bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbiota from the distal guts of lean and obese adolescents exhibit partial functional redundancy besides clear differences in community structure
Authors: Ferrer Manuel , Ruiz Alicia , Lanza Francesca , Haange Sven‐Bastiaan , Oberbach Andreas , Till Holger , Bargiela Rafael , Campoy Cristina , Segura Maria Teresa , Richter Michael , von Bergen Martin , Seifert Jana , Suarez Antonio
Published: July 2012

Recent research has disclosed a tight connection between obesity, metabolic gut microbial activities and host health. Obtaining a complete understanding of this relationship remains a major goal. Here, we conducted a comparative metagenomic and metaproteomic investigation of gut microbial communities in faecal samples taken from an obese and a lean adolescent. By analysing the diversity of 16S rDNA amplicons (10% operational phylogenetic units being common), 22 Mbp of consensus metagenome sequences (∼ 70% common) and the expression profiles of 613 distinct proteins (82% common), we found that in the obese gut, the total microbiota was more abundant on the phylum Firmicutes (94.6%) as compared with Bacteroidetes (3.2%), although the metabolically active microbiota clearly behaves in a more homogeneous manner with both contributing equally. The lean gut showed a remarkable shift towards Bacteroidetes (18.9% total 16S rDNA), which become the most active fraction (81% proteins). Although the two gut communities maintained largely similar gene repertoires and functional profiles, improved pili‐ and flagella‐mediated host colonization and improved capacity for both complementary aerobic and anaerobic de novo B12 synthesis, 1,2‐propanediol catabolism (most likely participating in de novo B12 synthesis) and butyrate production were observed in the obese gut, whereas bacteria from lean gut seem to be more engaged in vitamin B6 synthesis. Furthermore, this study provides functional evidence that variable combinations of species from different phyla could ‘presumptively’ fulfil overlapping and/or complementary functional roles required by the host, a scenario where minor bacterial taxa seem to be significant active contributors.
Setting research priorities for Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Gadsby R. , Snow R. , Daly A. C. , Crowe S. , Matyka K. , Hall B. , Petrie J.
Published: July 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1321–1326 (2012)

Aims  Research priorities are often set by academic researchers or the pharmaceutical industry. The interests of patients, carers and clinicians may therefore be overlooked and research questions that matter may be neglected. The aims of this study were to collect uncertainties about the treatment of Type 1 diabetes from patients, carers and health professionals, and to collate and prioritize these uncertainties to develop a top 10 list of research priorities, using a structured priority‐setting partnership of patients, carers, health professionals and diabetes organizations, as described by the James Lind Alliance.

Methods  A partnership of interested organizations was set up, and from this a steering committee of 10 individuals was formed. An online and paper survey was used to identify uncertainties. These were collated, and the steering group carried out an interim priority‐setting exercise with partner organizations. This group of uncertainties was then voted on to give a smaller list that went forward to the final priority‐setting workshop. At this meeting, a final list of the top 10 research priorities was agreed.

Results  An initial 1141 uncertainties were described. These were reduced to 88 indicative questions, 47 of which went out for voting. Twenty‐four were then taken forward to a final priority‐setting workshop. This workshop resulted in a list of top 10 research priorities in Type 1 diabetes.

Conclusion  We have shown that it is possible using the James Lind Alliance process to develop an agreed top 10 list of research priorities for Type 1 diabetes from health professionals, patients and carers.
Does early intensive multifactorial treatment reduce total cardiovascular burden in individuals with screen‐detected diabetes? Findings from the ADDITION‐Europe cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Simmons R. K. , Sharp S. J. , Sandbæk A. , Borch‐Johnsen K. , Davies M. J. , Khunti K. , Lauritzen T. , Rutten G. E. H. M. , van den Donk M. , Wareham N. J. , Griffin S. J.
Published: July 2012

Aims  To describe the total cardiovascular burden (cardiovascular morbidity or mortality, revascularization or non‐traumatic amputation) in individuals with screen‐detected diabetes in the ADDITION‐Europe trial and to quantify the impact of the intervention on multiple cardiovascular events over 5 years.

Methods  In a pragmatic, cluster‐randomized, parallel‐group trial in four centres (Denmark; Cambridge, UK; the Netherlands; and Leicester, UK), 343 general practices were randomized to screening plus routine care (n = 1379 patients), or screening and promotion of target‐driven, intensive treatment of multiple risk factors (n = 1678). We estimated the effect of the intervention on multiple cardiovascular events after diagnosis of diabetes using the Wei, Lin and Weissfeld method.

Results  Over 5.3 years, 167 individuals had exactly one cardiovascular event, 53 exactly two events, and 18 three or more events. The incidence rates (95% CI) of first events and any event per 1000 person‐years were 14.6 (12.8–16.6) and 20.4 (18.2–22.6), respectively. There were non‐significant reductions in the risk of a first (hazard ratio 0.83, 95% CI 0.65–1.05) and second primary endpoint (hazard ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.43–1.12). The overall average hazard ratio for any event was 0.77 (95% CI 0.58–1.02).

