bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predator‐induced stress and the ecology of fear
Authors: Clinchy Michael , Sheriff Michael J. , Zanette Liana Y. 
Published: October 2012

Summary

Predator‐induced stress has been used to exemplify the concept of stress for close to a century because almost everyone can imagine the terror of fleeing for one's life from a lion or a tiger. Yet, because it has been assumed to be acute and transitory, predator‐induced stress has not been much studied by either comparative physiologists or population ecologists, until relatively recently.

The focus in biomedical research has always been on chronic stress in humans, which most comparative physiologists would agree results from ‘sustained psychological stress – linked to mere thoughts’ rather than ‘acute physical crises’ (like surviving a predator attack) or ‘chronic physical challenges’ (such as a shortage of food). Population ecologists have traditionally focused solely on the acute physical crisis of surviving a direct predator attack rather than whether the risk of such an attack may have a sustained effect on other demographic processes (e.g. the birth rate).

Demographic experiments have now demonstrated that exposure to predators or predator cues can have sustained effects that extend to affecting birth and survival in free‐living animals, and a subset of these have documented associated physiological stress effects. These and similar results have prompted some authors to speak of an ‘ecology of fear’, but others object that ‘the cognitive and emotional aspects of avoiding predation remain unknown’.

Recent biomedical studies on animals in the laboratory have demonstrated that exposure to predators or predator cues can induce ‘sustained psychological stress’ that is directly comparable to chronic stress in humans, and this has now in fact become one of the most common stressors used in studies of the animal model of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

We review these recent findings and suggest ways the laboratory techniques developed to measure the ‘neural circuitry of fear’ could be adapted for use on free‐living animals in the field, in order to: (i) test whether predator risk induces ‘sustained psychological stress’ in wild animals, comparable to chronic stress in humans and (ii) directly investigate ‘the cognitive and emotional aspects of avoiding predation’ and hence the ‘ecology of fear’.
Immunomodulatory and antioxidative potential of herb (Pueraria tuberosa) in mice using milk as the carrier
Authors: Sawale Pravin Digambar , Singh Ram Ran Bijoy , Kapila Suman , Arora Sumit , Rastogi Subha , Rawat Ajay Kumar Singh 
Published: October 2012

