bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CB1 and ethanol effects on glutamatergic transmission in the central amygdala of male and female msP and Wistar rats
Authors: Kirson Dean , Oleata Christopher Shaun , Parsons Loren Howell , Ciccocioppo Roberto , Roberto Marisa 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe central amygdala (CeA) is involved in the processing of anxiety and stress and plays a role in ethanol consumption. Chronic ethanol recruits stress systems in the CeA, leading to aversive withdrawal symptoms. Although primarily GABAergic, CeA contains glutamatergic afferents, and we have reported inhibitory effects of ethanol on locally evoked glutamatergic responses in CeA of Wistar and Marchigian Sardinian alcohol‐preferring (msP) rats. Notably, msP rats display enhanced anxiety, stress and alcohol drinking, simulating the alcohol‐dependent phenotype. Endocannabinoids are also involved in regulation of stress, and we previously demonstrated that cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) activation decreases CeA GABAergic signaling and blocks ethanol enhancement of GABAergic signaling. Here, we sought to investigate the effects of CB1 activation (WIN 55,212–2; Win) and antagonism (AM251) with and without acute ethanol on glutamatergic synapses in CeA of female and male Wistar and msP rats. Using intracellular sharp pipette electrophysiology, we examined the effects of CB1 compounds on locally evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in CeA and compared effects between strains, gender and estrous cycle. Acute ethanol decreased EPSP amplitudes in Wistars, and in male but not female msPs. Win decreased EPSP amplitudes in msPs, and in male but not female Wistars. Combined application of Win and ethanol resulted in strain‐specific effects in female rats. We found no tonic CB1 signaling at glutamatergic synapses in CeA of any groups, and no interaction with ethanol. Collectively, these observations demonstrate sex–strain‐specific differences in ethanol and endocannabinoid effects on CeA glutamatergic signaling.
Long‐term subregion‐specific encoding of enhanced ethanol intake by D1DR medium spiny neurons of the nucleus accumbens
Authors: Renteria Rafael , Buske Tavanna R. , Morrisett Richard A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a critical component of the mesocorticolimbic system and is involved in mediating the motivational and reinforcing aspects of ethanol consumption. Chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure is a reliable model to induce ethanol dependence and increase volitional ethanol consumption in mice. Following a CIE‐induced escalation of ethanol consumption, NMDAR (N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor)‐dependent long‐term depression in D1 dopamine receptor expressing medium spiny neurons of the NAc shell was markedly altered with no changes in plasticity in D1 dopamine receptor medium spiny neurons from the NAc core. This disruption of plasticity persisted for up to 2 weeks after cessation of ethanol access. To determine if changes in AMPA receptor (AMPAR) composition contribute to this ethanol‐induced neuroadaptation, we monitored the rectification of AMPAR excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). We observed a marked decrease in the rectification index in the NAc shell, suggesting the presence of GluA2‐lacking AMPARs. There was no change in the amplitude of spontaneous EPSCs (sEPSCs), but there was a transient increase in sEPSC frequency in the NAc shell. Using the paired pulse ratio, we detected a similar transient increase in the probability of neurotransmitter release. With no change in sEPSC amplitude, the change in the rectification index suggests that GluA2‐containing AMPARs are removed and replaced with GluA2‐lacking AMPARs in the NAc shell. This CIE‐induced alteration in AMPAR subunit composition may contribute to the loss of NMDAR‐dependent long‐term depression in the NAc shell and therefore may constitute a critical neuroadaptive response underlying the escalation of ethanol intake in the CIE model.
