bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different sensitivity of pain‐related chemosensory potentials evoked by stimulation with CO2, tooth pulp event‐related potentials, and acoustic event‐related potentials to the tranquilizer diazepam.
Authors: Thurauf N , Ditterich W , Kobal G
Published: July 2012

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the sensitivity of pain‐ related potentials used in experimental pain models to the non‐specific effects of the tranquilizer diazepam. Pain‐related potentials were recorded after painful stimulation of the nasal mucosa with CO2 and after painful stimulation of the tooth pulp. Acoustically evoked potentials were measured in order to compare their sensitivity to the tranquilizer diazepam with the sensitivity of the pain‐related potentials. 2. Twenty volunteers participated in this randomised, double‐blind, three‐fold crossover study. Measurements were obtained before and 20 min after the administration of the drug. Event‐related potentials were recorded after painful stimulation of the nasal mucosa with CO2 (two stimulus intensities: 60% v/v and 70% v/v CO2), after painful stimulation of the tooth pulp (two stimulus intensities: 2.2 × and 3.3 × detection threshold), and after non‐painful acoustical stimulation of the right ear. The subjects rated the perceived intensity of the painful stimuli by means of a visual analogue scale. In addition the spontaneous EEG was analysed in the frequency domain and the vigilance of the subjects was assessed in a tracking task. 3. Diazepam reduced significantly the amplitudes of the event‐related potentials after painful stimulation of the tooth pulp and after acoustical stimulation. In contrast only a small, statistically non‐ significant reduction could be found after painful stimulation with CO2. The pain ratings of the painful stimuli were not affected by diazepam. Diazepam reduced the performance of the tracking task. A decrease of arousal could be found in the alpha 2‐range, whereas in the beta 2 and the theta‐range the power density increased under diazepam. 4. We demonstrated that event‐related potentials after painful stimulation of the nasal mucosa with CO2 are less affected by the nonspecific effects of the tranquilizer diazepam than event‐related potentials after painful stimulation of the tooth pulp. The effects of diazepam on the tracking task, the spontaneous EEG and the event‐ related potentials clearly confirm its sedative properties. Diazepam had no analgesic effect measurable by pain intensity estimates.
Biotransformation of caffeine in human liver microsomes from foetuses, neonates, infants and adults.
Authors: Cazeneuve C. , Pons G. , Rey E. , Treluyer JM , Cresteil T. , Thiroux G. , D'Athis P. , Olive G.
Published: July 2012

1. Caffeine metabolism was studied in human liver microsomes from foetuses (n = 10), neonates (n = 10), infants (n = 9) and adults (n = 5). Caffeine and its metabolites, 1‐3‐7‐trimethyluric acid, paraxanthine, theophylline and theobromine, were assayed by h.p.l.c. Methoxyresorufin‐O‐demethylase activity (MEROD) was determined and immunoquantifiable levels of CYP1A2 were measured. 2. The formation of the dimethylxanthines by N‐3, N‐7 or N‐1‐demethylation was significantly less in foetuses, neonates and infants than in adults, as shown previously in vivo. The formation of 1‐3‐7‐trimethyluric acid (C‐ 8‐hydroxylation) was not significantly different between age groups. The production of total dimethylxanthines, paraxanthine and theophylline increased significantly with age within the neonate‐infant group over at least the 0‐300 day range (rs = 0.739, 0.667, 0.682, respectively). These data differ from those reported in vivo which suggested that N‐3 and N‐7‐demethylations matured at about 120 days. The difference in maturational profiles of each metabolic pathway suggests that the reactions depend on different isoenzymes. The delay in the maturation of N‐1 compared with N‐3 and N‐7‐demethylation is in agreement with previous in vivo data. 3. In the neonate‐infant group, only N‐3‐demethylation correlated with both MEROD activity (rs = 0.681; P < 0.05) and CYP1A2 microsomal concentration (rs = 0.454; P approximately 0.05), suggesting that, as in adults, this reaction depends on CYP1A2. 4. In the foetal samples, the production of total dimethylxanthines, paraxanthine and theobromine decreased significantly (rs = ‐0.879, ‐0.767, ‐0.708, respectively) with increasing gestational age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Dose‐related effects of ibuprofen on pain‐related potentials.
Authors: Kobal G. , Hummel C. , Gruber M. , Geisslinger G. , Hummel T.
Published: July 2012

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the dose‐related effects of ibuprofen (placebo, 400 and 800 mg rac‐ibuprofen [Aktren], administered orally) on experimentally‐induced tonic and phasic pain. 2. Eighteen volunteers participated in this randomized, double‐blind, three‐fold cross‐over study. Measurements were obtained before and 90 min after administration of the drugs. Phasic pain was produced by CO2 pulses of two concentrations applied to the right nostril. The left nostril was stimulated with a constant stream of dry air which produced a tonic painful sensation described as dull and burning. Subjects rated the intensity of the painful stimuli by means of visual analogue scales. In addition, chemo‐somatosensory event‐related potentials (CSSERP) were also recorded in response to phasic painful CO2 stimuli. 3. While mean intensity estimates of both tonic and phasic painful stimuli showed a non‐significant dose‐related decrease, a statistically significant dose‐ related decrease was observed for CSSERP amplitudes. 4. In conclusion, in order to investigate analgesic drug effects, CSSERP appear to be a more sensitive measure compared with psychophysically obtained responses.
Preliminary investigation of the efficacy of sublingual verapamil in the management of acute atrial fibrillation and flutter.
Authors: Fort S. , Lewis MJ , Luscombe DK , John DN
Published: July 2012

