bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current status of Japanese emergency medicine based on a cross‐sectional survey of one prefecture
Authors: Ezaki Takahiro , Yamada Tomomi , Yasuda Mitsuhiro , Kannna Tomoo , Shiraishi Kiminori , Hashizume Makoto 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjective:  To ascertain the current status of emergency medicine at certified emergency hospitals in Fukuoka, a Japanese prefecture. Fukuoka prefecture has the 9th largest population volume of the 46 prefectures throughout Japan.Methods:  Written questionnaire sent to 146 certified emergency hospitals.Results:  A total of 132 of 146 (90.4%) emergency hospitals replied. Data were complete from 131. Nineteen of 131 hospitals (14.5%) were qualified by the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine, whereas 85 of 131 (64.9%) were certified by other medical associations. In 32 of 131 hospitals (24.4%), there was an emergency medicine specialist or acute care physician, whereas 117 hospitals (89.3%) had a specialist doctor qualified by another medical association. In 33 of 131 hospitals (25%), there were doctors who undertook training in emergency medicine of surgery‐related courses, and 66 (50%) undertook internal medicine‐related courses.Conclusion:  The current status of emergency medicine practice in the Fukuoka prefecture is poor. Medical associations relevant to emergency medicine should collaborate with each other to share information, as well as provide help to solve problems associated with emergency medicine manpower. This collaboration should occur as a national effort within the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine.
Use of point‐of‐care ultrasound by a critical care retrieval team
Authors: Mazur Stefan M , Pearce Andrew , Alfred Sam , Sharley Peter 
Published: November 2007

AbstractPoint‐of‐care ultrasound in the prehospital and retrieval environments has now become possible owing to decreased size and weight, and increasing robustness of some ultrasound machines. This report describes the initial experience of point‐of‐care ultrasound by an Australian critical care retrieval service using a portable ultrasound machine.
Best Guess method for age‐based weight estimation in paediatric emergencies: Validation and comparison with current methods
Authors: Thompson Michelle T , Reading Michael J , Acworth Jason P 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground:  During paediatric resuscitation, drug doses are calculated based upon weight. Age‐based weight estimates are used when weighing children is impractical. The average weight of Australian children has increased, and widely used paediatric age‐based formulae might underestimate weight. A modified age‐based method for paediatric weight calculation, the ‘Best Guess’, has been described.Objective:  To validate the Best Guess formulae on a new population of paediatric emergency patients, and to compare the accuracy of this method with Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) and Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) formulae for age‐based weight calculations.Methods:  A retrospective study was performed of Australasian Triage Scale (ATS) category 1 or 2 patients presenting to a tertiary paediatric ED over a 12 month period. Calculated weights using each method (APLS, ARC and Best Guess) were compared with true weights for infants (<1 year), preschool‐aged (1–4 years) and school‐aged (5–14 years) children. Mean actual error and mean percentage error for each was calculated.Results:  A total of 1843 patient weights were included in the study. The Best Guess Infant formula accurately estimated weight (mean percentage error +4.2%). The Best Guess formulae more accurately estimated weight than both APLS and ARC formulae for both preschool‐aged children (mean percentage error +2.6% vs−12.1% vs−12.1%) and school‐aged children (mean percentage error +7.7% vs−19.9% vs−12.4%).Conclusion:  The Best Guess formulae is a valid method for age‐based weight estimation in acutely unwell or injured children presenting to the ED and more accurately predicts mean weight than either APLS or ARC formulae.
Association between Psychiatric Symptoms and Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Ricca Valdo , Bandini Elisa , Mannucci Edoardo , Petrone Luisa , Fisher Alessandra D. , Lotti Francesco , Balercia Giancarlo , Faravelli Carlo , Forti Gianni , Maggi Mario 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often associated with a wide array of psychiatric symptoms, although few studies systematically address their specific association with ED determinants.

Aim
The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between ED (as assessed by SIEDY Structured Interview, a 13-item tool which identifies and quantifies the contribution of organic, relational, and intrapsychic domains of ED) and different psychopathological symptoms (as assessed by the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire, a self-reported test for the screening of mental disorders in a nonpsychiatric setting).

