bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paracetamol and opioid pathways: a pilot randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pickering Gisèle , Moustafa Fares , Desbrandes Stephanie , Michel Cardot J. , Roux Delphine , Dubray Claude
Published: November 2011

Previous studies suggest that the antinociceptive action of paracetamol (acetaminophen, APAP) might involve descending inhibitory pain pathways and the opioidergic system: this study explores this issue in humans with naloxone, the opioid antagonist. After ethical approval, 12 healthy male volunteers were included in this randomized, controlled, double‐blind, crossover, four‐arm study. They were administered intravenous paracetamol (APAP 1 g) or saline (placebo, pl) followed at 100 min with IV naloxone (Nal 8 mg) or saline, every week for 4 weeks. The amplitude of cerebral potentials evoked by thermal/painful stimuli applied on the arm was recorded nine times over 150 min, witnessing of pain integration at central level. Amplitude changes as well as areas under the curve (AUCs) over 150 min were compared for the four treatments by repeated measures anova (significance 0.05). Amplitude changes were significant for APAP/pl vs. pl/pl at t150: −44% (95%CI −58 to −30) vs. −27% (95%CI −37 to −17; P < 0.05) but not vs. APAP/Nal. AUC (0–150) of APAP/pl is significantly different from pl/pl (−3452%.min (95%CI −4705 to −2199) vs. −933% min (95%CI −2273 to 407; P = 0.015) but not from APAP/Nal (−1731% min (95%CI −3676 to 214; P = 0.08) and other treatments. AUC (90–150) is not significantly different. This pilot study shows for the first time in human volunteers that naloxone does not inhibit paracetamol antinociception, suggesting no significant implication of the opioid system in paracetamol mechanism of action: this needs be confirmed on a larger number of subjects.
The Impact of Hospital Mergers on Treatment Intensity and Health Outcomes
Authors: Hayford Tamara B.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To analyze the impact of hospital mergers on treatment intensity and health outcomes.

Data

Hospital inpatient data from California for 1990 through 2006, encompassing 40 mergers.

Study Design

I used a geographic‐based IV approach to determine the effect of a zip code's exposure to a merger. The merged facility's market share represents exposure, instrumented with combined premerge shares. Additional specifications include Herfindahl Index (HHI), instrumented with predicted change in HHI.

Results

The primary specification results indicate that merger completion is associated with a 3.7 percent increase in the utilization of bypass surgery and angioplasty and a 1.7 percent increase in inpatient mortality above averages in 2000 for the average zip code. Isolating the competition mechanism mutes the treatment intensity result slightly, but it more than doubles the merger exposure effect on inpatient mortality to a 3.9 percent increase. The competition mechanism is associated with a sizeable increase in number of procedures.

Conclusions

Unlike previous studies, this analysis finds that hospital mergers are associated with increased treatment intensity and higher inpatient mortality rates among heart disease patients. Access to additional outcome measures such as 30‐day mortality and readmission rates might shed additional light on whether the relationship between these outcomes is causal.
Nursing Home Work Environment and the Risk of Pressure Ulcers and Incontinence
Authors: Temkin‐Greener Helena , Cai Shubing , Zheng Nan Tracy , Zhao Hongwei , Mukamel Dana B.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To examine the association between nursing home (NH) work environment attributes such as teams, consistent assignment and staff cohesion, and the risk of pressure ulcers and incontinence.

Data Sources/Setting

Minimum dataset for 46,044 residents in 162 facilities in New York State, for June 2006–July 2007, and survey responses from 7,418 workers in the same facilities.

Study Design

For each individual and facility, primary and secondary data were linked. Random effects logistic models were used to develop/validate outcome measures. Generalized estimating equation models with robust standard errors and probability weights were employed to examine the association between outcomes and work environment attributes. Key independent variables were staff cohesion, percent staff in daily care teams, and percent staff with consistent assignment. Other facility factors were also included.

Principal Findings

Residents in facilities with worse staff cohesion had significantly greater odds of pressure ulcers and incontinence, compared with residents in facilities with better cohesion scores. Residents in facilities with greater penetration of self‐managed teams had lower risk of pressure ulcers, but not of incontinence. Prevalence of consistent assignment was not significantly associated with the outcome measures.

Conclusions

NH environments and management practices influence residents’ health outcomes. These findings provide important lessons for administrators and regulators interested in promoting NH quality improvement.
Acute hyperammonemia after L‐asparaginase administration in a dog
Authors: Lyles Sarah E. , Kow Kelvin , Milner Rowan J. , Buckley Gareth J. , Bandt Carsten , Baxter Katie J.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To describe a previously unreported and potentially fatal complication of L‐asparaginase (L‐asp) administration in a dog.

Case Summary

A 7‐year‐old, 6.6 kg, female spayed Beagle presented with a 1‐week history of progressive inappetance and lethargy. Diagnostic tests identified the presence of stage Vb lymphoma and liver dysfunction. The dog was treated with L‐asp at 400 IU/kg, corticosteroids, and IV fluids. Within 12 hours the dog became depressed, vomited, and developed abdominal pain. Within 24 hours, the dog's mentation progressed from obtunded to comatose; subsequently the dog developed a “decerebrate posture.” Blood ammonia concentrations exceeded 1,000 μmol/L (1,700 μg/dL). Treatment with broad‐spectrum antimicrobials, lactulose enemas, and continuous renal replacement therapy were initiated without response and the dog suffered cardiopulmonary arrest.

