bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Losartan and atenolol on hypertension induced by adenosine receptor blockade
Authors: Morato M. , Sousa T. , Guimarães S. , Moura D. , Albino‐Teixeira A. 
Published: September 2003

Summary 1 The prolonged infusion of 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐sulfophenylxanthine (DPSPX), a non‐selective antagonist of adenosine receptors, induces hypertension, an increase in plasma renin activity and morphological cardiovascular changes. 2 The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of losartan, a selective AT1 receptor antagonist, and atenolol, a β‐adrenoceptor antagonist, on DPSPX‐induced hypertension. 3 Male Wistar rats (250–300 g, n = 4–6) were treated for 1 or 4 weeks with: saline i.p.; DPSPX (90 μg kg−1 h−1) i.p.; losartan (15 mg kg−1 day−1) p.o.; atenolol (25 mg kg−1 day−1) p.o.; DPSPX (90 μg kg−1 h−1) i.p. + losartan (15 mg kg−1 day−1) p.o.; DPSPX (90 μg kg−1 h−1) i.p. + atenolol (25 mg kg−1 day−1) p.o. Blood pressure was measured by the ‘tail‐cuff’ method in conscious animals. Fragments of the mesenteric and tail arteries were processed for morphological study and the mean diameter of the vascular smooth muscle cells was determined. 4 DPSPX increased blood pressure. Losartan and atenolol prevented this rise but had no effect on blood pressure of control rats. DPSPX‐treated groups showed hypertrophy of the vascular smooth muscle cells and proliferation of subintimal cells. Losartan but not atenolol prevented these changes. Losartan had no effect on the vascular morphology of control rats, while treatment with atenolol for 4 weeks induced hypertrophy of the vascular smooth muscle cells. 5 Both losartan and atenolol counteract the development of DPSPX‐induced hypertension but only losartan prevents the alterations in vascular morphology.
Prostanoid‐induced modulation of neuropeptide Y and noradrenaline release from the rat mesenteric bed
Authors: Hoang D. , Macarthur H. , Gardner A. , Yang C.‐L. , Westfall T. C. 
Published: September 2003

Summary 1 A variety of prostanoids were examined for their ability to alter the periarterial nerve stimulation‐induced release of noradrenaline (NA) and neuropeptide Y immunoreactive compounds (NPY‐ir) from the perfused mesenteric arterial bed of the rat. 2 Periarterial nerve stimulation (16 Hz) increased the overflow of NA, NPY‐ir and perfusion pressure. 3 The prostacyclin (PGI2) analogues, carbaPGI2 and cicaprost both produced a concentration‐dependent attenuation of the nerve stimulation‐induced increase in NA, NPY‐ir overflow and perfusion pressure. 4 The prostaglandin (PG) analogue PGE2 attenuated the evoked increase in NPY‐ir overflow as well as a modest decrease in NA. 5 PGE1, sulprostone and iloprost attenuated the nerve stimulation‐induced increase in NA overflow but not NPY‐ir. 6 Neither PGF2α nor the thromboxane A2 analogue U46619 altered the evoked increase in NA or NPY‐ir overflow. 7 The results support the view that sympathetic co‐transmitter release can be differentially modulated by paracrine/autocrine mediators at sympathetic neuroeffector junctions.
Characterization of Mannuronan C-5-Epimerase Genes from the Brown Alga Laminaria digitata
Authors: Nyvall Pi , Corre Erwan , Boisset Claire , Barbeyron Tristan , Rousvoal Sylvie , Scornet Delphine , Kloareg Bernard , Boyen Catherine 
Published: October 2003

