bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pattern of adrenal morphology and function in pulmonary tuberculosis: response to treatment with antitubercular therapy
Authors: Laway Bashir A. , Khan Imran , Shah Bashir A. , Choh Naseer A. , Bhat Manzoor A. , Shah Zaffar A. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryObjectiveAlthough previous studies have shown enlargement of adrenal glands in patients with tuberculosis, only few have studied its natural history. Similarly, there have been variable reports of adrenal function in these patients. Some but not all the studies revealed a high prevalence of adrenal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to prospectively study the adrenal cortical function and morphology before and after treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.Design and PatientsIn a prospective case–control study, 45 patients with acute pulmonary tuberculosis and 45 healthy age‐ and gender‐matched controls were studied. Adrenal function was tested using a short Synacthen test at the baseline and after 6 months of antitubercular treatment. Size of both adrenal glands was studied using 64 slice MDCT (Somatom Sensation, Siemens) before and after 6 months of antitubercular treatment. The findings were compared with a group of healthy controls.ResultsThe mean age of cases was 42·4 ± 20·4 years and that of controls was 41·1 ± 17·7 years. The various clinical and biochemical parameters were comparable between cases and controls. The mean cortisol both basal and one‐hour postintravenous Synacthen was significantly lower in cases as compared to controls (mean ± SD basal cortisol of 413·57 ± 108·42 nmol/l in cases vs 615·26 ± 108·15 nmol/l in controls and post Synacthen cortisol of 685·61 ± 83·87 nmol/l in cases vs 1497·30 ± 734·44 nmol/l in controls). Both the adrenal length and thickness of the right and left adrenal gland were greater in patients with active tuberculosis compared with controls and reversed to baseline after completion of antitubercular treatment.ConclusionAdrenal enlargement demonstrated by CT is common in active tuberculosis and is reversible. Basal and stimulated cortisol is less in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis as compared with healthy controls and increases after antitubercular treatment, although unlike previous studies, none of the patients had adrenal insufficiency.
Success and survival rates of narrow diameter implants made of titanium–zirconium alloy in the posterior region of the jaws – results from a 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Tolentino L. , Sukekava F. , Seabra M. , Lima L. A. , Garcez‐Filho J. , Araújo M. G. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present prospective clinical study was to evaluate and to compare the success and survival rates of narrow diameter implants made of titanium–zirconium alloy and commercially pure titanium.Materials and MethodsForty‐two healthy adult patients scheduled for implant‐supported single restorations were included in the study. In each patient, a titanium–zirconium alloy (Test group) or a commercially pure titanium (Control group) narrow diameter implants was installed in the posterior regions of the jaws. After 8 weeks of healing, all metal–ceramic single crowns were adapted to the implants and the patients enrolled in a plaque control program. The survival and success rates of the implants and the success rate of the implant‐supported prosthesis were evaluated following 1 year of loading. Furthermore, mobility (M), suppuration (S), clinical probing depth (CPD), and bleeding on probing (BoP) were measured around the implants at 6 weeks of healing (T1) and 12 months after loading (T2).ResultsIn T2, survival and success rates for both groups were 95.2%. The corresponding value for the success rate of the implant‐supported prosthesis was 100% in both groups. The average CPD was the following: 2.29 (±0.52) and 2.59 (±0.52) (P < 0.05) in the Test and Control groups, respectively, at T1; and 3.0 mm (±0.74) and 3.07 mm (±0.90) (P > 0.05) in the Test and Control groups, respectively, at T2. There was no statistically significant difference between groups concerning about S, M, and BoP at T1 and T2 (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe present study suggests that, in a short‐term follow‐up, narrow diameter implants made of either titanium–zirconium alloy or commercially pure titanium may be used to support single crowns in the posterior portions of the jaws.