Conclusions  Early intensive multifactorial treatment was not associated with a significant reduction in total cardiovascular burden at 5 years. Focusing on first events in cardiovascular disease prevention trials underestimates the total cardiovascular burden to patients and the health service.
‘FORGING, AHEAD’: INDUSTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSFORMATION IN A MELBOURNE SUBURB 1906–85
Authors: MORROW DAN
Published: July 2012

The trajectory of the suburb Sunshine in Western Melbourne (1906–85), from industrial powerhouse to repository of social problems, sheds light on the issues surrounding organic urban expansion. For the many Australians living on the fringes of large cities, a sense of deprivation – particularly inequality in services – undercut the presumed comfort and stability of the post‐war period. Unrest in outer areas deepened following the contraction of the ‘long boom’. The area's pre‐Second World War origins as a manufacturing suburb regulated by the industrialist Hugh V. McKay is starkly contrasted with its later incarnation as a site of industrial and suburban sprawl.
WAS THERE A GUARANTEE EFFECT FOR THE OTTOMAN LOANS IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY?
Authors: AL HUSEYIN
Published: July 2012

This study analyses the effect of formal guarantees of the British government on the performance of Turkish bonds issued in the second half of the nineteenth century. We compare the yields and prices of 11 bonds issued by the Ottoman government with different guarantees attached to each bond. Our findings indicate that the formal guarantee of the British government was significant in determining the prices and yields of Ottoman bonds. Even though the British guarantee had no effect on Ottoman institutions, practices, and fiscal fundamentals, the yields on the guaranteed loan did not move together with other Ottoman loans.
Spatial Approaches to Modeling Dispersion of Communicable Diseases – A Review
Authors: Bian Ling
Published: July 2012

The dispersion of communicable diseases in a population is intrinsically spatial. In the last several decades, a range of spatial approaches has been devised to model epidemiological processes; and they differ significantly from each other. A review of spatially oriented epidemiological models is necessary to assess advances in spatial approaches to modeling disease dispersion and to help identify those most appropriate for specific research goals. The most notable difference in the design of these spatially oriented models is the scale and mobility of the modeling unit. Using two criteria, this review identifies six types of spatially oriented models. These include: (1) population‐based wave models, (2) sub‐population models, (3) individual‐based cellular automata models, (4) mobile sub‐population models, (5) individual‐based spatially implicit models, and (6) individual‐based mobile models. Each model type is evaluated in terms of its design principles, assumptions, and intended applications. For the evaluation of design, four aspects of design principles are discussed: the modeling unit, the interaction between the modeling units, the spatial process, and the temporal process utilized in a design. Insights gained from this review can be useful for devising much‐needed spatially and temporally oriented strategies to forecast, prevent, and control communicable diseases.
Relationships between spontaneous note‐taking, self‐reported strategies and comprehension when reading multiple texts in different task conditions
Authors: Hagen Åste M. , Braasch Jason L.G. , Bråten Ivar
Published: July 2012

This study investigated note‐taking during multiple‐text reading across two different task conditions in relation to comprehension performance and self‐reports of strategy use. Forty‐four undergraduates read multiple texts about climate change to write an argument or a summary. Analysis of students’ spontaneous note‐taking during reading showed that intertextual elaboration strategies, as indicated by the notes, were related to deeper‐level, integrated comprehension for students reading to construct an argument, whereas no such relationship was observed for students reading to summarise information. Relations between note‐taking and self‐reporting of strategies suggested a heightened awareness of strategy use among students reading to construct an argument, with this, possibly, explaining why their note‐taking strategies accounted for variance in their comprehension performance. Discussion focuses on the unique contributions of the current work to multiple‐text strategy research.
Efficacy and safety of acitretin in three fixed doses of 25, 35 and 50 mg in adult patients with severe plaque type psoriasis: a randomized, double blind, parallel group, dose ranging study
Authors: Dogra S. , Jain A. , Kanwar A.J.
Published: July 2012

Background  Acitretin is available for use in psoriasis since the late 1980s; however, there is no consensus on its optimum effective dose with acceptable side‐effects.

Objective  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acitretin in three fixed doses in adult patients with severe plaque type psoriasis.

Methods  This was a randomized, double blind, parallel group, dose ranging study. The study included patients of either gender (age range, 18–65 years) with severe chronic plaque type psoriasis. Of the 80 patients screened, 61 were randomly assigned to three groups: group A – 20 patients (acitretin 25 mg/day), group B – 20 patients (acitretin 35 mg/day) and group C – 21 patients (acitretin 50 mg/day) for 12 weeks. Forty‐eight patients completed the study. The main outcome measure was change in Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score between the three groups from baseline to 12 weeks.

Results  After 12 weeks of therapy, the percentage reduction in the PASI score was 54%, 76% and 54% in acitretin 25, 35 and 50 mg/day group respectively. PASI 75 was achieved in 47%, 69% and 53% patients in acitretin 25, 35 and 50 mg/day groups respectively. The majority of adverse events were mucocutaneous, mild‐to‐moderate severity and dose dependent.

