bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The inverse agonist of CB1 receptor SR141716 blocks compulsive eating of palatable food
Authors: Dore Riccardo , Valenza Marta , Wang Xiaofan , Rice Kenner C. , Sabino Valentina , Cottone Pietro 
Published: April 2013

AbstractDieting and the increased availability of highly palatable food are considered major contributing factors to the large incidence of eating disorders and obesity. This study was aimed at investigating the role of the cannabinoid (CB) system in a novel animal model of compulsive eating, based on a rapid palatable diet cycling protocol. Male Wistar rats were fed either continuously a regular chow diet (Chow/Chow, control group) or intermittently a regular chow diet for 2 days and a palatable, high‐sucrose diet for 1 day (Chow/Palatable). Chow/Palatable rats showed spontaneous and progressively increasing hypophagia and body weight loss when fed the regular chow diet, and excessive food intake and body weight gain when fed the palatable diet. Diet‐cycled rats dramatically escalated the intake of the palatable diet during the first hour of renewed access (7.5‐fold compared to controls), and after withdrawal, they showed compulsive eating and heightened risk‐taking behavior. The inverse agonist of the CB1 receptor, SR141716 reduced the excessive intake of palatable food with higher potency and the body weight with greater efficacy in Chow/Palatable rats, compared to controls. Moreover, SR141716 reduced compulsive eating and risk‐taking behavior in Chow/Palatable rats. Finally, consistent with the behavioral and pharmacological observations, withdrawal from the palatable diet decreased the gene expression of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase in the ventromedial hypothalamus while increasing that of CB1 receptors in the dorsal striatum in Chow/Palatable rats, compared to controls. These findings will help understand the role of the CB system in compulsive eating.
Physical activity in three regional communities in Queensland
Authors: Brown Wendy J. , Burton Nicola W. , Sahlqvist Shannon , Heesch Kristiann C. , McCarthy Kylah B. , Ng Norman , van Uffelen Jannique G.Z. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo describe physical activity participation in three Queensland regional communities.DesignCross‐sectional mail survey of randomly selected residents, stratified by age and sex.SettingEsk, Mareeba and Mount Isa.Participants1219 (58% women) adults, with a mean age 46.7 (standard deviation 14.7) years.Main outcome measuresProportion of people inactive, meeting Australian activity guidelines (a minimum of 150 min week−1 and five sessions week−1) and walking a dog daily; time spent walking and cycling for transport; location and type of recreational physical activities.ResultsOverall, 18% of respondents were inactive, with the highest proportions among women (22.3%) and older adults in Mount Isa (24.3%). The proportion meeting activity guidelines was 47%, with the lowest proportion among women in Mount Isa (40.4%). Although 63% reported owning a dog, only 22% reported walking a dog daily. Few people reported walking or cycling for transport. The most common types of activities were walking, home‐based exercise, running/jogging and swimming, and the most common location was at or near home.ConclusionsPhysical activity levels were lower in these regional communities than the state average. The findings indicate a need for physical activity policy and intervention strategies targeting regional and rural areas. This could focus on women and older adults, dog walking and physical activity opportunities in or near the home.
The sociodemographic and health‐related characteristics of a regional population with chronic disease at an interprofessional student‐assisted clinic in Queensland Capricornia Allied Health Partnership
Authors: Frakes Kerrie‐Anne , Brownie Sharon , Davies Lauren , Thomas Janelle , Miller Mary‐Ellen , Tyack Zephanie 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveThis paper describes the sociodemographic and health‐related characteristics of people with chronic disease attending an interprofessional student‐assisted clinic in regional Queensland.DesignA retrospective review of data collected during the first 10 months of operation of the clinic was conducted.Setting, participants and outcome measuresData was collected on up to 378 patients during an intake appointment at the Capricornia Allied Health Partnership (CAHP) community‐based clinic and compared with normative reference groups where available. Sociodemographic characteristics included age, gender and education level; health‐related characteristics included body mass index and hospitalisations in the previous 12 months; and risk factors included prescribed medications, smoking status and general practitioner‐diagnosed medical conditions.ResultsPatients attending the CAHP clinic had a mean number of chronic conditions of 4.9 ± 2.1 per patient, and 97% of patients had multimorbidities. A high level of socioeconomic disadvantage was found in comparison with normative comparison groups based on employment, highest level of schooling completed and the index of social disadvantage. Patients predominantly lived in inner regional areas (76.7%). The most common diagnoses of patients attending the clinic for the first time were hypertension, osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, diabetes and chronic back pain.ConclusionsThe CAHP clinic offers a unique student‐assisted service model for interprofessional management of patients who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, have multimorbid chronic disease and live in regional areas. The description of baseline data in this paper is important to refine clinic services, to guide other chronic disease clinics and to inform future research study designs.