The antiarrhythmic properties of sublingual verapamil were investigated in seven patients with acute fast atrial flutter (n = 2) or fibrillation (n = 5). A rapid and significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the ventricular rate was achieved in all seven patients. The ventricular rate at peak plasma verapamil concentration (+/‐ s.d.) was significantly slower than on admission (101.6 +/‐ 11.3 and 159 +/‐ 5.3 beats min‐1 respectively, P < 0.01). The ventricular rate remained controlled for over 4 h. Sublingual verapamil was rapidly absorbed with the maximum peak plasma concentration (153.3 +/‐ 15.5 ng ml‐1) being achieved after 1.21 +/‐ 0.18 h. Side‐effects of sublingual verapamil were limited to one report of a bitter taste. The sublingual administration of verapamil may provide an alternative method for the control of acute fast atrial fibrillation and flutter in selected patients.
The interaction of paracetamol with frusemide.
Authors: Martin U. , Prescott LF
Published: July 2012

Following the administration of paracetamol (1 g 4 times per day) or placebo to 10 healthy female volunteers for 2 days, the pharmacological effects of intravenous frusemide (20 mg) were observed after a final dose of either paracetamol or placebo. Paracetamol pre‐treatment had no effect on frusemide‐induced diuresis or natriuresis. There was a significant reduction in the basal output of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) with paracetamol pre‐treatment (18.4 +/‐ 15.4 vs 7.6 +/‐ 5.0 ng h‐1, P < 0.05; 95% confidence interval of the difference 0.2 to 21.8). Frusemide induced a transient increase in the urinary excretion rate of PGE2 and although this effect was reduced by paracetamol (46.6 +/‐ 50.9 vs 23.2 +/‐ 13.8) the differences in the change of excretion rate from baseline were not statistically significant (95% confidence interval of the difference ‐17.8 to 15.7). The basal level of 6‐keto prostaglandin F1 alpha (PGF1 alpha) was less with paracetamol pre‐treatment (61.7 +/‐ 41.1 vs 38.7 +/‐ 26.1 ng h‐1, NS; 95% confidence interval of the difference ‐16.6 to 62.6) and the cumulative urinary output of PGF1 alpha in the 6 h after frusemide administration was significantly reduced (305.9 +/‐ 179.4 vs 181.8 +/‐ 100.2 ng h‐1, P < 0.05; 95% confidence interval of the difference 32.2 to 216). The frusemide‐ induced rise in plasma renin activity was significantly less with paracetamol than placebo at 60 min (4.3 +/‐ 2.9 vs 2.7 +/‐ 1.9 ng ml‐1 h‐1, P < 0.01; 95% confidence interval of the difference 0.4 to 2.7).
Effect of peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD) on cytochrome P450 isoenzyme activity
Authors: Brennan Barbara J. , Xu Zhi‐Xin , Grippo Joseph F.
Published: July 2012

Aim

Pegylated interferon‐based therapy is recommended for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Because interferons are known to down‐regulate hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, which are involved in drug metabolism and clearance, there is a need to investigate the effect of peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) alfa‐2a (40KD) on the activity of these enzymes in vivo.

Methods

Fourteen healthy, male volunteers aged 18 to 45 years were recruited into an open label, two period, single centre study in which CYP enzyme activity was measured by administration of the selectively metabolized probe drugs theophylline (CYP1A2), tolbutamide (CYP2C9), mephenytoin (CYP2C19), debrisoquine (CYP2D6) and dapsone (CYP3A4) on day 1 of the study. PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a (40KD) 180 μg was given subcutaneously each week from day 15 to 36, and probe drugs were re‐administered on day 37. Probe drugs and metabolites were quantified in plasma or urine samples and used to derive pharmacokinetic parameters.

Results

PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a (40KD) significantly increased the area under the serum drug concentration vs. time curve (AUC(0,∞)) for theophylline by 24%, with a reduction in the mean oral clearance of theophylline of 20%. There were no effects on the pharmacokinetics of any of the other probe drugs. The incidence of adverse events was as expected in subjects receiving pegylated interferon.

Conclusion

These results suggest there may be an inhibitory effect of PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a (40KD) on CYP1A2. PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a (40KD) had no effect on CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 in healthy subjects.
Human eosinophils release IL‐1ß and increase expression of IL‐17A in activated CD4+ T lymphocytes
Authors: Esnault S. , Kelly E. A. B. , Nettenstrom L. M. , Cook E. B. , Seroogy C. M. , Jarjour N. N.
Published: July 2012

Background

Differentiation and activation of CD4+ T cells is controlled by various cytokines produced by innate immune cells. We have shown that eosinophils (EOS) have the potential to influence Th1 and Th2 cytokine generation by CD4+ cells, but their influence on IL‐17A (IL‐17) has not been established.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of EOS on IL‐17 production by lymphocytes.

Methods

Pre‐activated CD4+ T cells were cultured in the presence of either autologous EOS or EOS culture supernatants. Expression of IL‐17 was determined by real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) after 5 h and protein level was measured after 48 h. To determine the effect of allergen‐induced airway EOS on IL‐17, subjects with mild allergic asthma underwent bronchoscopic segmental bronchoprovocation with allergen (SBP‐Ag) after a treatment with an anti‐IL‐5 neutralizing antibody (mepolizumab) to reduce airway eosinophilia. IL‐17 mRNA was measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells by qPCR.