New or Unique Information Provided

The purpose of this report is to describe the development of severe hyperammonemia after L‐asp therapy in a dog, which has not been previously reported in the literature. Given the rapid progression and fatal outcome observed in this case, early recognition may be crucial for management and treatment of this complication.
Novel blockers of hyperpolarization‐activated current with isoform selectivity in recombinant cells and native tissue
Authors: Del Lungo Martina , Melchiorre Michele , Guandalini Luca , Sartiani Laura , Mugelli Alessandro , Koncz Istvan , Szel Tamas , Varro Andras , Romanelli Maria Novella , Cerbai Elisabetta
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Selective hyperpolarization activated, cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel (HCN) blockers represent an important therapeutic goal due to the wide distribution and multiple functions of these proteins, representing the molecular correlate of f‐ and h‐current (If or Ih). Recently, new compounds able to block differentially the homomeric HCN isoforms expressed in HEK293 have been synthesized. In the present work, the electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of these new HCN blockers were characterized and their activities evaluated on native channels.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH HEK293 cells expressing mHCN1, mHCN2 and hHCN4 isoforms were used to verify channel blockade. Selected compounds were tested on native guinea pig sinoatrial node cells and neurons from mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) by patch‐clamp recordings and on dog Purkinje fibres by intracellular recordings.

KEY RESULTS In HEK293 cells, EC18 was found to be significantly selective for HCN4 and MEL57A for HCN1 at physiological membrane potential. When tested on guinea pig sinoatrial node cells, EC18 (10 µM) maintained its activity, reducing If by 67% at −120 mV, while MEL57A (3 µM) reduced If by 18%. In contrast, in mouse DRG neurons, only MEL57A (30 and 100 µM) significantly reduced Ih by 60% at −80 mV. In dog cardiac Purkinje fibres, EC18, but not MEL57A, reduced the amplitude and slowed the slope of the spontaneous diastolic depolarization.

CONCLUSIONS Our results have identified novel and highly selective HCN isoform blockers, EC18 and MEL57A; the selectivity found in recombinant system was maintained in various tissues expressing different HCN isoforms.
Northward Shifts of the Distributions of Spanish Reptiles in Association with Climate Change
Authors: MORENO‐RUEDA GREGORIO , PLEGUEZUELOS JUAN M. , PIZARRO MANUEL , MONTORI ALBERT
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  It is predicted that climate change will drive extinctions of some reptiles and that the number of these extinctions will depend on whether reptiles are able to change their distribution. Whether the latitudinal distribution of reptiles may change in response to increases in temperature is unknown. We used data on reptile distributions collected during the 20th century to analyze whether changes in the distributions of reptiles in Spain are associated with increases in temperature. We controlled for biases in sampling effort and found a mean, statistically significant, northward shift of the northern extent of reptile distributions of about 15.2 km from 1940–1975 to 1991–2005. The southern extent of the distributions did not change significantly. Thus, our results suggest that the latitudinal distributions of reptiles may be changing in response to climate change.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Marine Reserves on Unsustainably Harvested Long‐Lived Sessile Invertebrates
Authors: LINARES CRISTINA , GARRABOU JOAQUIM , HEREU BERNAT , DIAZ DAVID , MARSCHAL CHRISTIAN , SALA ENRIC , ZABALA MIKEL
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Although the rapid recovery of fishes after establishment of a marine reserve is well known, much less is known about the response of long‐lived, sessile, benthic organisms to establishment of such reserves. Since antiquity, Mediterranean red coral (Corallium rubrum) has been harvested intensively for use in jewelry, and its distribution is currently smaller than its historical size throughout the Mediterranean Sea. To assess whether establishment of marine reserves is associated with a change in the size and number of red coral colonies that historically were not harvested sustainably, we analyzed temporal changes in mean colony diameter and density from 1992 to 2005 within red coral populations at different study sites in the Medes Islands Marine Reserve (established in 1992) and in adjacent unprotected areas. Moreover, we compared colony size in the Medes Islands Marine Reserve, where recreational diving is allowed and poaching has been observed after reserve establishment, with colony size in three other marine protected areas (Banyuls, Carry‐le‐Rouet, and Scandola) with the enforced prohibition of fishing and diving. At the end of the study, the size of red coral colonies at all sampling sites in the Medes Islands was significantly smaller than predicted by growth models and smaller than those in marine protected areas without fishing and diving. The annual number of recreational dives and the percent change in the basal diameter of red coral colonies were negatively correlated, which suggests that abrasion by divers may increase the mortality rates of the largest red coral colonies within this reserve
. Our study is the first quantitative assessment of a poaching event, which was detected during our monitoring in 2002, inside the marine reserve. Poaching was associated with a loss of approximately 60% of the biomass of red coral colonies.
Home Hemodialysis in the Remote Canadian North: Treatment in Manitoba Fly‐in Communities
Authors: Zacharias James , Komenda Paul , Olson Judy , Bourne Allison , Franklin Doug , Bernstein Keevin
Published: November 2011

