bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuous delivery of naltrexone and nalmefene leads to tolerance in reducing alcohol drinking and to supersensitivity of brain opioid receptors
Authors: Korpi Esa R. , Linden Anni‐Maija , Hytönen Heidi R. , Paasikoski Nelli , Vashchinkina Elena , Dudek Mateusz , Herr Deron R. , Hyytiä Petri 
Published: March 2016

AbstractOpioid antagonist treatments reduce alcohol drinking in rodent models and in alcohol‐dependent patients, with variable efficacy across different studies. These treatments may suffer from the development of tolerance and opioid receptor supersensitivity, as suggested by preclinical models showing activation of these processes during and after subchronic high‐dose administration of the short‐acting opioid antagonist naloxone. In the present study, we compared equipotent low and moderate daily doses of naltrexone and nalmefene, two opioid antagonists in the clinical practice for treatment of alcoholism. The antagonists were given here subcutaneously for 7 days either as daily injections or continuous osmotic minipump‐driven infusions to alcohol‐preferring AA rats having trained to drink 10% alcohol in a limited access protocol. One day after stopping the antagonist treatment, [35S]GTPγS autoradiography on brain cryostat sections was carried out to examine the coupling of receptors to G protein activation. The results prove the efficacy of repeated injections over infused opioid antagonists in reducing alcohol drinking. Tolerance to the reducing effect on alcohol drinking and to the enhancement of G protein coupling to μ‐opioid receptors in various brain regions were consistently detected only after infused antagonists. Supersensitivity of κ‐opioid receptors was seen in the ventral and dorsal striatal regions especially by infused nalmefene. Nalmefene showed no clear agonistic activity in rat brain sections or at human recombinant κ‐opioid receptors. The findings support the as‐needed dosing practice, rather than the standard continual dosing, in the treatment of alcoholism with opioid receptor antagonists.
History of the Australian entomological society
Authors: Fletcher Murray J , Monteith Geoff B 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis overview of the history of the Australian Entomological Society is based on a keynote presentation made by the first author to the 45th Scientific Conference of the Society in Canberra, September 2014. It summarises the efforts over many years to establish a national entomological Society and provides details of the visionaries involved in the eventual creation of the society despite certain rivalries and the political manoeuvring that was needed to negotiate a path to the Society that we know and love today. It also covers the evolution of the society's publications, the various awards given by the society and the establishment of the society in the international community through hosting the International Congress of Entomology in Australia in 1972.
Temperature‐dependent demography ofAgriphila aeneociliella(Lepidoptera:Crambidae), a new insect pest of wheat inChina
Authors: Chi Baojie , Zheng Xuan , Liang Xiaochen , Liu Yong 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAgriphila aeneociliella(Eversmann) (Lepidoptera:Crambidae) was newly reported inChina in 2010. Its larvae severely damage wheat in early spring and cause substantial economic losses in wheat crops.The present study involves a detailed study of the demography ofA. aeneociliellabased on the age‐stage, two‐sex life table. The developmental threshold and the effective accumulated temperature have been calculated for each developmental stage.Individuals were found to have either six or seven instars, with the percentage of seven‐instar larvae increasing at higher temperatures.The total pre‐adult development time ranged from 119.67 days at 25 °Cto 147.26 days at 18 °C. The highest pre‐adult survival rate was 72.60% at 18 °C, whereas the highest mean fecundity was 495.53 eggs per female at 25°C. The highest growth rates (r = 0.0368 day−1,λ = 1.0375 day−1) were observed at 23 °C, whereas the shortest mean generation time (T = 127.67 days) occurred at 25 °C. No significant differences were found in population parameters between cohorts raised at 23 and 25 °C.The present study provides a basis for understanding the population ecology ofA. aeneociliellaand can be instrumental in constructing future integrated pest management programmes against this widespread pest.