Results

In vitro, EOS significantly increased IL‐17 production by CD4+ T cells. Addition of exogenous IL‐1ß increased expression of IL‐17 mRNA by CD4+ T cells. EOS expressed and released IL‐1ß. Furthermore, levels of IL‐1ß in EOS supernatants highly correlated with their ability to increase IL‐17 expression by CD4+ T cells, and neutralizing antibody to IL‐1ß reduced expression of IL‐17 mRNA. In vivo, reduction of EOS in the airway using mepolizumab was associated with diminished IL‐17 expression after SBP‐Ag.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Our data demonstrate that EOS can promote IL‐17 production through the release of IL‐1ß. Enhanced IL‐17 cytokine production is another mechanism by which EOS may participate in pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation in asthma.
A passive low‐frequency seismic experiment in the Albertine Graben, Uganda
Authors: Martini F. , Lokmer I. , Jonsdottir K. , De Barros L. , Möllhoff M. , Bean C. J. , Hauser F. , Doherty J. , Ryan C. , Mongan J.
Published: July 2012

A passive seismic experiment was conducted in April/May 2010 in the Albertine Graben region in Uganda to record low‐frequency seismic signals and explore the possibility of their exploitation in this area as a direct hydrocarbon indicator (DHI). Recordings were made at locations directly overlying both hydrocarbon and water‐bearing strata within the sedimentary basin as well as reference sites external to the basin, directly on the basement. Contrary to findings published in some literature to date, we found that spatial variations in the analysed wavefield parameters correlate with the underlying geology rather than the presence or absence of hydrocarbons. Inversion of the surface‐wave (fundamental mode) dispersion curve as well as the observed horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio of both surface and body waves provide evidence that the observed spectral variations can be explained solely by a simple layered/gradient velocity model, without the presence of any kind of anomaly that could be attributed exclusively to a hydrocarbon reservoir.

Consequently, it is recommended that knowledge of the geological and velocity structure is sought when analysing passive low‐frequency seismic data sets. This is a fundamental prerequisite in order to guard against misinterpretation of the spatial variation of seismic derived attributes as DHIs.
Two‐dimensional fast generalized Fourier interpolation of seismic records
Authors: Naghizadeh Mostafa , Innanen Kristopher A.
Published: July 2012

The fast generalized Fourier transform algorithm is extended to two‐dimensional data cases. The algorithm provides a fast and non‐redundant alternative for the simultaneous time‐frequency and space‐wavenumber analysis of data with time‐space dependencies. The transform decomposes data based on local slope information and therefore making it possible to extract the weight function based on dominant dips from alias‐free low frequencies. By projecting the extracted weight function to alias‐contaminated high frequencies and utilizing a least‐squares fitting algorithm, a beyond‐alias interpolation method is accomplished. Synthetic and real data examples are provided to examine the performance of the proposed interpolation method.
Pharmacokinetic properties of IB1001, an investigational recombinant factor IX, in patients with haemophilia B: repeat pharmacokinetic evaluation and sialylation analysis
Authors: Martinowitz U. , Shapiro A. , Quon D. V. , Escobar M. , Kempton C. , Collins P. W. , Chowdary P. , Makris M. , Mannucci P. M. , Morfini M. , Valentino L. A. , Gomperts E. , Lee M.
Published: July 2012

IB1001 trenacog alfa is an investigational recombinant factor IX (FIX) for the treatment and prevention of bleeding in individuals with haemophilia B. To compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) of IB1001 with nonacog alfa in individuals with haemophilia B and to assess the relationship between sialylation and PK of IB1001 (NCT00768287). A randomized, double‐blind, non‐inferiority, cross‐over study conducted in participants aged ≥12 years weighing ≥40 kg, with severe or moderately severe haemophilia B (FIX activity ≤2 IU dL
−1). PK parameters were derived using observed FIX concentration levels and actual PK sampling times, and repeated in a subset of participants who had received IB1001 prophylaxis for 4–18 months. A retrospective analysis was conducted in subgroups according to the sialylation levels of IB1001 (50.8, 57.8–59.0%, or 71.7%). In the 32 adolescent and adult males evaluated, there were no clinically meaningful differences in PK parameters between those receiving IB1001 75 IU kg−1 or nonacog alfa. The lower limit of the one‐sided 95% confidence interval for the ratio of AUC0‐t and AUC0‐∞ (IB1001/nonacog alfa) was 0.90, establishing non‐inferiority. Terminal phase half‐lives were similar (29.7 ± 18.2 h for IB1001 and 33.4 ± 21.2 h for nonacog alfa). The PK results were stable for up to 18 months of IB1001 exposure; the impact of sialylation levels was not clinically meaningful. There were no clinically meaningful PK differences between IB1001 and nonacog alfa. IB1001 was well tolerated and without safety concerns. The non‐inferiority of IB1001 to nonacog alfa supports IB1001 becoming a useful alternative recombinant agent for the management of haemophilia B.
Guidelines for the management of hemophilia
Authors: Srivastava A. , Brewer A. K. , Mauser‐Bunschoten E. P. , Key N. S. , Kitchen S. , Llinas A. , Ludlam C. A. , Mahlangu J. N. , Mulder K. , Poon M. C. , Street A. ,   Treatment Guidelines Working Group The World Federation Of Hemophilia
Published: July 2012

