bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of water connections in Central American cities: a revealed preference study
Authors: NAUGES CÉLINE , STRAND JON , WALKER IAN 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTWe estimate annualized values of access to home tap water in three cities in El Salvador, and marginal ‘barrios’ in four Guatemalan cities, using a hedonic price method for studying changes in capitalized home values from obtaining a water connection. A tap water connection is found to add from 10 per cent to 52 per cent to sales values of homes in our sample. The estimated mean values of gaining tap water access represent 1–5 per cent of real household income, differing by city and with generally higher values in El Salvador. On average this gain eliminates between 1 per cent and 3 per cent of the initial difference in real incomes between the groups of connected and unconnected households. We also find large differences in the value of a tap connection depending on the main source of non-tap water, with lowest values when the source is a private well in El Salvador.
Description of dermal denticles from the caudal region of Raja clavata and their use for the estimation of age and growth
Authors: Serra-Pereira B. , Figueiredo I. , Farias I. , Moura T. , Gordo L. S. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSerra-Pereira, B., Figueiredo, I., Farias, I., Moura, T., and Gordo, L. S. 2008. Description of dermal denticles from the caudal region of Raja clavata and their use for the estimation of age and growth. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1701–1709. This work is a response to a lack of knowledge of the biology of Raja clavata in southern European waters, particularly in terms of age and growth. Two structures were analysed: dermal denticles and vertebral centra. Six types of dermal denticle were identified in the tail. Among those, small thorns were the most suitable for age determination owing to their fixed position, persistence throughout their lifespan, and defined growth-band pattern. Caudal thorns were more accurate than vertebral centra for age determination and were therefore selected as the most appropriate structure for ageing R. clavata. Based on edge analysis, annual band deposition was verified. The birthdate was established as 1 June based on the prevalence of hyaline edges in age-0 class specimens: prevalence peaked in May and June. Both von Bertalanffy and Gompertz growth models were fitted to age-at-length data, but the former was considered more appropriate based on similarity between the estimated L∞ and the maximum size recorded for the species. No significant differences in growth parameters were observed between sexes. The estimated growth parameters were L∞ = 1280 mm, k = 0.117 year−1, and t0 = −0.617 years. The maximum age estimated for R. clavata was 10 years, for a female of length 835 mm.
Probiotics in Allergy Management
Authors: Vanderhoof Jon A 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTThe gut contains a diverse bacterial flora that is acquired at birth and has a number of physiological functions. Administration of prebiotics or probiotics may favourably alter this gut microflora. Prebiotics are poorly digested oligosaccharides that promote the growth of desirable bacteria and may have other beneficial gastrointestinal and systemic effects. Probiotics are “helpful” human bacteria that provide a variety of health benefits when administered exogenously. Probiotics produce beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of traveller's diarrhoea, viral diarrhoea, and diarrhoea in day care centres. Moreover, probiotics have been shown to reduce relapses associated with Clostridium difficile, and Lactobacilli are effective in the prevention of antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea. Probiotics may also be efficacious in the treatment of gastroenteritis. Clinical studies of probiotics in inflammatory bowel disease have proved disappointing, but beneficial effects in adults with irritable bowel syndrome have been reported with Bifidobacterium infantis 35624. Lactobacilli GG reduces the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms and gut permeability in patients with atopic dermatitis, and administration of probiotics reduces the frequency and severity of atopic eczema when administered to pregnant women and then to newborn infants. In conclusion, probiotics are effective in the treatment and/or prevention of a number of conditions, including diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome and atopic dermatitis, and the product used should be selected based on the particular indication.
Postoperative Malignant Hyperthermia
Authors: Litman Ronald S. , Flood Christopher D. , Kaplan Richard F. , Kim Yung Ly , Tobin Joseph R. 
Published: October 2008

Background
The initial presentation of malignant hyperthermia (MH) may begin in the postoperative period. However, the maximal latency period between the end of anesthesia care and the onset of postoperative MH is unknown. The authors hypothesized that this latency period is short and is not manifested by hyperthermia as the initial presenting sign. The authors sought to test this hypothesis and to describe the clinical characteristics of postoperative MH by analysis of suspected cases in the North American Malignant Hyperthermia Registry.