Reverse pharmacogenomics: carbamazepine normalizes activation and attenuates thermal hyperexcitability of sensory neurons due to Nav1.7 mutation I234T
Authors: Yang Yang , Adi Talia , Effraim Philip R , Chen Lubin , Dib‐Hajj Sulayman D , Waxman Stephen G 
Published: June 2017

Background and PurposePharmacotherapy for pain currently involves trial and error. A previous study on inherited erythromelalgia (a genetic model of neuropathic pain due to mutations in the sodium channel, Nav1.7) used genomics, structural modelling and biophysical and pharmacological analyses to guide pharmacotherapy and showed that carbamazepine normalizes voltage dependence of activation of the Nav1.7‐S241T mutant channel, reducing pain in patients carrying this mutation. However, whether this approach is applicable to other Nav channel mutants is still unknown.Experimental ApproachWe used structural modelling, patch clamp and multi‐electrode array (MEA) recording to assess the effects of carbamazepine on Nav1.7‐I234T mutant channels and on the firing of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons expressing these mutant channels.Key ResultsIn a reverse engineering approach, structural modelling showed that the I234T mutation is located in atomic proximity to the carbamazepine‐responsive S241T mutation and that activation of Nav1.7‐I234T mutant channels, from patients who are known to respond to carbamazepine, is partly normalized with a clinically relevant concentration (30 μM) of carbamazepine. There was significantly higher firing in intact sensory neurons expressing Nav1.7‐I234T channels, compared with neurons expressing the normal channels (Nav1.7‐WT). Pre‐incubation with 30 μM carbamazepine also significantly reduced the firing of intact DRG sensory neurons expressing Nav1.7‐I234T channels. Although the expected use‐dependent inhibition of Nav1.7‐WT channels by carbamazepine was confirmed, carbamazepine did not enhance use‐dependent inhibition of Nav1.7‐I234T mutant channels.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese results support the utility of a pharmacogenomic approach to treatment of pain in patients carrying sodium channel variants.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Recent Advances in Targeting Ion Channels to Treat Chronic Pain. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.12/issuetoc
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by (meth)acrylates in long‐lasting nail polish – are we facing a new epidemic in the beauty industry?
Authors: Gatica‐Ortega Maria‐Elena , Pastor‐Nieto Maria‐Antonia , Mercader‐García Pedro , Silvestre‐Salvador Juan‐Francisco 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBackgroundAllergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by (meth)acrylates has been described both in occupational and in non‐occupational settings.ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical patterns, the most frequent allergens and the prognosis in patients sensitized to (meth)acrylates in long‐lasting nail polish.MethodsThe files of patients with ACD caused by (meth)acrylates in long‐lasting nail polish diagnosed between January 2013 and June 2016 in four dermatology departments in Spain were reviewed. Patients were followed up by telephone interview.ResultsOverall, 2353 patients were patch tested. Forty‐three (1.82%) were diagnosed with ACD caused by (meth)acrylates in long‐lasting nail polish during that period; all were female, and all had hand dermatitis. Patients were mostly less than 40 years old (72.1%), non‐atopic (95.4%) and had an occupational cause of their dermatitis (93%), which developed ∼10.1 months after they had started to use this technique. The most frequent positive allergens were: 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate, 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate. Eight of the 22 interviewed patients were able to improve their working technique and used 4H® protective material (fingerstalls/gloves).ConclusionsLong‐lasting nail polishes have become widespread, and it is a matter of concern that we may be facing a new epidemic of ACD caused by these. Policies regulating their use are urgently needed.
Sculptors, Architects, and Painters Conceive of Depicted Spaces Differently
Authors: Cialone Claudia , Tenbrink Thora , Spiers Hugo J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSculptors, architects, and painters are three professional groups that require a comprehensive understanding of how to manipulate spatial structures. While it has been speculated that they may differ in the way they conceive of space due to the different professional demands, this has not been empirically tested. To achieve this, we asked architects, painters, sculptors, and a control group questions about spatially complex pictures. Verbalizations elicited were examined using cognitive discourse analysis. We found significant differences between each group. Only painters shifted consistently between 2D and 3D concepts, architects were concerned with paths and spatial physical boundedness, and sculptors produced responses that fell between architects and painters. All three differed from controls, whose verbalizations were generally less elaborate and detailed. Thus, for the case of sculptors, architects, and painters, profession appears to relate to a different spatial conceptualization manifested through a systematically contrasting way of talking about space.