Augmentation index and pulse wave velocity in normotensive and pre‐eclamptic pregnancies
Authors: Franz Maximilian B. , Burgmann Maximiliane , Neubauer Anna , Zeisler Harald , Sanani Ramona , Gottsauner‐Wolf Michael , Schiessl Barbara , Andreas Martin 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveHypertensive disorders during pregnancy remain a major health burden. Normal pregnancy is associated with systemic cardiovascular adaptation. The augmentation index and pulse wave velocity measures may serve as surrogate markers of cardiovascular pathology, including pre‐eclampsia. We evaluated these parameters during and after normotensive and pre‐eclamptic pregnancies.DesignLongitudinal cohort trial involving a case–control analysis of healthy women and women with pre‐eclampsia.SettingUniversity hospital.PopulationFifty‐three healthy pregnant women between 11+6 and 13+6 gestational weeks, as well as 21 patients with pre‐eclampsia.MethodsThe augmentation index and pulse wave velocity were measured seven times during pregnancy and postpartum.Main outcome measuresChanges in augmentation index and pulse wave velocity during and after healthy pregnancies were measured. The influence of early‐onset and late‐onset pre‐eclampsia on these measurements both during and after pregnancy was evaluated.ResultsThe normotensive pregnancies exhibited a significant decrease in the augmentation index from the first trimester to the end of the second trimester; however, the normotensive pregnancies showed an increase in the augmentation index during the third trimester as term approached. The patients with early‐onset and late‐onset pre‐eclampsia displayed a significantly elevated augmentation index during pregnancy. The postpartum augmentation index and pulse wave velocity were significantly elevated in the early‐onset pre‐eclampsia group.ConclusionAfter pregnancy, early‐onset and late‐onset pre‐eclamptic patients exhibit differences in vascular function. This result indicates the presence of a higher cardiovascular risk in patients after early‐onset pre‐eclampsia.
Validation study of uterine rupture registration in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway
Authors: Al‐Zirqi Iqbal , Stray‐Pedersen Babill , Forsén Lisa , Daltveit Anne Kjersti , Vangen Siri ,   The NUR group
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo validate uterine rupture registration in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN) between 1999 and 2008, and to identify rupture type and causes of incorrect or missed registration during 1967–2008.DesignPopulation‐based study.PopulationThe validation sample was 392 958 maternities from 21 maternity units registered in MBRN and local Patient Administration Systems in 1999–2008. In addition we identified type of rupture and causes of incorrect registration among 2 422 934 maternities from 48 units, and 1 449 201 maternities from 21 units during 1967–2008.MethodsInformation about uterine rupture in MBRN was compared with information in medical records.Main outcome measuresSensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of uterine rupture registration in MBRN.ResultsIn 1999–2008, there were 10 false positive cases among 151 uterine ruptures registered in MBRN. In addition, 82 ruptures not registered in MBRN, were identified through Patient Administration Systems. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the MBRN to detect uterine rupture was 63.2, 99.99, 93.4 and 99.98%, respectively. The incidence of uterine rupture changed after correction from 0.38 to 0.56/1000. During 1967–2008, false positive cases (125) were mainly due to wrong coding by MBRN. Around 60% of 141 false negative cases were due to lack of reporting by maternity units. Complete rupture accounted for 63.9% of ruptures registered in MBRN.ConclusionsThe validity of MBRN data on uterine rupture is not optimal, diagnosis being under‐reported by around 37%. Ticked boxes may improve the quality of registration.
