bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of hyperpolarization‐activated and cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation channel subunit 2 in axon terminals of peptidergic nociceptive primary sensory neurons in the superficial spinal dorsal horn of rats
Authors: Antal Miklós , Papp Ildikó , Bahaerguli Niyazi , Veress Gábor , Vereb György 
Published: March 2004

AbstractHyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation channel proteins (HCN1–4), which are potentially able to modulate membrane excitability, are abundantly expressed by neurons in spinal dorsal root ganglia (DRG). In the present experiment, we investigated whether HCN2 protein is confined exclusively to the perikarya of DRG neurons or is transported from the somata to the central axons of DRG neurons that terminate in the spinal dorsal horn. Using immunohistochemical methods, we have demonstrated that laminae I‐IIo of the superficial spinal dorsal horn of the adult rat spinal cord show a strong punctate immunoreactivity for HCN2. Dorsal rhizotomy resulted in a complete loss of immunostaining in the dorsal horn, suggesting that HCN2 is confined to axon terminals of primary afferents. In double labelling immunohistochemical studies, we have also shown that HCN2 widely co‐localizes with calcitonin gene‐related peptide, but is almost completely segregated from isolectin‐B4 binding, indicating that HCN2 is primarily expressed in peptidergic nociceptive primary afferents. The expression of HCN2 in central terminals of peptidergic primary afferents was also verified with electron microscopy. Utilizing the pre‐embedding nanogold method, we found that HCN2 is largely confined to axon terminals with dense‐core vesicles. Within these terminals, some of the silver grains marking the accurate location of HCN2 molecules were associated with the cell membrane, and others were scattered in the axoplasm. Within the cell membrane, HCN2 was found almost exclusively in extrasynaptic locations. The results suggest that HCN2 may contribute to the modulation of membrane excitability of nociceptive primary afferent terminals in the spinal dorsal horn.
Four types of novelty–familiarity responses in associative recognition memory of humans
Authors: Düzel E. , Habib R. , Guderian S. , Heinze H. J. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAnimal studies show that, like inferior temporal neurons, dorsolateral prefrontal and parietal neurons often respond more strongly to individual novel than to individual familiar stimuli. It is currently unclear whether the novelty preference of prefrontal and parietal neurons extends to associative memory. We used electromagnetic recordings (MEG/EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging in two groups of healthy young adults to identify neural populations outside the inferior temporal cortex that exhibit associative novelty (stronger responses for new than for old configurations of two familiar items), and to distinguish them from associative familiarity (stronger responses for old than for new configurations of two familiar items). Subjects were required to learn and were later tested for associations based on the spatial configurations of two stimuli (a face and a tool). At test, learned (old) and rearranged (new) spatial stimulus configurations had to be discriminated. This recognition memory test could only be solved through the associative relationship between individual items because all component items of the stimulus configurations were equally familiar. In both imaging modalities, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right parietal cortex showed an associative novelty response, whereas the right superior temporal cortex showed an associative familiarity response. With EEG/MEG only, the right extrastriate cortex showed an early associative familiarity and a late associative novelty response, whereas the opposite pattern emerged in bilateral frontopolar cortex. Thus, through a multimodal approach, it was possible to identify four types of associative novelty/familiarity responses outside the inferior temporal cortex.
Erratum: Attitudes Towards English in the Basque Autonomous Community
Authors: Lasagabaster David 
Published: March 2004

Abstract: We regret that, due to a technical error, figures 1‐6 in the Research Report by David Lasagabaster (Lasagabaster, 2003) were incorrectly printed. We apologise to the author and reprint in full the corrected version of the paper on the following pages.The learning of more than two languages in the school context is becoming very commonplace all over Europe, especially in the many places where a minority language is spoken. The situation of the Basque educational system is a very good case in point, as, apart from Basque and Spanish, English is also learnt at school. This study examines the attitudes of 1,097 university students towards the aforementioned three languages, using Baker's (1992) questionnaire on attitudes as the main instrument of the survey. In a previous study carried out with a smaller sample (133 students) in which the majority were Basque Philology degree students, it was observed that the participants' LI had a clear impact on their attitudes. In fact, those students who had Basque as their LI viewed the two international languages (Spanish and English) less favourably. In the case of the present sample, it was expected that students would not show such a negative attitude, as the range of degree courses being followed is much wider. Because the Basque language does not form the central core of the participants' studies, their attitudes towards Spanish and English will be more positive and farther from what Baker calls a bunker attitude.
