bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eosinophil infiltration, gastric juice and serum eosinophil cationic protein levels in Helicobacter pylori‐associated chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer
Authors: Aydemir Selim , Tekin Isak Ozel , Numanoglu Gamze , Borazan Ali , Ustundag Yucel 
Published: December 2008

INTRODUCTION: Helicobacter pylori is one of the main causes of gastroduodenal diseases, such as chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer. It has been shown that eosinophils increase in the stomach in H. pylori infection. Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) is a cytotoxic molecule secreted by the activated eosinophils. However, there are no sufficient data about the role of ECP in H. pylori infection and its effect on ulcer development. In this study we investigated the gastric eosinophilic infiltration, gastric juice and serum ECP levels in patients with chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer associated with H. pylori.Materials and methods: Forty‐four H. pylori‐positive and 20 H. pylori‐negative patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy after admitting with dyspeptic complaints were enrolled in the study. Twenty‐one of the H. Pylori‐positive patients had gastric ulcer while 23 patients had none. During endoscopy, multiple gastric biopsies and juices were taken. In gastric biopsies, H. pylori and eosinophilic infiltration were assessed. Additionally, gastric juice and serum ECP levels were measured.Results: Eosinophil infiltration, gastric juice ECP levels, and gastric juice/serum ECP ratios in the H. pylori‐positive group were greater than in the H. pylori‐negative group (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference regarding serum ECP levels between the two groups (p > 0.05). When H. pylori‐positive patients were compared with regard to gastric ulcer presence, however, there was no significant difference in gastric eosinophil infiltration, gastric juice ECP levels, serum ECP levels, and gastric juice/serum ECP ratios (p > 0.05).Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that eosinophils and eosinophil‐released ECP may contribute to inflammatory changes seen in chronic gastritis, whereas there is no proof that they play a role in ulcer development.
Myocardial Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype 6–βARKct Gene Therapy Improves Cardiac Function and Normalizes the Neurohormonal Axis in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Rengo Giuseppe , Lymperopoulos Anastasios , Zincarelli Carmela , Donniacuo Maria , Soltys Stephen , Rabinowitz Joseph E. , Koch Walter J. 
Published: December 2008

Background—The upregulation of G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 in failing myocardium appears to contribute to dysfunctional β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) signaling and cardiac function. The peptide βARKct, which can inhibit the activation of G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 and improve βAR signaling, has been shown in transgenic models and short-term gene transfer experiments to rescue heart failure (HF). This study was designed to evaluate long-term βARKct expression in HF with the use of stable myocardial gene delivery with adeno-associated virus serotype 6 (AAV6).Methods and Results—In HF rats, we delivered βARKct or green fluorescent protein as a control via AAV6-mediated direct intramyocardial injection. We also treated groups with concurrent administration of the β-blocker metoprolol. We found robust and long-term transgene expression in the left ventricle at least 12 weeks after delivery. βARKct significantly improved cardiac contractility and reversed left ventricular remodeling, which was accompanied by a normalization of the neurohormonal (catecholamines and aldosterone) status of the chronic HF animals, including normalization of cardiac βAR signaling. Addition of metoprolol neither enhanced nor decreased βARKct-mediated beneficial effects, although metoprolol alone, despite not improving contractility, prevented further deterioration of the left ventricle.Conclusions—Long-term cardiac AAV6-βARKct gene therapy in HF results in sustained improvement of global cardiac function and reversal of remodeling at least in part as a result of a normalization of the neurohormonal signaling axis. In addition, βARKct alone improves outcomes more than a β-blocker alone, whereas both treatments are compatible. These findings show that βARKct gene therapy can be of long-term therapeutic value in HF.
Protective Factors as Barriers to Depression in Gifted and Nongifted Adolescents
Authors: Mueller Christian E. 
Published: December 2008

Despite continued efforts by researchers, a gap still exists in our understanding of the psychological, social, and emotional adjustment of gifted students. Historically, research and education of the gifted has focused on cognitive variables, with less attention given to the social and emotional needs of these students. The current study used data from the full Add Health data set to examine how protective factors moderated depression differently for gifted and nongifted adolescents. Results of the study indicate that gifted students are significantly less depressed than nongifted students, and all of the protective factors moderated depression for both groups. Future research should examine additional indicators of psychosocial well-being provide a more comprehensive framework for understanding the social and emotional development of gifted and nongifted adolescents. Putting the Research to Use: Empirical research examining the unique social and emotional needs of gifted adolescents is at a critical juncture. Both educators and researchers have become increasingly aware that giftedness, in whatever form, has unique influences on the social and emotional development of gifted adolescents. In line with previous findings, results in the current study suggest that for both gifted and nongifted adolescents, social support at home and at school can play an important role in reducing problems (i.e. depression) and at the same time enhancing resiliency. It is time, as Ford (1994) has suggested, for educators and researchers to take substantial steps to strengthen the “family-school-community” link in order to provide adequate social support in the many contexts that both gifted and nongifted adolescents live (Bronfenbrenner, 1977).
A Longitudinal Study of Negative Life Events, Stress, and School Experiences of Gifted Youth
Authors: Peterson Jean , Duncan Nancy , Canady Kate 
Published: December 2008

