bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of melatonin receptor (MT1) and interaction between melatonin and estrogen in endometrial cancer cell line
Authors: Watanabe Mari , Kobayashi Yoichi , Takahashi Noriyuki , Kiguchi Kazushige , Ishizuka Bunpei 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim: To determine the receptor subtypes of melatonin in estrogen receptor‐positive endometrial cancer cell line, Ishikawa, and the influence of melatonin on chemosensitivity.Methods: To confirm the subtype of melatonin on Ishikawa cells, cells were treated with melatonin alone and with antagonists against melatonin receptor luzindole and 4‐phenyl‐2‐propionamidotetralin (4‐P‐PDOT). Expression of MT1/MT2 mRNA was analyzed by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Immunocytochemistry of MT1/MT2 was also performed. The effect of melatonin against expression of MT1, MT2, and ERα‐receptors mRNA was compared with RT‐PCR. To determine whether melatonin enhances the effect of anticancer agents, chemosensitivity test was performed with or without melatonin.Results: Our study revealed that Ishikawa cells express MT1 by both RT‐PCR and immunocytochemistry. In contrast, expression of MT2 mRNA was not found. Furthermore, ERα mRNA expression was attenuated at melatonin level of 1 × 10−9 M. Chemosensitivity test revealed that melatonin enhanced anti‐tumor effects of paclitaxel among anticancer drugs tested.Conclusion: Based on the above results, MT1 receptor, but not MT2, is expressed in Ishikawa cells. It was also revealed that the cytostatic effect of melatonin is partly an action mediated by MT1 receptor, and attenuation of ERα expression was predicted as the mechanism of action. Clinical application of melatonin to biochemotherapy might be also expected.
Denitrifying bacteria anaerobically oxidize methane in the absence of Archaea
Authors: Ettwig Katharina F. , Shima Seigo , Van De Pas‐Schoonen Katinka T. , Kahnt Jörg , Medema Marnix H. , Op Den Camp Huub J. M. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Strous Marc 
Published: August 2008

SummaryRecently, a microbial consortium was shown to couple the anaerobic oxidation of methane to denitrification, predominantly in the form of nitrite reduction to dinitrogen gas. This consortium was dominated by bacteria of an as yet uncharacterized division and archaea of the order Methanosarcinales. The present manuscript reports on the upscaling of the enrichment culture, and addresses the role of the archaea in methane oxidation. The key gene of methanotrophic and methanogenic archaea, mcrA, was sequenced. The associated cofactor F430 was shown to have a mass of 905 Da, the same as for methanogens and different from the heavier form (951 Da) found in methanotrophic archaea. After prolonged enrichment (> 1 year), no inhibition of anaerobic methane oxidation was observed in the presence of 20 mM bromoethane sulfonate, a specific inhibitor of MCR. Optimization of the cultivation conditions led to higher rates of methane oxidation and to the decline of the archaeal population, as shown by fluorescence in situ hybridization and quantitative MALDI‐TOF analysis of F430. Mass balancing showed that methane oxidation was still coupled to nitrite reduction in the total absence of oxygen. Together, our results show that bacteria can couple the anaerobic oxidation of methane to denitrification without the involvement of Archaea.
Comparison of pre‐ vs. postmeal administration of miglitol for 3 months in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Aoki K. , Nakajima S. , Nezu U. , Shinoda K. , Terauchi Y. 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  α‐Glucosidase inhibitors (αGIs) primarily modify postprandial plasma glucose levels and should be taken just before meals. We previously demonstrated that a single administration of miglitol within 30 min after the start of a meal was equally effective as when administered just before a meal. We here compared pre‐ vs. postmeal administration of miglitol for 3 months in type 2 diabetic patients.Methods:  Thirty‐one type 2 diabetic outpatients who had never been treated with insulin injections or αGIs were randomized to two groups: patients in group A were asked to take miglitol just before meals, while patients in group B were asked to take miglitol after meals. We measured 1,5‐anhydroglucitol (1,5‐AG) and HbA1C levels in these patients.Results:  The administration of miglitol after meals for a 3‐month period decreased HbA1C and increased 1,5‐AG levels to the same extent as when administered just before meals. The incidence of adverse effects seemed to be unrelated to the timing of the miglitol administration.Conclusions:  Our results suggest that if patients have difficulty remembering to take miglitol just before meal, they should be instructed to take the medicine together with other medicine(s) after the meal; this instruction may improve the treatment compliance of diabetic patients.