Manitoba has the highest prevalence of ESRD in Canada. Northern Manitoba is a very sparsely settled area with a high proportion of aboriginal ESRD patients. Relocating to urban areas for dialysis is psychosocially and culturally stressful to patients. Delivering dialysis care in a home setting has demonstrated advantages in both clinical, economic, and health related quality of life domains. Establishing home hemodialysis in very remote communities has significant challenges, including poor and inadequate housing, unreliable water supply, limited community medical backup, and poor road access to communities especially for delivery of supplies. These challenges necessitate the development of strong community partnerships, and well documented processes for contingencies. A dedicated interdisciplinary support and training team at the urban hub is essential.
Viewpoint: Empirical evidence and tax policy design: lessons from the Mirrlees Review
Authors: Blundell Richard
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis paper examines the role of evidence in drawing up the recommendations for tax reform in the Mirrlees Review. The arguments are organised loosely under five related headings: (i) Key margins of adjustment. (ii) Measurement of effective tax rates. (iii) The importance of information and complexity. (iv) Evidence on the size of responses. (v) Implications from theory for tax design. Although the Mirrlees Review focuses on all aspects of tax reform, the focus is this paper is on the taxation of earnings with some examples drawn from the taxation of consumption and savings.
Lost in transition: the costs and consequences of sectoral labour adjustment
Authors: Tapp Stephen
Published: November 2011

Abstract This paper uses an equilibrium search and matching model to study Canada’s sectoral labour adjustment in 2002–2006 during an increase in global commodity prices and exchange rate appreciation. I estimate economically significant adjustment costs for the aggregate economy in this episode and demonstrate that difficulty in transferring skills between jobs for individual workers can be an important contributor to these aggregate costs. The analysis also demonstrates that the level of unemployment benefits impacts the economy’s sectoral composition, its aggregate productivity, and the speed of its adjustment to shocks.
A dynamic small open economy model with involuntary unemployment
Authors: Janko Zuzana
Published: November 2011

Abstract It is well known that real business cycle small open economy (SOE) models rely on Greenwood, Hercowitz, and Huffman (1988) preferences to match the countercyclical trade balance observed in open economies, as well as other second moments, while standard preferences à la King, Plosser, and Rebelo (1988) are commonly labelled ‘ineffective,’ owing to their inability to yield the countercyclical trade balance. In this paper, I show that an SOE model with standard preferences and ‘involuntary’ unemployment with efficient risk sharing can obtain a countercyclical trade balance and match main empirical regularities in small open economies.
Who produces for whom in the world economy?
Authors: Daudin Guillaume , Rifflart Christine , Schweisguth Danielle
Published: November 2011

Abstract For two decades, the share of trade in inputs, also called vertical trade, has been dramatically increasing. In reallocating trade flows to their original input‐producing industries and countries, this paper suggests a new measure of international trade: ‘value‐added trade’ and makes it possible to answer the question ‘who produces for whom?’ In 2004, 27% of international trade was vertical trade. The industrial and geographic patterns of value‐added trade are very different from those of standard trade. Value‐added trade is relatively less important in regional trade but the difference is not more important for Asia than for America.
Noninfectious Diverticulum of Mitral Valve Causing Severe Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Ito Hiroki , Peck Eric
Published: November 2011

(Echocardiography 2012;29:E54‐E55)
Personal viewpoint: Hemodialysis—Water, power, and waste disposal: Rethinking our environmental responsibilities
Authors: Agar John W. M.
Published: November 2011

While medical health professionals are trained to detect, treat, and comfort, they are not trained to consider the environmental impact of the services they provide. Dialysis practitioners seem particularly careless in the use of natural resources—especially water and power—and seem broadly ignorant of the profound medical waste issues created by single use dialysis equipment. If the data we have collected is an indication, then extrapolation of this data to a dialysis population currently estimated at ∼2 million patients worldwide, a “world dialysis service” would use ∼156 billion liters of water and discard ∼2/3 of that during reverse osmosis. This waste occurs, despite the discarded water being high‐grade “gray water” of potable standard. The same world dialysis service would consume 1.62 billion kWh of power—mostly generated from coal and other environmentally damaging sources. Our world dialysis service, based on ∼2 kg of waste from each dialysis treatment, would generate ∼625,000 tonnes of plastic waste—waste that would be potentially reusable if simple sterilizing techniques were applied to it at the point of generation. Dialysis services must begin to explore eco‐dialysis potentials. The continued plundering of resources without considering reuse or recycling, exploration of renewable energy options, or the reduction of the carbon footprint of the dialysis process … is unsustainable. Sustainable dialysis practices should be a global goal in the coming decade.
Endogenous factors modified by hemodialysis may interfere with the accuracy of blood glucose‐measuring device
Authors: Ogawa Tomonari , Murakawa Masaya , Matsuda Akihiko , Kanozawa Koichi , Kato Hitoshi , Hasegawa Hajime , Mitarai Tetsuya
Published: November 2011