Early development of metabolic syndrome in patients subjected to lung transplantation
Authors: Savioli Gabriele , Surbone Sara , Giovi Ilaria , Salinaro Francesco , Preti Paola , Meloni Federica , Oggionni Tiberio , Perlini Stefano 
Published: February 2013

AbstractCardiovascular disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality after solid organ transplantation, due to a combination of pre‐existing cardiovascular risk factors and immunosuppressive drug toxicity. The prevalence of new‐onset hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome was assessed after lung transplantation in a cohort of 67 patients (mean age: 48 ± 14 yr). The prevalence of hypertension increased from 19.4% to 70.1% at the three‐yr follow‐up visit (p < 0.01). The concomitant prevalence of diabetes and dyslipidemia raised from 13.4% to 31.3%, and from 6.0% to 40.3%, respectively (p < 0.01 for both), and body mass index increased from 22.4 ± 3.7 to 26.1 ± 3.9 kg/m2 (p < 0.01). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased from 3.0% to 23.9% after the first year, to remain stable thereafter, associated with a strict control of cardiovascular risk factors. A large number of lung transplant recipients develop new‐onset hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia after transplantation, and in more than one‐fifth metabolic syndrome can be diagnosed after the first year. The increased cardiovascular risk of these patients should be taken into account during follow‐up, to better define a proper and timely cardiovascular prevention. Adequate control of cardiovascular risk factors, preventing further metabolic syndrome development, is recommended and feasible in lung transplant recipients.
A comparison between sitagliptin or glibenclamide in addition to metformin + pioglitazone on glycaemic control and β‐cell function: the triple oral therapy
Authors: Derosa G. , Cicero A. F. G. , Franzetti I. G. , Querci F. , Carbone A. , Piccinni M. N. , D'Angelo A. , Fogari E. , Maffioli P. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimsTo evaluate which triple oral therapy between metformin + pioglitazone + sitagliptin and metformin + pioglitazone + glibenclamide can be more useful in improving glycaemic control and should be preferred in clinical practice.MethodsDuring the 2‐year run‐in period, patients were instructed to take metformin monotherapy for the first year, then a combination of metformin and pioglitazone for the second year, then patients were randomized to add glibenclamide or sitagliptin to the dual combination of metformin and pioglitazone for another year.ResultsBody weight reached with sitagliptin at 36 months was lower than that reached with glibenclamide. Fasting plasma insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were significantly increased by triple therapy with glibenclamide and decreased by that with sitagliptin. While sitagliptin did not change homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function, this value was significantly increased by glibenclamide. Fasting plasma proinsulin was not influenced by triple oral therapy including glibenclamide, while it was decreased by the therapy including sitagliptin compared to glibenclamide. Triple oral therapy with sitagliptin better improved β‐cell function measures compared with the glibenclamide therapy.ConclusionsSitagliptin should be preferred to glibenclamide as an addition to the metformin + pioglitazone combination for its better protection of β‐cell secretion and its neutral effect on body weight.
Fenofibrate and the kidney: an overview
Authors: Kostapanos Michael S. , Florentin Matilda , Elisaf Moses S. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundFenofibrate has been used for the management of atherogenic dyslipidaemia for many years. Reports of fenofibrate‐associated increases in serum creatinine (SCr) levels raised concerns regarding deleterious effects on renal function.DesignIn this narrative review, we discuss available literature on the effect of fenofibrate on the kidney.ResultsMost clinical studies showed a rapid (within weeks) raising effect of fenofibrate on SCr levels. This was often accompanied by declined estimated glomerular filtration rate. Risk predictors of this adverse effect might include increased age, impaired renal function and high‐dose treatment. Also, the concomitant use of medications affecting renal hemodynamics (e.g. angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers) may predispose to fenofibrate‐associated increased SCr levels. Interestingly, SCr increases by fenofibrate were transient and reversible even without treatment discontinuation. Furthermore, fenofibrate was associated with a slower progression of renal function impairment and albuminuria in a long‐term basis. Also, fenofibrate might be protective against pathological changes in diabetic nephropathy and hypertensive glomerulosclerosis. In this context, it is uncertain whether fenofibrate‐associated increase in SCr levels mirrors true renal function deterioration. Several theories have been expressed. The most dominant one involved the inhibition of renal vasodilatory prostaglandins reducing renal plasma flow and glomerular pressure. Increased creatinine secretion or reduced creatinine clearance by fenofibrate was also suggested. These hypotheses should be settled by further studies.ConclusionsFenofibrate may not be a nephrotoxic drug. However, a close monitoring of SCr levels is relevant especially in high‐risk patients. Increases in SCr levels ≥30% can impose treatment discontinuation.
