bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local Changes in Neurosteroid Levels in the Substantia Nigra Reticulata and the Ventral Tegmental Area Alter Chronic Ethanol Withdrawal Severity in Male Withdrawal Seizure‐Prone Mice
Authors: Tanchuck Michelle A. , Cozzoli Debra K. , He Ingrid , Kaufman Katherine R. , Snelling Christopher , Crabbe John C. , Mark Gregory P. , Finn Deborah A. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundAllopregnanolone (ALLO) is a potent positive modulator of γ‐aminobutyric acidA receptors (GABAARs) that affects ethanol (EtOH) withdrawal. Finasteride (FIN), a 5α‐reductase inhibitor that blocks the formation of ALLO and other GABAergic neurosteroids, alters EtOH sensitivity. Recently, we found that Withdrawal Seizure‐Prone mice from the first genetic replicate (WSP‐1) exhibited behavioral tolerance to the anticonvulsant effect of intrahippocampal ALLO during EtOH withdrawal and that intrahippocampal FIN significantly increased EtOH withdrawal severity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether neurosteroid manipulations in the substantia nigra reticulata (SNR) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) produced effects during EtOH withdrawal comparable to those seen with intrahippocampal ALLO and FIN.MethodsMale WSP‐1 mice were surgically implanted with bilateral guide cannulae aimed at the SNR or VTA at 2 weeks prior to EtOH vapor or air exposure for 72 hours. Initial studies examined the anticonvulsant effect of a single ALLO infusion (0, 100, or 400 ng/side) at a time corresponding to peak withdrawal in the air‐ and EtOH‐exposed mice. Separate studies examined the effect of 4 FIN infusions (0 or 10 μg/side/d) during the development of physical dependence on the expression of EtOH withdrawal.ResultsALLO infusion exerted a potent anticonvulsant effect in EtOH‐naïve mice, but a diminished anticonvulsant effect during EtOH withdrawal. Administration of FIN into the SNR exerted a delayed proconvulsant effect in EtOH‐naïve mice, whereas infusion into the VTA increased EtOH withdrawal duration.ConclusionsActivation of local GABAARs in the SNR and VTA via ALLO infusion is sufficient to exert an anticonvulsant effect in naïve mice and to produce behavioral tolerance to the anticonvulsant effect of ALLO infusion during EtOH withdrawal. Thus, EtOH withdrawal reduced sensitivity of GABAARs to GABAergic neurosteroids in 2 neuroanatomical substrates within the basal ganglia in WSP‐1 male mice.
A randomized study of cellphone technology to reinforce alcohol abstinence in the natural environment
Authors: Alessi Sheila M. , Petry Nancy M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimsContingency management (CM) uses tangible incentives to systematically reinforce abstinence and is among the most efficacious psychosocial substance abuse treatments. This study assessed the feasibility and initial efficacy of a portable CM procedure designed to address technical limitations for detecting drinking that have prevented using CM for alcohol problems.DesignParticipants received a cellphone, breathalyzer and training on video‐recording alcohol breath tests (BrACs) and texting results. For 4 weeks, staff texted participants one to three times daily indicating that a breath alcohol concentration test (BrAC) was due within the hour. Participants were randomized to (1) modest compensation for submitting dated time‐stamped BrAC videos regardless of results or (2) the same plus CM with escalating vouchers for on‐time alcohol‐negative tests (n‐BrAC; <02 g/dl). ‘Thank‐you’ texts were sent, with CM patients also informed of results‐based earnings.SettingParticipants' natural environment.ParticipantsAdults (n = 30; ≥ 21 years) who drank frequently but were not physiologically dependent.MeasurementsDrinking and related problems were assessed at intake and week 4. BrACs and self‐reports of drinking were collected throughout. The primary outcome was the percentage of n‐BrACs. Other outcomes were the longest duration of consecutive n‐BrACs (longest duration of abstinence) and self‐reports of drinking.FindingsOn average, 88.6% (10.4%) of BrACs were submitted on time, without group differences (P = 0.18). The percentage of n‐BrACs and LDA were greater with CM, and there was an interaction effect on drinking frequency and negative consequences, with decreases over time with CM (P = 0.00; effect sizes d = 0.52–0.62).ConclusionCellphone technology may be useful for extending contingency management to treatment for alcohol problems.