Methods
Of 528 possible or suspected cases of MH in the North American Malignant Hyperthermia Registry, the authors identified 64 possible reports of postoperative MH. The records were reviewed in detail by the authors, each of whom assigned a qualitative score of "likely," "not likely," "not enough information available," or "not applicable" (where MH was not the final definitive diagnosis). Postoperative MH was confirmed after a consensus meeting of the three senior authors who reviewed in detail all possible "likely" cases.

Results
The authors identified postoperative MH in 10 subjects. All received volatile agents and 5 also received succinylcholine. All demonstrated signs characteristic of acute MH, including generalized rigidity, hypercapnia and/or tachypnea, tachycardia, and hyperthermia. No subject demonstrated hyperthermia as the presenting sign. The latency period between the anesthesia finish time and the onset of a sign indicative of acute MH ranged from 0 to 40 min.

Conclusions
Postoperative MH is uncommon, occurring in 10 of 528 suspected MH cases (1.9%) reported to the North American Malignant Hyperthermia Registry. Postoperative MH began shortly after completion of the anesthetic care. Hyperthermia was not a presenting sign of MH.
Intrathecal Injection of the ς1Receptor Antagonist BD1047 Blocks Both Mechanical Allodynia and Increases in Spinal NR1 Expression during the Induction Phase of Rodent Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Roh Dae-Hyun , Kim Hyun-Woo , Yoon Seo-Yeon , Seo Hyoung-Sig , Kwon Young-Bae , Kim Kee-Won , Han Ho-Jae , Beitz Alvin J. , Na Heung-Sik , Lee Jang-Hern 
Published: October 2008

Background
Selective blockade of spinal sigma(1) receptors (Sig-1R) suppresses nociceptive behaviors in the mouse formalin test. The current study was designed to verify whether intrathecal Sig-1R antagonists can also suppress chronic neuropathic pain.

Methods
Neuropathic pain was produced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the right sciatic nerve in rats. The Sig-1R antagonist BD1047 was administered intrathecally twice daily from postoperative days 0 to 5 (induction phase of neuropathic pain) or from days 15 to 20 (maintenance phase). Western blot and immunohistochemistry were performed to determine changes in Sig-1R expression and to examine the effect of BD1047 on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1 expression and phosphorylation in spinal cord dorsal horn from neuropathic rats.

Results
BD1047 administered on postoperative days 0-5 significantly attenuated CCI-induced mechanical allodynia, but not thermal hyperalgesia, and this suppression was blocked by intrathecal administration of the Sig-1R agonist PRE084. In contrast, BD1047 treatment during the maintenance phase of neuropathic pain had no effect on mechanical allodynia. Sig-1R expression significantly increased in the ipsilateral spinal cord dorsal horn from days 1 to 3 after CCI. Importantly, BD1047 (30 nmol) administered intrathecally during the induction, but not the maintenance phase, blocked the CCI-induced increase in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1 expression and phosphorylation.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that spinal Sig-1Rs play a critical role in both the induction of mechanical allodynia and the activation of spinal N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in CCI rats and suggest a potential therapeutic role for the use of Sig-1R antagonists in the clinical management of neuropathic pain.
Sevoflurane Anesthesia Alters Exploratory and Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice Lacking the β2Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit
Authors: Wiklund Andreas , Granon Sylvie , Cloëz-Tayarani Isabelle , Faure Philippe , le Sourd Anne-Marie , Sundman Eva , Changeux Jean-Pierre , Eriksson Lars I. 
Published: October 2008

Background
Preexisting cognitive impairment and advanced age are factors that increase the risk of developing postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Because anesthetic agents interfere with cholinergic transmission and as impairment of cholinergic function is associated with cognitive decline, the authors studied how the volatile anesthetic sevoflurane affects exploratory and anxiety-like behavior in young and aged animals with a genetically modified cholinergic system.

Methods
Young and aged wild-type and mutant mice lacking the beta2 subunit of the nicotinic cholinergic receptor (beta2KO) were anesthetized for 2 h with 2.6% sevoflurane in oxygen and compared with nonanesthetized controls. Locomotor activity and organization of movement in the open field model were assessed before and 24 h after anesthesia. Locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze were assessed 24 h after anesthesia. High- and low-affinity nicotinic receptor and cholinergic uptake site densities were evaluated in the hippocampus, amygdala, and forebrain regions using receptor autoradiography.