Phenylacetaldehyde attracts male and female apple clearwing moths, Synanthedon myopaeformis, to inflorescences of showy milkweed, Asclepias speciosa
Authors: Eby Chelsea , Gardiner Mark G.T. , Gries Regine , Judd Gary J.R. , Khaskin Grigori , Gries Gerhard 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSynanthedon myopaeformis Borkhausen (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) is a diurnal clearwing moth native to Eurasia that was recently introduced into British Columbia (BC) and Ontario, Canada, where it has become a serious pest in apple orchards. In BC, these moths commonly feed on nectar of inflorescences, particularly that of showy milkweed, Asclepias speciosa Torrey (Apocynaceae). We investigated the relative importance of visual and olfactory cues, and the key floral semiochemical(s) mediating attraction of S. myopaeformis to A. speciosa. In field experiments, inflorescences left exposed or enclosed in cheesecloth bags dyed green induced similar visitation rates by moths, indicating that olfactory cues are attractive. Among the >10 floral odourants that elicited responses from moth antennae in coupled gas chromatographic‐electroantennographic detection analyses, phenylacetaldehyde induced the most frequent proboscis extension reflexes of male and female moths. Among eight floral odourants that were field‐tested singly, phenylacetaldehyde attracted 35 times more male and female moths than any other candidate semiochemical. Attractiveness of phenylacetaldehyde could not be enhanced by admixture with other floral odourants at the ratios or concentrations tested indicating that it alone may mediate attraction of S. myopaeformis to the inflorescences of A. speciosa. The potential use of phenylacetaldehyde as bait to monitor or mass‐trap populations of male and female S. myopaeformis should be investigated.
Sequential Polygyny During Egg Attendance is Rare in a Tree Frog and Does not Increase Male Fitness
Authors: Cheng Wei‐Chun , Chen Yi‐Huey , Yu Hon‐Tsen , Roberts J. Dale , Kam Yeong‐Choy 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSequential polygyny is a reproductive strategy that allows males to continue to mate and compensates for the loss of future breeding opportunities incurred by parental care (i.e. egg attendance). Using the frog Kurixalus eiffengeri, we tested predictions that (1) attending males fathered two, overlapping clutches; and (2) that double clutching leads to improved offspring numbers. Using five microsatellite DNA markers, we genotyped 15 pairs of overlapping clutches, which differed slightly in developmental stage at a single egg‐laying site. Parentage analyses showed at least 12 of 15 pairs of overlapping egg clutches were sired by the attending male mated with different females, providing the first genetic evidence to support an earlier prediction that attending males sired both egg clutches. Field surveys found a low incidence of overlapping clutches (4.9% of 263 egg‐occupied stumps), suggesting sequential polygyny is uncommon. Stumps with multiple clutches contained significantly more eggs than stumps with single clutches but hatched similar number of tadpoles. Results suggest that continuous calling that attracts females during egg attendance is a reproductive tactic that maximizes mating opportunities. However, adoption of the sequential polygyny tactic may only result in marginal fitness gains for males that are traded off against average higher egg mortality in larger egg clutches.