Availability of hollow‐bearing trees and their utilization by small animals in Cawston ranch, Zimbabwe
Authors: Beaven Utete , Tongayi Mwedzi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe objective of this study was to characterize hollows found in selected tree species (in Cawston Ranch in Zimbabwe) as a potential habitat for small mammals because cavities are important as resources for wildlife: for foraging, shelter, roosting and nesting purposes. Four vegetation types were chosen for analysis: Baikiaea plurijuga, Colophospermum mopane, Combretum molle and Commiphora mollis according to abundance and dominance in the plots they occurred. Transect sampling was done to collect vegetation data. The total number of living trees and stags were recorded in each plot. Trees in a plot were thoroughly inspected for hollows. The following dimensions were measured on cavity trees: hollow size (diameter), hollow location and diameter at breast height. The results indicate that the rate of hollow formation and utilization is significantly dependent on tree species. There was a significant difference in the provision of hollows in stem and crown of a tree in each of the vegetation classes analysed. B. plurijuga hollows had the highest utilization whilst C. molle had the least utilization. Hollows are utilized irrespective of their location as long as the animal finds a niche, and stags at advanced stages of decay are not important in providing habitats for animals.
High‐frequency dominant depression of peripheral vagal control of heart rate in rats with chronic heart failure
Authors: Kawada T. , Li M. , Shimizu S. , Kamiya A. , Uemura K. , Turner M. J. , Mizuno M. , Sugimachi M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimTo examine whether dynamic characteristics of the peripheral vagal control of heart rate (HR) are altered in chronic heart failure (CHF).MethodsThe right vagal nerve was electrically stimulated according to a binary white noise signal, and the transfer function from vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) to HR was estimated in the frequency range from 0.01 to 1 Hz in five control rats and five CHF rats under anaesthetized conditions. The rate of VNS was changed among 10, 20 and 40 Hz.ResultsA multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the increase in the VNS rate augmented the ratio of the high‐frequency (HF) gain to the steady‐state gain in the control group but not in the CHF group. As a result, the dynamic gain of the transfer function in the frequencies near 1 Hz decreased more in the CHF group than in the control group.ConclusionChanges in the dynamic characteristics of the peripheral vagal control of HR may contribute to the manifestation of decreased HF components of HR variability observed in CHF.
Propionibacterium acnes activates caspase‐1 in human neutrophils
Authors: Sahdo Berolla , Särndahl Eva , Elgh Fredrik , Söderquist Bo 
Published: December 2012

Propionibacterium acnes is a Gram‐positive, slow‐growing, anaerobic bacillus, predominantly found as a commensal on the skin and mucous membranes of adults. It is, however, also considered an opportunistic pathogen; mostly associated with acne vulgaris, but rarely also with severe infections such as infective endocarditis, prosthetic joint infections, and deep sternal wound infections following cardiothoracic surgery. In addition, P. acnes has recently been found in high frequency in prostate tissue from patients with prostatitis and prostate cancer. The NOD‐like receptors (NLR) act as intracellular sensors of microbial components, and a number of various bacteria have been found to induce assembling and activation of NLR‐inflammasomes; leading to a pro‐inflammatory response. The inflammasome‐mediated formation of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18 involves the auto‐proteolytic maturation of caspase‐1. This study investigated if P. acnes activates inflammasomes. Propionibacterium acnes isolates (n = 29) with diverse origin were used as stimuli for peripheral leukocytes obtained from blood donors (BDs). The activity of inflammasomes was determined by measuring caspase‐1 by flow cytometry and cytokine production by ELISA. A significant amount of caspase‐1 was found in neutrophils upon P. acnes stimulation, whereas only a modest activation was seen in monocytes. The activation was mainly produced by components of the bacterial cell and no exo‐products, because heat‐killed and live bacteria caused high activation of caspase‐1 as well as cytokine production, whereas the bacterial supernatant elicited minor effect. The response among different BDs varied significantly, almost fivefold. In addition, P. acnes of various origins showed considerable variation, however, the commensal isolates showed a stronger response compared with the invasive. In conclusion, although regarded as a harmless commensal of the skin, P. acnes strongly activates the inflammasome of human peripheral neutrophils.