Trajectories of marijuana use from adolescence to adulthood as predictors of unemployment status in the early forties
Authors: Zhang Chenshu , Brook Judith S. , Leukefeld Carl G. , Brook David W. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesTo study the degree to which individuals in different trajectories of marijuana use are similar or different in terms of unemployment status at mean age 43.MethodsWe gathered longitudinal data on a prospective cohort taken from a community sample (N = 548). Forty‐nine percent of the original participants were females. Over 90% of the participants were white. The participants were followed from adolescence to early midlife. The mean ages of participants at the follow‐up interviews were 14.1, 16.3, 22.3, 27.0, 31.9, 36.6, and 43.0, respectively. We used the growth mixture modeling (GMM) approach to identify the trajectories of marijuana use over a 29‐year period.ResultsFive trajectories of marijuana use were identified: chronic users/decreasers (8.3%), quitters (18.6%), increasing users (7.3%), chronic occasional users (25.6%), and nonusers/experimenters (40.2%). Compared with nonusers/experimenters, chronic users/decreasers had a significantly higher likelihood of unemployment at mean age 43 (adjusted odds ratio = 3.51, 95% confidence interval = 1.13–10.91), even after controlling for the covariates.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceThe results of the associations between the distinct trajectories of marijuana use and unemployment in early midlife indicate that it is important to develop intervention programs targeting chronic marijuana use as well as unemployment in individuals at this stage of development. Results from this study should encourage clinicians, teachers, and parents to assess and treat chronic marijuana use in adolescents. (Am J Addict 2016;25:203–209)
Effect of humour therapy on psychotropic medication use in nursing homes
Authors: Leow Jerome BY , Pont Lisa , Low Lee‐Fay 
Published: March 2016

AimThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of Play Up humour therapy on antipsychotic, benzodiazepine and antidepressant use in Australian nursing homes.MethodsPlay Up is a humour therapy program that has been implemented in Australian nursing homes. This study was an uncontrolled retrospective review of psychotropic medication charts of 406 residents in thirty‐three nursing homes before and after 12 weeks of participation in Play Up. Prevalence and mean daily equivalent doses of psychotropic medication use were analysed.ResultsThere were significant reductions from before to after the Play Up program in the prevalence of any psychotropic medication use, antipsychotic use and benzodiazepine use (P = 0.001, 0.02, 0.007, respectively). Mean daily dose equivalents of pro re nata (PRN) antipsychotics and PRN benzodiazepines significantly reduced over time (P = 0.007; P = 0.001).ConclusionsPlay Up was associated with an overall decline in the use of psychotropic medications. Further trials are required to confirm and better define this association.
Estimation of the prevalence and direct medical costs of chronic myeloid leukemia in the I.R. of Iran in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Daroudi Rajabali , Mirzania Mehrzad , Nikravanfard Nazila , Sadighi Sanambar , Sedighi Zahra , Zendehdel Kazem 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundAfter the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), the survival of these patients has increased significantly. However, these new drugs are expensive and impose considerable expense to patients and governments. Epidemiologic and economic evaluation studies provide good information for resource allocation and decision making. We estimated the incidence, prevalence and direct medical cost of CML in Iran.MethodsWe used the National Cancer Registry (NCR) data from 2006 to 2009 to estimate the incidence rate of CML (ICD‐10 code C92.1). After adjustment for the underestimation of incidence rates, we used survival rates of CML and estimated the 5‐year prevalence for these patients. In addition, we used clinical practice guideline, expert opinions and medical tariffs to estimate the direct medical costs through the prevalence approach.ResultsAfter an adjustment for the underestimation, the incidence rate of CML was 0.5 per 100 000 in the I.R. of Iran. The 5‐year prevalence was about 2263 cases (2.98 per 100 000). The total direct medical cost of CML was $23 089 323 and the majority of the cost (97%) was related to drug costs. The total cost will increase considerably to $40 728 869 if all patients use the new drug nilotinib (800 mg/day) as a second‐line treatment.ConclusionsThe increased survival of CML patients and a possible increase in incidence of CML in Iran will most likely lead to a considerable rise in its prevalence and economic burden.