A Test of the Nonlinearity Hypothesis in Great‐tailed Grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Authors: Slaughter Emily I. , Berlin Erin R. , Bower Jonathan T. , Blumstein Daniel T. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractHighly aroused or scared animals may produce a variety of sounds that sound harsh and are somewhat unpredictable. These sounds frequently contain nonlinear acoustic phenomena, and these nonlinearities may elicit arousal or alarm responses in humans and many animals. We designed a playback experiment to elucidate whether specific nonlinear phenomena can elicit increased responsiveness in great‐tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus). We broadcast two control sounds (a 0.5‐s, 3‐kHz pure tone and the song of tropical kingbirds (Tyrannus melancholicus) and three test sounds that all began with a 0.4‐s, 3‐kHz pure tone and ended with 0.1 s of either a 1‐ to 5‐kHz band of white noise, an abrupt frequency jump to 1 kHz, or an abrupt frequency jump to 5 kHz. In response to these three nonlinear phenomena, grackles decreased their relaxed behavior (walking, foraging, and preening) and increased looking. A second experiment looked at the rapidity of the time course of frequency change and found that the abrupt frequency jump from 3 to 1 kHz, as opposed to a gradual downward frequency modulation over the same bandwidth, was uniquely arousing. These results suggest that while nonlinear phenomena may be generally evocative, frequency jumps may be the most evocative in great‐tailed grackles. Future studies in other systems can evaluate this general hypothesis.
Effects of Microhabitat‐Dependent Predation Risk on Vigilance during Intermittent Locomotion in Psammodromus algirus Lizards
Authors: López Pilar , Martín Jose 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAnimals should be able to adjust their behavior by tracking changes in predation risk level continuously. Many animals show a pattern of intermittent locomotion with short pauses that may increase detection and vigilance of predators. These locomotor patterns may depend on the microhabitat structure, which affect predation risk levels. We examined in detail in the laboratory the characteristics of spontaneous locomotion, scanning behavior, and the escape performance of Psammodromus algirus lizards moving in two different microhabitats (leaf litter patches and open sand areas). Results showed that in leaf litter, lizards moved at slower speed and had shorter bursts of locomotion both in distance and duration, than in sand substrates. This locomotor pattern allowed lizards to increase scanning rate and total time spent in vigilance behavior. When lizards were forced to flee, they escaped to longer distances and during more time in open sand areas, but lizards were able to attain similar escape speed in the two substrates. Lizards may be able to compensate the cost of moving between different microhabitats with different predation risk by behaviorally changing their locomotor and vigilance patterns. However, complex interactions between the visibility of lizards to predators and the ability of lizards to detect predators, together with the need of attending simultaneously to other conflicting demands, may lead to apparently non‐intuitive solutions in locomotor patterns and the rate of vigilance behavior.
Three horses with bilateral sinonasal progressive haematomas not associated with the ethmoidal labyrinth
Authors: Barker W. H. J , Perkins J. D. , Witte T. H. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryProgressive haematomata (PH) are a rare cause of equine paranasal sinusitis and are thought to result from recurrent haemorrhage within the respiratory submucosa of the ethmoidal labyrinth. Clinical signs ofPHare variable but mostly attributable to rupture of the mass with haemorrhage, occlusion of nasomaxillary drainage and secondary infection. Almost all affected horses have unilateral or bilateral, intermittent, serosanguinous nasal discharge. Radiographic examination is useful in identifying largePH, but small masses can be overlooked because of superimposition. Computed tomography (CT) has the benefit of producing cross‐sectional images of the sinuses, overcoming the limitations of radiography. The cases in this report suffered from bilateralPHnot associated with the ethmoidal labyrinth. They highlight the benefit of CT in the diagnosis, surgical planning and evaluation of the architecture of the sinuses. Preoperative treatment with formalin to desiccate the mass prior to removal can be performed more safely when guided by CT.
Inhibition of neuropeptide degradation suppresses sweating but increases the area of the axon reflex flare
Authors: Schlereth Tanja , Breimhorst Markus , Werner Nicolas , Pottschmidt Katrin , Drummond Peter D. , Birklein Frank 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe neuropeptides CGRP (calcitonin gene‐elated peptide) and substance P (SP) mediate neurogenic inflammation. Both are degraded by the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) which can be blocked by phosphoramidon. The aim was to evaluate the effect of NEP inhibition on sweating and vasodilatation. Dermal microdialysis was performed on the skin of 39 subjects. Two fibres were perfused with phosphoramidon (0.01%, 0.02% or 0.2%), two with saline. Acetylcholine (ACh) was either added to the microdialysis perfusate (n = 30, 10−2 m) or thermoregulatory sweating was induced (n = 9). Co‐application of phosphoramidon reduced cholinergic and thermoregulatory sweating. However, the flare size – a localized increase in superficial blood flow after ACh‐application – was significantly increased. The increase in flare size is most probably due to increased CGRP levels. The inhibition of sweating by phosphoramidon may involve an increase in SP, a reduction in CGRP‐degradation fragments or a direct inhibitory action of phosphoramidon.