Socioeconomic characteristics, housing conditions and criminal offences among women with cervical neoplasia
Authors: Billström Emma , Sundström‐Poromaa Inger , Stålberg Karin , Asplund Anna , Hellberg Dan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association between cervical neoplasia and socioeconomic factors, housing conditions and criminal offences.DesignLongitudinal observational study.SettingFalun county hospital, Sweden.PopulationA total of 1331 women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I‐III or cervical cancer between 1967 and 1978 were compared with 2604 age‐matched controls from the same geographical area in Sweden.MethodsThe Population and Housing Censuses were used for information about civil status, education, housing conditions, employment and socioeconomic status. The Swedish Register of Conviction Decisions was used to access information on criminal offences.Main outcome measuresSocioeconomic status, housing conditions, criminal offences.ResultsWomen with cervical neoplasia had a lower socioeconomic status and a lower educational level than their age‐matched controls. They were more often divorced and did not own their home as often as controls. A significant association with criminal offences was observed, and it persisted after adjustment for socioeconomic status. Differences in socioeconomic factors between women with cervical neoplasia and their controls had not diminished in the younger, compared with the older, part of the study population.ConclusionsThe results indicate that women with cervical neoplasia belong to a socioeconomically disadvantaged group. Furthermore, the study provides information about an association with criminal offences.
Accuracy of amplitude‐integrated electroencephalography in the prediction of neurodevelopmental outcome in asphyxiated infants receiving hypothermia treatment
Authors: Csekő AJ , Bangó M , Lakatos P , Kárdási J , Pusztai L , Szabó M 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimBoth hypothermia and central nervous system (CNS) drugs may alter the predictive accuracy of amplitude‐integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) in hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). The aim was to assess the predictive value of aEEG in hypothermia‐treated HIE infants. Furthermore, we intended to investigate the association of cumulative doses of CNS drugs with aEEG recovery.MethodsSeventy term HIE infants treated with hypothermia for 72 h were continuously monitored by single‐channel aEEG. Doses of administered morphine, phenobarbitone and midazolam were recorded. Poor outcome was defined as death or severe neurodevelopmental delay at 18‐24 months (Bayley Scales of Infant Development II), good outcome as absence of these criteria.ResultsPoor outcome n = 26, good outcome n = 44. Positive predictive values (PPV) of an abnormal background pattern to predict poor outcome were 0.5 at 6 h; 0.65 at 24 h; 0.82 at 48 h and 0.92 at 60 h. All infants who developed sleep–wake cycling (SWC) had a favourable outcome; the nondevelopment of SWC resulted in a PPV of 0.73 for a poor outcome. Cumulative doses of the investigated drugs did not differ between infants having an onset of a recovered background pattern before or after 24 h.ConclusionAmplitude‐integrated electroencephalography provides reliable prediction of outcome from the 48th hour during hypothermia in HIE infants. Commonly used CNS drugs in HIE infants do not significantly delay aEEG recovery.
Indoles mitigate the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by induction of reciprocal differentiation of regulatory T cells and Th17 cells
Authors: Rouse Michael , Singh Narendra P , Nagarkatti Prakash S , Nagarkatti Mitzi 
Published: April 2013

Background and PurposeDietary indole derivatives, indole‐3‐carbinol (I3C) and diindolylmethane (DIM), possess anti‐cancer properties and exhibit the characteristics of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands. Because AhR activation has recently been shown to regulate T cell differentiation, we tested the hypothesis that I3C and DIM may mediate anti‐inflammatory properties by promoting regulatory T cell (T‐regs) differentiation while inhibiting Th17 cells.Experimental ApproachWe investigated the therapeutic efficacy of I3C and DIM against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model of multiple sclerosis (MS). The efficacy was evaluated based on clinical scores of paralysis, histopathology, serum cytokines and infiltration of T cells in the CNS. We next studied the mechanism of induction of T cells against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35–55) peptide, both in vivo and in vitro, specifically investigating the differentiation of T‐regs and Th17 cells, and determined if indoles were acting through AhR.Key ResultsPretreatment of EAE mice with I3C or DIM completely prevented the clinical symptoms and cellular infiltration into the CNS. Also, post‐treatment of EAE with I3C or DIM proved highly effective in curtailing the overall severity of the disease. In addition, I3C or DIM promoted the generation of T‐regs, while down‐regulating the induction of MOG‐specific Th17 cells. The regulation of FoxP3 induction and suppression of Th17 cells by indoles in vivo and in vitro were found to be AhR‐dependent.Conclusions and ImplicationsTogether, our studies demonstrate for the first time that I3C and DIM may serve as novel therapeutics to suppress neuroinflammation seen during MS through activation of AhR.