Conclusions  Acitretin 35 mg/day was observed to be more efficacious compared to 25 mg/day and 50 mg/day dosing, whereas its safety profile is better than 50 mg/day dosing in the management of severe plaque type psoriasis in adult patients.
Secondary intention healing in skin surgery: our own experience and expanded indications in hidradenitis suppurativa, rhinophyma and non‐melanoma skin cancers
Authors: Bieniek A. , Matusiak Ł. , Chlebicka I. , Szepietowski J.C.
Published: July 2012

Background  There are many situations in integument surgery in which secondary intention healing (SIH) may bring results comparable or even superior to those obtained with primary intention healing.

Objective  To present our own methods of employing SIH in surgical treatment of different skin lesions. Moreover, to delineate the extended indications for SIH as a first‐line method of wound treatment.

Methods  Between 1999 and 2009, we conducted 236 operations followed by SIH in the group of 195 patients. Two independent investigators and the patients carried out post‐operative assessment (at 12 months) of both cosmetic and functional results of operations (data for 142 patients). Moreover, at 3 and 12 months, patients were asked for self‐evaluation of the outcomes of surgical procedures using the visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results  The most frequent indications for SIH were defects after the excision of non‐melanoma skin cancers and hidradenitis suppurativa lesions. Depending on localization, the mean extent of the post‐operative wounds prepared for SIH ranged from 0.8to 85.7 cm2. The healing lasted 2–12 weeks. The most important factor was the size of the wound (r = 0.59; P < 0.001). The assessment at 12 months revealed that cosmetic/functional outcomes were evaluated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ in 89/83% and 72/70% cases, according to patients and physicians respectively. VAS showed that evaluation scores at 3 months post‐surgery were significantly lower than at 12 months (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion  SIH is a safe and efficient form of treatment for various post‐operative skin defects. In certain areas of the body, SIH shows favourable cosmetic and functional effects. In these cases, it may even be regarded as the method of choice.
Association of FTO gene variants with body composition in UK twins
Authors: Livshits Gregory , Malkin Ida , Moayyeri Alireza , Spector Timothy D , Hammond Christopher J
Published: July 2012

The association of FTO gene variants with body mass index (BMI) and other obesity characteristics is well established. However, uncertainties remain whether the association is present only in young populations and whether it is attributable to body fat mass specifically. We aimed to clarify these two questions in a large sample (N= 4,523 individuals) of middle‐aged and older (range 40–80 years) British female twins. The women were assessed for BMI, waist and hip circumference, total lean (LBM) and fat (FBM) body mass. Since the majority of FTO association signals have been reported in a haploblock bordering 52,355–52,408 kb (on chromosome 16q12.2), we examined five genotyped and 43 imputed SNPs mapped to this block. Canonical correlation and other association analyses showed significant and consistent association between the selected SNP and studied body composition phenotypes, with p‐values reaching p= 0.000004. Of particular interest, in addition to the expected significant associations between FTO variants and FBM, we also identified significant associations with LBM. These results suggest that the association between FTO variants and body composition phenotypes is present across a wide range of ages, and that FTO appears primarily to affect the amount of body soft tissue, influencing both fat and lean mass.
Rapid climate change and the rate of adaptation: insight from experimental quantitative genetics
Authors: Shaw Ruth G. , Etterson Julie R.
Published: July 2012

Evolution proceeds unceasingly in all biological populations. It is clear that climate‐driven evolution has molded plants in deep time and within extant populations. However, it is less certain whether adaptive evolution can proceed sufficiently rapidly to maintain the fitness and demographic stability of populations subjected to exceptionally rapid contemporary climate change. Here, we consider this question, drawing on current evidence on the rate of plant range shifts and the potential for an adaptive evolutionary response. We emphasize advances in understanding based on theoretical studies that model interacting evolutionary processes, and we provide an overview of quantitative genetic approaches that can parameterize these models to provide more meaningful predictions of the dynamic interplay between genetics, demography and evolution. We outline further research that can clarify both the adaptive potential of plant populations as climate continues to change and the role played by ongoing adaptation in their persistence.

Contents

Summary
752

I.
Introduction
752

II.
Will migration be enough?
753

III.
Can adaptation proceed fast enough?
754

IV.
Fitness links demographic and evolutionary processes
755

V.
Experimental studies: what do they tell us and how can we improve them?
756

VI.
Predicting evolutionary change based on genetic variation and natural selection
757

VII.
The chronosequence approach
758

VIII.
Resurrection of ancestral propagules
759

IX.
The mean and variance in fitness, a link between genetics and demography
760

X.
Conclusions
762

Acknowledgements
762

References
762
A clinico‐radiological phenotype of voltage‐gated potassium channel complex antibody‐mediated disorder presenting with seizures and basal ganglia changes
Authors: HACOHEN YAEL , WRIGHT SUKHVIR , SIDDIQUI ATA , PANDYA NIKKI , LIN JEAN‐PIERRE , VINCENT ANGELA , LIM MING
Published: July 2012