Eighteen healthy male mice were divided into three equal groups and given specific diets for a period of 28 days: Group M were fed a normal synthetic diet (NSD) and milk; Group P were fed NSD and Pueraria tuberosa (PT) extract (0.4%), while the diet of group PM was NSD supplemented with PT extract (0.4%) and milk. The phagocytic activity and immunoglobulin A (in intestines) and immunoglobulin G (serum) levels increased significantly in comparison with group M in PT supplemented groups after a period of 28 days. Group P and Group PM showed significantly higher reduced glutathione level and significantly lowered thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels in liver and red blood cells as compared to control.
Ease of intrauterine contraceptive device insertion in family planning settings
Authors: Harvey Caroline , Bateson Deborah , Wattimena Jeany , Black Kirsten I. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundIntrauterine devices (IUDs) provide highly effective contraception for women worldwide. Reluctance to insert IUDs in the primary care setting may relate to concern about potential difficulty and complications, particularly in nulliparous women.AimsTo determine the practitioner, patient and procedural factors associated with abandoned IUD insertion, practitioner‐reported difficulty of insertion and adverse events during IUD insertions in the family planning setting.MethodsThis was a prospective study over a 12‐month period of consecutive IUD insertions in four family planning clinics across New South Wales and Queensland. Patient, practitioner and device‐related factors associated with abandoned IUD insertion, practitioner‐reported ease of insertion and immediate insertion‐related adverse events were analysed using logistic regression.ResultsOf 996 insertion procedures, successful insertion occurred in 95%, and 90% were reported as easy by the inserting doctor, including 80% of those in nulliparous women. Patient characteristics associated with an abandoned insertion were nulliparity (AOR 5.19; 2.49–10.82) or caesarean section‐only deliveries (AOR 5.38; 2.58–11.22) and with practitioner‐reported difficult insertion, nulliparity alone (AOR 1.98; 1.11–3.54). Practitioners inserting fewer than 100 IUDs over the 12‐month study period more frequently rated insertions as difficult (AOR 1.76; 1.08–2.88). Complications occurred in 34 women and were more likely in nulliparous women (AOR 4.51; 2.16–9.39).ConclusionsMost IUDs can be successfully inserted, even in nulliparous women, in a primary care setting. Referral to a specialist may be appropriate for some women who are nulliparous or had caesarean section‐only deliveries, depending on the experience of the practitioner.
The rising tide of cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia
Authors: Bielefeldt K. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryBackgroundExpert consensus defines biliary dyskinesia as a rare disorder of the gall‐bladder characterised by pain and impaired gall‐bladder function.AimTo determine trends in cholecystectomy rates for biliary dyskinesia in the United States.MethodsAs biliary dyskinesia does not have a distinct diagnosis code, the narrative diagnoses for patients were reviewed and abstracted for 200 patients treated for the most commonly used diagnosis codes for biliary dyskinesia (validation sample). Time trends in cholecystectomies and hospitalisations for biliary diseases were assessed using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) based on codes for cholecystectomy and diagnosis codes for different biliary disorders.ResultsIn the validation sample, biliary dyskinesia accounted for 81% of the patients with ICD‐9 code 575.8 (gall‐bladder disease not elsewhere specified). Between 1997 and 2010, admissions for acute cholecystitis and complications of gallstone disease decreased slightly, whereas admissions with the primary diagnosis code ICD‐9 575.8 tripled. This rise was most pronounced in the paediatric population (700% increase), with biliary dyskinesia accounting for more than 10% of cholecystectomies. Compared with acute biliary diseases, significantly more of the elective hospitalisations were covered by private insurances.ConclusionsPractice patterns differ from expert opinion, with biliary dyskinesia accounting for an increasing fraction of cholecystectomies. The rise in these elective interventions is associated with a shift to a younger, low risk and predominantly privately insured population. Considering the benign nature of biliary dyskinesia, it is time to reassess the need for operative interventions, which have never been compared with active conservative therapy.
Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II dose-ranging study
Authors: Papp K.A. , Langley R.G. , Sigurgeirsson B. , Abe M. , Baker D.R. , Konno P. , Haemmerle S. , Thurston H.J. , Papavassilis C. , Richards H.B. 
Published: October 2012

