bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body temperature and cardiac changes induced by peripherally administered oxytocin, vasopressin and the non‐peptide oxytocin receptor agonist WAY 267,464: a biotelemetry study in rats
Authors: Hicks C , Ramos L , Reekie T , Misagh G H , Narlawar R , Kassiou M , McGregor I S 
Published: February 2014

Background and PurposeThere is current interest in oxytocin (OT) as a possible therapeutic in psychiatric disorders. However, the usefulness of OT may be constrained by peripheral autonomic effects, which may involve an action at both OT and vasopressin V1A receptors. Here, we characterized the cardiovascular and thermoregulatory effects of OT, vasopressin (AVP) and the non‐peptide OT receptor agonist WAY 267,464 in rats, and assessed the relative involvement of the OT and V1A receptors in these effects.Experimental ApproachBiotelemetry in freely moving male Wistar rats was used to examine body temperature and heart rate after OT (0.01 – 1 mg kg−1; i.p.), AVP (0.001 – 0.1 mg kg−1; i.p.) or WAY 267,464 (10 and 100 mg kg−1; i.p.). The actions of the OT receptor antagonist Compound 25 (C25, 5 and 10 mg kg−1) and V1A receptor antagonist SR49059 (1 and 10 mg kg−1) were studied, as well as possible V1A receptor antagonist effects of WAY 267,464.Key ResultsOT and AVP dose‐dependently reduced body temperature and heart rate. WAY 267,464 had similar, but more modest, effects. SR49059, but not C25, prevented the hypothermia and bradycardia induced by OT and AVP. WAY 267,464 (100 mg·kg−1) prevented the effects of OT, and to some extent AVP.Conclusions and ImplicationsPeripherally administered OT and AVP have profound cardiovascular and thermoregulatory effects that appear to principally involve the V1A receptor rather than the OT receptor. Additionally, WAY 267,464 is not a simple OT receptor agonist, as it has functionally relevant V1A antagonist actions.
Amitriptyline up‐regulates connexin43‐gap junction in rat cultured cortical astrocytes via activation of the p38 and c‐Fos/AP‐1 signalling pathway
Authors: Morioka N , Suekama K , Zhang F F , Kajitani N , Hisaoka‐Nakashima K , Takebayashi M , Nakata Y 
Published: February 2014

Background and PurposeIntercellular communication via gap junctions, comprised of connexin (Cx) proteins, allow for communication between astrocytes, which in turn is crucial for maintaining CNS homeostasis. The expression of Cx43 is decreased in post‐mortem brains from patients with major depression. A potentially novel mechanism of tricyclic antidepressants is to increase the expression and functioning of gap junctions in astrocytes.Experimental ApproachThe effect of amitriptyline on the expression of Cx43 and gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in rat primary cultured cortical astrocytes was investigated. We also investigated the role of p38 MAPK intracellular signalling pathway in the amitriptyline‐induced expression of Cx43 and GJIC.Key ResultsTreatment with amitriptyline for 48 h significantly up‐regulated Cx43 mRNA, protein and GJIC. The up‐regulation of Cx43 was not monoamine‐related since noradrenaline, 5‐HT and dopamine did not induce Cx43 expression and pretreatment with α‐ and β‐adrenoceptor antagonists had no effect. Intracellular signalling involved p38 MAPK, as amitriptyline significantly increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation and Cx43 expression and GJIC were significantly blocked by the p38 inhibitor SB 202190. Furthermore, amitriptyline‐induced Cx43 expression and GJIC were markedly reduced by transcription factor AP‐1 inhibitors (curcumin and tanshinone IIA). The translocation of c‐Fos from the cytosol and the nucleus of cortical astrocytes was increased by amitriptyline, and this response was dependent on p38 activity.Conclusion and ImplicationThese findings indicate a novel mechanism of action of amitriptyline through cortical astrocytes, and further suggest that targeting this mechanism could lead to the development of a new class of antidepressants.