Meta‐analysis: recurrence and survival following the use of sirolimus in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Menon K. V. , Hakeem A. R. , Heaton N. D. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe use of sirolimus (SRL)‐based immunosuppression protocols have been reported to reduce recurrence rates following liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although this is still a matter for debate.AimTo undertake a systematic review and meta‐analysis of available literature on the usage of SRL as an immunosuppressive agent following LT for HCC, with a view to comparing cancer outcomes with the commonly used calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs).MethodsSystematic review and meta‐analysis carried out in line with the Meta‐analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Primary outcomes of interest were tumour recurrence rate and recurrence‐free survival (RFS). Secondary outcomes were recurrence‐related mortality and overall survival (OS).ResultsIn all, 5 studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 474). The recurrence rate was lower in SRL group (4.9–12.9%) in comparison with CNIs (17.3–38.7%). The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year RFS was 93–96%, 82–86% and 79–80% for SRL group, which was much better in comparison with the CNIs 70–78%, 64–65% and 54–60% respectively. Similarly, 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year OS was much better for SRL group (94–95%, 85% and 80%) in comparison with CNIs (79–83%, 66% and 59–62%) respectively. Meta‐analysis demonstrated lower recurrence (OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.16–0.55, P < 0.001), lower recurrence‐related mortality (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.12–0.70, P = 0.005) and lower overall mortality (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.20–0.61, P < 0.001) for SRL group.ConclusionThe review showed lower recurrence rate, longer recurrence‐free survival and overall survival and lower recurrence‐related mortality in sirolimus‐treated patients in comparison with the calcineurin inhibitor‐treated patients following liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy: A retrospective study of 40 cases
Authors: Parmar Amit Kumar , Khandelwal Radha Govind , Mathew Mittu John , Reddy Prasanna Kumar 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIntroductionThroughout the world, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a widely accepted surgical treatment for both acute and chronic cholecystitis. It provides total relief of pre‐surgical symptoms in up to 85% of patients. However, about 5% of patients may experience severe episodes of upper abdominal pain similar to those that they had prior to cholecystectomy; this is known as post‐cholecystectomy syndrome. Gallbladder remnant with calculi is one of the causative factors. However, there have been only a few case series related to this reported in literature to date. Herein, we present our experience with laparoscopic management of gallbladder remnant with calculi in 40 cases.MethodsA retrospective study of 40 cases was carried out in our institution. All patients underwent open cholecystectomy at other centres, and their cases were managed by laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy.ResultsThe mean operating time was 102.4 min (range, 60–120 min). The duration of hospital stay was 2–4 days. Two cases were converted to open surgery because of extensive dense adhesions. One case had minor a common bile duct injury, and another had port‐site infection. There were no cases of mortality.ConclusionGallbladder remnant containing stones may be the cause of otherwise unexplained postcholecystectomy pain. Completion cholecystectomy offers a definitive treatment for any residual gallbladder remnant and can be performed laparoscopically.