Summary
Background Conventional systemic therapies for plaque psoriasis have not fully met the needs of patients, and although current biologic treatments are generally well tolerated, concerns exist with respect to long-term safety. Interleukin (IL)-17A is believed to be an important effector cytokine in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and is produced by Th17 cells, a class of helper T cells that act outside the established Th1/Th2 paradigm for regulation of innate and adaptive immunity.
Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of different doses of secukinumab, a fully human anti-IL-17A IgG1κ monoclonal antibody, in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
Methods Patients (n = 125) were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 to receive subcutaneous doses of placebo (n = 22) or secukinumab [1 × 25 mg (n = 29), 3 × 25 mg (n = 26), 3 × 75 mg (n = 21) or 3 × 150 mg (n = 27)] at weeks 0, 4 and 8. After the 12-week treatment period, patients entered a follow-up period of 24 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was at least 75% improvement from baseline in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI 75); secondary outcomes included the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) and PASI 90 and 50 response rates.
Results After 12 weeks of treatment, secukinumab 3 × 150 mg and 3 × 75 mg resulted in significantly higher PASI 75 response rates vs. placebo (82% and 57% vs. 9%; P &lt; 0·001 and P = 0·002, respectively). Higher PASI 75 response rates compared with placebo were maintained throughout the follow-up period with these dosages [week 36, 26% (n = 7) and 19% (n = 4) vs. 4% (n = 1), respectively], with a gradual decline of PASI 75 response over time after the dosing period. IGA response rates were significantly higher in the 3 × 150 mg group vs. placebo at week 12 (48% vs. 9%; P = 0·005) and were consistently higher for the 3 × 150 mg and 3 × 75 mg groups vs. placebo at all time points from week 4 onward. The PASI 90 response rate was significantly higher in the 3 × 150 mg group vs. placebo (52% vs. 5%) at week 12 and remained higher during the follow-up period. Secukinumab was well tolerated. Two cases of neutropenia (≤ grade 2) were reported in the 3 × 150 mg cohort.
Conclusions Treatment with subcutaneous secukinumab 3 × 75 mg and 3 × 150 mg met the primary outcome of PASI 75 response achievement after 12 weeks, demonstrating efficacy in moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
Oral hygiene and cardiometabolic disease risk in the survey of the health of Wisconsin
Authors: VanWormer Jeffrey J. , Acharya Amit , Greenlee Robert T. , Nieto Francisco Javier 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectivesPoor oral health is an increasingly recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), but little is known about the association between toothbrushing or flossing and cardiometabolic disease risk. The purpose of this study was to examine the degree to which an oral hygiene index was associated with CVD and T2D risk scores among disease‐free adults in the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin.MethodsAll variables were measured in 2008–2010 in this cross‐sectional design. Based on toothbrushing and flossing frequency, an oral hygiene index (poor, fair, good, excellent) was created as the primary predictor variable. The outcomes, CVD and T2D risk score, were based on previous estimates from large cohort studies. There were 712 and 296 individuals with complete data available for linear regression analyses in the CVD and T2D samples, respectively.ResultsAfter covariate adjustment, the final model indicated that participants in the excellent (β ± SE = −0.019 ± 0.008, P = 0.020) oral hygiene category had a significantly lower CVD risk score as compared to participants in the poor oral hygiene category. Sensitivity analyses indicated that both toothbrushing and flossing were independently associated with CVD risk score, and various modifiable risk factors. Oral hygiene was not significantly associated with T2D risk score.ConclusionsRegular toothbrushing and flossing are associated with a more favorable CVD risk profile, but more experimental research is needed in this area to precisely determine the effects of various oral self‐care maintenance behaviors on the control of individual cardiometabolic risk factors. These findings may inform future joint medical–dental initiatives designed to close gaps in the primary prevention of oral and systemic diseases.
Lipid transfer proteins: the most frequent sensitizer in Italian subjects with food‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis
Authors: Romano A. , Scala E. , Rumi G. , Gaeta F. , Caruso C. , Alonzi C. , Maggioletti M. , Ferrara R. , Palazzo P. , Palmieri V. , Zeppilli P. , Mari A. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryBackgroundSpecific food‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis (S‐FDEIAn) is a distinct form of food allergy in which symptoms are elicited by exercise performed after ingesting food to which the patient has become sensitised. Non‐specific FDEIAn (NS‐FDEIAn) is a syndrome provoked by exercise performed after ingesting any food.ObjectiveWe sought to identify the culprit allergenic molecules in patients with FDEIAn, combining ‘classic’ allergy testing with an allergenic molecule‐based microarray approach for IgE detection.MethodsAll subjects were evaluated who reported at least one episode of anaphylaxis in association with physical exercise performed within 4 h after a meal. We performed skin prick tests (SPT) with commercial food extracts, prick plus prick tests (P + P) with fresh foods (P + P), and serum specific IgE assays by means of both the ImmunoCAP (CAP) and the ISAC 89 microarray system (ISAC).ResultsAmong our 82 FDEIAn patients, the most frequent suspected foods were tomato, cereals, and peanut. SPT, P + P, and CAP displayed different degrees of sensitivity. Each test disclosed some positivities not discovered by others. Seventy‐nine subjects were positive to at least one food (49 to more than 20), whereas three were negative. All suspected foods were positive to at least one of SPT, P + P, and CAP. When tested using the ISAC, 64 (78%) subjects were positive to Pru p 3 [peach lipid transfer protein (LTP)], 13 were positive to other food allergen molecules, and five displayed negative results to all food allergenic molecules. Overall, 79 patients probably had S‐FDEIAn and the other 3 NS‐FDEIAn.ConclusionsMultiple food hypersensitivity represents a clinical hallmark of a large percentage of FDEIAn patients. The very high prevalence of IgE to the LTP suggests a role of this allergen group in causing S‐FDEIAn.
Racially restricted contribution of immunoglobulin Fcγ and Fcγ receptor genotypes to humoral immunity to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 in breast cancer
Authors: Pandey J P , Namboodiri A M , Kistner-Griffin E , Iwasaki M , Kasuga Y , Hamada G S , Tsugane S 
Published: October 2012