In Japan, self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) devices are widely used both at home and in hospitals, but many analytical errors and safety concerns have been reported about the SMBG devices used in hospitals. Analytical performances of StatStrip (Nova Biomedical Corporation, MA, USA), a new point‐of‐care testing device and Glutest (Sanwa Chemical, Aichi, Japan), a routinely used SMBG device were compared in glucose measurement of pre‐ and postdialysis blood samples and we evaluated which factors in blood modified by hemodialysis affect accuracy of these devices. Subjects in this study were 44 hemodialysis patients. Blood samples were obtained from patients just before and just after the hemodialysis. Blood glucose concentrations of samples were measured by StatStrip and Glutest. Hematocrit and plasma concentrations of electrolytes, metabolites, etc. of the samples were measured in the central laboratory. StatStrip showed no difference between pre‐ and postdialysis blood samples and showed very little bias from reference method. On the other hand, Glutest showed difference between pre‐ and postdialysis samples. Although there is no problem in the data of predialysis blood samples by Glutest, however, these of the postdialysis blood samples by Glutest were >10% less than reference method. Factors in blood modified by hemodialysis such as hematocrit, uric acid, albumin, potassium, and calcium affected glucose readings by Glutest. Glucose readings by Glutest of samples from hemodialysis patients were affected by hematocrit and several factors, which were modified by hemodialysis. StatStrip is considered as a better device in dialysis hospitals.
Monitoring and blunting styles in fluid restriction consultation
Authors: Lindberg Magnus
Published: November 2011

Excessive fluid overload is common in hemodialysis patients. Understanding fluid intake behavior in relation to used cognitive coping style would serve the fluid restriction consultation. The aim of this study was to explore whether hemodialysis patients' fluid intake behavior differs as a function of used coping style. Secondary analysis of data from 51 hemodialysis patients regarding cognitive coping style (assessed by the Threatening Medical Situations Inventory) and fluid intake behavior were used. The participants' mean age was 62.9 years (range 27–84), they had received dialysis treatment for 3.9 years on average (range 0–22), 63% were male and they had gained 3.6% (±1.3) of their dry body weight during the interdialytic period. There was a significant difference in fluid intake behavior between coping groups (F = 3.899, d.f. 2, P = 0.027). The difference (P = 0.028) was isolated between patients with cognitive blunting style and patients with neutral coping style. Identification of hemodialysis patients using cognitive avoidance strategies can be advantageous in renal care. Fluid advice provided may have to be adjusted to the used coping style, especially for patients with a blunting coping style. However, the findings need to be confirmed, and the effect of individualized counseling needs to be evaluated in forthcoming studies.
Exploring the influences of multiscale environmental factors on the American dipper Cinclus mexicanus
Authors: Sullivan S. Mažeika P. , Vierling Kerri T.
Published: November 2011

Aquatic organisms respond to the physical environmental across a range of spatial scales, but the precise nature of these relationships is often unclear. In order to forecast ecosystem responses to environmental alterations in watersheds, understanding how processes at different spatial scales affect the ecology of organisms is critical. We used the semi‐aquatic American dipper Cinclus mexicanus to evaluate how large‐scale, regional variables (e.g. climate); landscape‐scale, watershed variables (e.g. land use/cover); and local, reach‐level variables (e.g. stream geomorphology) influenced various descriptors of American dipper ecology, including productivity, stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N), and individual condition. From 2005 to 2008, we collected data at 26 American dipper territories distributed throughout a 25 000 km2 region within Idaho, USA. We then used structural equation modeling to consider potential direct and indirect relationships among scalar factors on measures of American dipper ecology. We found that complex interactions among factors at all three spatial scales influenced dipper productivity, but that δ15N and individual condition were explained by characteristics at the regional and landscape scales only. In particular, model results demonstrate that precipitation was associated with notable variation in multiple dipper responses. Local factors, influencing only dipper productivity, were dominated by hydrogeomorphic characteristics. Our study underscores the simultaneous independent and synergistic roles of environmental factors across spatial scales on American dippers, and offers evidence that pathways influencing aquatic biota may not always conform to hierarchical spatial relationships in watersheds.
Local injection of latency‐associated peptide, a linker propeptide specific for active form of transforming growth factor‐beta1, inhibits dermal sclerosis in bleomycin‐induced murine scleroderma
Authors: Nakamura‐Wakatsuki Taeko , Oyama Noritaka , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) has been thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of scleroderma; however, therapeutic approaches targeting TGF‐β1 and/or related molecules have provided inconsistent results. In this study, we demonstrate the antifibrotic effects of local administration of latency‐associated peptide (LAP), a linker propeptide that specifically converts the active form of TGF‐β1 to the inactive from, in the bleomycin (BLM)‐induced scleroderma mouse model. Histologically, co‐injection of BLM and LAP into the dorsal skin prevented proinflammatory and later sclerotic responses, features seen in mice injected with BLM alone or together with PBS as control. In addition, the skin sites co‐injected with BLM and LAP showed a marked decrease in mast cell infiltration. Isoform‐specific ELISA and real‐time RT‐PCR revealed transient decreases in connective tissue growth factor and collagen α1(I) mRNA expression 2 weeks after the co‐injection, preceded by a decrease in active TGF‐β1 protein production. In contrast, the baseline expression of TGF‐β1 mRNA remained unchanged. By contrast, after induction of scleroderma by BLM, the inhibitory effects of LAP did not occur, suggesting time course–dependent TGF‐β1 regulation. Our data may have novel therapeutic implications regarding in vivo TGF‐β1 inactivation in human scleroderma, and the post‐transcriptional interrelationship between major fibrogenic cytokines in the autoimmune aspects of the disease.
Neurolytic effects of ampicillin on the rat infraorbital nerve
Authors: Saulacic Nikola , Lombardi Tommaso , Stojcev‐Stajcic Ljiljana , Iizuka Tateyuki , Stajcic Zoran
Published: November 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 268–271