An 11-year mixed-methods, cross-sectional longitudinal study began with a group of 121 children, identified as gifted, and followed them until high-school graduation. Parents annually identified negative life events experienced by child and family, and, at graduation, students completed an open-ended retrospective questionnaire, focusing on events, impact of events, supports, and hindrances during the school years. As a result of attrition, participants became increasingly homogeneous over time. School data were available for 59 students (of 63 family units who sustained involvement) at the end. The students had experienced many negative events and situations during the school years. However, they usually cited academic challenges, school transitions, peer relationships, and overcommitment as their most challenging experiences, not life events. Almost without exception, they maintained high achievement. Putting the Research to Use: Gifted students may not communicate their distress to adults who are invested in their achievement or non-achievement. Significant adults therefore might wisely keep the findings in this study in mind as they interact with them. Inquiring casually about how the students are feeling or how they are managing high-stress times in the academic or extra-curricular year might be appreciated and potentially helpful. Though habits of achievement may help them to maintain high grades and high levels of extra-curricular performance, achievers might quietly experience high levels of stress from their heavy involvements in or outside of school. Low achievement and a high number of absences may also reflect personal stress in gifted students. Showing non-voyeuristic, holistic interest in gifted students as complex individuals, gently commenting when they seem “flat,” not fueling ultra-competitive attitudes, and offering credible comments about personal strengths and resilience might offer crucial support at a time of vulnerability.
Judging Drawing Abilities of Hong Kong Chinese Gifted Students: Could Nonexperts Make Expert-Like Judgments?
Authors: Chan David W. , Chan Lai-kwan , Chau Amethyst 
Published: December 2008

Two drawings based on tasks originally used in Clark's Drawing Abilities Test from each of 297 Chinese students were first evaluated independently by two Chinese visual artists as below average, average, and above average in drawing abilities. Based on these judges' verbalization to make explicit their implicit criteria for judgments, a set of guidelines containing these criteria was developed for nonexpert or lay judges. The substantial and significant correlations between global ratings by lay judges and expert judges on the drawings of a separate sample of 105 students provided evidence that the guidelines were useful in helping nonexperts closely replicate expert judgments rendered by visual artists. Implications of the findings for the identification of visual arts talents in the school setting are discussed. Putting the Research to Use: Assessing and identifying students with visual arts talents to support their artistic development often constitutes a problem in schools where no resident artists could be readily called on to help make the judgment. This study on judging drawing abilities of students offers grounds for optimism in demonstrating that lay judges could make judgments approaching those of visual artists, especially when these lay judges were provided with guidelines based on the verbalized criteria of expert judges. The set of guidelines developed in this study also serves as an example for future development of simpler and more refined guidelines that hold promise for applications in multicultural settings.
Self-Concept and Social Status of Accelerated and Nonaccelerated Students in the First 2 Years of Secondary School in the Netherlands
Authors: Hoogeveen Lianne , van Hell Janet G. , Verhoeven Ludo 
Published: December 2008

This study examined the self-concept and social status of accelerated and nonaccelerated students in their first 2 years of secondary school in the Netherlands. In 357 students from 18 secondary schools, we measured self-concept, sociometric status, and behavior reputations at three times. Accelerated students had more positive self-concepts concerning school in general and mathematics than nonaccelerated students, but a less positive social self-concept. In girls but not in boys, the difference in social self-concept of accelerated and nonaccelerated students was no longer present at the end of the 2nd year. Accelerated students had a lower social status than nonaccelerants and were considered to be less cooperative, humorous, helpful, leading, and social. peer ratings were more negative for accelerated boys than for accelerated girls. Implications for the education of accelerated students, including the social emotional development of accelerated students in their 1st years of secondary school, are discussed. Putting the Research to Use: In this study, we found that accelerated students have a more positive academic self-concept than their nonaccelerated classmates. We also found, however, indications that accelerated students, especially boys, in their first two years in secondary school (Grades 7 and 8 in the U.S. secondary educational system), have a more negative social status than their classmates. Many empirical studies and practitioners' experiences with gifted students point at the benefits of acceleration and the negative consequences of not accelerating a child. So, to abolish acceleration is not a realistic option. We should, however, take into account that accelerated students might have a more negative social status than their classmates. Knowledgeable teachers, with a positive attitude toward accelerated students, should be alert about possible prejudices of classmates and should aim for an accepting, tolerating climate in the classroom.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation of the Ankle
Authors: Nam Ellis Kevin , Ferkel Richard D. , Applegate Gregory R. 
Published: December 2008