Major issues in the origins of ray‐finned fish (Actinopterygii) biodiversity
Authors: Sallan Lauren C. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTRay‐finned fishes (Actinopterygii) dominate modern aquatic ecosystems and are represented by over 32000 extant species. The vast majority of living actinopterygians are teleosts; their success is often attributed to a genome duplication event or morphological novelties. The remainder are ‘living fossils’ belonging to a few depauperate lineages with long‐retained ecomorphologies:Polypteriformes (bichirs),Holostei (bowfin and gar) andChondrostei (paddlefish and sturgeon). Despite over a century of systematic work, the circumstances surrounding the origins of these clades, as well as their basic interrelationships and diagnoses, have been largely mired in uncertainty. Here,Ireview the systematics and characteristics of these major ray‐finned fish clades, and the early fossil record ofActinopterygii, in order to gauge the sources of doubt. Recent relaxed molecular clock studies have pushed the origins of actinopterygian crown clades to the mid‐latePalaeozoic [Silurian–Carboniferous; 420 to 298 million years ago (Ma)], despite a diagnostic body fossil record extending only to the laterMesozoic (251 to 66Ma). This disjunct, recently termed the ‘TeleostGap’ (although it affects all crown lineages), is based partly on calibrations from potentialPalaeozoic stem‐taxa and thus has been attributed to poor fossil sampling. Actinopterygian fossils of appropriate ages are usually abundant and well preserved, yet long‐term neglect of this record in both taxonomic and systematic studies has exacerbated the gaps and obscured potential synapomorphies. At the moment, it is possible that laterPalaeozoic‐age teleost, holostean, chondrostean and/or polypteriform crown taxa sit unrecognized in museum drawers. However, it is equally likely that the ‘TeleostGap’ is an artifact of incorrect attributions to extant lineages, overwriting both a post‐Palaeozoic crown actinopterygian radiation and the ecomorphological diversity of stem‐taxa.
GATA4 immunolocalization in breast carcinoma as a potent prognostic predictor
Authors: Takagi Kiyoshi , Moriguchi Takashi , Miki Yasuhiro , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Watanabe Mika , Ishida Takanori , Yamamoto Masayuki , Sasano Hironobu , Suzuki Takashi 
Published: February 2014

Transcriptional GATA factors are known lineage selector genes and regulate a variety of biological processes including specification and differentiation of tissues. In the present study, we examined expression profiles of six GATA factor genes in invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC) of the breast using microarray analysis (n = 20) and found that GATA4 expression was closely correlated with recurrence in patients. Because the significance of GATA4 has remained largely unknown in breast carcinoma, we further immunolocalized GATA4 in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast (n = 48) and IDC (n = 163). GATA4 immunoreactivity was detected in the nuclei of carcinoma cells and was positive in 27% of DCIS and 31% of IDC cases. GATA4 status was significantly associated with nuclear grade and van Nuys classification in DCIS and was positively associated with distant metastasis, histological grade and HER2 status, but negatively correlated with progesterone receptor labeling index in IDC. Subsequent multivariate analysis demonstrated that GATA4 status was an independent prognostic factor for both disease‐free and breast cancer‐specific survival of IDC patients. All of these results indicate that GATA4 plays important roles in the progression of breast carcinoma from an early stage and that immunohistochemical GATA4 status is considered a potent prognostic factor in human breast cancer patients.
Spatial Ability Mediates the Gender Difference in Middle School Students' Science Performance
Authors: Ganley Colleen M. , Vasilyeva Marina , Dulaney Alana 
Published: February 2014

Prior research has demonstrated a male advantage in spatial skills and science achievement. The present research integrated these findings by testing the potential role of spatial skills in gender differences in the science performance of eighth‐grade students (13–15 years old). In (N = 113), the findings showed that mental rotation ability mediated gender differences in physical science and technology/engineering test scores. In (N = 73,245), science performance was examined in a state population of eighth‐grade students. As in , the results revealed larger gender differences on items that showed higher correlations with mental rotation. These findings underscore the importance of considering spatial training interventions aimed at reducing gender differences in the science performance of school‐aged children.
Time With Peers From Middle Childhood to Late Adolescence: Developmental Course and Adjustment Correlates
Authors: Lam Chun Bun , McHale Susan M. , Crouter Ann C. 
Published: February 2014

This study examined the developmental course and adjustment correlates of time with peers from age 8 to 18. On seven occasions over 8 years, the two eldest siblings from 201 European American, working‐ and middle‐class families provided questionnaire and/or phone diary data. Multilevel models revealed that girls' time with mixed‐/opposite‐sex peers increased beginning in middle childhood, but boys' time increased beginning in early adolescence. For both girls and boys, time with same‐sex peers peaked in middle adolescence. At the within‐person level, unsupervised time with mixed‐/opposite‐sex peers longitudinally predicted problem behaviors and depressive symptoms, and supervised time with mixed‐/opposite‐sex peers longitudinally predicted better school performance. Findings highlight the importance of social context in understanding peer involvement and its implications for youth development.