Purpose:  The aim of this study was to investigate the histomorphological changes of the infraorbital nerve of rats treated with ampicillin.

Materials and Methods:  The infraorbital nerve was approached through the infraorbital foramen, and 0.01 ml of ampicillin dissolved in distilled water was injected taking care not to damage the nerve. Saline solution was used in control animals. Nerves were dissected and after routine histology processing analysed by light microscopy.

Results:  Cross‐section of the nerve treated with ampicillin showed damaged axons with disintegration of heavily myelinated fibres, while thinly myelinated fibres remain unaffected. In the saline group, no damage was observed. The signs of regeneration of the damaged infraorbital nerves were detected on the fourth post‐operative week.

Conclusion:  Ampicillin can cause peripheral nerve damage when injected perineurally.
Randomized trials for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: an evidence‐based review of the literature
Authors: de Moraes Maiara , do Amaral Bezerra Bruna Aguiar , da Rocha Neto Pedro Carlos , de Oliveira Soares Ana Clara Azevedo , Pinto Leão Pereira , de Lisboa Lopes Costa Antonio
Published: November 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 281–287

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is defined as a chronic pain condition, characterized symptomatically by a generalized or localized burning sensation in the oral cavity. Various drugs have been used in attempting to treat BMS, but there is insufficient evidence to show the effect of any effective treatment. The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of therapies for BMS. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling patients with a diagnosis of BMS were identified by searching Pubmed and Scoppus databases. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed on the basis of the method of allocation concealment, blindness of the study, loss of participants, size sample, and outcome concealment. A total of 12 relevant articles were analyzed. Therapies that used capsaicin, alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA), and clonazepam were those that showed more reduction in symptoms of BMS. However, many studies of therapeutic interventions in BMS lack consistency in their results, because they use in their methodology, sample and a relatively short time of therapy and often do not provide a follow‐up of patients treated. Thus, future studies are required to establish the treatment for patients suffering from this chronic and painful syndrome.
Non‐syndromic multiple supernumerary teeth: meta‐analysis
Authors: Alvira‐González Joaquín , Gay‐Escoda Cosme
Published: November 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 361–366

Background:  Non‐syndromic multiple supernumerary teeth (NSMST) is a condition with a very low prevalence and which is opportunely described in the literature by case reports or group of cases. This represents a problem when it comes to describing and discussing the characteristics of this disorder.

Materials and Methods:  A search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Science Direct, and Scopus databases to locate and identify cases and series of cases about articles on multiple supernumerary teeth not associated with syndromes that have been reported so far. The following data were recorded: age, gender, total number of supernumerary teeth, number of teeth in both the maxilla and mandible, respectively, and number of teeth in each dental series (incisor, canine‐premolar, and molar). Bilaterality in dental series and its localization in either maxilla or mandible were also determined.

Results:  A total of 46 cases including patients of both genders with a mean age of 19 years (SD = 6.826) and a ratio of 2.14:1 were identified. A total of 393 supernumeraries were reported; 43.26% (n = 170) were located in the maxilla and 56.74% (n = 223) in the mandible. No significant differences were found between genders with respect to the total number, involvement of the dental series, or distribution of supernumerary teeth in each of the arches.

Conclusion:  Although NSMST is a condition that has a higher incidence in the male gender, no differences have been found as to their number and localization in both genders. Bilaterality seems to be a common characteristic of this disorder.
Effect of cannabidiol on human gingival fibroblast extracellular matrix metabolism: MMP production and activity, and production of fibronectin and transforming growth factor β
Authors: Rawal S. Y. , Dabbous M. Kh. , Tipton D. A.
Published: November 2011

Rawal SY, Dabbous MKh, Tipton DA. Effect of cannabidiol on human gingival fibroblast extracellular matrix metabolism: MMP production and activity, and production of fibronectin and transforming growth factor β. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 320–329. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) use may be associated with gingival enlargement, resembling that caused by phenytoin. Cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychotropic Cannabis derivative, is structurally similar to phenytoin. While there are many reports on effects of phenytoin on human gingival fibroblasts, there is no information on effects of Cannabis components on these cells. The objective of this study was to determine effects of CBD on human gingival fibroblast fibrogenic and matrix‐degrading activities.