Abstract
Alginate is an industrially important polysaccharide obtained commercially by harvesting brown algae. The final step in alginate biosynthesis, the epimerization of β-1,4-d-mannuronic acid to α-1,4-l-guluronic acid, a structural change that controls the physicochemical properties of the alginate, is catalyzed by the enzyme mannuronan C-5-epimerase. Six different cDNAs with homology to bacterial mannuronan C-5-epimerases were isolated from the brown alga Laminaria digitata (Phaeophyceae). Hydrophobic cluster analysis indicated that the proteins encoded by the L. digitata sequences have important structural similarities to the bacterial mannuronan C-5-epimerases, including conservation of the catalytic site. The expression of the C-5-epimerase genes was examined by northern-blot analysis and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in L. digitata throughout a year. Expression was also monitored in protoplast cultures by northern and western blot, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and activity measurements. From both the structural comparisons and the expression pattern, it appears that the cDNAs isolated from L. digitata encode functional mannuronan C-5-epimerases. The phylogenetic relationships of the bacterial and brown algal enzymes and the inferences on the origin of alginate biosynthetic machinery are discussed.
Altered Life Cycle in Arabidopsis Plants Expressing PsUGT1, a UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase-Encoding Gene from Pea
Authors: Woo Ho-Hyung , Faull Kym F. , Hirsch Ann M. , Hawes Martha C. 
Published: October 2003

Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and Arabidopsis were used as model systems to examine molecular mechanisms underlying developmental effects of a microsomal UDP-glucuronosyltransferase-encoding gene from pea (Pisum sativum; PsUGT1). Alfalfa expressing PsUGT1 antisense mRNA under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter exhibited delayed root emergence, reduced root growth, and increased lateral root development. The timing of root emergence in wild-type and antisense plants was correlated with the transient accumulation of auxin at the site of root emergence. Cell suspension cultures derived from the antisense alfalfa plants exhibited a delay in cell cycle from 24-h in the wild-type plants to 48-h in the antisense plants. PsUGT1::uidA was introduced into Arabidopsis to demonstrate that, as in alfalfa and pea, PsUGT1 expression occurs in regions of active cell division. This includes the root cap and root apical meristems, leaf primordia, tips of older leaves, and the transition zone between the hypocotyl and the root. Expression of PsUGT1::uidA colocalized with the expression of the auxin-responding reporter DR5::uidA. Co-expression of DR5::uidA in transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing CaMV35S::PsUGT1 revealed that ectopic expression of CaMV35S::PsUGT1 is correlated with a change in endogenous auxin gradients in roots. Roots of ecotype Columbia expressing CaMV35S::PsUGT1 exhibited distinctive responses to exogenous naphthalene acetic acid. Completion of the life cycle occurred in 4 to 6 weeks compared with 6 to 7 weeks for wild-type Columbia. Inhibition of endogenous ethylene did not correct this early senescence phenotype.
The Audit Society — Second Thoughts
Authors: Power Michael 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThis essay reviews the central arguments of The Audit Society (Power, 1999) and re‐considers the causes and consequences of the audit explosion. It is argued that many of the claims require further empirical support and that more research is needed, particularly to demonstrate that the audit explosion is not simply a UK phenomenon. Although the word ‘audit’ may have decreased in significance since the book was written, the arguments can be applied to other forms of monitoring activity.
Accessibility to freight transport networks in Belgium: a geographical approach
Authors: Thomas Isabelle , Hermia Jean‐Pierre , Vanelslander Thierry , Verhetsel Ann 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTThis paper focuses on the role of transportation infrastructure in freight accessibility from a sustainable and multi‐modal perspective. Several accessibility measures are applied separately yet simultaneously to water, rail and road transportation systems. It appears that the transportation system is structuring the Belgian space geographically and topographically (inertia of space due to transportation infrastructure), but that economic activities are less associated with transporta‐tion systems than with the population. This means that either economic activities are footloose, or that there is a major discrepancy between transportation infrastructure and economic locations. Land‐use planners should be aware of this when making decisions about the mobility of the future.
The odd role of proximity in knowledge relations: high‐tech in the Netherlands
Authors: Van Der Panne Gerben , Dolfsma Wilfred 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTIn contrast to findings in other countries, and surprisingly in view of the literature, high‐tech economic activity in the Netherlands is not spread geographically according to either relevant labour market characteristics or to localised agglomeration economies. Instead, statistical analysis shows that the Netherlands is an urban field, and that the knowledge infrastructure is the only variable that can offer an explanation of the high‐tech presence throughout the country. By analysing similar relationships for younger firms, we are able to make quite a strong case about causation.
Phospholipid-Binding Protein Cts1 Controls Septation and Functions Coordinately with Calcineurin in
Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Fox Deborah S. , Cox Gary M. , Heitman Joseph 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACT

Cryptococcus neoformans
is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients. The Ca
2+
-calmodulin-activated protein phosphatase calcineurin is necessary for virulence of
C. neoformans
. Mutants lacking the calcineurin catalytic (Cna1) or regulatory (Cnb1) subunit fail to grow at elevated temperature and are defective in virulence and hyphal elongation. Here we isolated a multicopy suppressor gene,
CTS1
, which restores growth of a calcineurin mutant strain at 37°C. The
CTS1
gene (for calcineurin temperature suppressor 1) encodes a protein containing a C2 domain and a leucine zipper motif that may function as an effector of calcineurin. The
CTS1
gene was disrupted by homologous recombination, and
cts1
mutants were viable but exhibited defects in cell separation, growth, mating, and haploid fruiting. In addition,
cts1
mutants were inviable when calcineurin was mutated or inhibited. Taken together, these findings suggest that calcineurin and Cts1 function in parallel pathways that regulate growth, cell separation, and hyphal elongation.
Giant cell arteritis
Authors: Calvo-Romero J M 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA), temporal arteritis or Horton’s arteritis, is a systemic vasculitis which involves large and medium sized vessels, especially the extracranial branches of the carotid arteries, in persons usually older than 50 years. Permanent visual loss, ischaemic strokes, and thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms are feared complications of GCA. The treatment consists of high dose steroids. Mortality, with a correct treatment, in patients with GCA seems to be similar that of controls.
Role of microbiological investigations in the management of non-perineal cutaneous abscesses
Authors: Garcea G , Lloyd T , Jacobs M , Cope A , Swann A , Berry D 
Published: September 2003

Abstract

Background
Pus samples for microbiological examination are routinely sent after incision and drainage of abscesses. There is no evidence that microbiology reports influence treatment for non-perineal cutaneous abscesses.

Aims
This study assessed (1) how often the microbiology report is used to manage patients’ treatment after incision and drainage of an abscess and (2) junior surgical trainees’ opinions on sending pus for microbiological examination.

Method
A retrospective analysis of the notes of all patients undergoing incision and drainage of abscesses from January 2001 to January 2002 was made. A telephone poll of junior surgical trainees was also undertaken.

Results
Most patients, 91%, had specimens referred for microbiology. Of these 43% yielded no growth. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism (55.9% of all positive cultures). Anaerobes were a frequent finding from axilla and groin abscesses. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was grown in two patients. Other less common organisms cultured were methicillin resistant S aureus (n=1) and Proteus sp (n=1). Follow up of microbiology reports was found to be inadequate.

Conclusion
The bacteria present in non-perineal cutaneous abscesses are, for the most part, predictable. However, a significant number grow less common organisms. It is concluded that pus specimens should be sent routinely for culture and sensitivity and there should be further emphasis on following up microbiology reports by junior medical staff.
Effects of diltiazem on platelet activation and cytosolic calcium during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
Authors: Dai H , Chen J , Tao Q , Zhu J , Zhang F , Zheng L , Qiu Y 
Published: September 2003

Abstract

Aims
To evaluate effects of diltiazem on platelet hyper-reactivity in situations associated with endothelial injury and their possible relationship to cytosolic calcium concentration.

Methods
Blood samples were collected at seven time points from 35 patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) who received combined diltiazem and aspirin/ticlopidine therapy or aspirin/ticlopidine therapy alone. Platelet expression of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and P-selectin, production of thromboxane B2, and cytosolic calcium concentration were measured, respectively, by whole blood flow cytometry, radioimmunoassay, and fluorospectrophotometry. The effects of diltiazem of different concentrations on expression of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and P-selectin were also studied in vitro in blood samples from patients with chronic stable angina.