Moses Mendelssohn's Philosophy of Jewish Liturgy: A Post‐Liberal Assessment
Authors: Kepnes Steven D. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThis paper represents an attempt to reflect on the significance of liturgy for postliberal Jewish thought. I do this by investigating the work of the eighteenth‐century Jewish enlightenment figure Moses Mendelssohn in the context of the postliberal thought of George Lindbeck. Mendelssohn not only shows how liturgy can be central to postliberal approaches to monotheism, but he also shows how enlightenment notions of a universal rational religion remain necessary and productive for postliberal interpretations of monotheism. In this latter move, Mendelssohn forms a corrective to Lindbeck's postliberalism.
Against Radical Orthodoxy: The Dangers of Overcoming Political Liberalism
Authors: Insole Christopher J. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe article considers the critique of political liberalism offered by the Radical Orthodoxy movement. The first part deals with the claim that the underlying framework for the “secular” human condition ‐which would include political liberalism‐ is ontological violence and ethical nihilism.The second part of the article deals with the charge that liberalism leads to a social atomism and individualism which can be overcome with the help of a participatory‐analogical theology. I consider the invocation to unity, participation and transformation to be theologically incautious, and politically dangerous, in a way well understood by a tradition of political liberalism.
Killing for the Telephone Company: Why the Nation‐State is Not the Keeper of the Common Good
Authors: Cavanaugh William T. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractChristian ethicists often assume that the state is the agency whose purpose it is to protect and promote the common good. This conclusion is based on a series of assumptions of fact: that the state is natural and primordial, that society gives rise to the state and not vice‐versa, and that the state is one limited part of society. In this essay I examine the origins of the state and the state‐society relationship according to those who study the historical record, and argue that the above assumptions of fact are untenable in the face of the evidence. The essay concludes by registering a theological challenge to the state's sometimes overreaching claims to be the keeper of the common good and the repository of sacred values that demands sacrifice on its behalf. In the face of these tendencies, one of the church's urgent tasks is to demystify the nation‐state and to treat it like the telephone company—i.e., as a provider of goods and services that contribute to a certain limited order.
Self‐Creation? On the Dignity of Human Beings
Authors: Bayer Oswald 
Published: March 2004

AbstractIt was not through biotechnological possibilities that human beings first discovered “self‐creation” as a question. Rather, the question fits into the horizon of the primordial human desire to be like God. Against this hamartiological insight, a soteriological expectation related to technology has arisen. The latter expectation must be rejected, but not in all respects. Rather, one has to stress the inventive and constructive aspect of the dignity to rule, which is implied in human linguistic reason (λογοσ).There are, however, boundaries to be perceived and to be set. This becomes evident when embryo‐consuming research is at stake. In this context, the main question is: Wherein lies human “dignity”? This is the same question as: wherein lies the “being‐as‐person”? The author sees the fewest difficulties in attributing personhood to the beginning of life, which occurs with the fusion of ovum and sperm. This attribution is not justified by the material substrate as such. Rather, it is the result of intertwining the element, namely the lump of cells, and the word of institution, which “speaks together” the lump of cells and the person: This lump of cells is a person. Human beings are honored and enabled to use this instituting word, a φυσɛι, because according to Gen 2:7 and 19f, God granted unto human beings linguistic reason (λογοσ), and thus the power to define. In this intertwining of element and instituting word lies the human dignity, which is undeservedly conferred on humans as a categorical gift. This absolute gratuity implies the unconditional acknowledgment of the dignity and the personhood of human beings—before one can speak of any characteristics or abilities.Psalm 8 underscores the elementary human dependency on unconditional acknowledgment as an inviolable person, an acknowledgment preceding all human characteristics and achievements. The psalm further intertwines this acknowledgment and the commission to rule, which is conferred on human beings, as an insoluble unity. What at first appear to be opposites is in fact a synopsis and inseparable connection of creaturely human determinations that correspond to God's simultaneously being the almighty creator and the compassionate, merciful father.By using “dignity” and “person” as critical terms of negotiation, theology can engage in a conversation with the societal and political public. In rejecting the dominant determination of the “person” as an autonomous, self‐determinately active, individual rational being, theology finds an ally in juridical thinking, which also acknowledges the dignity even of persons unable to act.Two consequences are to be drawn concerning biotechnology: perceiving the remaining dependency, vulnerability and vanity of human beings forces us to abandon illusions of “self‐creation” and immortality. Second, priorities are required that determine the goals and limits of research—especially in protecting the personal dignity of embryos—in the light of our accountability before God the creator and judge.
Does the frequency of outpatient visits in addition to the regularly scheduled prenatal visits identify a poor pregnancy outcome?