Endoscopic treatment of pancreatic duct stones under direct vision: Revolution or resignation? Systematic review
Authors: Beyna Torsten , Neuhaus Horst , Gerges Christian 
Published: June 2017

Background and AimThe main treatment aim in chronic pancreatitis (CP) is symptom control and especially pain relief. Management of stone‐predominant CP is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has emerged as the cornerstone of non‐surgical treatment as a result of disappointing results of available endoscopic treatment options during the last decades. With new developments in the field of direct peroral pancreatoscopy (POP) and intracorporeal lithotripsy, direct intraluminal treatment of main pancreatic duct (MPD) stones returns to the spotlight.MethodsHerein, we reviewed the current data on direct pancreatoscopic treatment of MPD stones with a focus on efficiency and safety of available technologies, endoscopes and lithotripsy devices. A systematic Medline search for relevant studies was done.ResultsTen relevant publications meeting the inclusion criteria were identified (two prospective series, six retrospective trials, two case reports, n = 87 patients). Successful ductal clearance for POP‐guided treatment was reported as between 43% and 100% compared to ESWL with 59% to 80%. Adverse event rate for POP‐guided therapy was reported as 0–13.5%. One study showed a noticeable higher adverse event rate of 43%. In this trial, POP was carried out after ESWL. There is no reported mortality following POP treatment.ConclusionAvailable results are promising in terms of ductal clearance and pain relief compared to standard endoscopic techniques and ESWL as the current gold standard for lithotripsy. Interpretation of this data is limited by the small number of cases for POP and the lack of prospective randomized controlled trials.
Employment and labour productivity in high unemployment countries
Authors: Nattrass Nicoli , Seekings Jeremy 
Published: June 2017

AbstractContemporary development strategies emphasize labour productivity growth because it has historically underpinned rising living standards. Today, however, poverty reduction and inclusive development in those developing countries with high unemployment require increasing the employment rate even if this means lower average labour productivity. We critique the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its overly universalizing advocacy of high‐productivity growth strategies and for failing to confront the trade‐off between more and better‐quality jobs. This is particularly problematic in high unemployment contexts in Southern Africa, where labour productivity growth between 2000 and 2013 came at the cost of a falling employment rate.
Pilot study of the Mini Nutritional Assessment on predicting outcomes in older adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu Gong‐Xiang , Chen Yan , Yang Ying‐Xue , Yang Kun , Liang Jin , Wang Shuang , Gan Hua‐Tian 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimTo date, few studies have focused on the nutritional status of elderly hospitalized patients with diabetes. Our aims were to explore the prevalence of malnutrition among elderly diabetes patients admitted to the hospital, and to explore the relationships between malnutrition and geriatric syndromes, diabetic complications, and clinical outcomes.MethodsA prospective, observational study including diabetes patients aged ≥65 years was carried out in a central hospital in Western China. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment incorporated into a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Follow up was carried out for ≤2.8 years.ResultsOf 302 participants, the prevalence of malnutrition, risk of malnutrition, and normal nutrition was 18.5%, 33.1% and 48.3%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, incontinence (odds ratio [OR] 3.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–9.36), diabetic microvascular complications (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.06–4.61) and activities of daily living (ADL) dependence (OR 11.6, 95% CI 5.10–26.5) were independently associated with malnutrition. Malnourished patients had longer hospital stays (P = 0.003) and higher mortality rates (P < 0.001) than patients either at risk of malnutrition or with a normal nutritional status. Multivariate analysis also showed that malnutrition was independently associated with an increased risk of death (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.30–6.28).ConclusionsThe present study showed a high prevalence of malnutrition among elderly diabetes patients hospitalized for geriatric care. Considering the negative impact of malnutrition on hospital stay and mortality, adequate nutritional care should be emphasized for each elderly patient with diabetes, regardless of body mass index. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2485–2492.
