the-counter usage and attitudes: a survey in one Canadian city
Authors: Taylor Jeff , Lo Ya-Ning , Dobson Roy , Suveges Linda 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Aims and objectives
To describe general aspects of over-the-counter (OTC) product use and attitudes in the community.

Setting
One Canadian city.

Method
The approach was cross-sectional and descriptive in design. Questionnaires were mailed to 2547 residents. The questionnaire covered OTC purchases and use and experience with minor illnesses.

Key findings
The response rate was 57.2%. Respondents reported using an average of 2.7 different products within a 6-month period and were reasonably satisfied with them. The majority (78.9%) could not recall having a side effect with use. Label-reading claims were high, with 4.0 package sections accessed at first purchase. The majority (86.5%) had received OTC-related advice from pharmacists at some point in the past. The main reason for not asking was having no difficulty in selecting what they needed.

Conclusion
This report confirms the broad use of OTC medicines. Citizens appear to have reasonably healthy attitudes to these medicines and do seek pharmacists for assistance.
The General Level Framework: use in primary care and community pharmacy to support professional development
Authors: Mills Elizabeth , Bates Ian , Farmer Denise , Davies Graham , Webb David G 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Objectives
To compare practice pharmacists and community pharmacists based on the use of the General Level Framework (GLF) as a tool to support continuing professional development (CPD).

Setting
Primary care and community pharmacy in London and the East of England.

Method
The study pharmacists were self-selected after distribution of recruitment packs in the study area through local pharmaceutical committees, primary care trusts and two large multiples. Sixty-nine pharmacists used the framework to support their CPD (42 community pharmacists and 27 with a role in primary care pharmacy). Pharmacists made an initial self-assessment against the GLF and then used the framework over a 12-month period to identify learning needs for CPD. Pharmacists identified their desired performance levels for the behaviours in the framework, based on guidance from the project team, and then identified their learning needs by comparing the desired performance level with their self-assessment. Pharmacists were visited at 4 and 8months by a trained facilitator to support their self-assessment and progress with CPD. Final self-assessments were collected at 12months. Assessment ratings for the delivery of patient-care competencies were compared.

Key findings
There was no difference in the probability of either group achieving their desired performance level (log rank = 0.023, 1 df, P = 0.878): pharmacists achieved their desired performance level irrespective of their sector of work, demonstrating the applicability of the GLF to the different sectors of practice. Practice pharmacists had a higher aggregated score for the desired performance levels than the community pharmacists (Mann-Whitney U = 10.500, P &lt; 0.001; median = 133.0 and 119.5 respectively).

Conclusion
Both groups of pharmacists were able to apply the framework to their practice and use it to support their CPD, resulting in increasing self-assessed competency scores over time. The higher desired performance level for practice pharmacists compared with community pharmacists conveys a difference, perceived or actual, between the two roles. Irrespective of the difference in desired performance levels, both groups of pharmacists have improved, to meet their level of expectation, over the 12-month period.
Micro-scale deformation measurement using the digital image correlation technique and scanning electron microscope imaging
Authors: Jin H , Lu W-Y , Korellis J 
Published: October 2008

This paper presents a study of micro-scale deformation of materials utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. A loading stage was integrated into the SEM imaging system. During the experiment, a series of SEM images of the specimen were acquired in situ. The DIC technique was then applied to these SEM images to calculate the displacement and strain field at the area of interest. Additional surface preparation may be needed in order to have an effective pattern for DIC analysis. Two applications are presented in the paper. Using small tensile specimens, the mechanical properties of electrodeposited nickel-based LIGA (an acronym from German words for lithography, electroplating, and moulding) specimens were characterized. In this case, the natural microstructural feature of the specimen surface was used directly as the pattern for DIC analysis. This method was also applied to study the strain concentration around the crack tip during the ductile fracture test of Al 6061-T651. In contrast to the previous case, the DIC patterns were generated by sputtering a thin layer of gold film on to the specimen surface through the copper mesh grid.
An experimental testing system for fibre-reinforced-polymer-strengthened concrete panels under uniform pressure loads
Authors: Helm J , Kurtz S , Salkini A-R , O'Brien E 
Published: October 2008

