bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep brain stimulation of the accumbens increases dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: van Dijk Addy , Klompmakers Andre A. , Feenstra Matthijs G. P. , Denys Damiaan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDeep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is effective in treatment‐refractory obsessive‐compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder. However, little is known about the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the rapid and effective changes of DBS. One of the hypotheses is that DBS modulates activity of monoamine neurotransmitters. In this study, we evaluated the effects of DBS in the NAc core on the extracellular concentration of monoaminergic neurotransmitters in the medial (mPFC) and orbital prefrontal cortex (OFC). Freely moving rats were bilaterally stimulated in the NAc core for 2 h while dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline were measured using in vivo microdialysis in the mPFC and the OFC. We report rapid increases in the release of dopamine and serotonin to a maximum of 177% and 127% in the mPFC and an increase up to 171% and 166% for dopamine and noradrenaline in the OFC after onset of stimulation in the NAc core. These results provide further evidence for the distal effects of DBS and corroborate previous clinical and pre‐clinical findings of altered neuronal activity in prefrontal areas.
Chronic social defeat up‐regulates expression of the serotonin transporter in rat dorsal raphe nucleus and projection regions in a glucocorticoid‐dependent manner
Authors: Zhang Jia , Fan Yan , Li Ying , Zhu Hobart , Wang Liang , Zhu Meng‐Yang 
Published: October 2012

AbstractChronic stress and dysfunction of the serotonergic system in the brain have been considered two of the major risks for development of depression. In this study, adult Fischer 344 rats were subjected to a regimen of chronic social defeat (CSD). To mimic stressful conditions, some rats were not exposed to CSD, but instead treated with corticosterone (CORT) in oral solution while maintained in their home cage. Protein levels of the serotonin transporter (SERT) in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), hippocampus, frontal cortex, and amygdala were examined by Western blotting or immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that CSD up‐regulated SERT protein levels in the DRN, hippocampus, frontal cortex, and amygdala regions. This up‐regulation was abolished or prevented by adrenalectomy, or treatment with antagonists of corticosteroid receptors mifepristone and spironolactone, alone or in combination. Similarly, up‐regulated SERT protein levels in these brain regions were also observed in rats treated with oral CORT ingestion, which was analogously prevented by treatment with mifepristone and spironolactone. Furthermore, both CSD‐ and CORT‐induced up‐regulation of SERT protein levels in the DRN and three brain regions were attenuated by simultaneous treatment with fluoxetine, an antidepressant that specifically inhibits serotonin reuptake. The results indicate that up‐regulation in SERT protein levels in the DRN and forebrain limbic structures caused by CSD regimen was mainly motivated by CORT through corticosteroid receptors. The present findings demonstrate that chronic stress is closely correlated with the serotonergic system by acting on the regulation of the SERT expression in the DRN and its projection regions, which may contribute to the development of depression.
Variance of d′ for the Tetrad Test and Comparisons with Other Forced‐Choice Methods
Authors: Bi Jian , O'Mahony Michael 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTetrad tests are forced‐choice discrimination methods that have received comparatively little attention in the past. However, recently, their relatively large statistical power has stimulated interest in these methods. In this paper, some historical notes for the tetrads are presented along with some recent developments in the use of the tetrads. Tables of B are presented for the specified and unspecified tetrad tests. R/S‐Plus codes are provided for calculating d′s and variances of d′s for the tetrads. The paper notices that the psychometric function for the unspecified tetrad given by Ennis et al. can be expressed as closed forms. The influential psychometric function for the triangle method can also be expressed as closed forms, which are similar to those of the unspecified tetrad. The latter part of the paper pulls together tables of d′ and B scattered throughout the literature into single tables for ease of comparison with those values for the tetrad test. In the same spirit, power curves scattered across the literature are also pulled together in a single figure for ease of comparison.Practical ApplicationsThurstonian discriminal distance d′ is a first appropriation, method‐independent measure of sensory differences and treatment effects. Estimations of d′ and variance of d′ for the tetrads can be used to compare treatment effects evaluated using the tetrads and other discrimination methods.