Results
Of the two treatments, aspirin/ticlopidine therapy did not prevent an acute increase of expression of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and P-selectin and plasma thromboxane B2 five minutes and 10 minutes after first inflation and 10 minutes after PTCA, whereas combined diltiazem and aspirin/ticlopidine therapy had a significant inhibitory effect. In the group receiving aspirin/ticlopidine therapy, there was a short term increase of platelet [Ca2+]i immediately after PTCA which was significantly reduced by diltiazem treatment. Expression of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and P-selectin was significantly inhibited in vitro by diltiazem in the concentration of 200 ng/ml or higher, but not 50 ng/ml.

Conclusions
Combined diltiazem and aspirin/ticlopidine therapy significantly inhibited platelet activation that continued in the presence of conventional aspirin/ticlopidine treatment. Antiplatelet effects of diltiazem were probably a consequence of reduction of platelet [Ca2+]i and may only be achieved in higher than therapeutic concentrations.
THWARTED METAPHORS: COMPLICATING THE LANGUAGE OF DESIRE IN THE TARGUM OF THE SONG OF SONGS
Authors: Menn Esther 
Published: September 2003

AbstractContrary to what might be expected, the allegorical interpretation of the Song of Songs set forth in the Targum of the Song of Songs does not consistently portray God and Israel as male lover and female beloved. Instead, the Targum presents a multiplicity of additional metaphors suggesting the intimacy between divine and human counterparts throughout their history together, including the affective relationships between male friends and scholarly colleagues, siblings, infant and nurse, father and son, gardener and plants, and farmer and animals. Ambivalence towards sexual love and marriage as appropriate theological metaphors, sensitivity to the rich symbolic language of the Song of Songs and other scriptural passages, and celebration of the primacy of Torah study with male colleagues in rabbinic culture all contribute to this diversification of imagery, which builds on the emotive intensity of the Song of Songs even as it complicates the language of desire.
PHOTO MAGIC: PHOTOGRAPHS IN PRACTICES OF HEALING AND HARMING IN EAST AFRICA
Authors: Behrend Heike 
Published: September 2003

AbstractIn this contribution, I present a few examples of practices in present-day African Christian Churches in which photographs 'do magic' and are used to heal or harm. To counter a tendency, inherent in this topic, of exoticizing and othering, I not only give examples of African 'photo magic' but also include European ones, examples that in the 'standard' or 'official' histories of Western photography are missing. In addition, I try to work out the interdependence and the mutual mirroring of Western and African practices and discourses, i.e., aspects of their interculturality, against the background of the Christian Eucharist and cult of relics. For it is in the Eucharist and relics that the paradoxes of simultaneous presence and absence as well as substance and representation are dealt with, paradoxes that will reappear in the photographic practices in Kenya and Uganda. Thus, I attempt to interpret Ugandan and Kenyan photo magic in Christian churches as variations of the Eucharist.
Supporting Primary Care for Medically and Socially Complex Patients in Medicaid Managed Care
Authors: Ash Arlene S. , Alcusky Matthew J. , Ellis Randall P. , Sabatino Meagan J. , Eanet Frances E. , Mick Eric O. 
Published: February 2025