Background Treatment of full-thickness talar cartilage defects that have failed previous surgery is problematic without a definitive solution. Purpose To report the first US prospective study of autologous chondrocyte implantation of the talus. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Eleven patients (6 women and 5 men; mean age, 33 years) underwent autologous chondrocyte implantation of the talus after previous failed surgical management. There were 9 medial and 2 lateral lesions, with a mean size of 21 × 13 mm (273 mm2). Five patients underwent autologous chondrocyte implantation of the talus alone; 6 had it with a “sandwich procedure.” Ten patients underwent a second-look arthroscopy with screw removal. Results Mean follow-up was 38 months. Preoperatively, 10 patients rated their ankles as poor and 1 as fair, using the simplified symptomatology evaluation. At latest follow-up, 3 patients were classified as excellent, 6 as good, and 2 as fair. Tegner activity level improved from 1.3 ± 1.0 (mean ± SE) preoperatively to 4.0 ± 1.6 (P <. 002) postoperatively. The Finsen score (modified Weber score) showed significant improvement in the total score (P <. 001). There was also overall agreement between the Finsen score and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot score, with significant improvement from 47.4 ± 17.4 preoperatively to 84.3 ± 8.1 postoperatively (P <. 001). At repeat arthroscopy, complete coverage of the defect was seen in all patients. Conclusion Autologous chondrocyte implantation of the talus yields significant functional improvement; however, further investigation is necessary to determine the long-term structural and biomechanical properties of the repair tissue.
Induction of micronuclei in rat bone marrow after chronic exposure to lead acetate trihydrate
Authors: Alghazal MA , Šutiaková I , Kovalkovičová N , Legáth J , Falis M , Pistl J , Sabo R , Beňová K , Sabová L , Váczi P 
Published: December 2008

Lead increasingly contributes to pollution of the environment and may play a role in the development of adverse effects in the human and animal body. Data concerning its mutagenic, clastogenic, and carcinogenic properties have been conflicting. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of micronuclei in bone marrow erythrocytes of rats treated with lead acetate trihydrate. Outbred Wistar rats were exposed to a daily dose of 100 mg/L drinking water for 125 days. The mean value of the total number of micronuclei observed in polychromatic erythrocytes of female rats was significantly higher than that found in the control group (13.375 ± 2.722 against 9.625 ± 3.204 micronuclei/1000 cells; P = 0.024 in ANOVA). In exposed female animals, no significant reduction of the ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes was observed (0.990 ± 0.228 against 1.208 ± 0.195; P = 0.060 in ANOVA). The effects of lead acetate trihydrate in male rats are both cytotoxic and genotoxic because of a decrease in ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes (0.715 ± 0.431 against 1.343 ± 0.306; P = 0.023, ANOVA followed by Tukey test) and an increase in frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (24.167 ± 7.859 against 4.0 ± 4.528 micronuclei/1000 cells; P ≤ 0.001, ANOVA followed by Tukey test), respectively.
Histopathological changes in the liver and kidney tissues of Wistar albino rat exposed to fenitrothion
Authors: Afshar S , Farshid AA , Heidari R , Ilkhanipour M 
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the dose-related effects of fenitrothion (FNT) on the liver and kidney. The study was conducted on 8-week-old male Wistar rats that were divided into four groups (three experimental groups and one control group) and were treated orally with different doses (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) of FNT for 28 consecutive days. After treatment, the rats were anesthetized with ether and liver and kidney samples were taken for histological studies. The results showed that the histopathological changes in the liver were mainly represented by parenchymatous degeneration of hepatocytes with mild necrosis, leukocytic infiltration in the portal area, severe congestion, and hemorrhage. These changes were dose dependent. Marked tubular dilation, hydropic degeneration in tubular epithelium, moderate congestion, and hemorrhage in the cortical and medulla part of the kidney were recorded. Histopathologic examination of the liver and kidney indicated a significant injury only in rats receiving 100 mg/kg FNT.
Urinary level of nickel and acute leukaemia in Chinese children
Authors: Yang Y , Jin XM , Yan CH , Tian Y , Tang JY , Shen XM 
Published: December 2008