Material and Methods:  Fibroblasts were incubated with CBD in serum‐free medium for 1–6 d. The effect of CBD on cell viability was determined by measuring activity of a mitochondrial enzyme. The fibrogenic molecule transforming growth factor β and the extracellular matrix molecule fibronectin were measured by ELISA. Pro‐MMP‐1 and total MMP‐2 were measured by ELISA. Activity of MMP‐2 was determined via a colorimetric assay in which a detection enzyme is activated by active MMP‐2. Data were analysed using ANOVA and Scheffe’s F procedure for post hoc comparisons.

Results:  Cannabidiol had little or no significant effect on cell viability. Low CBD concentrations increased transforming growth factor β production by as much as 40% (p < 0.001), while higher concentrations decreased it by as much as 40% (p < 0.0001). Cannabidiol increased fibronectin production by as much as approximately 100% (p < 0.001). Lower CBD concentrations increased MMP production, but the highest concentrations decreased production of both MMPs (p < 0.05) and decreased MMP‐2 activity (p < 0.02).

Conclusion:  The data suggest that the CBD may promote fibrotic gingival enlargement by increasing gingival fibroblast production of transforming growth factor β and fibronectin, while decreasing MMP production and activity.
Wound healing in pre‐tibial injuries – an observation study
Authors: McClelland Heather M , Stephenson John , Ousey Karen J , Gillibrand Warren P , Underwood Paul
Published: November 2011

Pre‐tibial lacerations are complex wounds affecting a primarily aged population, with poor healing and a potentially significant impact on social well‐being. Management of these wounds has changed little in 20 years, despite significant advances in wound care. A retrospective observational study was undertaken to observe current wound care practice and to assess the effect of various medical factors on wound healing time on 24 elderly patients throughout their wound journey. Wound length was found to be substantively and significantly associated with wound healing time, with a reduction in instantaneous healing rate of about 30% for every increase of 1 cm in wound length. Hence, longer wounds are associated with longer wound healing times. Prescription of several categories of drugs, including those for ischaemic heart disease (IHD), hypertension, respiratory disease or asthma; and the age of the patient were not significantly associated with wound healing times, although substantive significance could be inferred in the case of prescription for IHD and asthma. Despite the small sample size, this study identified a clear association between healing and length of wound. Neither the comorbidities nor prescriptions explored showed any significant association although some seem to be more prevalent in this patient group. The study also highlighted other issues that require further exploration including the social and economic impact of these wounds.
A multidisciplinary team approach to hydroxyurea‐associated chronic wound with squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Stone Tamar , Berger Alexandra , Blumberg Sheila , O’Neill Daniel , Ross Frank , McMeeking Alexander , Chen Weiliam , Pastar Irena
Published: November 2011

Hydroxyurea (HU) has been shown to induce a variety of cutaneous adverse reactions, including severe leg ulcers. This report shows a successful treatment of a HU‐induced chronic wound associated with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). A 62‐year‐old patient affected with polycythemia vera and treated with HU for 10 years, presented with a non healing ulcer on a left heel. The patient gave a history of suffering from the wound for over 2 years. Biopsy showed evidence of invasive SCC. The patient underwent Mohs surgery and a greater saphenous vein ablation for polycythemia vera‐associated vascular complications. The wound consistently decreased in size following successive debridements and coverage with human skin equivalent. The wound healed completely after a 6‐month period. A multidisciplinary team approach to the treatment proved to be effective resulting in healing of this multifactorial chronic ulcer.
cDNA cloning, genomic structure, molecular characterization and mRNA expression analysis of the Pekin duck interleukin‐10 receptor 1
Authors: Yao Q. , Fischer K. P. , Tyrrell D. L. , Gutfreund K. S.
Published: November 2011

Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) mediates its broad anti‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects through two cell surface receptors by which binding to the IL‐10 receptor 1 (IL‐10R1) is the initial step that leads to recruitment of IL‐10R2 and initiation of the ternary complex signal transduction cascade. The duck IL‐10R1 (duIL‐10R1) cDNA was obtained by using RT‐PCR and 5′RACE. The deduced 574 amino acid protein has an amino acid identity of 62%, 27% and 28% with chicken, mouse and human IL‐10R1, respectively. Comparison of the duIL‐10R1 cDNA with duck genomic sequences revealed a seven exon–six intron structure of the duck IL‐10R1 gene that shares a similar size with the respective exons 1–7 of the chicken and human IL‐10R1 genes, but the avian genes are more compact. Promoter analysis identified putative binding sites for regulatory elements such as CCAAT enhancer binding protein‐α, specificity protein 1 (Sp1), nuclear factor 1 (NF1), transcriptional regulatory protein Oct‐1, nuclear factor (NF) κB and interferon‐stimulated gene factor‐3 (ISGF‐3). A canonical TATA box was absent in proximity of the transcription initiation site, but a CpG island was present. Sequence analysis of the predicted duIL‐10R1 protein revealed characteristic features of class‐II cytokine receptors (CFR2) family members and a considerable degree of conservation of residues implicated in ligand binding across higher vertebrates. The predicted secondary structure of the duIL‐10R1 extracellular domain is compatible with the two‐subdomain structure of the human IL‐10R1 protein established by its crystal structure. The 3D model structure shows conservation of the positions of conserved contact residues within four of the five ligand‐binding loops. Within the cytoplasmic domain, residues implicated in signal transduction were conserved including two redundant peptide motifs GYXXQ essential for recruitment and activation of STAT3. DuIL‐10R1 mRNA expression was most abundant in spleen, thymus, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and lung. Mitogen stimulation of PBMCs transiently increased duIL‐10R1 mRNA expression. Our observations suggest significant evolutionary conservation of the IL‐10R1 genomic organization, protein structure and receptor function through the JAK/STAT signalling pathway across higher vertebrates.
Higher taxa as surrogates of species richness of spiders in insect‐resistant transgenic rice
Authors: Lin Sheng , You Min‐Sheng , Vasseur Liette , Yang Guang , Liu Feng‐Jing , Guo Feng
Published: November 2011