Summary
Tumour-associated antigen human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is over-expressed in 25–30% of breast cancer patients and is associated with poor prognosis. Naturally occurring anti-HER2 antibody responses have been described in patients with HER2 over-expressing tumours. There is significant interindividual variability in antibody responsiveness, but the host genetic factors responsible for this variability are poorly understood. The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether immunoglobulin genetic markers [GM (genetic determinants of γ chains)] and Fcγ receptor (FcγR) alleles contribute to the magnitude of natural antibody responsiveness to HER2 in patients with breast cancer. A total of 855 breast cancer patients from Japan and Brazil were genotyped for several GM and FcγR alleles. They were also characterized for immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies to HER2. In white subjects (n = 263), GM 23-carriers had higher levels of anti-HER2 antibodies than non-carriers of this allele (p = 0·004). At the GM 5/21 locus, the homozygotes for the GM 5 allele had higher levels of anti-HER2 antibodies than the other two genotypes (P = 0·0067). In black subjects (n = 42), FcγRIIa-histidine/histidine homozygotes and FcγRIIIa-phenylalanine/valine heterozygotes were associated with high antibody responses (P = 0·0071 and 0·0275, respectively). FcγR genotypes in white subjects and GM genotypes in black subjects were not associated with anti-HER2 antibody responses. No significant associations were found in other study groups. These racially restricted contributions of GM and FcγR genotypes to humoral immunity to HER2 have potential implications for immunotherapy of breast cancer.
Ectopic bone formation in and soft‐tissue response to P(CL/DLLA)/bioactive glass composite scaffolds
Authors: Meretoja Ville V. , Tirri Teemu , Malin Minna , Seppälä Jukka V. , Närhi Timo O. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo characterize biological response to subcutaneously implanted macroporous poly(ε‐caprolactone/D,L‐lactide)‐based scaffolds, and to evaluate the effect of bioactive glass (BAG) filler and osteogenic cells to the tissue response and ectopic bone formation.Material and methodsIn the first part of this study, six different scaffold types were screened in a rat subcutaneous implantation model. The polymer scaffolds with 70/30 caprolactone/lactide ratio and corresponding composites with < 45 μm BAG filler size were chosen for the further ectopic bone formation assay. The scaffolds were loaded with differentiating bone marrow stromal cells and implanted subcutaneously in syngeneic rats.ResultsWith plain scaffolds, only mild foreign body reaction with no signs of gross inflammation was observed after 4 weeks of implantation. Furthermore, the scaffolds were fully invaded by well‐vascularized soft connective tissue. Overall, all the tested scaffold types showed an appropriate host response. With cell‐seeded scaffolds, several loci of immature mineralizing tissue and small amounts of mature bone were observed after 4 weeks. The incidence of mature bone formation was two and four in polymer scaffolds and composites, respectively (n = 8). After twelve weeks, mature bone was observed in only one polymer scaffold but in seven composites (n = 8). Excluding bone formation, the host response was considered similar to that with cell‐free scaffolds.ConclusionsPlain scaffolds supported the ingrowth of well‐vascularized fibroconnective tissue. Furthermore, cell seeded composites with BAG filler showed enhanced ectopic bone formation in comparison with corresponding neat polymer scaffolds.
Involvement of Acetylcholine‐α7nAChR in the Protective Effects of Arterial Baroreflex against Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Liu Ai‐Jun , Zang Pu , Guo Jin‐Min , Wang Wei , Dong Wen‐Zhe , Guo Wei , Xiong Zhi‐Gang , Wang Wei‐Zhong , Su Ding‐Feng 
Published: October 2012