The 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidized nucleoside of DNA, not only is a widely used biomarker for the measurement of endogenous oxidative DNA damage but might also be a risk factor for many diseases including cancer. Metal exposure may play an important role in oxidative DNA damage among children. However, few studies on urinary 8-OHdG and metals have been conducted in children with acute leukemia. In the present study, urinary Ni and 8-OHdG were examined in 116 children with acute leukaemia (94 acute lymphoid leukaemia [ALL] and 22 acute myeloid leukaemia [AML]) and 51 healthy child controls. Our result showed that urinary Ni in acute leukaemia patients (ALL: 68.40 ± 133.98, AML: 41.48 ± 76.31 ng/mg creatinine) was significantly higher than that in controls (62.47 ± 124.90 vs 17.63 ± 46.17 ng/mg creatinine, P < 0.05). Similarly, the pretherapy level of urinary 8-OHdG in patients (ALL: 11.83 ± 16.23, AML: 12.36 ± 11.36 ng/mg creatinine) was significantly elevated compared with controls (11.92 ± 15.42 vs 4.03 ± 4.70 ng/mg creatinine, P < 0.05). Moreover, urinary 8-OHdG and urinary Ni showed a weak but significant association with increased risk of childhood leukaemia. The present study suggests that Ni may be an etiologic factor for childhood acute leukaemia by oxidative DNA damage.
Palliative Medicine Death Rounds: Small Group Learning on a Vital Subject
Authors: Kitzes Judith A. , Kalishman Summers , Kingsley Darra D. , Mines Jan , Lawrence Elizabeth 
Published: December 2008

Background. The medical student's experience with patients' dying and death has profound impact on personal and professional development. Death Rounds at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine is a small group educational model that promotes student self-reflection, metacognition, professional growth, and collegial support. Objective. To describe the implementation and evaluation activities of a third year clerkship Death Rounds which are a structured, institutionally supported resource for helping students to understand the clinical, ethical, legal, professional, cultural, and spiritual aspects of death. Design. Medical students attend 2 to 3 small group palliative medicine Death Rounds sessions, facilitated by the attending clerkship director, chief residents, and a palliative care physician. Conclusions. The students' assessment of their palliative medicine knowledge and skills in 5 categories before and after participation in Death Rounds rated their skills after Death Rounds higher with effect sizes ranging from 0.9 to 1.9. Evidence from both the Death Rounds Questionnaire and Facilitators' Logs demonstrates that multiple issues and topics were addressed and all associated with the School of Medicine's 6 core competencies. Death Rounds minimally affect on clerkship time and faculty resources.
100 Years After Alzheimer: Contemporary Neurology Practice Assessment of Referrals for Dementia
Authors: Chow Tiffany W. , Binder Carin , Smyth Steven , Cohen Sharon , Robillard Alain 
Published: December 2008

Background: The prevalence of dementia is placing an increased burden on specialists. Methods: Canadian neurologists responded to a structured questionnaire to assess reasons for referral and services provided as well as to compare the neurologists' perceptions of their practice characteristics against cases seen over a 3-month period. Results: The audit confirmed the participants' perception that family practitioners are the main referral source (358/453, 79%). Sixty-two percent of patients had undergone clinical investigation for dementia prior to being seen by the neurologist; 39% (177/453) were on pharmacotherapy at the time of referral, 68% were initiated on pharmacotherapy by the neurologist. A fifth of the referrals did not meet clinical criteria for dementia, which may be directly related to the prevalence of prior workup that did not include mental status testing. Conclusions: Neurologists currently treat patients referred for dementia who may already have been adequately evaluated and treated by primary care providers.
Differential requirement for the activation of the inflammasome for processing and release of IL-1β in monocytes and macrophages
Authors: Netea Mihai G. , Nold-Petry Claudia A. , Nold Marcel F. , Joosten Leo A. B. , Opitz Bastian , van der Meer Jonathan H. M. , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Ferwerda Gerben , Heinhuis Bas , Devesa Isabel , Funk C. Joel , Mason Robert J. , Kullberg Bart Jan , Rubartelli Anna , van der Meer Jos W. M. , Dinarello Charles A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe processing of pro-interleukin-1β depends on activation of caspase-1. Controversy has arisen whether Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands alone can activate caspase-1 for release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Here we demonstrate that human blood monocytes release processed IL-1β after a one-time stimulation with either TLR2 or TLR4 ligands, resulting from constitutively activated caspase-1 and release of endogenous adenosine triphosphate. The constitutive activation of caspase-1 depends on the inflammasome components, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and NALP3, but in monocytes caspase-1 activation is uncoupled from pathogen-associated molecular pattern recognition. In contrast, macrophages are unable to process and release IL-1β solely by TLR ligands and require a second adenosine triphosphate stimulation. We conclude that IL-1β production is differentially regulated in monocytes and macrophages, and this reflects their separate functions in host defense and inflammation.