Assessment of quality of life during gonadotrophin treatment for male hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism
Authors: Shiraishi Koji , Oka Shintaro , Matsuyama Hideyasu 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveThe management of male hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (MHH) with gonadotrophins is effective in promoting genital development and spermatogenesis. We investigated the changes in SF‐36 subscales, including physical, social and psychological QOL, during gonadotrophin or testosterone treatment and analysed the factors that are involved in the outcomes of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in MHH patients.Patients and DesignThirty‐seven MHH patients (mean age: 26·1 years old) who underwent gonadotrophin (n = 31) or testosterone treatment (n = 6), excluding infertility cases, were asked to respond to a SF‐36 questionnaire before and every 6 months during the 2‐year treatment period. The changes in SF‐36 domains and the associations between improvements and patient factors were examined.ResultsThe scores in all of the SF‐36 domains were lower than in the normal Japanese population. In all eight domains, except for bodily pain and social functioning, the mean scores for physical function (PF), role‐physical (RP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), role‐emotional (RE) and mental health (MH) significantly increased over the course of treatment in patients with gonadotrophin. These changes were particularly noticeable in the psychological domains; GH, VT, RE and MH exhibited large increases 18 months after treatment. Testosterone treatment increased only PF and RP domains. In patients with sperm in their ejaculate, the improvements in GH, VT, RE and MH were significantly greater than those who did not exhibit sperm.ConclusionGonadotrophin treatment for MHH was associated with significant improvements in SF‐36 domains. Gonadotrophin treatment could prevent negative physical and psychological sequelae in the management of MHH.
Metabolic, cardiovascular and anthropometric differences between prepubertal girls and boys
Authors: Ayyavoo Ahila , Derraik José G. B. , Hofman Paul L. , Biggs Janene , Cutfield Wayne S. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveWe aimed to assess possible differences in insulin sensitivity and other metabolic, anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters between boys and girls prior to puberty.MethodsWe studied 85 healthy prepubertal children (33 girls and 52 boys) aged 8·7 ± 1·9 years (range 4·0–11·9 years), born 38–40 weeks gestation, and of birth weight appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age. Insulin sensitivity was measured using frequently sampled intravenous glucose tests and Bergman's minimal model. Other clinical assessments included anthropometric measures, fasting lipid and hormonal profiles, body composition from whole‐body dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.ResultsPrepubertal girls and boys were of similar parent‐adjusted height SDS (P = 0·26), but girls had considerably more body fat (P < 0·0001), less fat‐free mass (P = 0·0002) and greater abdominal adiposity (P < 0·0001). These differences in body composition were independent of adrenal androgens. Insulin sensitivity was 18% lower in girls (11·0 vs 13·4 × 10−4/min (mU/l);P = 0·028), but this difference disappeared with adjustment for adiposity and DHEAS concentrations. There were, however, some apparent sex differences in cardiovascular parameters, with girls displaying increased heart rate and reduced blood pressure dipping. Girls also had higher triglyceride concentrations (+23%;P = 0·036).ConclusionThere are a number of anthropometric, metabolic and cardiovascular differences between sexes prior to the appearance of external signs of puberty. Although differences in insulin sensitivity were eliminated when adiposity andDHEASconcentrations were accounted for, there were independent differences in body composition and cardiovascular parameters. Thus, gender, adrenarche and adiposity should be accounted for in studies examining metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes prior to puberty.
Antepartum determinants of rapid early‐life weight gain in term infants born to women with and without gestational diabetes
Authors: Kramer Caroline K. , Hamilton Jill K. , Ye Chang , Hanley Anthony J. , Connelly Philip W. , Sermer Mathew , Zinman Bernard , Retnakaran Ravi 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveRapid weight gain in the first 3 months of life has been associated with an unfavourable cardio‐metabolic phenotype in adulthood. However, little is known about the antepartum determinants of this rapid weight gain, which may reflect key developmental exposures that program metabolic pathways. Thus, we sought to characterize the antepartum determinants of rapid weight gain in the first 3 months of life in infants exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a patient population at risk for early cardio‐metabolic disease.DesignProspective observational cohort study.PatientsPregnant women with (n = 90) and without GDM (n = 250) underwent detailed antepartum metabolic characterization, followed by assessment of their term offspring at age 3 months.MeasurementsRapid infant weight gain in the first 3 months was defined as weight gain ≥ 0·5 SD.ResultsNo features of maternal metabolic function in pregnancy (including insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, adiponectin, leptin and C‐reactive protein) were associated with infant weight gain in either the GDM or non‐GDM group. Interestingly, although all infants were born at term (≥37 weeks), length of gestation was inversely associated with weight gain at 3 months in the infants of women with GDM (β = −148·5, P = 0·01). In these infants, length of gestation <39 weeks was an independent predictor of rapid weight gain (OR = 7·9, 95%CI 1·7–38, P = 0·009) in the fully adjusted model. These associations were not observed in infants of women without GDM.ConclusionsDelivery before 39 weeks is independently associated with rapid weight gain in the first 3 months of life in term infants of women with GDM and hence may be an antepartum marker of future cardio‐metabolic risk.