Compression Test of Food Gels on Artificial Tongue and Its Comparison with Human Test
Authors: Ishihara Sayaka , Nakao Satomi , Nakauma Makoto , Funami Takahiro , Hori Kazuhiro , Ono Takahiro , Kohyama Kaoru , Nishinari Katsuyoshi 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAn in vitro evaluation system of food texture was developed using artificial tongue and a conventional uniaxial compression apparatus to mimic the tongue‐palate compression. Deformation behavior of agar gels on artificial tongues from silicone rubber with three levels of elastic modulus was observed during compression by a nondeformable plate. The results were compared with the oral strategy for size reduction from sensory evaluation by human subjects. Agar gels fractured upon compression when the strain of the gels was larger than that of artificial tongue, whereas they did not when the strain of the gels was equivalent to or smaller than that of the artificial tongue. When apparent elastic modulus of artificial tongue was approximately 5.5 × 104 Pa, fracture profile of the gels corresponded well to human tests. Results suggest that the oral strategy for size reduction might be determined by sensing the relative strain of the gels to the tongue during compression to a somewhat small strain.Practical ApplicationsIn an aged society, there is an increasing demand for properly texturized foods for safe consumption by those who have mastication or chewing difficulty. Food of soft texture is often preferred by these people because of easy tongue‐palate compression and no need of the teeth mastication. An in vitro evaluation system of food texture developed in the present study provides a simple method for food manufactures in assessing textural acceptability of products without using human subjects. This evaluation system can lead to the innovation of food product design for textural diversity and thus improved quality of life for these disadvantaged populations.
Correlates and characteristics of hepatitis C virus‐specific T‐cell immunity in exposed uninfected high‐risk prison inmates
Authors: Cameron B. , Galbraith S. , Li H. , Lloyd A. ,   the HITS investigators
Published: October 2012

SummarySome hepatitis C (HCV)‐uninfected, high‐risk individuals have HCV‐specific cellular immunity without viraemia or seroconversion. The characteristics of these responses and the risk behavioural associations were studied in 94 subjects in a prospective cohort of recently seronegative prisoners reporting injecting drug use (IDU). Detailed behavioural data were collected. HCV antibody and PCR testing were performed. ELISpot assays for HCV‐induced interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐2 production by T lymphocytes, as well as multiplex in vitro cytokine production assays, were performed. Seventy‐eight subjects remained antibody and PCR negative and 16 seroconverted. Of the seronegative group, 22 (28%) had IFN‐γ ELISpot responses in comparison with 13 of the 16 seroconverters (82%). This seronegative immune status was associated positively with injecting anabolic steroids and negatively with a recent break from IDU. The IFN‐γ ELISpot responses involved both CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes and were comparable in magnitude, but narrower in specificity, in uninfected subjects than in seroconverters. A subset of seronegative subjects had HCV‐induced cytokine production patterns comparable with the seroconverters with increased production of IFN‐γ, IL‐2 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and reduced IL‐10 in response to nonstructural peptides. In conclusion, comparable patterns of HCV‐specific cellular immunity are found in recently infected subjects and in a minority of high‐risk, uninfected subjects. Further characterization of these responses and their protective efficacy will inform HCV vaccine development.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tramadol in horses following oral administration
Authors: Knych H. K. , Corado C. R. , McKemie D. S. , Scholtz E. , Sams R. 
Published: October 2012

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid used in human medicine, and to a lesser extent in veterinary medicine, for the treatment of both acute and chronic pain. In humans, the analgesic effects are owing to the actions of both the parent compound and an active metabolite (M1). The goal of the current study was to extend current knowledge of the pharmacokinetics of tramadol and M1 following oral administration of three doses of tramadol to horses. A total of nine healthy adult horses received a single oral administration of 3, 6, and 9 mg/kg of tramadol via nasogastric tube. Blood samples were collected at time 0 and at various times up to 96 h after drug administration. Urine samples were collected until 120 h after administration. Plasma and urine samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and the resulting data analyzed using noncompartmental analysis. For the 3, 6, and 9 mg/kg dose groups, Cmax, Tmax, and the t1/2λ were 43.1, 90.7, and 218 ng/mL, 0.750, 2.0, and 1.5 h and 2.14, 2.25, and 2.39 h, respectively. While tramadol and M1 plasma concentrations within the analgesic range for humans were attained in the 3 and 6 mg/kg dose group, these concentrations were at the lower end of the analgesic range and were only transiently maintained. Furthermore, until effective analgesic plasma concentrations have been established in horses, tramadol should be cautiously recommended for control of pain in horses. No significant undesirable behavioral or physiologic effects were noted at any of the doses administered.