Results
Sevoflurane anesthesia significantly reduced locomotor activity, altered temporospatial organization of trajectories, and increased anxiety-like behavior in young beta2KO mice, whereas no such changes were observed in young wild-type mice. Aged wild-type and beta2KO mice displayed reactions that were similar, but not identical, to the reactions of young mice to sevoflurane anesthesia. However, behavioral changes were not associated with differences in nicotinic receptor or cholinergic uptake site densities.

Conclusion
In conclusion, sevoflurane anesthesia altered exploratory and anxiety-like behavior in mice lacking the beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit.
Metoclopramide Does Not Attenuate Cricoid Pressure–induced Relaxation of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter in Awake Volunteers
Authors: Salem M Ramez , Bruninga Keith W. , Dodlapatii Jyothi , Joseph Ninos J. 
Published: October 2008

Background
The authors examined the influence of metoclopramide on cricoid pressure-induced relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in awake human volunteers.

Methods
With local institutional review board approval, measurements of LES and intragastric pressures were made in 10 consenting volunteers before cricoid pressure application, during 15 s of cricoid pressure application, and after release of cricoid pressure. The measurements were repeated after 0.15 mg/kg intravenous metoclopramide. Cricoid pressure was applied by one investigator trained to consistently apply a force of 44 N.

Results
Cricoid pressure resulted in immediate decrease in LES and barrier pressures from 14.1 +/- 2.9 mmHg to 3.2 +/- 3.7 mmHg and from 9.6 +/- 3.4 mmHg to -1.8 +/- 2.9 mmHg, respectively. These pressures promptly returned to baseline values after release of cricoid pressure. LES and barrier pressures increased after metoclopramide from 14.5 +/- 3.1 to 19.6 +/- 4.7 mmHg and from 10.2 +/- 3.6 to 14.1 +/- 5.5 mmHg, respectively. Cricoid pressure applied after metoclopramide resulted in immediate decreases in LES and barrier pressures to levels comparable to cricoid pressure before metoclopramide, but immediately returned to precricoid values after release of pressure.

Conclusions
The current investigation demonstrates that cricoid pressure reflexly decreases LES tone and barrier pressure in awake subjects. Although metoclopramide increased LES and barrier pressures, it did not attenuate cricoid pressure-induced relaxation of the LES and barrier pressures and thus seems to have no value in preventing gastroesophageal reflux during cricoid pressure. Metoclopramide may be useful in preventing reflux when there is need to release or discontinue cricoid pressure.
Continuous Invasive Blood Pressure and Cardiac Output Monitoring during Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Langesæter Eldrid , Rosseland Leiv Arne , Stubhaug Audun 
Published: October 2008

Background
Prevention of hemodynamic instability during cesarean delivery during spinal anesthesia has been the aim of several studies. Noninvasive monitoring has been used in all previous studies. This is the first study in healthy pregnant women with continuous invasive recording of arterial blood pressure, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance. The aim of this randomized trial was to compare the effects of two different intrathecal doses of bupivacaine, with or without intravenous phenylephrine infusion, on cardiac output and systolic blood pressure.

Methods
In this double-blinded study, 80 healthy women scheduled to undergo elective cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to one of four different groups receiving 7 mg spinal bupivacaine with or without a concomitant low-dose infusion of phenylephrine (0.25 microg . kg(-1) . min(-1)) or 10 mg spinal bupivacaine with or without phenylephrine infusion. All patients had 4 microg sufentanil added to the spinal solution and had cohydration with 750 ml saline, 0.9%.

Results
The low-dose spinal bupivacaine group with intravenous phenylephrine infusion was the most stable group regarding all hemodynamic variables. The authors found significant differences between this group and the group that was given the high dose of bupivacaine with intravenous placebo infusion regarding cardiac output (P = 0.005), systemic vascular resistance (P < 0.0001), and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.012).