The significance of Delphian lymph node in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Tan Zhuo , Ge Ming‐Hua , Zheng Chuan‐Ming , Wang Qing‐Liang , Nie Xi‐Lin , Jiang Lie‐Hao 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTo investigate the clinical significance of the DLN metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).MethodsA total of 231 PTC patients who underwent first surgical treatment in the Department of Hand and Neck Surgery of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from January 2013 to June 2014 were enrolled. The relationship between Delphian lymph node (DLN) metastasis and patient age, gender, tumor size, tumor number, unilateral or bilateral, capsular invasion, pretracheal and paratracheal node metastasis, and lateral node metastasis was analyzed.ResultsWithin 231 cases, 69 showed DLN, but only 19 (8.23%) were found with metastasis. In the univariate analysis, DLN metastasis was significantly associated with tumor size (P = 0.023), capsular invasion (P = 0.001), pretracheal or paratracheal node metastasis (P = 0.003) and lateral node metastasis (P = 0.001), while there were no significant correlation between DLN metastasis and gender (P = 0.976), age (P = 0.976), tumor number (P = 0.234) and unilateral or bilateral (P = 0.724). In the multivariate analysis, capsular invasion was an independent risk factor of DLN metastasis (P < 0.05, odds ratio = 10.15).ConclusionCapsular invasion is an independent risk factor of DLN metastasis and DLN metastasis could be used as a predictor of lateral node metastasis. The dissection of DLN in PTC patients is recommended and lateral lymph node should be evaluated for patients with DLN positive.
The characteristics of oncology social work in Australia: Implications for workforce planning in integrated cancer care
Authors: Pockett Rosalie , Peate Michelle , Hobbs Kim , Dzidowska Monika , L Bell Melanie , Baylock Brandi , Epstein Irwin 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimsTo describe the demographics, professional characteristics, self‐reported professional development needs and research involvement of oncology social workers in Australia and to describe perceived barriers to provision of quality psychosocial care.MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey was administered to social workers working in the oncology field who were contacted through three professional organizations; the Australian Association of Social Workers, Oncology Social Work Australia and the Psycho‐oncology Co‐operative Research Group, the University of Sydney. A snowball recruitment method was adopted to maximize the sample size.ResultsTwo thirds of respondents had over 10 years professional practice experience but with lesser experience in oncology settings. Twenty‐eight percent had post‐graduate qualifications. Professional development needs were reported as moderate or high by 68% of respondents. No association between professional needs and work setting was found. Years of experience in oncology practice and living in an urban area increased the likelihood of involvement in research. Barriers to psychosocial care included poor understandings of the social work role, time constraints and an inadequate number of social work positions.ConclusionIn this first Australian study of the social work oncology workforce, the results demonstrated active, well‐qualified and experienced social workers providing frontline services to people with cancer and their caregivers in geographically diverse locations across Australia. Inadequate resources and a lack of integrated psychosocial care were identified as barriers to comprehensive cancer care. The need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social workers was identified as an urgent workforce priority.
GARP inhibits allergic airway inflammation in a humanized mouse model
Authors: Meyer‐Martin H. , Hahn S. A. , Beckert H. , Belz C. , Heinz A. , Jonuleit H. , Becker C. , Taube C. , Korn S. , Buhl R. , Reuter S. , Tuettenberg A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundRegulatory T cells (Treg) represent a promising target for novel treatment strategies in patients with inflammatory/allergic diseases. A soluble derivate of the Treg surface molecule glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (sGARP) has strong anti‐inflammatory and regulatory effects on human cells in vitro as well as in vivo through de novo induction of peripheral Treg. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory function of sGARP and its possible role as a new therapeutic option in allergic diseases using a humanized mouse model.MethodsTo analyze the therapeutic effects of sGARP, adult NOD/Scidγc−/− (NSG) mice received peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from allergic patients with sensitization against birch allergen. Subsequently, allergic inflammation was induced in the presence of Treg alone or in combination with sGARP.ResultsIn comparison with mice that received Treg alone, additional treatment with sGARP reduced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), influx of neutrophils and macrophages into the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and human CD45+ cells in the lungs. Furthermore, the numbers of mucus‐producing goblet cells and inflammatory cell infiltrates were reduced. To elucidate whether the mechanism of action of sGARP involves the TGF‐β receptor pathway, mice additionally received anti‐TGF‐β receptor II (TGF‐βRII) antibodies. Blocking the signaling of TGF‐β through TGF‐βRII abrogated the anti‐inflammatory effects of sGARP, confirming its essential role in inhibiting the allergic inflammation.ConclusionInduction of peripheral tolerance via sGARP is a promising potential approach to treat allergic airway diseases.