Abstract  Biodiversity assessments can often be time‐ and resource‐consuming. Several alternative approaches have been proposed to reduce sampling efforts, including indicator taxa and surrogates. In this study, we examine the reliability of higher taxon surrogates to predict species richness in two experimental rice fields of Fujian Province, southeastern China during 2005 and 2009. Spider samples in transgenic and nontransgenic plots were collected using a suction sampler. Both the genus and family surrogates had significant and positive linear relationships with species richness in the transgenic and nontransgenic rice fields. The rice varieties did not significantly influence the linear relationships. Our findings suggest that higher‐taxon surrogacy could be a useful alternative to complete species inventory for risk assessments of transgenic rice.
Bio‐mitigation of carbon following afforestation of abandoned salinized farmland
Authors: Sochacki Stanley J. , Harper Richard J. , Smettem Keith R. J.
Published: November 2011

As the global demand for food continues to increase, the displacement of food production by using agricultural land for carbon mitigation, via either carbon sequestration, bioenergy or biofuel is a concern. An alternative approach is to target abandoned salinized farmland for mitigation purposes. Australia, for example, has 17 million ha of farmland that is already or could become saline. At a representative, salinized, low rainfall (350 mm yr−1) site at Wickepin, Western Australia, we demonstrate that afforestation can mitigate carbon emissions through either providing a feedstock for bioenergy or second generation biofuel production and produce salt‐tolerant fodder for livestock. A range of factors markedly affect this mitigation. These include hydrological conditions such as salinity, site factors such as slope position and soil properties and a range of silvicultural factors such as species, planting density and age of the planting. High density (2000 stems ha−1) plantings of Eucalyptus occidentalis Endl. produced a mean total biomass of 4.6 t ha−1 yr−1 (8.5 t CO2‐e ha−1 yr−1) averaged over 8 years. Atriplex nummularia Lindl. produced a mean total biomass of 3.8 t ha−1 yr−1 (6.9 t CO2‐e ha−1 yr−1) averaged over 4 years and approximately 1.9 t ha−1 yr−1 of edible dry matter annually to 8 years of age. With differences in salt tolerance between E. occidentalis and A. nummularia, we propose an integrated approach to treating salinized sites that takes salinity gradients into account, replicates natural wetland ecosystems and produces both fodder and biomass. Continued mitigation is expected as the stands mature, assuming that growth is not affected by the accumulation of salt in the soil profile. Such carbon mitigation could potentially be applied to salinized farmland globally, and this could thus represent a major contribution to global carbon mitigation without competing with food production.
Environmental influences on virus–host interactions in an Australian subtropical reservoir
Authors: Säwström Christin , Pollard Peter
Published: November 2011

Viral and prokaryotic interactions in freshwaters have been investigated worldwide but there are few temporal studies in the tropics and none in the sub‐tropics. In this 10‐month study, we examined temporal changes in virus–host interactions and viral life cycles (lytic versus lysogenic) in relation to the prevailing environmental conditions in a subtropical water reservoir (Wivenhoe) in southeast Queensland, Australia. Heterotrophic prokaryotes and picocyanobacteria were positively correlated with concentrations of viruses throughout the study, indicating the presence of both bacteriophages and cyanophages in the reservoir. The percentage of heterotrophic prokaryotes and picocyanobacteria containing intracellular viruses (FVIC) ranged between 0.2% and 2.4% and did not vary significantly over the 10‐month study, whereas lysogenic heterotrophic prokaryotes were only detected in the drier months of June and July. Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that the oxidative‐reduction potential (ORP) of the water reservoir influenced the concentrations of viruses, heterotrophic prokaryotes and picocyanobacteria significantly, with low ORP offering a favourable environment for these components. There was a negative relationship between FVIC and rainfall suggesting the associated run‐off altered virus–host interactions. Overall, our study provides novel information and inferences on how virus–host interactions in subtropical freshwaters might respond to changes in precipitation predicted to occur with global climate change.
Mucus thickness in the gastrointestinal tract of laboratory animals
Authors: Varum Felipe J O , Veiga Francisco , Sousa João S , Basit Abdul W
Published: November 2011

Objectives

The objective of this study was to systematically assess the mucus thickness in the gastrointestinal tract of laboratory animals commonly used in preclinical studies.