A testing system to investigate the response of large (2 m×2 m) concrete panels strengthened with fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) to uniform pressure loads has been developed. The system combines a test frame that employs pressurized bladders to produce a uniform load on the lower compressive side of the concrete panels while the upper tensile surface is imaged by two three-dimensional digital image correlation systems. From the images taken of the panel under load, full-field displacement and strain fields are measured. The test programme studies the effects of various types of fibre reinforcement and the effect of fibre orientation on the strength and rigidity of the concrete panels. This paper presents the development of the testing method, focusing on the creation of the panel loading system and the application of digital image correlation to the study of concrete panels. It presents data from two of the panel tests, contrasting the response of a control panel without bonded FRP and a test panel with six strips of bonded FRP in a unidirectional pattern.
Performance of a Single Assay for Both Type III and Type VI TMPRSS2:ERG Fusions in Noninvasive Prediction of Prostate Biopsy Outcome
Authors: Clark Jarrod P , Munson Kristofer W , Gu Jessie W , Lamparska-Kupsik Katarzyna , Chan Kevin G , Yoshida Jeffrey S , Kawachi Mark H , Crocitto Laura E , Wilson Timothy G , Feng Ziding , Smith Steven S 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Background: TMPRSS2:ERG fusions are promising prostate cancer biomarkers. Because they can occur in multiple forms in a single cancer specimen, we developed a quantitative PCR test that detects both type III and type VI TMPRSS2:ERG fusions. The assay is quantified from a standard curve determined with a plasmid-cloned type III TMPRSS2:ERG fusion target.
Methods: We collected expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) under an institutional review board-approved, blinded, prospective study from 74 patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy for prostate cancer. We compared the characteristic performance of the test for type III and type VI TMPRSS2:ERG fusions in predicting biopsy outcome and distinguishing between high and low Gleason scores with similar tests for the expression of PCA3 and DNA methylation levels of the APC, RARB, RASSF1, and GSTP1 genes. We used logistic regression to analyze the effects of multiple biomarkers in linear combinations.
Results: Each test provided a significant improvement in characteristic performance over baseline digital rectal examination (DRE) plus serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA); however, the test for type III and type VI TMPRSS2:ERG fusions yielded the best performance in predicting biopsy outcome [area under the curve (AUC) 0.823, 95% CI 0.728–0.919, P &lt; 0.001] and Gleason grade &gt;7 (AUC 0.844, 95% CI 0.740–0.948, P &lt; 0.001).
Conclusions: Although each test appears to have diagnostic value, PSA plus DRE plus type III and type VI TMPRSS2:ERG provided the best diagnostic performance in EPS specimens.
Prediction of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism by Endogenous Thrombin Potential and D-Dimer
Authors: Eichinger Sabine , Hron Gregor , Kollars Marietta , Kyrle Paul A 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Background: Increased thrombin generation is associated with an increased risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism. We investigated the relation between endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism and evaluated whether prediction of recurrence can be improved by a combined analysis of ETP and D-dimer.
Methods: We followed 861 patients with first spontaneous venous thromboembolism and determined ETP and D-dimer after discontinuation of anticoagulation. Patients with natural inhibitor deficiency, lupus anticoagulant, or cancer were excluded. The study endpoint was symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism.
Results: One hundred thirty patients (15.1%) had recurrence. High ETP (≥100%) conferred a 1.6-fold increased risk of recurrence (95% CI 1.1–2.3) after adjustment for age, sex, factor V Leiden, factor II G20210A, and duration of anticoagulation. After adjustment for D-dimer, risk of recurrence remained significantly higher among patients with high ETP [hazard ratio 1.6 (95% CI 1.01–2.4)]. After adjustment for ETP, high D-dimer (≥0.5 mg/L) conferred a 1.8-fold (95% CI 1.1–2.8) increased risk of recurrence. Compared with patients with low ETP and low D-dimer, risk of recurrence was 2.8-fold (95% CI 1.5–5.3) higher among patients with both high ETP and high D-dimer after adjustment for potential confounders.
Conclusions: ETP and D-dimer are independent predictors of recurrent venous thromboembolism. Assessing risk of recurrence can be optimized by combining these indicators of thrombin generation.
Biochemical measures in the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS)1
Authors: Thierfelder Wulf , Dortschy Reinhard , Hintzpeter Birte , Kahl Heidrun , Scheidt-Nave Christa 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
In the framework of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), a series of clinical chemical parameters was determined in order to provide objective information on health status and particular health risks in addition to parent interview data and anthropometric measurements. In total, 43 parameters covered three areas of particular public health interest: nutrient deficiency, sero-epidemiology of past infectious diseases and immunization status, and risk indicators or risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases. The parameters were classified into five categories: these reflected the availability of reference ranges or cut-off values that are valid for children and young people, and they also depended on the degree of standardization of each test method. The present paper discusses initial descriptive results for selected parameters representing the various categories. In order to assess the public health significance of the results, and perhaps to derive standard reference ranges relevant to health care, more detailed analyses will be required. As a first step, these will focus on cross-sectional analyses of the association between biochemical parameters and other health-related anthropometric and socio-demographic variables. Intermediate and long-term objectives will include the construction of multidimensional reference ranges taking into account several laboratory parameters and additional clinical information, and the prognostic validation of reference ranges or cut-off values for selected parameters based on follow-up of study participants for clinical outcomes.
Regulatory approaches for genetic tests and the increase of the individualised genetic knowledge1
Authors: Fuchs Michael 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
In the USA, discrimination due to genetic information is prohibited by law. The German Federal Government undertook a step with the key points for a gene diagnostics law for legal regulation. The article presents possible starting points of an adjustment in particular for predictive genetic tests. In addition, it analyses what may be implemented in Germany and the USA and asks for suitability and consistency. A further requirement of an altogether desirable law is its practicability and enforceability.
DNA microarrays in microbiology1
Authors: Cullen Paul , Funke Harald , Klein Hanns-Georg , Langmann Thomas , Neumaier Michael 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
The techniques for cultivation and identification of micro-organisms have changed little since the emergence of microbiology as a distinct discipline just over a hundred years ago. More recently, however, progress in molecular biology and the appearance of highly parallel analytic methods such as DNA microarrays have raised hopes of quicker, more accurate and broader identification of microbes and their sensitivities to antibiotics. These developments have even led some observers to predict the demise of conventional bacteriology. As outlined in the following contributions, however, such a scenario still lies in the future. The reasons for this are the high technical demands placed on molecular methods that are suitable for automation, and insufficient knowledge of the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance. Further difficulties are a lack of sensitivity and a fundamental inability of these methods to distinguish living bacteria from those that have already been killed.
The Contemporary Definition of Complex Relative Permittivity
Authors: Wang Shiliang 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
ASTM D150 [Standard Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristic and Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation, 2004] is the standard for measurement of alternating current (AC). Aimed at an analysis of this standard and proceeding from the information transmission characteristic of the dielectric, the definition of ac complex relative permittivity εr′(=Iac′/I0=Qac′/Q0=Cac′/C0=ε′/ε0) is put forward anew. Faraday’s “relative permittivity” is a result of this definition under the specific condition (ω=0).
Assumption of medical risks and the problem of medical liability in the ancient Roman law
Authors: Váradi Ágnes 
Published: October 2008