Hemophilia is a rare disorder that is complex to diagnose and to manage. These evidence‐based guidelines offer practical recommendations on the diagnosis and general management of hemophilia, as well as the management of complications including musculoskeletal issues, inhibitors, and transfusion‐transmitted infections. By compiling these guidelines, the World Federation of Hemophilia aims to assist healthcare providers seeking to initiate and/or maintain hemophilia care programs, encourage practice harmonization around the world and, where recommendations lack adequate evidence, stimulate appropriate studies.
Impact of birth complications on breastfeeding duration: an internet survey
Authors: Brown Amy , Jordan Sue
Published: July 2012

Aim

To explore reasons underlying cessation of breastfeeding in mothers with uncomplicated vaginal deliveries and those experiencing complications during childbirth.

Background

Interventions during labour and childbirth can have a negative impact on breastfeeding. Explanations include adverse reactions to medication, delayed breastfeeding initiation, and disruption of the normal endocrinology of childbirth. However, reasons for breastfeeding cessation linked to birth experience have not been fully examined. Increasing breastfeeding duration and, consequently, improving infant and maternal health in the UK depend on understanding why women stop breastfeeding.

Design

An exploratory cross‐sectional survey.

Method

Between January–May 2009, 284 mothers attending community groups in Swansea, Wales, and mothers participating in online parenting forums, who initiated breastfeeding but discontinued before 6 months postpartum, reported their birth experience, including complications and reasons for breastfeeding cessation in an internet survey.

Results

Mothers who experienced birth complications breastfed for a significantly shorter duration than those who did not. Specifically, caesarean deliveries, foetal distress, failure to progress, and postpartum haemorrhage were each associated with a shorter breastfeeding duration. Mothers who experienced complications were more likely to discontinue breastfeeding for reasons of pain and difficulty than mothers who did not experience complications, yet no difference was seen between groups for social reasons such as embarrassment or a lack of support.

Conclusion

Certain complications during labour may increase risk of specific physical difficulties with breastfeeding, possibly due to their association with medications received. Maternity health professionals should be alert to this possibility to offer enhanced attention and care to overcome these issues and prolong breastfeeding duration.
Fertility‐awareness knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women seeking fertility assistance
Authors: Hampton Kerry D. , Mazza Danielle , Newton Jennifer M.
Published: July 2012

Aims

To report a descriptive study of fertility‐awareness knowledge, attitudes, and practice of infertile women seeking fertility assistance.

Background

Previous research has suggested that poor fertility‐awareness may be a contributing cause of infertility among women seeking fertility assistance at assisted reproductive technology clinics. The actual practices and attitudes towards fertility‐awareness in this particular group of women are unknown.

Design

A cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based survey.

Methods

The study was conducted over 6 months, from 2007–2008, of women on admission to two assisted reproductive technology clinics in a major city in Australia.

Results

Two hundred and four of 282 distributed questionnaires were completed (response rate = 72·3%). Eighty‐three per cent had attempted conception for 1 year or more, 86·8% actively tried to improve their fertility‐awareness from one or more sources of the information, 68·2% believed they had timed intercourse mainly within the fertile window of the menstrual cycle in their attempts at conception, but only 12·7% could accurately identify this window. Ninety‐four per cent believe that a woman should receive fertility‐awareness education when she first reports trouble conceiving to her doctor.

Conclusions

Most women seeking assistance at assisted reproductive technology clinics attempt timed intercourse within the fertile window of the menstrual cycle. However, few accurately identify this window, suggesting that poor fertility‐awareness may be a contributing cause of infertility.
Ecological proteomics: Finding molecular markers that matter
Authors: DALZIEL ANNE C. , SCHULTE PATRICIA M.
Published: July 2012

It is becoming increasingly clear that local adaptation can occur even in the face of high gene flow and limited overall genomic differentiation among populations (reviewed by Nosil et al. 2009). Thus, one important task for molecular ecologists is to sift through genomic data to identify the genes that matter for local adaptation (Hoffmann & Willi 2008; Stapley et al. 2010). Recent advances in high‐throughput molecular technologies have facilitated this search, and a variety of approaches can be applied, including those grounded in population genetics [e.g. outlier analysis (Pavlidis et al. 2008)], classical and quantitative genetics [e.g. quantitative trait locus analysis (MacKay et al. 2009)], and cellular and molecular biology [e.g. transcriptomics (Larsen et al. 2011)]. However, applying these approaches in nonmodel organisms that lack extensive genetic and genomic resources has been a formidable challenge. In this issue, Papakostas et al. (2012). demonstrate how one such approach – high‐throughput label‐free proteomics (reviewed by Gstaiger & Aebersold 2009; Domon & Aebersold 2010) – can be applied to detect genes that may be involved in local adaptation in a species with limited genomic resources. Using this approach, they identified genes that may be implicated in local adaptation to salinity in European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus L.) and provide insight into the mechanisms by which fish cope with changes in this critically important environmental parameter.
Semi‐automated vectorial analysis of anorectal motion by magnetic resonance defecography in healthy subjects and fecal incontinence
Authors: Noelting J. , Bharucha A. E. , Lake D. S. , Manduca A. , Fletcher J. G. , Riederer S. J. , Joseph Melton L. , Zinsmeister A. R.
Published: July 2012

Background  Inter‐observer variability limits the reproducibility of pelvic floor motion measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our aim was to develop a semi‐automated program measuring pelvic floor motion in a reproducible and refined manner.