Relationship between soluble CD40 ligand and γ‐glutamyltransferase concentrations in non‐drinking, young Type 1 diabetic individuals
Authors: Zoppini G. , Targher G. , Trombetta M. , Lippi G. , Muggeo M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAims  To assess the association between circulating levels of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), an emerging cardiovascular risk factor, and γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity concentrations in Type 1 diabetic subjects.Methods  Plasma concentrations of sCD40L and GGT activity, a marker of liver dysfunction, were measured in 54 non‐smoking, non‐drinking, young Type 1 diabetic patients, who were free of diagnosed cardiovascular disease.Results  When participants were grouped according to tertiles of GGT, plasma sCD40L concentrations steadily increased across GGT tertiles (P = 0.007 for trend). Similarly, plasma sCD40L concentrations were positively correlated with plasma GGT levels in the whole group of participants (r = 0.532; P < 0.0001). In multivariate linear regression analysis, plasma GGT activity levels were positively associated with sCD40L (standardized beta coefficient = 0.342; P = 0.027) independently of age, gender, diabetes duration, glycated haemoglobin, total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. Further adjustment for the presence of diabetic retinopathy and microalbuminuria did not appreciably attenuate this association.Conclusions  Our findings suggest that there is a strong, graded, relationship between plasma GGT activity and sCD40L concentrations in non‐smoking, non‐drinking, young Type 1 diabetic individuals. This association appears to be independent of numerous confounding factors. Further studies are required to confirm the reproducibility of these results.
A critical review of the cannabinoid receptor as a drug target for obesity management
Authors: Akbas F. , Gasteyger C. , Sjödin A. , Astrup A. , Larsen T. M. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe discovery of cannabinoids, with the well‐known stimulatory effect of Cannabis sativa on appetite, has offered a new drug target for obesity treatment. Cannabinoids act on two different receptors: CB1 receptors which are sited in the brain and many peripheral tissues, and CB2 receptors which are primarily found in immune system cells. Cannabinoid receptor antagonists act centrally by blocking CB1 receptors, thereby reducing food intake. Moreover, they probably also act peripherally by increasing thermogenesis and therefore energy expenditure, as has been suggested by animal experiments. Despite these promising mechanisms of action, recent clinical studies examining the effect of the two CB1 receptor antagonists rimonabant and taranabant showed that the attained weight loss did not exceed that attained with other currently approved anti‐obesity medications. Moreover, potentially severe psychiatric adverse effects limit their clinical use. As several new CB1 receptor antagonists are presently undergoing development, it remains to be elucidated to what extent they differ in terms of efficacy and safety. This review primarily discusses how close cannabinoid receptor antagonists are to the ideal anti‐obesity drug, with respect to their mechanisms of action, clinical effectiveness and safety.
Differential mortality of wintering shorebirds on the Banc d’Arguin, Mauritania, due to predation by large falcons
Authors: VAN DEN HOUT PIET J. , SPAANS BERNARD , PIERSMA THEUNIS 
Published: August 2008

Predators may influence many aspects of the daily life and seasonal movements of their prey. Here we quantify direct, and evaluate indirect effects of predation by three falcon species (Lanner FalconFalco biarmicus, Barbary FalconFalco pelegrinoidesand Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinus) on coastal shorebirds wintering on the Banc d’Arguin, Mauritania, an area hosting approximately 30% of the East Atlantic Flyway population of shorebirds. On the basis of 754 h of observation over five winters, 97 witnessed attacks and 585 collected prey remains, we show that shorebirds were safer in larger flocks, which tended to be attacked less often. Furthermore, species that forage relatively close to shore and in small flocks were depredated more often than expected from their relative abundance. In three species, Red KnotCalidris canutus canutus, Bar‐tailed GodwitLimosa lapponica taymyrensisand DunlinCalidris alpina, the juveniles were more vulnerable than adults. We estimated that on average 1% of the juvenile and 0.1% of the adult Red Knots present were killed by large falcons each winter. For Red Knots we simultaneously quantified annual survival on the basis of an individual colour‐marking programme: mortality due to predation by falcons accounted for an estimated 6.2% (juveniles) and 0.8% (adults) of annual mortality. We suggest that juvenile Red Knots are 10 times as likely to be killed by falcons because they use riskier habitats, i.e. early and late tide foraging areas closer to shores where surprise attacks are both more common and more successful. These results indicate that the strength of indirect effects of predation operating in a shorebird population largely outweigh the effects of mortalityper se.