Investigation of drug–drug interactions between clopidogrel and fluoxetine
Authors: Delavenne Xavier , Magnin Marion , Basset Thierry , Piot Michele , Mallouk Nora , Ressnikoff Denis , Garcin Arnauld , Laporte Silvy , Garnier Pierre , Mismetti Patrick 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDrug–drug interactions may contribute to the variability of the response of clopidogrel. Several hypotheses have been proposed concerning the potential modification of clopidogrel pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics by fluoxetine. This open‐label crossover study assessed the effect of fluoxetine on the pharmacological activity of clopidogrel in healthy volunteers. Eight healthy male volunteers received a single 600‐mg loading dose of clopidogrel followed by 20 mg of fluoxetine on 4 days and then 20 mg of fluoxetine plus 600 mg of clopidogrel on the fifth day. Eleven blood samples were withdrawn after clopidogrel administration to determine plasma concentrations of clopidogrel active metabolite (CAM) and platelet function. Platelet aggregation was measured by light transmittance aggregometry (LTA) and platelet reactivity index by flow cytometric vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) analysis. The areas under the curve and maximum plasma concentrations of CAM were, respectively, 20.6 and 25.3% lower after co‐administration of fluoxetine compared with administration of clopidogrel alone. The percentage maximum platelet aggregation values in the presence of 5 μm and 10 μm adenosine diphosphate, measured by LTA, were, respectively, 13.9 and 22.4% lower after fluoxetine co‐administration. The platelet reactivity index measured by the flow cytometric VASP method was 36.8% lower when clopidogrel was administered in conjunction with fluoxetine.
Implications of nonrandom seed abscission and global stilling for migration of wind‐dispersed plant species
Authors: Thompson Sally E. , Katul Gabriel G. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMigration of plant populations is a potential survival response to climate change that depends critically on seed dispersal. Biological and physical factors determine dispersal and migration of wind‐dispersed species. Recent field and wind tunnel studies demonstrate biological adaptations that bias seed release toward conditions of higher wind velocity, promoting longer dispersal distances and faster migration. However, another suite of international studies also recently highlighted a global decrease in near‐surface wind speeds, or ‘global stilling’. This study assessed the implications of both factors on potential plant population migration rates, using a mechanistic modeling framework. Nonrandom abscission was investigated using models of three seed release mechanisms: (i) a simple drag model; (ii) a seed deflection model; and (iii) a ‘wear and tear’ model. The models generated a single functional relationship between the frequency of seed release and statistics of the near‐surface wind environment, independent of the abscission mechanism. An Inertial‐Particle, Coupled Eulerian‐Lagrangian Closure model (IP‐CELC) was used to investigate abscission effects on seed dispersal kernels and plant population migration rates under contemporary and potential future wind conditions (based on reported global stilling trends). The results confirm that nonrandom seed abscission increased dispersal distances, particularly for light seeds. The increases were mitigated by two physical feedbacks: (i) although nonrandom abscission increased the initial acceleration of seeds from rest, the sensitivity of the seed dispersal to this initial condition declined as the wind speed increased; and (ii) while nonrandom abscission increased the mean dispersal length, it reduced the kurtosis of seasonal dispersal kernels, and thus the chance of long‐distance dispersal. Wind stilling greatly reduced the modeled migration rates under biased seed release conditions. Thus, species that require high wind velocities for seed abscission could experience threshold‐like reductions in dispersal and migration potential if near‐surface wind speeds continue to decline.