Methods  Pelvic floor anatomy and motion during voluntary contraction (squeeze) and rectal evacuation were assessed by MRI in 64 women with fecal incontinence (FI) and 64 age‐matched controls. A radiologist measured anorectal angles and anorectal junction motion. A semi‐automated program did the same and also dissected anorectal motion into perpendicular vectors representing the puborectalis and other pelvic floor muscles, assessed the pubococcygeal angle, and evaluated pelvic rotation.

Key Results  Manual and semi‐automated measurements of anorectal junction motion (r = 0.70; P < 0.0001) during squeeze and evacuation were correlated, as were anorectal angles at rest, squeeze, and evacuation; angle change during squeeze or evacuation was less so. Semi‐automated measurements of anorectal and pelvic bony motion were also reproducible within subjects. During squeeze, puborectalis injury was associated (P ≤ 0.01) with smaller puborectalis but not pelvic floor motion vectors, reflecting impaired puborectalis function. The pubococcygeal angle, reflecting posterior pelvic floor motion, was smaller during squeeze and larger during evacuation. However, pubococcygeal angles and pelvic rotation during squeeze and evacuation did not differ significantly between FI and controls.

Conclusion & Inferences  This semi‐automated program provides a reproducible, efficient, and refined analysis of pelvic floor motion by MRI. Puborectalis injury is independently associated with impaired motion of puborectalis, not other pelvic floor muscles in controls and women with FI.
The potential of steroids and xenobiotic receptor polymorphisms in forecasting cyclosporine pharmacokinetic variability in young kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Ferraresso Mariano , Turolo Stefano , Belinghieri Mirco , Tirelli Amedea Silvia , Grillo Paolo , Groppali Elena , Edefonti Alberto , Ghio Luciana
Published: July 2012

Ferraresso M, Turolo S, Belinghieri M, Tirelli AS, Grillo P, Groppali E, Edefonti A, Ghio L. The potential of steroids and xenobiotic receptor polymorphisms in forecasting cyclosporine pharmacokinetic variability in young kidney transplant recipients.

Abstract:  The steroids and xenobiotics receptor (SXR) up‐regulates the expression and the synthesis of key enzymes in CyA metabolism. In this study, we examined the possible interactions between CyA exposure and SXR polymorphisms during the first year after renal transplantation. The study involved 66 pediatric renal transplant recipients (25 women and 41 men, mean age 13.9 ± 7.4 yr). All patients were genotyped for two sequence variations in the NR1I2 gene: g.‐205_‐200delGAGAAG and 7635 A>G. CyA trough levels and CyA weight‐adjusted daily dose were recorded at 30, 90, 180, and 360 days after transplantation and compared between the different genotypes. A third newly discovered SXR polymorphism was characterized and also included in the study. CyA trough levels and CyA weight‐adjusted daily dose were comparable on four time points throughout the first year post‐transplant in all three groups. GEE showed a significant reduction in weight‐adjusted CyA daily dose in patients carrying the deletion of 6 bp in SXR with a significant group‐by‐time effect that persisted also when analysis was corrected for age, prednisone dose, and acute rejection episodes. In our group of patients, only the g.‐205_‐200delGAGAAG SXR polymorphism was able to influence the metabolism of CyA continuously, during the first year after transplantation.
Depression and anxiety levels of the mothers of children and adolescents with left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Ozbaran Burcu , Kose Sezen , Yagdi Tahir , Engin Cagatay , Erermis Serpil , Yazici Kemal Utku , Noyan Aysin , Ozbaran Mustafa
Published: July 2012

Ozbaran B, Kose S, Yagdi T, Engin C, Erermis S, Yazici KU, Noyan A, Ozbaran M. Depression and anxiety levels of the mothers of children and adolescents with left ventricular assist devices.

Abstract:  VADs have been used to provide treatment for end‐stage heart failure. Parents may feel overwhelmed with the VAD regimes responsibility and be affected from this process beside children. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the depressive and anxiety symptoms of mothers of the first eight children equipped with a VAD in Turkey. The mothers of eight pediatric patients living with VADs were filled BDI and STAI at first month of VAD implantation (E.I) and secondly six months after their first evaluation (E.II). In E.I, the BDI mean score of mothers was 20.87, in E.II 14.37. STAI‐S mean score was 53.37 in E.I and 43.62 in E.II. The Wilcoxon nonparametric‐paired t‐test revealed significant difference between baseline and end‐point STAI‐S scores (Z: −2.035; p: 0.042), and for BDI scores (Z, −1.965; p, 0.049). Prolonged usage of VAD may increase distress in parents. Psychiatric evaluation and support of the primary caregiver is important for the well‐being of the pediatric patients.
Camouflage through an active choice of a resting spot and body orientation in moths
Authors: Kang C.‐K. , Moon J.‐Y. , Lee S.‐I. , Jablonski P. G.
Published: July 2012