Methods
A consecutive series of 1,388 (mean age 51 ± 13 years) male patients with ED was studied.

Main Outcome Measures
Several hormonal and biochemical parameters were investigated, along with SIEDY Interview and the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire.

Results
Psychiatric symptoms resulted differentially associated with SIEDY domains. Depressive and phobic-anxiety symptoms were associated with the relational domain, somatization with the organic one, while free-floating anxiety, obsessive–compulsive, and phobic symptoms were significantly related with higher intrapsychic SIEDY scores. In addition, relevant depressive symptomatology was associated with hypogonadism, the presence of low frequency of intercourse, hypoactive sexual desire (HSD), and conflictual relationships within the couple and the family. Patients with high free-floating anxiety symptoms were younger, and complained of an unsatisfactory work and a conflictual relationship within family. Conversely, subjects with higher phobic anxious symptoms displayed a more robust relational functioning. Similar results were observed in subjects with obsessive–compulsive symptoms, who also reported a lower prevalence of HSD. Finally, subjects with somatization symptoms showed the worst erectile function.

Conclusions
The main value of this study is that it alters various clinicians' belief that many psychiatric symptoms can be found among ED patients. Systematic testing of patients with ED, through psychiatric questionnaires, is recommended to detect even slight or moderate psychopathological distresses, which specifically associate and exacerbate sexual disturbances.
EXTRACTION METHOD THAT ENRICHES PHENOLIC CONTENT IN OREGANO (LIPPIA GRAVEOLENS H.B.K.) ESSENTIAL OIL
Authors: CASTILLO‐HERRERA GUSTAVO A. , GARCÍA‐FAJARDO JORGE A. , ESTARRÓN‐ESPINOSA MIRNA 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to evaluate a method that enriches the phenolic content in the essential oil of oregano, by obtaining high and constant phenolic concentrations. By means of extractive techniques such as fractional distillation, it was possible to concentrate thymol and carvacrol, as high as 74% in one essential oil fraction. In addition, the influence of the source region of the oregano on the phenolic content in the essential oil obtained by fractional hydrodistillation was also investigated; however, no significant effect was found (P > 0.05) based on source region. It may be considered that the fractional hydrodistillation method standardizes the phenolic content in essential oil composition regardless of the source of the spice. In this way, this method enriches phenolic content and reduces the effect of variable environmental factors on the quality of essential oils of oreganos from three different Mexican states.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe present investigation was carried out to improve the traditional extraction method for essential oils. With a few modifications, this method allows the fractionation of oregano essential oil in a 50:50 ratio, obtaining two fractions with high phenolic content; phenols are responsible for microbicide properties of the essential oil of oregano. This is an important step, considering the variability in phenolic content found in this spice, and because almost all of the harvested oreganos in Mexico contain a 45–50% average phenolic content. This method is attractive because it enriches the phenolic content in the essential oil and reduces environmental factors that affect oregano's essential oil, thus improving the quality of the essential oil of oregano.The contributions of the present work are to increase knowledge in the field of aromatic herbs, to enhance the economic advantages of Mexican oregano and to propose alternative applications for use, such as novel microbicide ingredients in the development of natural food products.
CONCENTRATING THE CHLOROPHYLLS IN EXTRACT BY PRETREATMENT OF STINGING NETTLE LEAVES WITH NONPOLAR ORGANIC SOLVENTS AND SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE
Authors: HOJNIK MAŠA , ŠKERGET MOJCA , KNEZ ŽELJKO 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT It is well known that stinging nettle leaves contain volatile compounds such as essential oils and nonvolatile compounds such as cuticular waxes, pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), vegetable oils and other solutes. Petroleum ether (PE) and hexane (Hex) have good solvent properties for the extraction of nonpolar components such as vegetable oils, essential oils, oleoresins and also carotenoids. Therefore, these nonpolar solvents have been used to pretreat the material in order to remove lipophilic substances, undesired oils and carotenoids, and to concentrate the chlorophylls in extracts obtained by re‐extracting the residual material with ethanol. By pretreating the material with PE and Hex, the concentration of chlorophylls in ethanol extracts increased from 11.7 ± 0.52 gCHL/100 gextract to 17.3 ± 0.61 and 14.3 ± 0.95 gCHL/100 gextract, respectively. For comparison, extractions using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) at three temperatures and pressures were performed in order to remove lipophilic compounds and, consequently, to concentrate the content of chlorophylls in extracts obtained by re‐extraction of the residual by conventional extraction. The results show much higher concentration of chlorophylls in extracts obtained from residual material when pretreating the material with SC‐CO2 (from 9.6 ± 0.41 gCHL/100 gextract to 19.9 ± 0.65 gCHL/100 gextract).PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThere is a considerable demand for replacing the synthetic colorants in the food, drug and cosmetic industry. In this work, stinging nettle was selected as raw material because it is known as a rich source of chlorophylls and is a plant abundantly available worldwide. Chlorophylls are used as a green coloring agent (E140) extensively as a dye in coloring inks, resins, soaps, waxes, edible fats and cosmetics. The present work deals with the different techniques in order to concentrate the content of chlorophylls in extract and to increase the efficiency of isolation. It was shown that the best results were obtained by using supercritical CO2 extraction for pretreating the material.
Exporting the Local: Recent Perspectives on ‘Religion’ as a Cultural Category
Authors: Dubuisson Daniel 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis article examines new perspectives in the field of religious studies recently opened up by the works of T. Fitzgerald, R. McCutcheon, R. King, T. Masuzawa, G. A. Oddie and D. Dubuisson.1It begins, however, by taking up the origin and history of these studies in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries so as to underline the paradoxes and impasses that still too often characterize them today.Cet article examine quelques‐unes des plus récentes perspectives ouvertes dans le domaine desreligious studiespar les travaux de T. Fitzgerald, R. McCutcheon, R. King, T. Masuzawa, G. A. Oddie et D. Dubuisson. Mais il revient pour commencer sur l’origine et l’histoire de ces études aux XIXe et XXe siècles afin de souligner les paradoxes et apories qui les caractérisent encore trop souvent aujourd’hui.
Men, Masculinities, and Language
Authors: Kiesling Scott 
Published: November 2007