Biofilms in chronic wounds
Authors: James Garth A. , Swogger Ellen , Wolcott Randall , Pulcini Elinor deLancey , Secor Patrick , Sestrich Jennifer , Costerton John W. , Stewart Philip S. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTChronic wounds including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers are a worldwide health problem. It has been speculated that bacteria colonizing chronic wounds exist as highly persistent biofilm communities. This research examined chronic and acute wounds for biofilms and characterized microorganisms inhabiting these wounds. Chronic wound specimens were obtained from 77 subjects and acute wound specimens were obtained from 16 subjects. Culture data were collected using standard clinical techniques. Light and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to analyze 50 of the chronic wound specimens and the 16 acute wound specimens. Molecular analyses were performed on the remaining 27 chronic wound specimens using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and sequence analysis. Of the 50 chronic wound specimens evaluated by microscopy, 30 were characterized as containing biofilm (60%), whereas only one of the 16 acute wound specimens was characterized as containing biofilm (6%). This was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Molecular analyses of chronic wound specimens revealed diverse polymicrobial communities and the presence of bacteria, including strictly anaerobic bacteria, not revealed by culture. Bacterial biofilm prevalence in specimens from chronic wounds relative to acute wounds observed in this study provides evidence that biofilms may be abundant in chronic wounds.
Temporal and quantitative profiles of growth factors and metalloproteinases in acute wound fluid after mastectomy
Authors: Baker Elizabeth A. , Kumar Senthil , Melling Andrew C. , Whetter Deborah , Leaper David J. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTSeventy‐three samples of acute wound fluid were collected from 47 patients during the first 3 postoperative days (POD) following mastectomy for cancer (n=47 on POD‐1, n=19 on POD‐2, and n=7 POD‐3). Samples were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for growth factor levels (epidermal [EGF], platelet‐derived [PDGF], basic fibroblast [bFGF], transforming growth factor‐β1 [TGF‐β1], vascular endothelial [VEGF]), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs‐2, ‐3, ‐9), and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP‐1). The levels of EGF, bFGF, PDGF, and interleukin‐6 peaked on POD‐1, with a significant decrease by POD‐3, while total and active MMP‐2, MMP‐3, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 showed a progressive and significant increase from days 1 to 3. The wounds that later developed an infection (11%) were found to have a significantly lower PDGF and EGF on day 1 (PDGF, median 169 pg/mL [range, 86–2,595]) than the noninfected wounds (2,098 [17–66,506] p<0.05, Mann–Whitney U‐test). Sixty‐two percent patients developed a seroma and the levels of bFGF were significantly less in these patients (441 pg/mL [45–4,108]) than in those patients where there was no seroma (807 [245–3,133] p<0.05). The levels of certain growth factors in acute wound fluid may be important markers for wound outcomes.