Cryptic colour patterns in prey are classical examples of adaptations to avoid predation, but we still know little about behaviours that reinforce the match between animal body and the background. For example, moths avoid predators by matching their colour patterns with the background. Active choice of a species‐specific body orientation has been suggested as an important function of body positioning behaviour performed by moths after landing on the bark. However, the contribution of this behaviour to moths’ crypticity has not been directly measured. From observations of geometrid moths,Hypomecis roborariaandJankowskia fuscaria, we determined that the positioning behaviour, which consists of walking and turning the body while repeatedly lifting and lowering the wings, resulted in new resting spots and body orientations inJ. fuscariaand in new resting spots inH. roboraria. The body positioning behaviour of the two species significantly decreased the probability of visual detection by humans, who viewed photographs of the moths taken before and after the positioning behaviour. This implies that body positioning significantly increases the camouflage effect provided by moth’s cryptic colour pattern regardless of whether the behaviour involves a new body orientation or not. Our study demonstrates that the evolution of morphological adaptations, such as colour pattern of moths, cannot be fully understood without taking into account a behavioural phenotype that coevolved with the morphology for increasing the adaptive value of the morphological trait.
Post‐hatching parental care masks the effects of egg size on offspring fitness: a removal experiment on burying beetles
Authors: Monteith K. M. , Andrews C. , Smiseth P. T.
Published: July 2012

Parents can increase the fitness of their offspring by allocating nutrients to eggs and/or providing care for eggs and offspring. Although we have a good understanding of the adaptive significance of both egg size and parental care, remarkably little is known about the co‐evolution of these two mechanisms for increasing offspring fitness. Here, we report a parental removal experiment on the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides in which we test whether post‐hatching parental care masks the effect of egg size on offspring fitness. As predicted, we found that the parent's presence or absence had a strong main effect on larval body mass, whereas there was no detectable effect of egg size. Furthermore, egg size had a strong and positive effect on offspring body mass in the parent's absence, whereas it had no effect on offspring body mass in the parent's presence. These results support the suggestion that the stronger effect of post‐hatching parental care on offspring growth masks the weaker effect of egg size. We found no correlation between the number and size of eggs. However, there was a negative correlation between larval body mass and brood size in the parent's presence, but not in its absence. These findings suggest that the trade‐off between number and size of offspring is shifted from the egg stage towards the end of the parental care period and that post‐hatching parental care somehow moderates this trade‐off.
Manipulation of Infant‐Like Traits Affects Perceived Cuteness of Infant, Adult and Cat Faces
Authors: Little Anthony C.
Published: July 2012

Physical traits that are characteristic of human infants are referred to as baby‐schema, and the notion that these affect perception of cuteness and elicit care giving from adults has a long history. In this study, infant‐similarity was experimentally manipulated using the difference between adult and infant faces. Human infant, human adult and cat faces were manipulated to look more (human) infant‐like or adult‐like. The results from the current study demonstrate the impact of infant‐similarity on human adults' perception of cuteness across the three different types of face. The type of face had a large impact on perceived cuteness in line with the expected infant‐similarity of the images. Infants and cats were cutest while adults were less cute. The manipulations of infant‐similarity, however, had similar effects on the perception of cuteness across all three types of face. Faces manipulated to have infant‐like traits were rated as cuter than their equivalents manipulated to have adult‐like traits. These data demonstrate that baby‐like traits have a powerful hold over human perceptions and that these effects are not simply limited to infant faces.
Management of the occiput posterior presentation: A single institute experience
Authors: Sen Keiiku , Sakamoto Hideki , Nakabayashi Yasushi , Takeda Yoshiharu , Nakayama Setsuko , Adachi Tomoko , Nakabayashi Masao
Published: July 2012

Aim:  We have examined the risk factors and management processes of the persistent occiput posterior (pOP) position by analyzing medical records from our hospital.

Material and Methods:  Medical records and delivery notes from January 2007 to December 2009 were reviewed and 103 patients were identified as having the pOP position during active labor. A total of 1054 patients who had occiput anterior (OA) deliveries were used as control.

Results:  There was no significant difference in population background between the pOP and control groups. Fifty‐eight (56%) cases of pOP were identified before the birth of the fetal head whereas 45 were found to be in pOP at the birth. Among these cases identified as pOP before the birth, 30 (52%) patients underwent an attempt to rotate pOP to OA manually. A total of 14 (47%) attempts were successful and delivered OA vaginally. Of 16 cases whose attempts failed, five (31%) had cesarean delivery and 11 had vaginal OP delivery. The overall cesarean rate in this group was 16.7%. Twenty‐eight patients who did not have any corrective intervention had a significantly higher rate of cesarean section (60.7%, P < 0.001 by χ2 analysis). The advanced head station and the wider dilatation resulted in a successful manual rotation.

Conclusions:  Attempts to correct pOP by manual rotation have better results when the head is in the mid‐pelvis. Also, posture change reduces cesarean section rate. The current data suggest attempts to correct pOP to OA reduce cesarean section rate.
Kami‐shoyo‐san, Kampo (Japanese traditional medicine), is effective for climacteric syndrome, especially in hormone‐replacement‐therapy‐resistant patients who strongly complain of psychological symptoms
Authors: Hidaka Takao , Yonezawa Rika , Saito Shigeru
Published: July 2012

Aim:  Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for climacteric symptoms is effective for vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flushes and sweating, but not for various psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. In such cases, prescribing Kampo, traditional herbal medicine, is sometimes considered. However, the effectiveness of Kampo has not been clearly shown. We examined the clinical effect of Kami‐shoyo‐san, a herbal formula commonly prescribed for climacteric symptoms in a Japanese Kampo clinic.