AbstractHow do men use language to express masculinity? How is language masculine, and how does it become so? These are the issues that I address in this article. I first discuss why men and masculinities should be a focus in sociolinguistics, and why they generally have not been. I then explore what is meant by masculinities and the sociolinguistic processes that connect language with masculinities. Finally, I discuss some of the ways researchers have claimed men tend to speak, and why, and the problems with generalizing to all men from these data.
The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin†
Authors: Brenner Michaela , Hearing Vincent J. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractHuman skin is repeatedly exposed to UVR that influences the function and survival of many cell types and is regarded as the main causative factor in the induction of skin cancer. It has been traditionally believed that skin pigmentation is the most important photoprotective factor, as melanin, besides functioning as a broadband UV absorbent, has antioxidant and radical scavenging properties. Besides, many epidemiological studies have shown a lower incidence for skin cancer in individuals with darker skin compared to those with fair skin. Skin pigmentation is of great cultural and cosmetic importance, yet the role of melanin in photoprotection is still controversial. This article outlines the major acute and chronic effects of UVR on human skin, the properties of melanin, the regulation of pigmentation and its effect on skin cancer prevention.
Effect of the Functionalization of the Axial Phthalocyanine Ligands on the Energy Transfer in QD‐based Donor–Acceptor Pairs
Authors: Dayal Smita , Li Jun , Li Ying‐Syi , Wu Hongqiao , Samia Anna C. S. , Kenney Malcolm E. , Burda Clemens 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis study examines the electronic coupling between quantum dots (QDs) and molecules on their surfaces as a function of the modality of their interaction. As a probe, the energy transfer (ET) between CdSe QDs and phthalocyanines (Pcs) was monitored and evaluated with regard to the functionalization of the axial phthalocyanine ligand, bulkiness of the functional group bridging the QD donor and Pc acceptor, and the number of the functionalized axial ligands. New silicon PCs and their conjugates with CdSe QDs were synthesized. The ET efficiency and kinetics were studied by steady state and femtosecond time‐resolved absorption spectroscopy. We observed a decrease in ET efficiency with the increase in functional group bulkiness, which could be explained by increasing steric hindrance between the ET pair. In addition, a higher ET efficiency was observed for amino and thiol functionalized Pcs compared to Pcs without functional group on the axial alkyl chain.
Methodology for Evaluation of Melanin Content and Production of Pigment Cells in Vitro†
Authors: Hu Dan‐Ning 
Published: November 2007