The impact of using visual images of the body within a personalized health risk assessment: An experimental study
Authors: Hollands Gareth J. , Marteau Theresa M. 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo examine the motivational impact of the addition of a visual image to a personalized health risk assessment and the underlying cognitive and emotional mechanisms.Design and methodsAn online experimental study in which participants (n = 901; mean age = 27.2 years; 61.5% female) received an assessment and information focusing on the health implications of internal body fat and highlighting the protective benefits of physical activity. Participants were randomized to receive this in either (a) solely text form (control arm) or (b) text plus a visual image of predicted internal body fat (image arm). Participants received information representing one of three levels of health threat, determined by how physically active they were: high, moderate or benign. Main outcome measures were physical activity intentions (assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention), worry, coherence and believability of the information.ResultsIntentions to undertake recommended levels of physical activity were significantly higher in the image arm, but only amongst those participants who received a high‐threat communication. Believability of the results received was greater in the image arm and mediated the intervention effect on intentions.ConclusionsThe addition of a visual image to a risk assessment led to small but significant increases in intentions to undertake recommended levels of physical activity in those at increased health risk. Limitations of the study and implications for future research are discussed.Statement of ContributionWhat is already known on this subject? Health risk information that is personalized to the individual may more strongly motivate risk‐reducing behaviour change. Little prior research attention has been paid specifically to the motivational impact of personalized visual images and underlying mechanisms.What does this study add?

In an experimental design, it is shown that receipt of visual images increases intentions to engage in risk‐reducing behaviour, although only when a significant level of threat is presented. The study suggests that images increase the believability of health risk information and this may underlie motivational impact.
Arginine Vasopressin Immunoreactivity is Decreased in the Hypothalamic Suprachiasmatic Nucleus of Subjects with Suprasellar Tumors
Authors: Borgers Anke J. , Fliers Eric , Siljee Jacqueline E. , Swaab Dick F. , Van Someren Eus J. W. , Bisschop Peter H. , Alkemade Anneke 
Published: December 2012

AbstractSuprasellar tumors with compression of the optic chiasm are associated with an impaired sleep–wake rhythm. We hypothesized that this reflects a disorder of the biological clock of the human brain, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is located just above the optic chiasm. In order to test this hypothesis, we investigated the expression of two key neuropeptides of the SCN, that is, arginine vasopressin (AVP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), as assessed by quantitative immunocytochemistry in post‐mortem hypothalamic tissue of patients with a suprasellar tumor inducing permanent visual field defects. Post‐mortem hypothalamic tissue of 5 patients with a suprasellar tumor inducing permanent visual field defects (acromegaly n = 2, nonfunctioning macro‐adenoma n = 1, macroprolactinoma n = 1, infundibular metastasis of a colorectal adenocarcinoma n = 1) and 15 age‐ and gender‐matched controls was obtained from the Netherlands Brain Bank. Total AVP immunoreactivity in the SCN was lower in patients with a suprasellar tumor than in controls (P = 0.03). By contrast, total VIP immunoreactivity was not different between patients and controls (P = 0.44). Suprasellar tumors leading to permanent visual field defects are associated with reduced AVP, but not VIP immunoreactivity, in the SCN. These findings raise the possibility that selective impairment of the SCN contributes to sleep–wake disturbances in these patients.
Core concepts of spatial prioritisation in systematic conservation planning
Authors: Kukkala Aija S. , Moilanen Atte 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTSystematic conservation planning (SCP) is a field of conservation biology concerned with delivering on‐the‐ground actions that achieve conservation goals. It describes a set of operational models that cover both design and implementation of conservation, with a strong focus on mobilising the collective action typically required to implement conservation.SCP, as it was originally described, was composed of six different stages: collection of data, identification of conservation goals, evaluation of the existing protected area network, design of expansions, implementation of conservation action, and long‐term maintenance of biodiversity in the network. Since then, the operational model has been expanded into several different variants. Conservation actions applied insideSCPinclude establishment and expansion of reserve networks and allocation of habitat restoration and management.Within the broader context ofSCP, there is a fundamental biogeographic‐economic analysis frequently called spatial conservation prioritisation or conservation assessment, which is used for identifying where important areas for biodiversity are and how conservation goals might be achieved efficiently. Here, we review the usage and meaning of the 12 biogeographic‐economic core concepts ofSCP: adequacy, complementarity, comprehensiveness, effectiveness, efficiency, flexibility, irreplaceability, replacement cost, representation, representativeness, threat, and vulnerability. Some of the concepts have clear definitions whereas others may have alternative and possibly conflicting definitions. With a comprehensive literature review literature, we elucidate the historical backgrounds of these concepts, the first definitions and usages, alternative later definitions, key applications, and prior reviews. This review reduces linguistic uncertainty in the application ofSCP. SinceSCPis a global activity with a multitude of different stakeholders involved, it is vital that those involved can speak the same language. Through these concepts, this review serves as a source of information about the historical development ofSCP. It provides a comprehensive review for anyone wishing to understand the key concepts of spatial prioritisation withinSCP.