Methods

Mucus thickness was studied post-mortem in the rat, rabbit and pig, using cryosections stained by the modified periodic acid Schiff/Alcian blue method.

Key findings

The mucus thickness in the fundus region of the stomach was higher in the pig (190.7 ± 80.7 µm) than in the rabbit (155.1 ± 85.8 µm) and the rat (31.3 ± 11.4 µm). However, along the small intestine (ileum), mucus was thicker in the rabbit (147.8 ± 115.6 µm), followed by the pig (53.8 ± 22.1 µm) and the rat (34.1 ± 14.9 µm). This rank order was also observed in the ascending colon.

Conclusions

Inter-species variability in mucus thickness along the gut was demonstrated and suggests that the pig resembles more closely the mucus pattern of humans. This may be highly relevant when preclinical animal models are used in drug absorption studies or in the development of oral mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.
Augmentative effect of spinosin on pentobarbital-induced loss of righting reflex in mice associated with presynaptic 5-HT1A receptor
Authors: Wang Li-En , Zhang Xue-Qiong , Yin Yan-Qi , Zhang Yong-He
Published: November 2011

Objectives

This study investigated whether spinosin potentiates pentobarbital-induced loss of righting reflex (LORR) in mice via 5-HT1A receptors.

Methods

Our primary endpoint for sedation was LORR. In addition, the basal rectal temperature was measured.

Key findings

The results demonstrated that the 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT (s.c.) induced reductions in duration of LORR at 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg (P < 0.01), and prolongation of LORR latency at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg (s.c., P < 0.01) in pentobarbital (45 mg/kg, i.p.)-treated mice. This effect of 8-OH-DPAT was antagonized either by 5-HT1A antagonist p-MPPI (5 mg/kg, i.p.) or by spinosin (15 mg/kg, i.g.) with significance, respectively. Co-administration of spinosin and p-MPPI both at ineffective doses (spinosin at 5.0 mg/kg, i.g. and p-MPPI at 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) showed significant augmentative effects in reducing latency to LORR, and increasing LORR duration (P < 0.01) in pentobarbital-treated mice. On the other hand, spinosin inhibited 8-OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia, which has been generally attributed to the activation of somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptors in mice.

Conclusions

Based on our previous results and the present data, it should be presumed that presynaptic 5-HT1A autoreceptor mechanisms may be involved in the inhibitory effect of spinosin on 8-OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia and also in the potentiating effect of spinosin on pentobarbital-induced LORR in mice.
Pyeongwee-San extract (KMP6): a new anti-allergic effect
Authors: Han Na-Ra , Kim Hyung-Min , Jeong Hyun-Ja
Published: November 2011

Objectives

The prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing due to rapid industrialization and changes in lifestyle. Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) is a traditional Korean medicine that has been used as a basic prescription for digestive disorders. This study investigated the efficacy of KMP6 and its component hesperidin on experimental allergic models.

Methods

The anti-allergic effect of KMP6 was studied against a compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic reaction and the ear swelling response. In addition, a human mast cell line (HMC-1) was used to analyze the activity of histidine decarboxylase. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) from immunoglobulin E (IgE) was used.

Key findings

KMP6 and hesperidin inhibited the compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic reaction and the ear swelling response as well as histamine release, intracellular calcium levels and tryptase release from rat peritoneal mast cells. KMP6 inhibited histidine decarboxylase activity in stimulated HMC-1 cells and macrophages. In addition, KMP6 inhibited the PCA reaction induced by IgE as well as the levels of IgE, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13 in serum from mice.

Conclusions

These results suggest that KMP6 may exert an anti-allergic effect through not only the inhibition of mast cell degranulation but also the inhibition of histamine synthesis.
Enhanced Condensation of Ethylene Glycol on Single Pin-Fin Tubes: Effect of Pin Geometry
Authors: Ali Hafiz Muhammad , Briggs Adrian
Published: November 2011

This paper presents a fundamental study into the underlying mechanisms influencing heat transfer during condensation on enhanced surfaces. New experimental data are reported for condensation of ethylene glycol at near atmospheric pressure and low velocity on 11 different 3-dimensional pin-fin tubes tested individually. Enhancements of the vapor-side, heat-transfer coefficients were found between 3 and 5.5 when compared to a plain tube at the same vapor-side temperature difference. Heat-transfer enhancement was found to be strongly dependent on the active surface area of the tubes, i.e., on the surface area of the parts of the tube and pin surface not covered by condensate retained by surface tension. For all the tubes, vapor-side, heat-transfer enhancements were found to be approximately twice the corresponding active-area enhancements. The best performing pin-fin tube gave a heat-transfer enhancement of 5.5; 17% higher than obtained from “optimised” two-dimensional fin-tubes reported in the literature and about 24% higher than the “equivalent” two-dimensional integral-fin tube (i.e., with the same fin-root diameter, longitudinal fin spacing and thickness, and fin height). The effects of surface area and surface tension induced enhancement and retention are discussed in the light of the new data and those of previous investigations.