Nebulized thiocyanate improves lung infection outcomes in mice
Authors: Chandler J D , Min E , Huang J , Nichols D P , Day B J 
Published: April 2013

Background and PurposeNebulized saline solutions are used in the treatment of multiple pulmonary diseases including cystic fibrosis (CF), asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The benefits of these therapies include improved lung function, phlegm clearance and fewer lung infections. The thiocyanate anion (SCN) is a normal component of the airway epithelial lining fluid (ELF) secreted by pulmonary epithelia with antioxidant and host defence functions. We sought to test if SCN could be nebulized to combat lung infection by bolstering innate immune defence and antioxidant capacity.Experimental ApproachWe established an effective antioxidant concentration of SCN in vitro using a bronchiolar epithelial cell line. We then developed a nebulization method of SCN in mice that increased ELF SCN above this concentration up to 12 h and used this method in a prolonged Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection model to test if increasing SCN improved host defence and infection outcomes.Key ResultsSCN protected against cytotoxicity in vitro from acute and sustained exposure to inflammation‐associated oxidative stress. Nebulized SCN effectively reduced bacterial load, infection‐mediated morbidity and airway inflammation in mice infected with P. aeruginosa. SCN also sustained adaptive increases in reduced GSH in infected mice.Conclusions and ImplicationsSCN is a dually protective molecule able to both enhance host defence and decrease tissue injury and inflammation as an antioxidant. Nebulized SCN could be developed to combat lung infections and inflammatory lung disease.
Structure‐activity relationships of pentamidine‐affected ion channel trafficking and dofetilide mediated rescue
Authors: Varkevisser R , Houtman M J C , Linder T , de Git K C G , Beekman H D M , Tidwell R R , IJzerman A P , Stary‐Weinzinger A , Vos M A , van der Heyden M A G 
Published: April 2013

Background and PurposeDrug interference with normal hERG protein trafficking substantially reduces the channel density in the plasma membrane and thereby poses an arrhythmic threat. The chemical substructures important for hERG trafficking inhibition were investigated using pentamidine as a model drug. Furthermore, the relationship between acute ion channel block and correction of trafficking by dofetilide was studied.Experimental ApproachhERG and KIR2.1 trafficking in HEK293 cells was evaluated by Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy after treatment with pentamidine and six pentamidine analogues, and correction with dofetilide and four dofetilide analogues that displayed different abilities to inhibit IKr. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to address mode, number and type of interactions between hERG and dofetilide analogues.Key ResultsStructural modifications of pentamidine differentially affected plasma membrane levels of hERG and KIR2.1. Modification of the phenyl ring or substituents directly attached to it had the largest effect, affirming the importance of these chemical residues in ion channel binding. PA‐4 had the mildest effects on both ion channels. Dofetilide corrected pentamidine‐induced hERG, but not KIR2.1 trafficking defects. Dofetilide analogues that displayed high channel affinity, mediated by pi‐pi stacks and hydrophobic interactions, also restored hERG protein levels, whereas analogues with low affinity were ineffective.Conclusions and ImplicationsDrug‐induced trafficking defects can be minimized if certain chemical features are avoided or ‘synthesized out’; this could influence the design and development of future drugs. Further analysis of such features in hERG trafficking correctors may facilitate the design of a non‐blocking corrector for trafficking defective hERG proteins in both congenital and acquired LQTS.