Differential Associations Between Domains of Sibling Conflict and Adolescent Emotional Adjustment
Authors: Campione‐Barr Nicole , Greer Kelly Bassett , Kruse Anna 
Published: December 2012

Issues of equality and fairness and invasion of the personal domain, 2 previously identified topic areas of adolescent sibling conflict (N. Campione‐Barr & J. G. Smetana, 2010), were examined in 145 dyads (Mfirst‐born = 14.97, SD = 1.69 years; Msecond‐born = 12.20, SD = 1.90 years) for their differential effects on youths' emotional adjustment over 1 year. The impact of internalizing symptoms on later sibling conflicts also was tested. Invasion of the personal domain conflicts were associated with higher levels of anxiety and lower self‐esteem 1 year later, whereas Equality and Fairness issues were associated with greater depressed mood. Conversely, greater internalizing symptomatology and lower self‐esteem predicted more of both types of conflict. Moderating influences of gender and ordinal position were also examined.
Predicting Long‐Term Growth in Students' Mathematics Achievement: The Unique Contributions of Motivation and Cognitive Strategies
Authors: Murayama Kou , Pekrun Reinhard , Lichtenfeld Stephanie , vom Hofe Rudolf 
Published: December 2012

This research examined how motivation (perceived control, intrinsic motivation, and extrinsic motivation), cognitive learning strategies (deep and surface strategies), and intelligence jointly predict long‐term growth in students' mathematics achievement over 5 years. Using longitudinal data from six annual waves (Grades 5 through 10;Mage = 11.7 years at baseline;N = 3,530), latent growth curve modeling was employed to analyze growth in achievement. Results showed that the initial level of achievement was strongly related to intelligence, with motivation and cognitive strategies explaining additional variance. In contrast, intelligence had no relation with the growth of achievement over years, whereas motivation and learning strategies were predictors of growth. These findings highlight the importance of motivation and learning strategies in facilitating adolescents' development of mathematical competencies.
Shell technique using a rigid resorbable barrier system for localized alveolar ridge augmentation
Authors: Iglhaut Gerhard , Schwarz Frank , Gründel Marcel , Mihatovic Ilja , Becker Jürgen , Schliephake Henning 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the safety and efficacy of a rigid synthetic barrier system in a shell technique for localized alveolar ridge augmentation.Materials and methodsSaddle‐type defects (n = 4 each) were prepared in the lower jaws of six fox hounds. At two defects, the outer contours were reconstructed using polylactic acid (D and L isomers) (PDDL) pins welded to PDDL plates by ultrasound vibration and the defect area filled using either a natural bone mineral (NBM) or NBM + autogenous bone (AB) and covered by a native collagen membrane (CM). While the third defect was augmented using NBM+AB+CM, the fourth site was left untreated. At 14 weeks, dissected blocks were processed for histomorphometrical analysis [e.g., augmented area (AA)].ResultsAA values (median in mm2) were significantly increased in all guided bone regeneration (GBR) groups [NBM+PDDL+CM (19.74) > NBM+AB+PDDL+CM (16.98) > NBM+AB+CM (16.66)] when compared with the untreated control sites (7.34). Histological analysis has pointed, in the absence of any foreign‐body reactions, to biodegradation of both PDDL plates/pins and CM.Conclusions(i) All GBR procedures investigated equally supported bone regeneration, (ii) the application of PDDL+CM may be associated with increased mineralized tissue MT and subsequently AA values than CM alone, and (iii) AB may not improve healing at NBM+PDDL+CM‐treated sites.