In childhood, central nervous system (CNS) presentations associated with antibodies to voltage‐gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex include limbic encephalitis, status epilepticus, epileptic encephalopathy, and autistic regression. We report the cases of two individuals (a 6‐year‐old male and an 11‐year‐old female) who presented with an acute‐onset explosive seizure disorder with positive VGKC complex antibodies and bilateral basal ganglia changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both patients made a complete clinical recovery, without immunotherapy, with resolution of the MRI changes and normalization of the antibody levels. Extended antibody testing, including testing for leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated 1 (LGI1), contactin‐associated protein 2, and contactin‐2 was negative. This could suggest that the clinico‐radiological phenotype in our patients may in fact be associated with a novel autoreactive target(s) within the VGKC complex, as may be the case in other children with VGKC complex‐mediated CNS disorders.
Modulation of interferon‐γ‐induced glial cell activation by transforming growth factor β1: A role for STAT1 and MAPK pathways
Authors: Herrera‐Molina Rodrigo , Flores Betsi , Orellana Juan A. , von Bernhardi Rommy
Published: July 2012

Overactivated glial cells can produce neurotoxic oxidant molecules such as nitric oxide (NO·) and superoxide anion (O2·−). We have previously reported that transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) released by hippocampal cells modulates interferon‐γ (IFNγ)‐induced production of O2·− and NO· by glial cells. However, underlying molecular mechanisms are not completely understood, thereby, the aim of this work was to study the effect of TGFβ1 on IFNγ‐induced signaling pathways. We found that costimulation with TGFβ1 decreased IFNγ‐induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription‐type‐1 (STAT1) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), which correlated with a reduced O2·− and NO· production in mixed and purified glial cultures. Moreover, IFNγ caused a decrease in TGFβ1‐mediated phosphorylation of P38, whereas pre‐treatment with ERK and P38 inhibitors decreased IFNγ‐induced phosphorylation of STAT1 on serine727 and production of radical species. These results suggested that modulation of glial activation by TGFβ1 is mediated by deactivation of MAPKs. Notably, TGFβ1 increased the levels of MAPK phosphatase‐1 (MKP‐1), whose participation in TGFβ1‐mediated modulation was confirmed by MKP‐1 siRNA transfection in mixed and purified glial cultures. Our results indicate that the cross‐talk between IFNγ and TGFβ1 might regulate the activation of glial cells and that TGFβ1 modulated IFNγ‐induced production of neurotoxic oxidant molecules through STAT1, ERK, and P38 pathways.
Measuring patient satisfaction with the Polish version of the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale
Authors: Gutysz‐Wojnicka Aleksandra , Dyk Danuta , Cudak Edyta , Ozga Dorota
Published: July 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 311–318

Measuring patient satisfaction with the Polish version of the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale

The measurement of patients’ satisfaction is increasingly becoming legal and ethical duty of healthcare providers worldwide. Till now, there were no validated, widely available Polish scales to assess patients’ satisfaction with nursing care. The aim of this study was to assess the experiences and satisfaction with nursing care of patients hospitalized in surgical and nonsurgical wards in Poland using Polish version of the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale. This is a multicentre, cross‐sectional, descriptive study. Eight hospitals were qualified to participate in a convenience manner. The correlations between variables were analysed using the Mann–Whitney or the Kruskal–Wallis tests. In the case of a significant correlation, the Dunn’s test was used to conduct multiple comparisons for the group of variables. A significance of α = 0.05 was assumed for the tests. A total 918 patients participated in the study, and 787 (85.72%) questionnaires were correctly filled out. The average result on the ‘experience’ scale was 73.22 (Me 73.07) and on the ‘satisfaction’ scale, 74.98 (Me 76.31). Education levels did not affect the experiences of nursing care levels p = 0.2204 and satisfaction with nursing care p = 0.1075. Patient age had a statistically significant impact on the results of the ‘experiences of nursing care’ scale p = 0.0005 and the ‘satisfaction with nursing’ scale p = 0.0194. The experiences of nursing care (p = 0.0002) and patients satisfaction (p = 0.0000) were significantly higher in surgical wards than in nonsurgical wards. The experiences of nursing care were significantly lower in the university hospital than in provincial hospitals (p = 0.0374) and district hospitals (p = 0.0183). A comparison of patient satisfaction with nursing in various hospitals shows that patients were most satisfied in district hospitals (average 78.10, Me 82.89), followed by provincial hospitals (average 72.11, Me 76.31) and the university hospital (average 70.64, Me 71.05).
Density and behaviour ofWhinchatsSaxicola rubetraonAfrican farmland suggest that winter habitat conditions do not limitEuropean breeding populations
Authors: Hulme Mark F. , Cresswell Will
Published: July 2012