Sleep complaints are associated with frailty in Mexican older adults in a rural setting
Authors: Moreno‐Tamayo Karla , Manrique‐Espinoza Betty , Rosas‐Carrasco Oscar , Pérez‐Moreno Alejandro , Salinas‐Rodríguez Aarón 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to examine the association between sleep complaints and frailty status in a cohort of older adults from rural Mexico, and determine if this association varies according to sex.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out on a total of 591 community‐dwelling adults aged ≥70 years in rural settings of Mexico. Sleep complaints were based on self‐reported sleep problems. Frailty status was assessed according to the Fried et al. proposal, as well as general health measurements taken from participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between sleep complaints and frailty.ResultsFrail participants accounted for 10.7% of the study sample. After adjusting for potential confounders, sleep complaints were associated with increased odds of frailty in women (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.34–7.84), but not in men (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.23–2.51).ConclusionsIn this cohort of rural Mexican older adults, sleep complaints were associated with frailty in older women. Because sleep quality is potentially remediable, future frailty prevention interventions should take sleep complaints into account. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2573–2578.
Preventing Episodic Migraine With Caloric Vestibular Stimulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wilkinson David , Ade Kristen K. , Rogers Lesco L. , Attix Deborah K. , Kuchibhatla Maragatha , Slade Martin D. , Smith Lanty L. , Poynter Kathryn P. , Laskowitz Daniel T. , Freeman Marshall C. , Hoffer Michael E. , Saper Joel R. , Scott Dianne L. , Sakel Mohamed , Calhoun Anne H. , Black Robert D. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel solid‐state, caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) device to provide adjuvant therapy for the prevention of episodic migraine in adult migraineurs.BackgroundMigraine causes significant disability in ∼12% of the world population. No current migraine preventive treatment provides full clinical relief, and many exhibit high rates of discontinuation due to adverse events. Thus, new therapeutic options are needed. CVS may be an effective and safe adjuvant‐therapy for the prevention of episodic migraine.MethodsIn a multicenter, parallel‐arm, block‐randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01899040), subjects completed a 3‐month treatment with the TNM™ device for CVS (refer to Fig. 2 for patient enrollment and allocation). The primary endpoint was the change in monthly migraine days from baseline to the third treatment month. Secondary endpoints were 50% responder rates, change in prescription analgesic usage and difference in total subjective headache‐related pain scores. Device safety assessments included evaluation of any impact on mood, cognition, or balance.ResultsPer‐protocol, active‐arm subjects showed immediate and continued steady declines in migraine frequency over the treatment period. After 3 months of treatment, active‐arm subjects exhibited significantly fewer migraine days (−3.9 ± 0.6 from a baseline burden of 7.7 ± 0.5 migraine days). These improvements were significantly greater than those observed in control subjects (−1.1 ± 0.6 from a baseline burden = 6.9 ± 0.7 migraine days) and represented a therapeutic gain of −2.8 migraine days, CI = −0.9 to −4.7, P = .012. Active arm subjects also reported greater reductions in acute medication usage and monthly pain scores compared to controls. No adverse effects on mood, cognition, or balance were reported. Subjects completed the trial with an average rate of 90% treatment adherence. No serious or unexpected adverse events were recorded. The rate of expected adverse events was similar across the active and the placebo groups, and evaluation confirmed that subject blinding remained intact.ConclusionThe TNM™ device for CVS appears to provide a clinically efficacious and highly tolerable adjuvant therapy for the prevention of episodic migraine.