Leydig cells contribute to the inhibition of spermatogonial differentiation after irradiation of the rat
Authors: Shetty G. , Zhou W. , Weng C. C. Y. , Shao S. H. , Meistrich M. L. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryIrradiation with 6 Gy produces a complete block of spermatogonial differentiation inLBNF1rats that would be permanent without treatment. Subsequent suppression of gonadotropins and testosterone (T) restores differentiation to the spermatocyte stage; however, this process requires 6 weeks. We evaluated the role of Leydig cells (LCs) in maintenance of the block in spermatogonial differentiation after exposure to radiation by specifically eliminating functionalLCs with ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS).EDS(but not another alkylating agent), given at 10 weeks after irradiation, induced spermatogonial differentiation in 24% of seminiferous tubules 2 weeks later. However, differentiation became blocked again at 4 weeks asLCs recovered. WhenEDSwas followed by treatment with GnRHantagonist and flutamide, sustained spermatogonial differentiation was induced in >70% of tubules within 2 weeks. WhenEDSwas followed by GnRHantagonist plus exogenous T, which also inhibitsLCrecovery but restores follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, the spermatogonial differentiation was again rapid but transient. These results confirm that the factors that block spermatogonial differentiation are indirectly regulated by T, and probablyFSH, and that adult and possibly immatureLCs contribute to the production of such inhibitory factors. We tested whether insulin‐like 3 (INSL3), aLC‐produced protein whose expression correlated with the block in spermatogonial differentiation, was indeed responsible for the block by injecting syntheticINSL3 into the testes and knocking down its expression in vivo with siRNA. Neither treatment had any effect on spermatogonial differentiation. The Leydig cell products that contribute to the inhibition of spermatogonial differentiation in irradiated rats remain to be elucidated.
Cross‐sectional association between physical activity and serum testosterone levels in US men: results from NHANES 1999–2004
Authors: Steeves J. A. , Fitzhugh E. C. , Bradwin G. , McGlynn K. A. , Platz E. A. , Joshu C. E. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryTestosterone levels and physical activity each play important roles in men's health, but the relationship between the two remains unclear. We evaluated the cross‐sectional association between self‐reported total physical activity and serum testosterone levels in 738 men (mean age 42.4 years, range 20–≥85 years) who participated in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. We compared geometric mean testosterone concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and calculated the odds ratio (OR) of having low or low normal testosterone (≤3.46 ng/mL) across tertiles of total physical activity in all men, and men stratified by age (20–49, ≥50 years), and obesity status (BMI < 30, ≥30 kg/m2). The geometric mean testosterone concentration was 5.31 ng/mL; 18.6% of the men had low or low normal serum testosterone levels. Physical activity tertiles were not associated with testosterone levels overall, or when stratified by age or obesity status. Similarly, there was no association between physical activity tertiles and the odds of low or low normal testosterone, overall or by age. However, among non‐obese men, those in the highest physical activity tertile were significantly less likely to have low or low normal testosterone than those in the lowest tertile (OR 0.50; 95% CI = 0.26–0.95); there was no association among obese men. Greater physical activity was not associated with testosterone levels, but may be associated with a reduced odds of low or low normal testosterone in non‐obese men, but not in obese men.
Vitamin D and gonadal function in men: a potential inverse U‐shaped association?