TheWhinchatSaxicolarubetrais anAfro‐Palaearctic migrant undergoing widespread population decline.Whinchats winter inWestAfrica but there are almost no data on their habitat use and behaviour there that may help to explain the cause of this decline. We measured the density ofWhinchats, the habitat characteristics associated with their occurrence on farmland, and the relationships between behavioural and habitat variation on farmland around Jos, central Nigeria, over three winters.Whinchats occurred in many fields harvested in the dry season, the density at three sites varying from 0.03 to 0.43 birds/ha, but they were absent at a fourth site. Whinchats were less likely to be found in farmland without particular crops (e.g. structural stem crops such as maize and millet), with more trees, lower amounts of short vegetation (grass, weeds, crops and crop stubble less than 10 cm in height), and higher amounts of medium vegetation (coverage of vegetation 10–100 cm in height) and litter (dead, unburned, vegetation on the ground). Whinchat abundance in areas of farmland where they were present was independent of most variables considered, but density was higher where there was more short vegetation cover. Foraging behaviour did not vary significantly between farmland habitats. All predictors were consistent between season, years and across sites. The presence/absence model was very poor at predicting presence and there were no strong predictors of abundance or foraging variation. This is consistent with a species well below carrying capacity within its environment so that many suitable areas do not have birds present and there is little aggregation at better sites. Overall,Whinchats were abundant and appeared to have plentiful habitat; densities have probably increased alongside the intensification of agriculture (presence of fallow farmland, short vegetation and structural crops). The results suggest thatWestAfrican farmland in the dry season can support large numbers of Whinchats and that recent population declines in Europe are unlikely to be caused primarily by lack of suitable wintering habitat.
Obesity Prevention: The Impact of Local Health Departments
Authors: Chen Zhuo (Adam) , Roy Kakoli , Gotway Crawford Carol A.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To examine the association between bodyweight status and provision of population‐based prevention services.

Data Sources

The National Association of City and County Health Officials 2005 Profile survey data, linked with two cross‐sections of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey in 2004 and 2005.

Study Design

Multilevel logistic regressions were used to examine the association between provision of obesity‐prevention services and the change in risk of being obese or morbidly obese among BRFSS respondents. The estimation sample was stratified by sex. Low‐income samples were also examined. Falsification tests were used to determine whether there is counterevidence.

Principal Findings

Provision of population‐based obesity‐prevention services within the jurisdiction of local health departments and specifically those provided by the local health departments are associated with reduced risks of obesity and morbid obesity from 2004 to 2005. The magnitude of the association appears to be stronger among low‐income populations and among women. Results of the falsification tests provide additional support of the main findings.

Conclusions

Population‐based obesity‐prevention services may be useful in containing the obesity epidemic.
The spontaneous release of prostaglandins into the cerebral ventricles of the dog and the effect of external factors on this release
Authors: HOLMES S. W.
Published: July 2012

Prostaglandins E19 E2, F1α and F2α have been identified in perfusates of the cerebral ventricles of anaesthetized dogs.

Infusions of serotonin into the lateral ventricle caused a four‐fold increase in the release of prostaglandins E into the ventricles and this increase was dissociated from the hyperthermic action. Intraventricular infusions of adrenaline and noradrenaline had no effect on the level of prostaglandin release.

Neither electrical stimulation of a hind foot pad nor the intraperitoneal administration of chlorpromazine, amphetamine, tranylcypromine or imipramine had any consistent effect on the amounts of prostaglandins released into the cerebrospinal fluid.

When prostaglandin E1 was added to the fluid perfusing the ventricular system, respiratory changes were observed but almost all the added prostaglandin was recovered from the perfusate leaving the cisterna.
Effects of general stimulant drugs on the electrical responses of isolated slabs of cat's cerebral cortex
Authors: FRANK G. B. , JHAMANDAS K.
Published: July 2012

In the neuronally isolated cortex of the cat, local application of bemegride, picrotoxin, nikethamide, caffeine and strychnine facilitated the surface positive response of the isolated cortex and lowered the stimulus threshold for this response. Excepting nikethamide, they all produced convulsive discharge in the isolated cortex unrelated to the applied stimulus.

Local application of glutamate to the cortex produced spreading depression, which was sometimes preceded by spontaneous positive bursting.

In contrast to the “general depressants” which produce a relatively consistent pattern of effects on the electrical responses of isolated cortex, the “general stimulants”, although they all have excitatory effects on isolated cortex, each produced a greatly different type of electrical response in the isolated cortex, suggesting that several different mechanisms of action are responsible for their effects.
An assessment of the role of the sympathetic nervous system in experimental hypertension using normal and immunosympathectomized rats
Authors: AYITEY‐SMITH E. , VARMA D. R.
Published: July 2012

The role of the sympathetic nervous system in experimental hypertension and associated changes in aortic sodium and potassium was studied using normal and immunosympathectomized Sprague‐Dawley rats.

A single injection of antiserum to nerve‐growth factor to rats at birth produced less intensive destruction of the peripheral sympathetic system than did two injections (one daily for 2 days). The former are referred to as “partial” immunosympathectomized and the latter as “total” immunosympathectomized rats.

Maintenance of rats on 1% sodium chloride after unilateral nephrectomy and implantation of 40 mg desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) pellets resulted in sustained DOCA‐NaCl hypertension in both normal and “partial” immunosympathectomized rats but not in “total” immunosympathectomized rats. Hypertension was associated with an increase in aortic sodium.

Constriction of one renal artery with contralateral nephrectomy caused sustained hypertension and an increase in aortic sodium in normal and “partial” immunosympathectomized rats. Renal hypertension in “total” immunosympathectomized rats was not sustained.

It is concluded that a certain minimum control of the cardiovascular system by the sympathetic system is essential for the production of experimental hypertension and associated electrolyte changes.
Histamine and granulocytes in the umbilical cord blood of infants at birth
Authors: MITCHELL R. G. , PORTER J. F.
Published: July 2012

Histamine levels in whole blood and plasma from the umbilical arteries and veins, together with circulating basophil and eosinophil counts, were determined in two groups of healthy infants, “term” and “pre‐term”.