Functional expression of KCNQ (Kv7) channels in guinea pig bladder smooth muscle and their contribution to spontaneous activity
Authors: Anderson U A , Carson C , Johnston L , Joshi S , Gurney A M , McCloskey K D 
Published: April 2013

Background and PurposeThe aim of the study was to determine whether KCNQ channels are functionally expressed in bladder smooth muscle cells (SMC) and to investigate their physiological significance in bladder contractility.Experimental ApproachKCNQ channels were examined at the genetic, protein, cellular and tissue level in guinea pig bladder smooth muscle using RT‐PCR, immunofluorescence, patch‐clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, detrusor strip myography, and a panel of KCNQ activators and inhibitors.Key ResultsKCNQ subtypes 1–5 are expressed in bladder detrusor smooth muscle. Detrusor strips typically displayed TTX‐insensitive myogenic spontaneous contractions that were increased in amplitude by the KCNQ channel inhibitors XE991, linopirdine or chromanol 293B. Contractility was inhibited by the KCNQ channel activators flupirtine or meclofenamic acid (MFA). The frequency of Ca2+‐oscillations in SMC contained within bladder tissue sheets was increased by XE991. Outward currents in dispersed bladder SMC, recorded under conditions where BK and KATP currents were minimal, were significantly reduced by XE991, linopirdine, or chromanol, and enhanced by flupirtine or MFA. XE991 depolarized the cell membrane and could evoke transient depolarizations in quiescent cells. Flupirtine (20 μM) hyperpolarized the cell membrane with a simultaneous cessation of any spontaneous electrical activity.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese novel findings reveal the role of KCNQ currents in the regulation of the resting membrane potential of detrusor SMC and their important physiological function in the control of spontaneous contractility in the guinea pig bladder.
Congenital posterior pole cataract and adult onset dilating cardiomyopathy: expanding the phenotype of αB‐crystallinopathies
Authors: van der Smagt J.J. , Vink A. , Kirkels J.H. , Nelen M. , ter Heide H. , Molenschot M.M.C. , Weger R.A. , Schellekens P.A.W. , Hoogendijk J. , Dooijes D. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMutations in the αB‐crystallin gene (CRYAB) have been reported in desmin‐related myopathies, with or without cardiac involvement. Mutations in this gene have also been documented in large multi‐generation families with autosomal dominant congenital posterior pole cataract (CPPC). In these congenital cataract families no cardiac or muscular phenotype was reported. This report describes a family with an unusual read‐through mutation in CRYAB, leading to the elongation of the normal αB‐crystallin protein with 19 amino acid residues. Affected family members combine a CPPC with an adult onset dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), thereby expanding the αB‐crystallinopathy phenotype. Repolarisation abnormalities preceded the onset of cardiomyopathy and were already present in childhood. No skeletal myopathy was observed. This report illustrates that congenital cataract can be a prelude to more severe disease even outside the context of inborn errors of metabolism. The identification of a CRYAB mutation in this family supports the notion that mutations in this gene are a rare cause of genetically determined DCM. The combined congenital cataract/cardiomyopathy phenotype adds to our understanding of the complex phenotypic spectrum of αB‐crystallinopathies.
Hairdressers presenting to an occupational dermatology clinic in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Lyons Georgina , Roberts Hugh , Palmer Amanda , Matheson Melanie , Nixon Rosemary 
Published: April 2013

Background. Hairdressers constitute one of the largest occupational groups attending our occupational dermatology clinic in Melbourne, Australia.Objectives. To perform a retrospective review of the clinical assessments of hairdressers and trainee hairdressers attending our clinic, including patch testing results.Patients/materials/methods. We used our clinic database to identify trainee and qualified hairdressers who had attended our occupational dermatology clinic between January 1993 and December 2010.Results. One hundred and sixty‐four hairdressers and hairdressing apprentices were identified. One hundred and fifty‐seven had a diagnosis of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD), with allergic contact dermatitis being the primary diagnosis in 71% and irritant contact dermatitis in 20%. Involvement of more than one body part was suggestive of allergic contact dermatitis (p = 0.05). Sixty‐five per cent of participants were found to have more than one factor contributing to their OCD. Allergic contact dermatitis was more common in apprentices than in qualified hairdressers. Ammonium persulfate, p‐phenylenediamine, toluene‐2,5‐diamine and glyceryl monothioglycolate were the most common occupational allergens. Nickel allergy was seen in 31% of hairdressers, but considered to be occupationally relevant in only 3%.Conclusions. Multiple sensitizations and multiple factors contributing to OCD in hairdressers are common. More needs to be done to prevent the development of OCD in hairdressers in our geographical region.