Authors: M. Jagoe Jennifer , F. Magann Everett , P. Chauhan Suneet , Morrison John C. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractDo extra outpatient visits, in addition to regularly scheduled visits, identify a pregnancy at risk of an adverse outcome? This prospective investigation analysed additional outpatient visits, by low‐risk obstetric patients. One hundred and sixty‐two women were evaluated with one to two additional visits and 66 had three or more visits. Antepartum and intrapartum pregnancy complications between groups was similar suggesting that frequency of additional visits does not identify a pregnancy at risk for an adverse outcome.
A woman's choice
Authors: Sparrow Margaret June 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAbortion is now the most common gynaecological operation in New Zealand and Australia. Early legal abortion is a safe procedure whether carried out surgically or medically. In contrast, the traditional use of abortifacients has been mostly unscientific, illegal and shrouded in secrecy. Mifepristone as an option for induced abortion has only recently become available in New Zealand and is not yet available in Australia. The reasons for the delay in introducing a significant new abortion technique are political, professional, legal, socioeconomic and commercial. Istar, a not‐for‐profit company, was formed in New Zealand in 1999 to import mifepristone. The drug was approved for use in New Zealand on 30 August 2001. It was first used in October 2001 in Wellington for mid‐trimester abortions and in April 2002 for early medical abortions. Legal ambiguities were clarified in a High Court Judgment on 10 April 2003. The experience with mifepristone raises concerns about the introduction of new drugs for reproductive health care, given the commercial risks associated with their development. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has a role to play in ensuring that safe abortion services are available for women. Advocates of women's rights in reproductive health care have made a significant impact in the last three decades and the conclusion that abortion must be the woman's choice is strongly supported.
Systematic review of the treatment of ovulatory infertility with clomiphene citrate and intrauterine insemination
Authors: Costello Michael F. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBackground:   Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with clomiphene citrate (CC) combined with intrauterine insemination (IUI) is often used as treatment for ovulatory infertility which includes unexplained, male, cervical, endometriosis, and tubal infertility.Aims:   To review the effectiveness of CC and IUI in ovulatory infertility.Methods:   Systematic review of pertinent randomised controlled trials (RCT) using the bibliographic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE. References of selected articles identified were hand‐searched for additional relevant citations.Results:   Six published RCT were included in the overall review. Meta‐analysis demonstrated a higher cycle pregnancy rate (CPR) with CC and IUI compared to timed intercourse in the natural cycle (P < 0.001 and odds ratio = 4.6, 95% CI = 1.9–11.3). Treatment with gonadotrophins and IUI results in a higher CPR compared to CC and IUI (P = 0.005 and odds ratio = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.3–6.2). Further RCT are required comparing CC and IUI with IUI or CC alone before one can make firm conclusions.Conclusions:   Clomiphene citrate combined with IUI is more effective than timed intercourse in the natural cycle at achieving pregnancy in couples with ovulatory infertility. However, treatment with gonadotrophins and IUI is superior to CC and IUI.
Dilemmas encountered with preimplantation diagnosis of aneuploidy in human embryos
Authors: Allan John , Edirisinghe Rohini , Anderson Jasen , Jemmott Rodney , Nandini A.V. , Gattas Michael 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBackground:   An increased embryo aneuploidy rate is associated with advancing maternal age. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) coupled with in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/embryo biopsy provides a powerful tool to improve the take home baby rates for this poor prognostic group.Aim:   To report the preliminary findings of a PGD study for aneuploidy screening and to discuss the dilemmas encountered.Methods:   Preimplantation genetic diagnosis was offered in egg pick up‐PGD and frozen embryo transfer‐PGD cycles. Embryo biopsy was carried out on day 3 and FISH was used to detect chromosomal abnormalities.Results:   The outcome of 75 patients, 100 treatment cycles; 62 egg pick up‐PGD and 38 frozen embryo transfer‐PGD are presented. The embryo biopsy rate, blastomere survival, presence of nuclei and successful FISH rates for egg pick‐up and frozen embryo transfer cycles were similar giving a chromosomal abnormality rate of 57.5 and 51.2% for the respective treatment group. The positive pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and implantation rates were, for egg pick up‐PGD 22.7, 13.6 and 21.1% and for frozen embryo transfer‐PGD 13.8, 10.3 and 10.0%, respectively.Conclusions:   Preimplantation genetic diagnosis coupled with IVF treatment seems to give satisfactory pregnancy rates. The high embryo aneuploidy rates, chromosomal mosaicism and other issues have presented significant ethical and management dilemmas for our physicians and patients alike. These issues highlight the importance of skillful pretreatment counselling for patients considering PGD.