AbstractMelanin has a photo‐screening, a biophysical/biochemical and a cosmetic effect. Melanin content of cultured pigmented cells can be measured by spectrophotometry and expressed either as melanin content per cell or melanin content per culture (area). Melanin production can be calculated from melanin content and cell number at the beginning and at the end of a culture using various formulas and expressed as melanin production per cell per day or melanin production per culture per day. Melanin content or production per cell have been used widely to compare melanin content in various cell lines or to compare the melanin content during different stages in the culture (e.g. growing stage and senescent stage). For the evaluation of changes in melanin content and production in a given pigment cell line after treatment with a special chemical, physical or biological stimulator or inhibitor, different parameters used for the evaluation of experimental data can lead to conflicting results. Melanin content per area is determined by melanin content per cell and the number of cells in this area. The biological and cosmetic effects of melanin in vivo are determined mainly by melanin content per area, not melanin content per cell. For example, if melanin content per cell is the same, but the number of cells in a given area is increased after the treatment, then the melanin content per area is also increased. Under this circumstance, the color of skin turns darker and the total antioxidant activity provided by melanin in this area is increased even though the melanin content per cell measured remains the same; therefore, melanin content or production per culture is more important than melanin content or production per cell under this circumstance.
Melanocyte‐lineage expression of Cre recombinase using Mitf regulatory elements
Authors: Alizadeh Azita , Fitch Karen R. , Niswender Colleen M. , McKnight G. Stanley , Barsh Gregory S. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryManipulation of gene expression in melanocytes is an important tool for studying pigment cell biology. We constructed transgenic mice in which Cre recombinase was placed under the control of regulatory elements from the Microphthalmia‐associated transcriptional factor (Mitf) gene using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). Bacterial artificial chromosome that contained either 50 or 108 kb DNA 5′ to the melanocyte‐specific (1M) transcriptional start site gave rise to transgenic lines in which Cre is expressed specifically in cells of the melanocyte lineage, as judged by activation of the Gt(Rosa)26tm1Sor(R26R) reporter locus. Activation of R26R is first detectable in melanoblasts of midgestation embryos, and completely marks all melanocyte components of the skin in postnatal animals. To test the utility of the MitfCre transgene, we used a loxP‐targeted allele of the protein kinase A alpha catalytic subunit (Prkaca), modified such that Cre‐mediated recombination activates PKA signaling. On an agouti background, animals carrying both the MitfCre transgene and the targeted Prkaca allele (CαR) exhibited a darker coat color than control littermates, due to a shift from pheomelanin to eumelanin synthesis. Our results confirm that PKA signaling is a key component of pigment type‐switching, and provide a new tool for studying pigment cell biology.
Measurement of serum branched‐chain amino acids to tyrosine ratio level is useful in a prediction of a change of serum albumin level in chronic liver disease
Authors: Suzuki Kazutomo , Suzuki Kazuyoshi , Koizumi Kazuhito , Ichimura Hiroki , Oka Shigeki , Takada Hiroshi , Kuwayama Hajime 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  In patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐associated chronic liver diseases, especially in those with liver cirrhosis, accurate evaluation of their protein nutrition status is very important to improve their quality of life. Whereas the serum albumin level is commonly used to evaluate patients' protein nutrition status, in the present study, the serum amino acid levels were measured, as they also provide valuable information.Methods:  Serum albumin levels and branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) to tyrosine ratio (BTR) were determined in 447 patients with