No significant arteriovenous differences were found except in the basophil counts of the “pre‐term” group. This result was consistent with the finding of significant arteriovenous correlations for all these sets of estimations except the basophil counts in the “pre‐term” group.

No significant differences were found between the mean values in either group except for the difference between the mean basophil counts for venous blood.

Plasma histamine levels (arterial and venous) were usually less than the lowest limit of the method (1.8 ng/ml). Very small amounts of histamine were detected, however, in one venous and one arterial specimen in the “pre‐term” group, but these did not produce a significant difference between the levels for the two groups of infants.
What's wrong with the debate on mesh surgery?
Authors: Dietz Hans P.
Published: July 2012

There is an increasingly acrimonious debate surrounding the use of anchored mesh in prolapse surgery. It is evident that clinicians and researchers working with this technology are under pressure from the public, from lawyers, regulators and colleagues. There is a risk that rapidly changing societal standards, championed by colleagues, lawyers and bureaucrats, will interfere with professional independence to such a degree that an entire new technology is lost before there has been time for clinical research to assess risks and benefits properly, before we learn which patients stand to benefit most, and before we get a chance to optimise implant design.
Healing rate calculation in the diabetic foot ulcer: Comparing different methods
Authors: Santamaria Nick , Ogce Filiz , Gorelik Alexandra
Published: July 2012

The determination of healing rate in the diabetic foot wound is an important assessment parameter that is part of the overall clinical decision‐making process in wound treatment. A number of methods that have been used to calculate healing, ranging from length and width measurement, surface area measure changes expressed as a function of time and linear advancement of the wound edge. The objective of this study was to compare surface area measures to linear advancement of the wound edge in 228 diabetic foot ulcers. Each wound was measured using the two methods and analyzed using linear regression to determine the best modeling of the healing process in these wounds. Results indicated that the total surface area change per day was superior to the linear advancement parameter in this group of wounds and that the area measurement was significantly more likely to predict the healing trajectory in the subgroup of wounds that took more than 28 days to heal. Contrary to expectations, the linear advancement method was correlated to initial wound size in the longer duration wounds suggesting that in these chronic wounds, differing healing phases render the surface area calculation method superior to the linear advancement parameter.
Angiogenin expression in burn blister fluid: Implications for its role in burn wound neovascularization
Authors: Pan Shin‐Chen , Wu Li‐Wha , Chen Chung‐Lin , Shieh Shyh‐Jou , Chiu Haw‐Yen
Published: July 2012

Deep partial thickness burn (DPTB) wound fluids have a greater propensity for establishing neovascularization than did superficial partial thickness burn (SPTB) wound fluids in our previous study. To investigate the factors responsible for this activity, cytokine array and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were used to perform an expression analysis of angiogenic factors in burn fluid. Although present in approximately equal amounts in both SPTB and DPTB blister fluids from burn patients, angiogenin does appear to be involved in the ability of DPTB blister fluid to promote neovascularization in vitro and in vivo. Angiogenin alone was sufficient to induce endothelial differentiation of circulating angiogenic cells (CAC) without vascular endothelial growth factor A involvement. In addition, angiogenin was positively associated with CAC differentiation in the burn blister fluid. Blocking the effect of angiogenin in burn blister fluids resulted in a significant reduction of endothelial cell proliferation, CAC differentiation, and new blood vessels formation in vivo. Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed that high angiogenin expression colocalizes with high vascularity in human burn wounds at day 7, further supporting our hypothesis that angiogenin is involved in burn wound neovascularization.
Migraine Among Norwegian Neurologists
Authors: Alstadhaug Karl B. , Hernandez Antonio , Næss Halvor , Stovner Lars Jacob
Published: July 2012

Background.— Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of migraine among neurologists. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of migraine and its subtypes among neurologists in Norway.

Method.— Questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional study among every Norwegian neurologist registered on March 19, 2010.

Results.— Among the 384 neurologists, 245 (64%) participated. Of these, 95 (39%) reported having experienced migraine aura, and 86 having experienced migraine headache (35%). By employing the International Headache Society criteria for migraine with regard to the number of attacks, the gender‐adjusted lifetime and 1‐year prevalence was 38.7% (95% CI 30.3‐47.7) and 33.8% (95% CI 25.9‐47.2), respectively. Age‐adjusted 1‐year prevalence of migraine headache (not including subjects experiencing visual aura only) for men was 15.9% and for women 36.7%, which gives an overall age and gender‐adjusted prevalence of 26.3% (95% CI 18.5‐34.2). Solitary auras were experienced by 83 (34%), of which 73 (30%) had experienced this twice or more frequently. The majority of the neurologists thought that migraine was underdiagnosed and undertreated, 70% and 68%, respectively.