The freshly killed pig: A model for surgical training in gynaecological oncology
Authors: Taylor John D. , Hammond Ian G. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBackground:  Surgical training in gynaecological oncology is complex and alternatives to the ‘apprenticeship’ model are being explored. Animate and inanimate simulation may be useful, allowing trainees to gain experience without the risk of harm to patients. Live animal models and ex vivo isolated material is commonly used. We present the use of a freshly killed pig (FKP) for training in the urological and gastrointestinal surgery pertinent to gynaecological oncology.Methods:  An Anatomy of Complications Workshop was held for 12 specialists and subspecialty Trainees in gynaecological oncology. Seven freshly killed pigs were used for surgical training in a range of urological and intestinal operations including repair of a transected ureter, ureteric reimplantation, Boari flap, ileal conduit, bowel resection and anastomosis and stoma formation. A pre‐workshop instructional video was sent to all participants. A live demonstration of each procedure preceded the participant's own closely supervised performance.Evaluation:  All participants completed the procedures in the allocated time. The tissues felt ‘live’ throughout the 4 h session and were kept moist with a fine water spray. The use of sutures, ligatures and stapling instruments felt realistic. Formal participant feedback evaluation was enthusiastic about the FKP model.Conclusion:  We have demonstrated that the FKP can be successfully used for training in urological and gastrointestinal procedures. The range of operations described in the present paper could be expanded for other surgical disciplines. This simulation is recommended to Trainees as a valuable addition to their training and development.
Functional characteristics of photochemically treated platelets
Authors: Jansen Gerard A.J. , Van Vliet Huub H.D.M. , Vermeij Hans , Beckers Erik A.M. , Leebeek Frank W.G. , Sonneveld Pieter , Van Rhenen Dick J. 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: A photochemical treatment (PCT) process using the psoralen compound amotosalen HCL (S59) and long wavelength UVA light was developed for inactivation of infectious pathogens and WBCs. In this study the effect of PCT on functional characteristics of the platelets was evaluated in vitro.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Platelet concentrates were treated photochemically using the experimental clinical processing system T‐bag S59 Reduction Device (SRD) (n = 4) or the commercially available integral processing system Wafer SRD (n = 4) and compared with control platelet concentrates in plasma/PAS III alone (n = 4). The evaluation included variables with respect to the overall quality of the product (e.g., HSR, pH), the function (aggregation and activation tests), apoptosis (annexin V and caspase 3), and lysis.RESULTS: No differences were found in the product quality variables, in P‐selectin expression, and the apoptosis variables. PCT using the T‐bag SRD led to a significant decrease in aggregation capacity with collagen and thrombin and a significant increase in plasma LDH, whereas no differences for the Wafer SRD were found.CONCLUSION: PCT using the experimental T‐bag SRD led to a significant decrease in platelet function. However, the commercially available Wafer SRD had only minor in vitro effects on the quality of the platelets.
Functional characteristics of buffy‐coat PLTs photochemically treated with amotosalen‐HCl for pathogen inactivation
Authors: Picker Susanne M. , Speer Relindis , Gathof Birgit S. 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: One blood system for PLTs (INTERCEPT, Baxter Transfusion Therapies) is based on photochemical treatment (PCT) with small molecules that target cross‐link nucleic acids (Helinx technology, Cerus Corp.) with amotosalen‐HCl (S‐59) and UVA light (320‐400 nm) to inactivate pathogens and WBCs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A two‐arm in vitro study was conducted to compare pooled buffy‐coat‐derived PLT concentrates (PCs) treated with the INTERCEPT blood system, resuspended in PLT additive solution (PAS) III (InterSol, Baxter Transfusion Therapies), and stored for up to 7 days (test units, n = 20) with unpaired, nontreated PCs, resuspended in PAS II (T‐Sol, Baxter Transfusion Therapies), and prepared at the same center in the same manner (control units, n = 18).RESULTS: PLT dose (× 1011/unit ± SD) on Day 1 immediately following PCT was 3.0 ± 0.4 for test units and 3.2 ± 0.4 for control units. After 7 days of storage, the pH of all test units was maintained above 6.8. No marked trend was observed in the hypotonic shock response (HSR). Values among study groups were similar at the end of observation period: 68 ± 11 percent for control unites versus 67 ± 8 percent for test units (p > 0.05). Aggregation response to ristocetin was slightly lower in test units: at Day 7, 65 ± 10 percent versus 76 ± 6 percent (p < 0.05). Significantly higher (p < 0.001) glucose consumption, lactate production, and CD62P expression were observed in test units.CONCLUSION: Compared to nontreated PLTs, the PCT process was associated with a variety of differences of in vitro analyses. Although significant, these changes were relatively small in most cases. Characteristics correlated with survival in vivo such as HSR and swirling were comparable between both study groups, indicating that the viability of the majority of cells appears to have persisted throughout 7 days of storage. The impact of this finding, however, remains to be investigated in clinical trials performed with 7‐day stored PLTs.