Pharmacokinetics and adverse effects of oral meloxicam tablets in healthy adult horses
Authors: Vander Werf K. A. , Davis E. G. , KuKanich B. 
Published: October 2012

The objective of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetic profile and determine whether any adverse effects would occur in seven healthy adult horses following oral meloxicam tablet administration once daily for 14 days at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg·bwt. Horses were evaluated for health using physical examination, complete blood count, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and gastroscopy at the beginning and end of the study. Blood was collected for the quantification of meloxicam concentrations with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The mean terminal half‐life was 4.99 ± 1.11 h. There was no significant difference between the meanCmax, 1.58 ± 0.71 ng/mL atTmax3.48 ± 3.30 h on day 1, 2.07 ± 0.94 ng/mL atTmax1.24 ± 1.24 h on day 7, and 1.81 ± 0.76 ng/mL at 1.93 ± 1.30 h on day 14 (P = 0.30). There was a statistically significant difference between theTmaxon the sample days (P = 0.04). No statistically significant increase in gastric ulcer score or laboratory analytes was noted. Oral meloxicam tablets were absorbed in adult horses, and adverse effects were not statistically significant in this study. Further studies should evaluate the adverse effects and efficacy of meloxicam tablets in a larger population of horses before routine use can be recommended.
Involvement of complex sphingolipids and phosphatidylserine in endosomal trafficking in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Tani Motohiro , Kuge Osamu 
Published: October 2012

SummarySphingolipids play critical roles in many physiologically important events in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, we found that csg2Δ mutant cells defective in the synthesis of mannosylinositol phosphorylceramide exhibited abnormal intracellular accumulation of an exocytic v‐SNARE, Snc1, under phosphatidylserine synthase gene (PSS1)‐repressive conditions, although in wild‐type cells, Snc1 was known to cycle between plasma membranes and the late Golgi via post‐Golgi endosomes. The mislocalized Snc1 was co‐localized with an endocytic marker dye, FM4‐64, upon labelling for a short time. The abnormal distribution of Snc1 was suppressed by deletion of GYP2 encoding a GTPase‐activating protein that negatively regulates endosomal vesicular trafficking, or expression of GTP‐restricted form of Ypt32 GTPase. Furthermore, an endocytosis‐deficient mutant of Snc1 was localized to plasma membranes in PSS1‐repressed csg2Δ mutant cells as well as wild‐type cells. Thus, the PSS1‐repressed csg2Δ mutant cells were indicated to be defective in the trafficking of Snc1 from post‐Golgi endosomes to the late Golgi. In contrast, the vesicular trafficking pathways via pre‐vacuolar endosomes in the PSS1‐repressed csg2Δ mutant cells seemed to be normal. These results suggested that specific complex sphingolipids and phosphatidylserine are co‐ordinately involved in specific vesicular trafficking pathway.
The validity of the Computer Face Scale for measuring pediatric pain and mood
Authors: Cravero Joseph P. , Fanciullo Gilbert J. , McHugo Gregory J. , Baird John C. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryObjectiveThe aim was to assess the validity of the Computer Face Scale.MethodsForty children (5–13 years old) rated pain and mood prior to and twice following tonsillectomy. The children used the Computer Face Scale to adjust a cartoon face to rate pain and mood. During sessions one and two, the children also chose an expression on the Wong‐Baker Faces Scale to rate their pain, and they reported their mood verbally on a seven‐point scale.ResultsOn average, the children reported no pain and a positive mood prior to surgery. Soon after surgery, they reported mild pain and a slightly negative mood. An hour later, they reported decreases in pain and return to a positive mood. The differences between presurgery and postsurgery ratings were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001) for all measures. The correlation between the two mood measures was 0.88 before surgery and 0.78 afterward. The correlation between the two measures of pain was 0.83 after surgery (P's < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results support the validity of the Computer Face Scale. The mean ratings of pain and mood followed the expected pattern from pre‐ to postsurgery, and there was a significant association between ratings obtained by different methods. The Computer Face Scale provides a simple‐to‐use scale with more resolution and electronic capture, which may provide advantages in numerous clinical and research applications.