Conclusions
This study shows that low-dose bupivacaine (with sufentanil), combined with a low-dose infusion of phenylephrine and moderate cohydration, gives the best hemodynamic stability during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.
QUERCETIN ACTIVATES HUMAN Kv1.5 CHANNELS BY A RESIDUE I502 IN THE S6 SEGMENT
Authors: Yang Lan , Ma Ji‐Hua , Zhang Pei‐Hua , Zou An‐Ruo , Tu Dan‐Na 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe aims of the present study were to investigate the pharmacological effects of quercetin on wild‐type (WT) and mutant (I502A) human (h) Kv1.5 channel currents (Ikur) and to identify whether mutation in the S6 segment is critical to activation ofIkurby quercetin.Experiments were performed on WT and site‐directed mutant hKv1.5 channels, which were stably expressed inXenopusoocytes using the two‐microelectrode voltage‐clamp technique.Quercetin increased WT hKv1.5 channel current in a concentration‐, voltage‐ and time‐dependent manner, with an EC50of 37.8 µmol/L and a negative shift in the steady state activation and inactivation curves. Quercetin accelerated channel activation and inactivation, significantly decreasing activation and inactivation time constants. However, mutating the I502 residue to Ala abolished the activating effect of quercetin. Quercetin did not modify the activation and inactivation kinetics of I502A channels. As an anti‐oxidant, tanshinone IIA (4 mmol/L) inhibited the H2O2‐induced activation of WT hKv1.5 channels. In contrast, quercetin had no significant effect.We conclude that: (i) quercetin preferentially binds to and increases the current amplitude of WT hKv1.5 channels; (ii) Ile502, an aliphatic and neutral amino acid residue residing in the S6 segment, is important in quercetin binding; and (iii) quercetin‐induced changes in the properties of WT hKv1.5 channels may be foreign to its own anti‐oxidant action.
DESIPRAMINE‐INDUCED Ca2+‐INDEPENDENT APOPTOSIS IN MG63 HUMAN OSTEOSARCOMA CELLS: DEPENDENCE ON P38 MITOGEN‐ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE‐REGULATED ACTIVATION OF CASPASE 3
Authors: Lu Ti , Huang Chorng‐Chih , Lu Yih‐Chau , Lin Ko‐Long , Liu Shiuh‐In , Wang Being‐Whey , Chang Po‐Min , Chen I‐Shu , Chen Sheng‐Shih , Tsai Jeng‐Yu , Chou Chiang‐Ting , Jan Chung‐Ren 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARY

It has been shown that the antidepressant desipramine is able to induce increases in [Ca2+]i and cell death in MG63 human osteosacroma cells, but whether apoptosis is involved is unclear. In the present study, the effect of desipramine on apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms were explored. It was demonstrated that desipramine induced cell death in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner.
Cells treated with 100–800 mmol/L desipramine showed typical apoptotic features, including an increase in sub‐diploid nuclei and activation of caspase 3, indicating that these cells underwent apoptosis. Immunoblotting revealed that 100 mmol/L desipramine activated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Although pretreatment of cells with 20 mmol/L PD98059 (an ERK inhibitor) or 20 mmol/L SP600125 (an inhibitor of JNK) did not inhibit cell death, the addition of 20 mmol/L SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) partially rescued cells from apoptosis. Desipramine‐induced caspase 3 activation required p38 MAPK activation.
Pretreatment of cells with BAPTA/AM (20 mmol/L) to prevent desipramine‐induced increases in [Ca2+]i did not protect cells from death.
The results of the present study suggest that, in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells, desipramine causes Ca2+‐independent apoptosis by inducing p38 MAPK‐associated activation of caspase 3.
Palliative care needs of patients with neurologic or neurosurgical conditions
Authors: Chahine L. M. , Malik B. , Davis M. 
Published: October 2008