Conclusion.— The study confirms the results of previous studies, indicating that migraine, including visual aura, is more common among neurologists than what would be expected from population‐based studies. Because this group, through professional experience with the condition, can make accurate diagnoses in themselves, and will have fewer problems with recalling headache episodes, the prevalence figures obtained may give the most precise estimate of the true population prevalence.
A Case‐Control Study on Cortical Thickness in Episodic Cluster Headache
Authors: Seifert Christian L. , Magon Stefano , Staehle Kathrin , Zimmer Claus , Foerschler Annette , Radue Ernst‐Wilhelm , Pfaffenrath Volker , Tölle Thomas R. , Sprenger Till
Published: July 2012

Objective.— This study aims at investigating cortical thickness in cluster headache patients as compared with a healthy control group.

Background.— The pathobiology of cluster headache is not yet fully understood, although a dysfunction of the hypothalamus has been suggested to be causal. Previous studies in migraine and trigeminal neuropathic pain have demonstrated changes in cortical thickness using cortex segmentation techniques, but no data have been published on cluster headache.

Methods.— We investigated 12 men with episodic cluster headache during a phase without acute headache as well as age and sex‐matched healthy controls using high resolution T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging acquired at 3T and performed a categorical whole‐brain surface‐based comparison of cortical thickness between groups. Furthermore, a correlation analysis of disease duration and cortical thickness was conducted.

Results.— In comparison with control subjects, we found a reduction of cortical thickness in the angular gyrus and the precentral gyrus in cluster headache patients contralaterally to the headache side. These reductions did not correlate with disease duration. The cortical thickness of an area within the primary sensory cortex correlated with disease duration.

Conclusions.— This study demonstrates alterations in cortical thickness in cluster headache patients suggesting a potential role of cortical structures in cluster headache pathogenesis. However, it cannot be determined from this study whether the changes are cause or consequence of the disorder. The correlation of cortical thickness with disease duration in the somatosensory cortex may suggest disease‐related plasticity in the somatosensory system.
The Study of Time Perception in Migraineurs
Authors: Zhang Juanjuan , Wang Guoying , Jiang Yubao , Dong Wenwen , Tian Yanghua , Wang Kai
Published: July 2012

Objective.— The study aimed to explore the impairment of time perception in migraineurs.

Background.— Headache is the most common pain syndrome in middle‐aged adults, and migraine is highly prevalent and severely disabling. Although the mechanisms of and the therapies for migraines have long been explored, less is known about the functional impairments associated with them, especially the impairment in time perception, that is, the ability to estimate the passage of time.

Methods.— In this study, we used a temporal reproduction task to assess the estimation of the duration of visual stimulus in 27 migraine patients. The stimulus was delivered at different intervals over the milliseconds and seconds range.

Results.— In the setting of an interstimulus interval for 1 second and an interstimulus interval for 5 seconds in the 600‐millisecond‐duration reproduction task, the migraineurs showed impairment in time perception, and in that they significantly overestimated the duration, as compared with the healthy subjects. When compared with the healthy controls for the 3‐second and 5‐second duration reproduction task, migraineurs in the setting of an interstimulus interval for 1 second and an interstimulus interval for 5 seconds did not show impairment in time perception.

Conclusions.— This study indicates that not only is time perception impaired in migraineurs, but that this impairment is exhibited for durations in the milliseconds range, and not the seconds range.
A Prospective Cohort Study of the Prevalence of Growth, Facial, and Central Nervous System Abnormalities in Children with Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Kuehn Devon , Aros Sofía , Cassorla Fernando , Avaria Maria , Unanue Nancy , Henriquez Cecilia , Kleinsteuber Karin , Conca Barbara , Avila Alejandra , Carter Tonia C. , Conley Mary R. , Troendle James , Mills James L.
Published: July 2012

Background

Most children who are exposed to large quantities of alcohol in utero do not develop fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Population‐based prospective data on the risk of developing components of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), however, are limited.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 9,628 women screened during their first prenatal appointment in Chile, which identified 101 who consumed at least 4 drinks/d (exposed) matched with 101 women with no reported alcohol consumption during pregnancy (unexposed). Detailed alcohol consumption data were collected during the pregnancy. Children were evaluated up to 8.5 years of age by clinicians masked to exposure status.

Results

One or more functional central nervous system abnormalities were present in 44.0% (22/50) of the exposed children compared to 13.6% (6/44) of the unexposed (p = 0.002). Growth restriction was present in 27.2% (25/92) of the exposed and 12.5% (12/96) of the unexposed (p = 0.02). Abnormal facial features were present in 17.3% (14/81) of the exposed children compared to 1.1% (1/89) of the unexposed children (p = 0.0002) by direct examination. Of the 59 exposed children with data available to detect at least 1 abnormality, 12 (20.3%) had no abnormalities. Binge drinking from conception to recognition of pregnancy (OR = 1.48 per day, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.91, p = 0.002) and after recognition of pregnancy (OR= 1.41 per day, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.95, p = 0.04) and total number of drinks consumed per week from conception to recognition of pregnancy (OR = 1.02 per drink, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.04, p = 0.0009) were significantly associated with abnormal child outcome.