Effect of nerve growth factor and keratinocyte growth factor on wound healing of the sinus mucosa
Authors: Tan Lorwai , Hatzirodos Nick , Wormald Peter‐John 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThe healing of the sinuses after sinus surgery is often compromised by the development of adhesions. The aim of this study was to determine whether nerve growth factor (NGF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) aid epithelial and fibroblast wound healing after surgery. Two in vitro models were used to compare their effect on wound closure rates and expression of cell adhesion (E‐cadherin), tight junction formation (zona occludens‐1), cell proliferation (proliferative cell nuclear antigen and Ki67), and ciliogenesis (Foxj1 and β tubulin IVb) genes by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Epithelial cells from sinonasal tissue were seeded in collagen‐coated Transwells, creating an air–liquid interface, and a submergent model was used for fibroblasts. In epithelial cells, NGF (20–50 ng/mL) significantly decreased wound areas to <40% compared with controls that were still 70% of their original sizes by 24 hours (p<0.05). E‐cadherin and zona occludens‐1 expression were up‐regulated by 20‐ and 2.5‐fold, respectively, relative to controls. KGF (5–100 ng/mL) slowed fibroblast proliferation by reducing (0.8‐fold) and Ki67 (0.25‐fold) expression. NGF (10 ng/mL) slowed Ki67 expression by 0.5‐fold. NGF accelerated in vitro epithelial wound closure while NGF and KGF reduced fibroblast proliferation.
Influence of external forces (pressure and shear force) on superficial layer and subcutis of porcine skin and effects of dressing materials: Are dressing materials beneficial for reducing pressure and shear force in tissues?
Authors: Ohura Takehiko , Takahashi Makoto , Ohura Norihiko 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to measure the impact of external shear force and pressure on a superficial layer of skin and subcutaneous layer with an underlying bony prominence, and also to verify how the influence of these external forces can be reduced after dressings are applied. For this purpose, an experimental model was prepared, consisting of porcine skin and a Predia sensor capable of measuring pressure and shear force simultaneously. External force was applied to the skin model using a 1 kg weight consisting of metal beads. As a result, the control of the shear force value in the subcutaneous layer became approximately 35% smaller than the control in the superficial layer. The shear forces present in the subcutaneous layer were significantly reduced to within 31–45% when compared with the control values, depending on the dressing applied. Regarding the maximum pressures in the subcutaneous layer, the pressure measured following movement was 2.4 times higher in the control than the static pressure and they were also 1.3–1.8 times higher than the static pressure in all instances with the dressing tested. All the dressing materials tested proved to be effective in reducing pressure in the subcutaneous layer compared with the control. Film dressings and hydrocolloid dressings were more effective than hydropolymer and hydrocellular dressings. From the above results, we conclude that efforts made to reduce shear force and pressure may be clinically important.
Permissive environment in postnatal wounds induced by adenoviral‐mediated overexpression of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 prevents scar formation
Authors: Gordon Ashley , Kozin Elliott D. , Keswani Sundeep G. , Vaikunth Sachin S. , Katz Anna B. , Zoltick Philip W. , Favata Michele , Radu Antoneta P. , Soslowsky Louis J. , Herlyn Meenhard , Crombleholme Timothy M. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTWound healing in the mid‐gestation fetus is scarless with minimal inflammation and a unique extracellular matrix. We have previously documented the relative lack of inflammatory cytokines in this environment. We demonstrate that interleukin (IL)‐10 is highly expressed in mid‐gestation human fetal skin but is absent in postnatal human skin. We hypothesize that overexpression of IL‐10 in postnatal skin may replicate a permissive environment for scarless healing. To study the mechanism underlying this process we performed immunohistochemistry for IL‐10 in human mid‐gestation fetal and postnatal skin. We also determined if adenoviral‐mediated overexpression of IL‐10 could allow for scarless wound healing in a murine incisional wound model. Wounds were analyzed at 1–90 days postwounding for effects on scar formation, inflammatory response, and biomechanical properties. Ad‐IL‐10 reconstitutes a permissive environment for scarless healing as shown by reconstitution of a normal dermal reticular collagen pattern and distribution of dermal elements. Compared with controls, Ad‐IL‐10 treated wounds showed reduced inflammatory response and no difference in biomechanical parameters. Therefore, overexpression of IL‐10 in postnatal wounds results in a permissive environment for scarless wound repair, possibly by replicating a fetal wound environment.