Formation of spheroids by dental pulp cells in the presence of hypoxia and hypoxia mimetic agents
Authors: Janjić K. , Lilaj B. , Moritz A. , Agis H. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the impact of hypoxia and hypoxia mimetic agents (HMA) on the formation and activity of spheroids by dental pulp cells (DPC).MethodologyDPC on agarose‐coated plates were treated with hypoxia and the HMA dimethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG), desferrioxamine (DFO) and L‐mimosine (L‐MIM). Images of spheroids were taken directly after seeding and at 6 h and 24 h. Spheroid sizes were quantified by area measurement with ImageJ software. Viability was assessed with Live‐Dead staining, MTT and resazurin‐based toxicity assay. Production of VEGF, IL‐8 and SDF‐1 was evaluated using immunoassays. Data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis test and post hoc Mann–Whitney U‐test.ResultsDPC formed spheroids in the presence of hypoxia, HMA and combined treatment with hypoxia and HMA. No pronounced difference in spheroid size was found in the groups treated with hypoxia, DMOG, DFO, L‐MIM and the combination of hypoxia and the HMA relative to their normoxic controls (P > 0.05). Spheroids appeared vital in Live‐Dead and MTT staining and the resazurin‐based toxicity assay. Evaluation of protein production with immunoassays revealed significantly enhanced levels of VEGF and IL‐8 (P < 0.05), but there was no significant effect on SDF‐1 production (P > 0.05). Treatment with a combination of hypoxia and HMA did not further boost VEGF and IL‐8 production (P > 0.05).ConclusionsPre‐conditioning with hypoxia and HMA increased the pro‐angiogenic capacity of spheroids whilst not interfering with their formation. Pre‐clinical studies will reveal whether pre‐conditioning of spheroids with hypoxia and HMA can effectively improve the efficiency of cell transplantation approaches for regenerative endodontics.
Stability of the antimicrobial activity of acetogenins from avocado seed, under common food processing conditions, against Clostridium sporogenes vegetative cell growth and endospore germination
Authors: Pacheco Adriana , Rodríguez‐Sánchez Dariana Graciela , Villarreal‐Lara Raúl , Navarro‐Silva Jesús Manuel , Senés‐Guerrero Carolina , Hernández‐Brenes Carmen 
Published: June 2017

SummaryAnticlostridial activity of acetogenins from avocado seed was further characterised, and their stability and effectiveness under food processing conditions, and in a model food system, studied for the first time. Isolated AcO‐avocadenyne (1) and AcO‐avocadene (2) showed anticlostridial potential, particularly the latter molecule. Enriched acetogenins extracts, obtained at laboratory scale (EAE) and semi‐commercially (Avosafe®), presented similar MIC values (3.9–9.8 ppm) and a bacteriostatic effect. Extracts bioactivity showed resistance to heat (≤120 °C), high hydrostatic pressure (HHP; 300–600 MPa, 3–6 min, 25 °C) and salt (≤3% w/v). In addition, the extract was most stable at pH ≥ 7.0 and potency against endospores increased after HHP treatment and exposure to pH 9.5, suggesting a positive effect on solubility or structure of particular acetogenins. In a model food system processed by HHP, acetogenins were retained; however, initial quantities gradually declined by 63% and 32% at 25 and 4 °C, respectively, at the end of the storage period (42 days). Most stable molecules (persediene (4) > persenones > AcO‐avocadene (2)) possess a keto or trans‐enone group at C‐4 in the aliphatic chain, which could support hydrogen donation to surrounding carbon atoms and confer antioxidant activity. Active endospores were completely inhibited by 5000 ppm Avosafe® in the model food system (37 °C, 72 h) and lower concentrations (500–1000 ppm) resulted in 1–2 log reduction of a 3 log inoculum target. Efficacy information generated in the present work is considered crucial to improve scientific knowledge on spore inhibition properties of avocado acetogenins.
The interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Otsuka Atsushi , Nomura Takashi , Rerknimitr Pawinee , Seidel Judith A. , Honda Tetsuya , Kabashima Kenji 
Published: June 2017

SummaryAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disorder characterized by pruritus and recurrent eczematous lesions that are accompanied by T‐helper (Th)2‐dominated inflammation. AD Etiology is not yet completely understood, but it is multifactorial. Moreover, the disease is characterized by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors, such as skin barrier dysfunctions, allergy/immunity, and pruritus. For example, filaggrin is a key protein involved in skin barrier function. Th2 cells produce interleukin (IL)‐31, which provokes pruritus, and other Th2 cytokines decrease filaggrin expression by keratinocytes. Dupilumab has recently been developed for AD treatment; its mechanism of action is to bind to IL‐4 receptor α and inhibit downstream signaling induced by IL‐4 and IL‐13. This review summarizes the etiopathogenesis of AD and provides the rationale for selecting a novel targeted therapy.