Conclusions

After exposure to heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy, 80% of children had 1 or more abnormalities associated with alcohol exposure. Patterns of alcohol use that posed the greatest risk of adverse outcomes were binge drinking and high total weekly intake. Functional neurologic impairment occurred most frequently and may be the only sign to alert physicians to prenatal alcohol exposure.
Racial Differences in the Development of Impulsivity and Sensation Seeking from Childhood into Adolescence and Their Relation to Alcohol Use
Authors: Pedersen Sarah L. , Molina Brooke S. G. , Belendiuk Katherine A. , Donovan John E.
Published: July 2012

Background

Pronounced differences in drinking behavior exist between African Americans and European Americans. Disinhibited personality characteristics are widely studied risk factors for alcohol use outcomes. Longitudinal studies of children have not examined racial differences in these characteristics and in their rates of change or whether these changes differentially relate to adolescent alcohol use.

Methods

Latent growth curve modeling was performed on 7 annual waves of data on 447 African American and European American 8‐ and 10‐year‐old children followed into adolescence as part of the Tween to Teen Project. Both mother and child data were examined.

Results

European Americans had higher initial levels of (β = 0.22, p < 0.001) and greater growth in sensation seeking (β = 0.16, p < 0.05) compared with African Americans. However, African American children had higher initial levels of impulsivity compared with European American children (β = −0.27 and −0.16, p < 0.01). Higher initial levels of sensation seeking (β = 0.18, p < 0.01) and greater growth in both sensation seeking (β = 0.24, p < 0.01) and impulsivity (β = 0.30 to 0.34, p < 0.01) related to subsequent frequency of alcohol use. The association between race and alcohol use was partially mediated by initial levels of sensation seeking (β = 0.04, p < 0.05; 95% CI: 0.004 to 0.078). Additionally, sharper increases in sensation seeking predicted greater levels of subsequent alcohol use for European Americans (β = 0.33, p < 0.001) but not for African Americans (β = −0.15, ns).

Conclusions

This study revealed different developmental courses and important racial differences for sensation seeking and impulsivity. Findings highlight the possibility that sensation seeking at least partly drives early alcohol use for European American but not for African American adolescents.
Perceived Access to Reinforcers as a Function of Alcohol Consumption Among One First Nation Group
Authors: Spillane Nichea S. , Smith Gregory T. , Kahler Christopher W.
Published: July 2012

Background

Spillane and Smith (2007, Psychol Bull 133:395–418) postulated that high levels of problem drinking in some First Nation (FN) communities resulted in part from the perception that there is low access to alternative reinforcers (e.g., jobs, friendships, family relationships, and financial security), that many alternative reinforcers are less contingent on sobriety, and that others are available regardless of drinking status for reserve‐dwelling FN members.

Methods

This study examined perceptions of access to alternative reinforcers and the extent to which access varied as a function of drinking in 211 FN members living on 1 reserve in Canada, 138 middle socioeconomic status Caucasians (MCCs), and 98 low socioeconomic status Caucasians (LCCs).

Results

The FN group expected less access to employment, quality family and friend relationships, and financial security compared with the MCC group. After controlling for perceived access in general, gender, and age, the FN group reported that drinking would not cause a decrease in access to employment, family relationships, friendships, and finances as compared to the MCC group. The FN group did not differ from the LCC group in the degree to which they expected drinking to cost access to family relationships or finances, but the LCC group expected drinking to have less of an impact on access to jobs and friendships as compared to the FN group.

Conclusions

The results provide initial support for the Spillane and Smith theory of problem drinking among this 1 FN group. The results suggest that increasing access to these reinforcers may reduce problematic drinking in this FN group.
Evidence for Possible Period 2 Gene Mediation of the Effects of Alcohol Exposure During the Postnatal Period on Genes Associated with Maintaining Metabolic Signaling in the Mouse Hypothalamus
Authors: Agapito Maria A. , Barreira Jacklin C. , Logan Ryan W. , Sarkar Dipak K.
Published: July 2012

Background

Animals exposed to alcohol during the developmental period develop circadian disturbances and metabolic problems that often persist during their adult period. In order to study whether alcohol and the circadian clock interact to alter metabolic signaling in the hypothalamus, we determined whether postnatal alcohol feeding in mice permanently alters metabolic sensing in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, we evaluated whether the effect of circadian disruption via Period 2 (Per2) gene mutation prevents alcohol's effects on metabolic signaling in the hypothalamus.

Methods

Per2 mutant and wild‐type male and female mice of the same genetic background were given a milk formula containing ethanol (EtOH; 11.34% vol/vol) from postnatal day (PD) 2 to 7 and used for gene expression and peptide level determinations in the hypothalamus at PD7 and PD90.

Results

We report here that postnatal alcohol feeding reduces the expression of proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) gene and production of β‐endorphin and α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) in the hypothalamus that persists into adulthood. In addition, expressions of metabolic sensing genes in the hypothalamus were also reduced as a consequence of postnatal alcohol exposure. These effects were not sex‐specific and were observed in both males and females. Mice carrying a mutation of the Per2 gene did not show any reductions in hypothalamic levels of Pomc and metabolic genes and β‐endorphin and α‐MSH peptides following alcohol exposure.

Conclusions

These data suggest that early‐life exposure to alcohol alters metabolic sensing to the hypothalamus possibly via regulating Per2 gene and/or the cellular circadian clock mechanism.