Early healing rates and wound area measurements are reliable predictors of later complete wound closure
Authors: Cardinal Matthew , Eisenbud David E. , Phillips Tania , Harding Keith 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThis study was undertaken to determine if healing rates are reliable early predictors of ultimate complete wound closure in venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot wounds. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 306 venous leg ulcers and 241 diabetic foot ulcers enrolled in two large controlled, prospective, randomized pivotal trials to compare topical wound treatments, to determine whether certain early markers of healing could be correlated with later total wound closure. Two‐sided tests at 95% confidence demonstrated that wound margin advance, initial healing rate, percent wound surface area reduction, and wound healing trajectories (all p<0.001) were powerful predictors of complete wound healing at 12 weeks. Wounds with poor healing progress by these criteria at 4 weeks were highly likely to remain unhealed after 8 additional weeks of treatment. Analysis of the diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers subgroups separately demonstrated consistent statistical test results with high significance; similarly, the results remained valid independent of the topical treatment used. The early prediction of eventual wound healing or nonhealing using early healing rates may enable more efficient triage of patients to advanced healing technologies. We believe that these surrogate markers are robust predictors of healing regardless of wound etiology and that they merit wider use in clinical trials and routine patient care.
Relationship of Symptoms, Perceived Health, and Stigma With Quality of Life Among Urban HIV‐Infected African American Men
Authors: Buseh Aaron G. , Kelber Sheryl T. , Stevens Patricia E. , Park Chang Gi 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To explore the relationship of symptom prevalence and intensity, perceptions of health, and stigma on quality of life (QOL) among HIV‐infected African American men.Design: Cross‐sectional correlational descriptive study.Samples: The sample consisted of HIV‐infected African American men (N=55), all urban, age range 23–66 years (M=48.84, SD=7.67), average length of time since HIV diagnosis 10.79 years (SD=6.4).Measurements: A questionnaire consisting of 5 instruments was used: (a) sociodemographic characteristics, (b) Holzemer Signs and Symptom Checklist for HIV, (c) perceptions of health, (d) Berger HIV Stigma Scale, and (e) Holmes HIV/AIDS‐Targeted Quality of Life Scale.Results: Prevalent symptoms were fatigue (98%), fear (92.7%), shortness of breath (92.7%), gastrointestinal upset (85.5%), numbness (80.0%), and headache (76.4%). Symptoms with the highest intensity were gastrointestinal upset, body changes, fear, and fatigue. Symptom intensity was significantly associated with the measures of stigma and QOL.Conclusions: The results underscore the importance of incorporating a holistic view of the relationship of symptoms with QOL for HIV‐infected African American men. Without efforts to ameliorate stigmatizing effects, however, nurses may be falling short in helping individual African American men with HIV infection achieve a better QOL.
Factors Affecting Satisfaction Levels of Japanese Volunteers in Meal Delivery Services for the Elderly
Authors: Yanagisawa Hisayo , Sakakibara Hisataka 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting satisfaction with volunteer work of participants in a meal delivery service for the elderly.Design: A cross‐sectional study with a self‐administered survey was carried out.Sample: Of 364 volunteers assisting with a meal delivery service for the elderly in rural towns A (80), B (159), and C (125), 247 responded (response rate: 68%).Method: An anonymous self‐administered questionnaire survey was administered seeking information about basic attributes, sense of satisfaction with volunteer work, and working circumstances such as human relationships with fellow volunteers, meal service users or professional staff members, opportunities for meetings or workshop, publicity through public relations magazines, and the like.Results: In multivariate logistic analysis, the sense of satisfaction of volunteers was closely associated with human relations among volunteers (odds ratio [OR] 5.15, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.84–14.40, p<.01), meal service users (OR 3.84, 95% CI 1.37–10.77, p<.05), and professional staff members supervising the meal delivery service (OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.27–9.84, p<.05). Human relations were also affected by the emphasis on communication, consultation with supervisory staff members, having opportunities for meetings, having friends with whom to confer, and publicity through public relations magazines.Conclusion: Satisfaction levels of volunteers in meal delivery services for the elderly were most affected by human relations with fellow volunteers, meal service users, and professional staff members. Increasing opportunities for communication may be important to promote good human relationships among volunteers and volunteer activities.