HCV‐associated chronic liver diseases (313 with chronic hepatitis and 134 with liver cirrhosis).Results:  Chronic hepatitis progressed to liver cirrhosis, serum albumin and serum BTR levels decreased significantlyas chronic hepatitis progressed to liver cirrhosis. Hypoalbuminemia was significantly more common in patients with liver cirrhosis than in those with chronic hepatitis; however, the incidence of an amino acid imbalance was significantly higher than that of hypoalbuminemia in patients with liver cirrhosis. The presence of an amino acid imbalance was associated with a reduction in the serum albumin level 1 year later.Conclusions:  It is important to evaluate serum albumin levels and the BTR in patients with HCV‐associated chronic liver diseases.
Effect of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease on quality of life of patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Suzuki Kazutomo , Suzuki Kazuyoshi , Koizumi Kazuhito , Takada Hiroshi , Nishiki Ryoichi , Ichimura Hiroki , Oka Shigeki , Kuwayama Hajime 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  Reflux esophagitis is becoming increasingly more prevalent in Japan. It has been noted that symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic liver disease may adversely affect patients' quality of life.Methods:  In the present study, 238 chronic liver disease patients (151 patients with chronic hepatitis and 87 patients with liver cirrhosis) were enrolled. The diagnosis of GERD was made based on the Quality‐of‐Life and Utility Evaluation Survey Technology questionnaire. Health‐related quality of life was evaluated using the Short Forum 36 questionnaire.Results:  Symptomatic GERD was present in 31.8% (48/151) of patients with chronic hepatitis and 36.8% (32/87) of patients with liver cirrhosis. Among the chronic hepatitis group, compared to the GERD‐negative group, the GERD‐positive group had significantly lower scores in six domains, including “rolelimitation due to physical problem”, “bodily pain”, “general health perception”, “vitality”, “role limitation due to emotional problem”, and “mental health”. Among the cirrhotic group, compared to the GERD‐negative group, the GERD‐positive group had significantly lower scores in the “role limitation due to emotional problem” domain. Significant improvement in the “physical functioning”, ”bodily pain”, and “general health perception” domain scores was noted in chronic hepatitis patients treated with rabeprazole.Conclusion:  The QOL of chronic liver disease patients with symptomatic GERD was impaired.
Identification of de novo STAT3 target gene in liver regeneration
Authors: Zhang Hui‐qi , Haga Sanae , Fukai Moto , Oikawa Yuko , Inoue Hiroshi , Ogawa Wataru , Kano Arihiko , Maruyama Atsushi , Fu Xin‐Yuan , Todo Satoru , Enosawa Shin , Ozaki Michitaka 
Published: November 2007

The process of liver regeneration is regulated by complex mechanisms. Although signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT3), a transcription factor which targets mainly mitotic genes, definitely plays an important role in liver regeneration, the exact roles of STAT3 are not completely understood.Aim:  In this report, we tried to search for a new target of STAT3 involved in liver regeneration in mice.Methods:  We generated liver‐specific STAT3 knockout (L‐S3KO) mice and a STAT3 knockout cell line of mouse origin. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we screened 12 genes to which STAT3 binds after partial hepatectomy (PH). Of these genes, we analyzed the S3‐IE3 clone that is located on chromosome‐3 and possesses STAT3 binding sites in it.Results:  We showed that STAT3 binds to a specific site on S3‐IE3, and that interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) stimulates its transcriptional activity. The mRNA and protein levels of the net gene, which is located downstream of S3‐IE3, were negatively regulated in the control cells, but not in the STAT3 knockout cells after IL‐6 stimulation. Similarly in in vivo mouse PH, the mRNA and protein levels of net were also negatively regulated after PH, but not in L‐S3KO mice.Conclusion:  The net gene is located downstream of a newly‐recognized STAT3 binding site (S3‐IE3) and negatively regulated after IL‐6 stimulation and PH, although its role is still unclear.