A comparison of three methods that assess tracheal tube leakage: leak conductance, fractional volume loss, and audible assessment
Authors: Smith Jon H. , Keltie Kim , Murphy Tim , Raj Naveen , Lane Mary , Ranger Michael , Sims Andrew J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundWhen intubating a child's trachea with an uncuffed tracheal tube (TT), it is current practice in anesthesia and intensive care to use the leak test to assess TT fit. The aim of this study is to compare three measures of assessing leak around uncuffed tracheal tubes in the PICU.MethodsWe obtained institutional ethical permission and written informed consent, prior to any clinical investigation, from the parents of 135 children who had surgery for cardiac defects. On admission to the PICU, we measured leak by audible assessment, fractional volume loss, and leak conductance for each patient. Measurements of fractional volume loss and leak conductance were repeated every 4 h thereafter until extubation.ResultsOn admission to the PICU, calculated values of leak conductance were significantly different between each grade of audible leak (P < 0.001). Values of fractional volume loss were not significantly different between ‘no leak’ and ‘small leak’ grades of leak. Throughout the PICU stay, a significant correlation between mean leak conductance and mean fractional volume loss was found (0.86, 95% CI, 0.81–0.90). Significant agreement within time series of leak conductance and fractional volume recorded for each patient occurred in 47/128 cases (37%).ConclusionsOn admission to the PICU, values of leak conductance are more strongly associated with audible assessment than with fractional volume loss. Throughout PICU stay, leak conductance is associated with fractional volume loss. This study demonstrates that leak conductance, calculated from routinely available pressure and flow signals, has the potential to represent the characteristics of the leak interface between a TT and the trachea.
Electrocardiographic and blood pressure alterations caused by intravenous injection of ropivacaine – a study in piglets
Authors: Mauch Jacqueline Y. , Weiss Markus , Spielmann Nelly , Ringer Simone K. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryObjectivesObjective signs to detect inadvertent intravascular injection of local anesthetics are essential in the anesthetized pediatric patient. For early detection of intravenous bupivacaine administration, it was shown that an epinephrine containing test dose reliably provoked T‐wave alterations, changes in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure, whereas intravenous injection of plain bupivacaine could not be detected until high doses were applied. This study investigates electrocardiographic and hemodynamic alterations caused by intravenous ropivacaine.MethodsTwenty‐four piglets, anesthetized with sevoflurane, were randomized into two groups: Group R received as test dose plain ropivacaine 0.2% and group RE, ropivacaine 0.2% + epinephrine 5 μg·ml−1. Under stable conditions, 0.2 ml kg−1 of the test solution was intravenously injected. Twenty minutes later, 0.4 ml kg−1 was applied. A positive effect was defined as HR increase ≥10 bpm, increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥15 mmHg, T‐wave increase ≥25% baseline. In another setting ropivacaine was intravenously infused until cardiac arrest.ResultsAfter injection of 0.2 or 0.4 ml kg−1 test solution, a positive increase in HR and MAP was found in 0% of group R and in 100% of group RE. An increase in T‐wave ≥25% was found in 42% of group R and in 100% of group RE. During intoxication, T‐elevation was seen in 83%.ConclusionsAn epinephrine containing test dose ropivacaine reliably provoked T‐wave elevations and increases in HR and MAP. A small dose plain ropivacaine caused T‐elevations in a remarkable percentage, whereas higher, quite toxic doses provoked T‐elevations in most of the pigs.