Methods:  There were 180 patients who initially consulted our Kampo Outpatient Clinic due to the absence of a response to HRT or unsatisfactory improvement. Out of 180 patients, 45 patients received a Kami‐shoyo‐san extract for 4 weeks based on patient‐centered Kampo diagnosis. We evaluated the severity of climacteric symptoms based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) score before and after 4 weeks of Kami‐shoyo‐san administration. Furthermore, the severity of each symptom before treatment was compared between the responders and non‐responders.

Results:  Kami‐shoyo‐san was effective in 33 (73.3%) of the 45 patients. After treatment, on the whole, the VAS score significantly decreased (P < 0.0001). Concerning vasomotor symptoms and psychological symptoms, each VAS score significantly decreased (P < 0.0001). When comparing the severity of pretreatment symptoms between responders and non‐responders, symptoms, such as ‘insomnia’, ‘depression’, and ‘vertigo’ were significantly more marked in the responders (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  The results of this study suggest that Kami‐shoyo‐san relieved both vasomotor and psychological symptoms, and especially in patients with marked psychological symptoms, it exhibited potent effects.
Fumarate hydratase gene mutation in two young patients with sporadic uterine fibroids
Authors: Kubinova Kristyna , Tesarova Marketa , Hansikova Hana , Vesela Kamila , Kuzel David , Mara Michal
Published: July 2012

Fumarate hydratase (FH) is a key enzyme of the Krebs cycle. Germline mutations in the FH gene encoding fumarate hydratase cause autosomal dominant syndromes multiple cutaneous and uterine leiomyomata and hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC). Few data have been published on the role of FH gene mutation in development of uterine fibroids outside the context of multiple cutaneous and uterine leiomyomata /HLRCC. We report two FH gene mutations, one novel and one previously described, in two young patients with sporadic uterine fibroids and decreased fumarate hydratase activity in lymphocytes. In patient 1, a novel heterozygous mutation c.892G>C was found. In patient 2 we detected heterozygous mutation c.584T>C. Both the patients had a negative family history for renal cancer and cutaneous leiomyomatosis. None of the relatives, however, underwent renal imaging at the time of writing. FH mutation carriers may be easily identified by analysis of fumarate hydratase activity in blood lymphocytes. We suggest performing fumarate hydratase activity or FH mutation screening in women with onset of uterine fibroids in their 20s and family history of uterine fibroids or other HLRCC‐associated malignancies.
Endocervical crypt involvement by high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia after large loop excision of transformation zone: Do we need a different follow‐up strategy?
Authors: Kodampur Mallikarjun , Kopeika Julia , Mehra Gautam , Pepera Theodora , Menon Padma
Published: July 2012

Aims:  The aim of this study was to determine the effect of endocervical crypt involvement in specimens with clear margins on recurrence following large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ).

Material and Methods:  This was an observational cohort study. In the colposcopy unit in a university teaching hospital we prospectively collected data for women who underwent LLETZ treatment for high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) between 2003 and 2004. We determined the difference in recurrence rate and need for repeat treatment between groups with and without crypt involvement in the primary histology. We prospectively collected data of follow up until 2010. The recurrence was analyzed using Cox regression.

Results:  A total of 309 women had complete excision of the margins following LLETZ treatment for CIN 2 or 3. There was no significant difference in age between groups with (30.2) and without (29.7) crypt involvement (P < 0.25). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of abnormal smear results before and after LLETZ between groups with or without crypt involvement (P = 0.043). The need to perform a repeated treatment was significantly different between groups with and without crypt involvement (P < 0.024). A full model significantly predicted recurrence of cervical pathology (P < 0.009) that necessitated treatment when crypt involvement was present. The odds ratio for repeat treatment with crypt involvement was 2.67 (confidence interval, 1.27–5.64).

Conclusions:  Our study showed that positive involvement of endocervical crypt by CIN in a cervical loop excision specimen increases the frequency of subsequent episodes of treatment.
Early processing of pitch in the human auditory system
Authors: Alho Kimmo , Grimm Sabine , Mateo‐León Sabina , Costa‐Faidella Jordi , Escera Carles
Published: July 2012

Middle‐latency auditory evoked potentials, indicating early cortical processing, elicited by pitch changes and repetitions in pure tones and by complex tones with a missing‐fundamental pitch were recorded in healthy adults ignoring the sounds while watching a silenced movie. Both for the pure and for the missing‐fundamental tones, the Nb middle‐latency response was larger for pitch changes (tones preceded by tones of different pitch) than for pitch repetitions (tones preceded by tones of the same pitch). This Nb enhancement was observed even for missing‐fundamental tones preceded by repeated tones that had a different missing‐fundamental pitch but included all harmonics of the subsequent tone with another missing‐fundamental pitch. This finding rules out the possibility that the Nb enhancement in response to a change in missing‐fundamental pitch was simply attributable to the activity of auditory cortex neurons responding specifically to the harmonics of missing‐fundamental tones. The Nb effect presumably indicates pitch processing at or near the primary auditory cortex, and it was followed by a change‐related enhancement of the N1 response, presumably generated in the secondary auditory cortex. This N1 enhancement might have been caused by a mismatch negativity response overlapping with the N1 response. Processing of missing‐fundamental pitch was also reflected by the distribution of Nb responses. Tones with a higher missing‐fundamental pitch elicited more frontally dominant Nb responses than tones with a lower missing‐fundamental pitch. This effect of pitch, not seen for the pure tones, might indicate that the exact location of the Nb generator source in the auditory cortex depends on the missing‐fundamental pitch of the eliciting tone.
Dapagliflozin monotherapy in drug‐naïve patients with diabetes: a randomized‐controlled trial of low‐dose range
Authors: Bailey C. J. , Iqbal N. , T'joen C. , List J. F.
Published: July 2012