Az egészség védelme, különösen a balesetből és betegségből eredő kockázatok viselésének és a károk megtérítésének szabályozási igénye már a római jog időszakában is megjelent, különböző jogintézmények szabályozási rendszerébe ágyazva. Egységes szabályozási előkép hiányában a különböző személyi körök egészségében, testi épségében beállt károsodásokat érdemes kiemelni: a vizsgálat során ki kell térnünk a rabszolgákat, a filius familiasokat és a szabad embert ért sérülések, betegségek jogi minősítésének bemutatására. A Digesta fragmentumaiból származó esetek nemcsak konkrét jogi problémákat vetnek fel, hanem messzebb mutató elméleti kérdések kiindulópontjai is lehetnek. Így például joggal vetődhet fel a kérdés: Ha a haláleset rossz gyógyszerezés következménye, felel-e az orvos? Része volt-e az utókezelés az orvos gyógyítótevékenységének a római jog értelmezésében? Mindezeknek a kérdéseknek a megválaszolása nem szakadhat el a római jog komplex felelősségi rendszerének bemutatásától, valamint a szerződéses és szerződésen kívül okozott károk megtérítésének, a
lex Aquilia
intézményének, illetve a felelősségi rendszer alapjainak ismertetésétől. Az egyes esetek elemzése során kitérek a ma már klasszikusnak számító római jogi szakirodalom álláspontjára, továbbá a kortárs hazai és külföldi szerzők nézeteire is. Ezen példák bemutatása egyrészt a deliktuális felelősség kialakulásának egy sajátos állomását tárja fel, másrészt hozzájárulhat a modern egészségügyi felelősség fogalmának elméleti szintű továbbfejlesztéséhez.