SummaryAimsDecreased baroreflex sensitivity is associated with poor outcome in many cardiovascular diseases including stroke, but the molecular mechanism underlying this relationship is unclear. This work was designed to test the hypothesis that acetylcholine (ACh) and α7 nicotinic ACh receptor (α7nAChR) mediate the protection of arterial baroreflex against stroke.MethodsSinoaortic denervation (SAD) was used to impair the function of arterial baroreflex, and anticholinesterase agents were used to activate the cholinergic system and increase endogenous ACh. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed in the α7nAChR knockout (KO) mice and Sprague–Dawley rats.ResultsWe found decreased expression of vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT) and α7nAChR in rat brain after SAD. In rats subjected to MCAO, neostigmine significantly reduced the infarct size. The protective effects of neostigmine were abolished by selective nAChR antagonist vecuronium but not by mAChR antagonist anisodamine. In addition, the effect of neostigmine disappeared in α7nAChR KO mice. In cultured neurons, ACh inhibited cell death induced by H2O2. In cultured microglial cells, ACh decreased the release of proinflammatory cytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide. These in vitro effects were blocked by selective α7nAChR antagonists.ConclusionTaken together, these findings indicate that the ACh‐α7nAChR involved in the protective effects of arterial baroreflex against ischemic stroke.
Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy in the management of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: a cause for optimism?
Authors: Badrek‐Amoudi A. H. , Roe T. , Mabey K. , Carter H. , Mills A. , Dixon A. R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimThe treatment of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is notoriously difficult. Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) is a nonresectional technique for patients with full thickness external rectal prolapse and internal prolapse with obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS), features associated in the pathogenesis of SRUS. Our aim was to assess the short‐ and long‐term efficacy of LVMR in treating SRUS.MethodForty‐eight patients with SRUS who underwent LVMR over a 15‐year period (December 1996 to July 2012) were identified from a prospectively maintained electronic database.ResultsForty‐eight patients, 38 (79%) women, median age 43 (18–80) years, median body mass index 26 (21–40) kg/m2 underwent LVMR for SRUS after initial biofeedback. The median follow‐up was 33 months (95% CI 31–55, range 1–186 months); 52% were followed for more than 3 years and 13 (27%) for more than 5 years. Five (10%) had relapsed following a response to stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR; 10 additional patients have had a continued response to STARR). Eleven (23%) had intermittent reducible external prolapse. Epithelial ulcer healing was reported in all patients at 3 months. The ODS scores improved by 68% (P < 0.0001) and quality of life (QoL; Birmingham Bowel and Urinary Symptoms Questionnaire‐22) scores improved by 45% (P < 0.0001). There was a significant improvement in bowel visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 3 and 12 months (P = 0.0007). Sustained improvement in QoL and VAS scores was maintained at 2 years and continued in the 52% followed up for between 3 and 15 years. There were four (8%) symptomatic ODS recurrences: posterior rectal wall prolapse successfully treated by STARR (3) and one symptom free for 2 years following a temporary loop ileostomy. There were two recurrences (4%).ConclusionLVMR appears to provide a sustained improvement in QoL, VAS and patient satisfaction in patients with SRUS. Morbidity, recurrence and safety profiles are low.
Pine wilt disease: detection of the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) as a tool for a pine breeding programme
Authors: Ribeiro B. , Espada M. , Vu T. , Nóbrega F. , Mota M. , Carrasquinho I. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a serious quarantine pest first detected in Portugal and Europe in 1999. It is the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD). A resistance breeding programme has been initiated to contribute to control the evolution of the disease. Five hundred and four adult maritime pine, Pinus pinaster, trees were phenotypically selected as candidate trees for this programme from an area affected by PWD. To identify tolerance to the nematode, the selected trees were monitored monthly. Over the course of 1 year, 57 candidate trees died and were tested for the presence/absence of the PWN. As accuracy of detection is of major importance, an ITS‐PCR‐based method applied directly to wood from adult maritime pine trees was tested and compared with a standard morphological identification method. The results showed that the use of PCR to detect the pathogen provided more rapid and accurate results in comparison with the standard morphological identification. Thus, this method is suitable to be used in the survey of the breeding population for resistance/tolerance to PWD.