Background and purpose:  Many patients with non‐cancer diagnoses utilize palliative services. There is little data on the palliative care needs of patients with neurologic and neurosurgical disorders.Methods:  Retrospective chart review. Log sheets which contain all patients seen between January 2004 and 2007 by palliative medicine (PM) were reviewed. Patients with neurologic or neurosurgical disorders were identified and their in‐patient charts and electronic records reviewed. Patients with cancer were excluded.Results:  A total of 1429 cancer patients were seen by PM. Neurologic or neurosurgical diseases were the second most common in patients seen by the PM service, in 177 cases. Forty‐seven patients were excluded. Complete data was collected on 129 patients. Mean age was 70. Seventy‐one (55%) were female. The most common neurologic diagnosis was ischemic stroke in 33 (26%). Seventy‐five (58%) had symptoms recorded. Reasons for PM consultation included ‘comfort measures’ in 40 (39%) and ‘hospice candidacy’ in 38 (37%). The most common recommendation made by the PM service was morphine in 44 (42%). Sixty‐three (49%) were deemed hospice appropriate.Conclusions:  Our findings support the need for PM services for patients with various neurologic and neurosurgical disorders. Understanding these needs will allow for the tailoring of palliative care services to such patients.
Immediate Occlusal Loading of NanoTite™ PREVAIL® Implants: A Prospective 1‐Year Clinical and Radiographic Study
Authors: Östman Pär‐Olov , Wennerberg Ann , Albrektsson Tomas 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTBackground: Recently, a new implant surface texture, featuring application of nanometer‐scale calcium phosphate has been shown to enhance early bone fixation and formation in preclinical studies and in human histomorphometric studies, which may be beneficial in immediate loading situations.Aim: The purpose of the present prospective clinical study was to, during 1 year, clinically and radiographically evaluate a nanometer scale surface modified implant placed for immediate loading of fixed prostheses in both maxillary and mandibular regions.Materials and Methods: Thirty‐five out of 38 patients who needed implant treatment and met inclusion criteria agreed to participate in the study and were consecutively enrolled. Surgical implant placement requirements consisted of a final torque of a least 25 Ncm prior to final seating and an implant stability quotient above 55. A total of 102 NanoTite™ PREVAIL® (NTP) implants (BIOMET 3i, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA) (66 maxillary and 36 mandibular) were placed by one investigator, and the majority of these were placed in posterior regions (65%) and in soft bone (69%). A total of 44 prosthetic constructions were evaluated consisting of 14 single‐tooth restorations, 26 fixed partial dentures, and four complete fixed restorations. All provisional constructions were delivered within 1 hour, and the final constructions placed after 4 months. Implants were monitored for clinical and radiographic outcomes at follow‐up examinations scheduled for 3, 6, and 12 months.Results: Of the 102 study implants, one implant failed. The simple cumulative survival rate value at 1 year was 99.2%. The average marginal bone resorption was 0.37 mm (SD 0.39) during the first year in function. According to the success criteria of Albrektsson and Zarb, success grade 1 was found with 93% of the implants.Conclusion: Although limited to the short follow‐up, immediate loading of NanoTite Prevail implants seems to be a viable option in implant rehabilitation, at least when a good initial fixation is achieved.
Multiplex Immunoassay for Serological Diagnosis of
Mycobacterium bovis
Infection in Cattle
Authors: Whelan Clare , Shuralev Eduard , O'Keeffe Grainne , Hyland Paula , Kwok Hang Fai , Snoddy Philip , O'Brien Amanda , Connolly Marie , Quinn Padraig , Groll Matt , Watterson Todd , Call Sara , Kenny Kevin , Duignan Anthony , Hamilton Mary Jo , Buddle Bryce M. , Johnston James A. , Davis William C. , Olwill Shane A. , Clarke John 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Efforts to develop a better diagnostic assay for bovine tuberculosis have shown that the sensitivity and specificity of an assay can be improved by the use of two or more antigens. As reported here, we developed a multiplex chemiluminescent immunoassay that can simultaneously detect antibody activity to 25 antigens in a single well in a 96-well plate array format. The chemiluminescent signal is captured with a digital imaging system and analyzed with a macro program that tracks each serum for its pattern of antibody activity for
Mycobacterium bovis
antigens. The comparison of sera from 522 infected and 1,489 uninfected animals showed that a sensitivity of 93.1% and a specificity of 98.4% can be achieved with a combination of antigens. The assay system is rapid and can be automated for use in a centralized laboratory.
Association of white blood cell subfraction concentration with fitness and fatness
Authors: Johannsen N M , Priest E L , Dixit V D , Earnest C P , Blair S N , Church T S 
Published: October 2008

ObjectiveTo examine the association between fitness, BMI, and neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, basophil, and eosinophil concentrations in apparently healthy, non-smoking men.DesignCross-sectional study of 452 men from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study examining the resting concentration of white blood cell subfractions across fitness (maximal METs during a treadmill exercise test) and fatness (BMI) categories after adjusting for age.ResultsFitness was inversely associated with all WBC subfraction concentrations. After further adjustment for BMI, only total WBC, neutrophil, and basophil concentrations remained significantly associated with fitness. BMI was directly associated with total WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and basophil concentrations and, when fitness was added to the model, only monocytes lost significance.ConclusionFitness (inversely) and fatness (directly) are associated with WBC subfraction populations.