Authors: Karras S. , Anagnostis P. , Kotsa K. , Goulis D. G. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryAccumulating evidence from animal and human studies suggests that vitamin D, apart from its regulatory effects on musculoskeletal health, is involved in reproductive function in both genders. The basis of the interplay between vitamin D and reproduction lays on the presence of both vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 1α‐hydroxylase (CYP27B1) enzyme in reproductive organs. In males, VDR are present in testis, epididymis, prostate, and seminal vesicles. In Sertoli cells, whose secretory activities are ion channel‐dependent, vitamin D has been shown to stimulate calcium uptake through a nuclear receptor activity. Epidemiological studies support a positive association between serum 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and sperm motility in both fertile and infertile men In addition, large multi‐center, cross‐sectional studies from Europe and USA have shown positive, linear association between 25(OH)D and androgen concentrations. On the contrary, there are studies that support an inverse U‐shaped association, that is, men with both low and high 25(OH)D concentrations demonstrate poorer gonadal function compared with those with intermediate concentrations. Given the rapid increase in over‐the‐counter use of vitamin D supplements by men that anticipate advantageous health outcomes, the aim of the present commentary is to provide an overview of the studies that present either U‐shaped or linear association between 25(OH)D concentrations and male gonadal function.
Repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia during extracorporeal life support: experience with six neonates
Authors: Prabhu Sudesh , Mattke Adrian C. , Anderson Ben , McBride Craig , Cooke Lucy , Karl Tom , Alphonso Nelson 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundThe management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in neonates has evolved considerably over the last three decades. Initial stabilization followed by surgical repair is the current standard of care. A subset fails to achieve adequate oxygenation with medical management, including the use of high frequency oscillation and inhaled nitric oxide. The mortality in this group exceeds 80% without additional management strategies. Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a well‐established modality for managing these neonates with CDH and has been shown to improve early survival in selected cases.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of six neonates with CDH who underwent repair during ECLS between September 2011 and November 2014.ResultsOf 24 admissions with CDH, there were six neonates (25%) who required ECLS. All the six had CDH repair during ECLS. There were no intra‐operative bleeding complications. There were no clotting complications related to stopping heparin during CDH repair. There was one hospital death. Five neonates were weaned from ECLS and discharged home.ConclusionsData from our small cohort of patients illustrate that early survival is possible in extremely compromised neonates who otherwise would have died without ECLS. Our experience demonstrates that CDH repair can safely be performed during ECLS. Use of ECLS, early repair during ECLS, lung protective ventilation strategies and aggressive management of pulmonary hypertension were associated with good early survival. ECLS should be considered as an integral part of therapeutic armamentarium for CDH in neonates.
Factors predicting poor outcomes in T1N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma: indicators for treatment intensification
Authors: Low Tsu‐Hui (Hubert) , Gao Kan , Gupta Ruta , Clifford Anthony , Elliott Michael , Ch'ng Sydney , Milross Chris , Clark Jonathan R. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundThis study investigated the impact of adverse pathological features (APFs) amongst patients with T1N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) on both tumour control and survival. We aimed to investigate clinicopathological factors that would predict poor outcomes and determine a clinically relevant threshold for the recommendation of additional treatment.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 121 patients from a single institution (1988–2013) who were treated with surgery only (wide local excision of the primary tumour with or without neck dissection). Only patients who are pT1cN0 or pT1pN0 were included. Patients who had received adjuvant radiotherapy were excluded from the study.Results
APFs were associated with increased regional failure included tumour thickness (TT) ≥5 mm (P = 0.007), perineural invasion (PNI) (P = 0.003), infiltrative border (P = 0.030) and poor differentiation (P = 0.005). Poorly differentiated tumours were also associated with increased local failure (P = 0.03). Local control (LC), regional control (RC) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) decreased with an increasing number of APFs (P = 0.009, P = <0.001 and P = 0.009, respectively). Patients with four or more APFs had significantly worse outcomes in LC (P < 0.001), RC (P < 0.001) and DSS (P < 0.001).Conclusion
T1N0 OSCC exhibiting four or more APFs or demonstrating poor differentiation on histology had an increased risk of locoregional failure. The presence of PNI, infiltrative border and TT ≥5 mm are associated with increased regional failure. These factors may prompt escalation of treatment for patients with T1N0 OSCC.