Trends in the Use of Antiepileptic Drugs among Pregnant Women in the US, 2001–2007: A Medication Exposure in Pregnancy Risk Evaluation Program Study
Authors: Bobo William V. , Davis Robert L. , Toh Sengwee , Li De‐Kun , Andrade Susan E. , Cheetham T. Craig , Pawloski Pamala , Dublin Sascha , Pinheiro Simone , Hammad Tarek , Scott Pamela E. , Epstein, Jr. Richard A. , Arbogast Patrick G. , Morrow James A. , Dudley Judith A. , Lawrence Jean M. , Avalos Lyndsay A. , Cooper William O. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground: Little is known about the extent of antiepileptic drug (AED) use in pregnancy, particularly for newer agents. Our objective was to assess whether AED use has increased among pregnant women in the US, 2001–2007.Methods: We analysed data from the Medication Exposure in Pregnancy Risk Evaluation Program (MEPREP) database, 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2007. We identified liveborn deliveries among women, aged 15–45 years on delivery date, who were members of MEPREP health plans (n = 585 615 deliveries). Pregnancy exposure to AEDs, determined through outpatient pharmacy dispensing files. Older AEDs were available for clinical use before 1993; other agents were considered newer AEDs. Information on sociodemographic and medical/reproductive factors was obtained from linked birth certificate files. Maternal diagnoses were identified based on ICD‐9 codes.Results: Prevalence of AED use during pregnancy increased between 2001 (15.7 per 1000 deliveries) and 2007 (21.9 per 1000 deliveries), driven primarily by a fivefold increase in the use of newer AEDs. Thirteen per cent of AED‐exposed deliveries involved a combination of two or more AEDs. Psychiatric disorders were the most prevalent diagnoses, followed by epileptic and pain disorders, among AED users regardless of AED type, year of conception or gestational period.Conclusions: AED use during pregnancy increased between 2001 and 2007, driven by a fivefold increase in the use of newer AEDs. Nearly one in eight AED‐exposed deliveries involved the concomitant use of more than one AED. Additional investigations of the reproductive safety of newer AEDs may be needed.
Preterm Birth and Birthweight‐for‐Gestational Age among Immigrant Women in Denmark 1978–2007: A Nationwide Registry Study
Authors: Pedersen Grete S. , Mortensen Laust H. , Gerster Mette , Rich‐Edwards Janet , Andersen Anne‐Marie N. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground:  We sought to examine whether age at immigration and length of residence were associated with preterm and small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) delivery among immigrant women in Denmark.Methods:  We included all live singleton deliveries from Danish‐born women (1 626 880) and women from the five largest immigrant groups (68 936) from 1978 to 2007. Data from the Danish Medical Birth Registry were linked to: parental country of origin, length of residence and age at immigration. Linear and logistic regression models were used to estimate absolute and relative differences with Danish‐born women as the reference group.Results:  All immigrant groups had an increased risk of SGA delivery with the highest risk among Lebanese‐, Somali‐ and Pakistani‐born women: risk differences (RDs) and 95% confidence intervals [CI] per 1000 deliveries of 50.2 [95% CI 43.7, 56.7], 70.1 [95% CI 62.2, 77.9] and 85.7 [95% CI 78.5, 92.9]. Turkish‐ and Pakistani‐born women had increased RDs of 1.8 [95% CI 0.5, 3.1] and 2.2 [95% CI 0.1, 4.2] for very preterm and RDs of 3.5 [95% CI 0.9, 6.1] and 10.2 [95% CI 5.9, 14.5] for moderate preterm delivery. Lebanese‐born women had a decreased risk of very preterm delivery, RD of −1.9 [95% CI −3.5, −0.3] and Somali‐born women a lower risk of moderate preterm delivery, RD of −7.8 [−12.0, −3.6]. No differences were seen for the remaining groups. The association with length of residence for most immigrant groups was U‐shaped, with highest risks among recent and long‐term residents.Conclusion:  Immigration was more strongly related to SGA than to preterm delivery. Observed differences in birth outcomes varied by age at immigration and length of residency in Denmark.