ImportanceIn 2023, the Massachusetts Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (MassHealth) required accountable care organizations (ACOs) to increase payments to primary care practices and shift to monthly payments, currently calibrated to historical revenues and enhanced practice capabilities, such as being staffed to address behavioral health needs. To prevent rewarding practices for avoiding difficult patients, future payments to primary care practices should reflect their patients’ apparent need.ObjectiveTo describe MassHealth’s initiative and a complexity-adjusted payment model.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional study of payment model development and performance was conducted between February 2022 and November 2024. Participants included all 2019 Massachusetts Medicaid managed-care eligible members who were enrolled for 183 days or longer.ExposuresMedical and social complexity.Main Outcomes and MeasuresFor each member, the primary care activity level (PCAL) outcome proxies the resources that primary care clinicians need to provide comprehensive, coordinated care. Models were evaluated via R2 and through ratios of observed-to-expected (ie, estimated by the model) outcomes for selected subgroups, which will be approximately 1.0 when payments and expected costs are well matched. The implications of paying practices using PCAL (vs a model based only on age and sex) were explored by examining financial and practice-level characteristics in high and low deciles of practice-level estimated mean.ResultsAmong 1 092 742 MassHealth members enrolled in 3602 primary care practices (1 014 252 person-years; mean [SD] age, 25.9 [18.4] years; 538 065 [53.1%] female), the PCAL model achieved R2 = 69.6% and estimates within 10% of observed PCAL spending for high-risk populations (mental health disorders, substance use disorders, complex chronic conditions, and disabilities) and across racial and ethnic groups. Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted payments would overpay practices in the lowest-need decile by 10% and underpay those in the highest-need decile by 34%, while the PCAL model would match payment to estimated need almost exactly in the lowest decile and underpay by just 6% in the highest decile.Conclusions and RelevanceMassHealth’s 2023 reform invests in primary care. This cross-sectional study developed a risk model that can adjust primary care payments to patient needs. Neither age and sex adjustments nor inflated historical payments would provide adequate resources to primary care practices caring for the most complex patients.
Research Priorities in Neuropalliative Care
Authors: Lau Winnie K. , Fehnel Corey R. , Macchi Zachary A. , Mehta Ambereen K. , Auffret Manon , Bogetz Jori F. , Fleisher Jori E. , Graber Jerome J. , Leeper Heather E. , Manglani-Terranova Heena R. , Muehlschlegel Susanne , Mroz Emily L. , Pedowitz Elizabeth J. , Ramanathan Usha , Sarmet Max , Shlobin Nathan A. , Sokol Leonard , Weeks Susan Allyson , Xu Jiayun , Bundy Medsger Helen , Creutzfeldt Claire J. , Vranceanu Ana-Maria , Zahuranec Darin B. , Hwang David Y. 
Published: February 2025

ImportanceThe integration of palliative care in neurology, or neuropalliative care, is an emerging area of practice focused on holistically improving quality of life and reducing the burden of suffering for people living with serious neurologic disease and their care partners. Major neurology and palliative care societies have recognized the need to advance primary and specialty palliative care services for people with neurologic disease. However, research to support this work is in its early stages.ObservationsThe International Neuropalliative Care Society Research Committee convened an interdisciplinary panel of experts, including clinicians, scientists, people with neurologic disease, and care partners, to identify priority research areas for the advancement of neuropalliative care as a field. Three priority areas highlighted in this review include (1) patient- and care partner–centered symptoms and outcomes specific to neurologic illness and tools for their assessment, (2) development of effective neuropalliative care interventions and delivery models, and (3) methods to support the ability to foster, deliver, and measure goal-concordant care over time.Conclusions and RelevanceThis Special Communication outlines some of the most pressing neuropalliative care research needs, the advancement of which will best serve patients of all ages living with serious neurologic diseases and their care partners. Research funding mechanisms are needed to support and sustain impactful work in this field.
Wearable Body Temperature Sensing with Autonomous Self‐regulated Joule Heating and Passive Cooling for Healthcare Applications
Authors: Guo Hongxu , Lu Lichang , Hatton Fiona L. , Xu Lulu , Yu Eileen , Peijs Ton , Bilotti Emiliano , Zhang Han , Liu Yi 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect observed in conductive polymer composites (CPCs) holds significant promise due to its wide materials selection and ability to offer enhanced sensitivity. However, traditional CPCs have relatively high PTC switching temperatures (typically above 100 °C) and are often unsuitable for bodily healthcare devices. This study introduces a novel approach leveraging the synergistic effect of an eco‐friendly fatty acid, namely lauric acid (LA), with flexible styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene (SEBS) thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) as a matrix and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as a conductive filler. The composite film demonstrates exceptional temperature responsiveness at body‐relevant temperatures (35–40 °C) with a PTC intensity reaching an unprecedented 4 orders of magnitude, set apart by its fine‐tuning ability across a remarkable detecting temperature interval (Maximum temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR): 471.4% °C−1). This advancement is facilitated through a carefully engineered morphology, wherein the distribution of LA significantly influences the conductive network's reformation within the composite, with the in‐situ optical microscope used to reveal the reformation of the conductive network structure. The flexible composite demonstrates significant potential for body temperature sensing, self‐regulating heating, and passive cooling, paving the way for future developments in eco‐friendly, highly sensitive, and flexible sensors in wearable health monitoring and thermotherapy.