Aims

Many patients with type 2 diabetes are suboptimally managed with currently available therapies. Dapagliflozin, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor, has shown efficacy in reducing diabetic hyperglycaemia. This study assessed efficacy of three lower doses in recently diagnosed patients.

Methods

This phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study assigned treatment‐naïve patients to placebo or dapagliflozin monotherapy (1, 2.5 or 5 mg) daily for 24 weeks. Patients were antidiabetic drug‐naïve with inadequate glycaemic control [haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥7.0 and ≤10.0%]. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline. Secondary endpoints included changes in body weight and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and proportions achieving HbA1c <7%.

Results

A total of 282 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Baseline characteristics were similar across groups. At week 24, mean HbA1c reduction was significantly greater with dapagliflozin: −0.68% for 1 mg, −0.72% for 2.5 mg, −0.82% for 5 mg, versus 0.02% for placebo (p < 0.0001); compared to mean baseline values of 7.8–8.1%. Mean FPG reduction was significantly greater for all dapagliflozin groups versus placebo (p < 0.02), as was mean weight reduction (p < 0.003). During the treatment period, 19.1% of placebo‐treated patients received rescue medication or discontinued because of poor glycaemic control versus 6.9, 4.1 and 5.9% for dapagliflozin 1, 2.5 and 5 mg, respectively. Percentages of patients experiencing ≥1 adverse event were similar across groups.

Conclusion

Dapagliflozin at doses of 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/day is effective in reducing glycaemic levels and body weight in treatment‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes. Dapagliflozin was generally well tolerated. This insulin‐independent mechanism suggests a new treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Life on the fly: phylogenetics and evolution of the helicopter damselflies (Odonata, Pseudostigmatidae)
Authors: Ingley Spencer J. , Bybee Seth M. , Tennessen Kenneth J. , Whiting Michael F. , Branham Marc A.
Published: July 2012

Ingley, S.J., Bybee, S.M., Tennessen, K.J., Whiting, M.F. & Branham, M.A. (2012). Life on the fly: phylogenetics and evolution of the helicopter damselflies (Odonata, Pseudostigmatidae). —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 637–650.

Helicopter damselflies (Odonata: Pseudostigmatidae) form a relatively small, yet highly specialized group of odonates, including the largest extant odonate (wingspan of ∼190 mm). Pseudostigmatids are found throughout Central and South America, with the exception of one species that is found exclusively in East Africa. Pseudostigmatids oviposit exclusively in phytotelmata and forage on orb‐weaver spiders, which they pluck from webs. Pseudostigmatids also exhibit unique forms of both broad and narrow wings. Although the ecology of these behaviours and morphological features have been studied, their phylogenetic origins and evolutionary history are unknown. Here, we examine the origins of pseudostigmatid wing forms, oviposition in phytotelmata and spider feeding within a modern phylogenetic context, testing for single origins of each character. Phylogenetic analyses are based on 59 morphological characters and ∼5 kb of sequence data. Our findings include a well‐supported monophyletic Pseudostigmatidae and Coryphagrion grandis as sister to the Neotropical genera. The genus Mecistogaster is paraphyletic, with Pseudostigma nested within the clade. The genus Microstigma is supported as monophyletic and forms a sister group relationship to the clade of Megaloprepus and Anomisma. The sister group relationship to Pseudostigmatidae is less clear. On the basis of this phylogenetic analysis, we propose three new tribes (Coryphagrionini, Microstigmatini and Mecistogastrini). As Pseudostigmatidae is monophyletic, the behaviour of gleaning spiders from webs appears to derive from a single origin. There are two origins of broad wings within Pseudostigmatidae. Oviposition in phytotelmata most certainly evolved multiple times within Coenagrionoidea. These findings provide new insights into pseudostigmatid evolution that can be used to generate hypotheses regarding behaviour and morphological adaptation in this unique and threatened group of damselflies.
The landscape of educational technology viewed from the ETR&D journal
Authors: Cho Yonjoo , Park Sunyoung , Jo Sung Jun , Suh Susan
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study was to conduct a citation network analysis of Educational Technology Research and Development (ETR&D) to examine the trends and issues of the educational technology field's scholarly community that have evolved in the past two decades. The distinctive features of citation network analysis used in this study derive from a social network analysis approach to see relational and network patterns in the citation data. From this citation network analysis, we obtained the following results: (1) the ETR&D network revealed structural attributes that help us understand the features regarding how the field has developed and how scholarly works have interacted; (2) the most influential papers and scholars in the field were identified; (3) frequently co‐cited papers were recognized as having a strong relationship by a few researchers and (4) five cohesive subgroups (factions) generated key research themes in the field including: instructional design, learning environments, the role of technology, educational technology research and psychological foundations. Implications and limitations of the study were discussed for future research.