Association of aromatase (TTTA)n repeat polymorphisms with central precocious puberty in girls
Authors: Lee Hae Sang , Kim Kyung Hee , Hwang Jin Soon 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivePrecocious puberty is characterized by early activation of the pituitary‐gonadal axis. Oestrogen is the final key factor to start the onset of puberty. The cytochrome P450 19A1 (CYP19A1) gene encodes an aromatase that is responsible for the conversion of androgens to oestrogen, which is a key step in oestrogen biosynthesis. The aim of this study was to identify CYP19A1 gene mutations or polymorphisms in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP).MethodsWe evaluated the frequency of allelic variants of the CYP19A1 exons and the tetranucleotide tandem repeat (TTTA)n in intron 4 in 203 idiopathic central precocious puberty (CPP) girls and 101 normal healthy women.ResultsThe genotype analysis of the CYP19A1 (TTTA)n polymorphism revealed six different alleles ranging from seven to 13 repeats. Among the six different repeat alleles detected in this study, the (TTTA)13 repeat allele was only detected in the patient group and carriers of the (TTTA)13 allele were significantly associated with an increased risk of CPP (OR = 1·509, 95% CI = 1·425–1·598, P = 0·033). Carriers of the (TTTA)13 repeat allele were significantly younger at pubertal onset and had higher levels of oestrogen than noncarriers of the (TTTA)13 repeat allele. Although nine polymorphisms were detected in exons of the CYP19A1 gene, no clinical significance was observed.ConclusionIn this study, carriers of a higher repeat (TTTA)13 polymorphism in intron 4 of the CYP19A1 gene had higher levels of oestrogen. Those carrying the (TTTA)13 repeat allele may have a higher risk of developing CPP.
Escape and lipodystrophy in acromegaly during pegvisomant therapy, a retrospective multicentre Spanish study
Authors: Sesmilo Gemma , Resmini Eugenia , Bernabeu Ignacio , Aller Javier , Soto Alfonso , Mora Mireia , Picó Antonio , Fajardo Carmen , Torres Elena , Álvarez‐Escolá Cristina , García Rogelio , Blanco Concepción , Cámara Rosa , Gaztambide Sonia , Salinas Isabel , Pozo Carlos Del , Castells Ignasi , Villabona Carles , Biagetti Betina , Webb Susan M. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryBackgroundPegvisomant is an effective treatment for acromegaly.ObjectiveTo investigate escape (loss of biochemical control in patients previously controlled) and lipodystrophy in acromegalic patients treated with pegvisomant and to evaluate possible associations with clinical features.Patients and methodsMulticentre retrospective study involving 19 Spanish centres.ResultsNinety‐seven patients were included (59% women, mean age at diagnosis 42 ± 13 years, 80% macroadenomas); mean follow‐up on pegvisomant was 5 ± 2·5 years, and 89 (92%) achieved normal IGF‐1. Escape was reported in 30/89 (34%) of responders, after a mean treatment duration of 25 ± 21 months. The mean initial dose of pegvisomant was 11 ± 5 mg/day, and mean dose at escape was 14 ± 7 mg/day. Most patients (26/30, 87%) achieved control with dose increase (57%), additional medical treatment (3%) or both (27%). Mean new dose that controlled IGF‐1 after escape was 20 ± 7 mg/day. Treatments associated were somatostatin analogues (SSA in 47%), cabergoline (CAB in 47%) and both (6%).Lipodystrophy was observed in 15 patients (13 females), mild in six, moderate in six, severe in three and persistent in four. Among patients with lipodystrophy, three escaped and three were nonresponders to pegvisomant. Four patients discontinued the drug, and four had dose reductions because of lipodystrophy. It tended to be more frequent in females (P = 0·06) and in patients treated with triple association SSA+CAB+PEG (P = 0·018).No relationship between escape and clinical variables was found, except prior CAB (P = 0·04) and metformin treatment (0·02) and grade of lipodystrophy (P = 0·02).ConclusionsA significant proportion of patients treated with pegvisomant escaped (34%); however, the majority (87%) was easily controlled with either dose increase, further medical treatment or both. Lipodystrophy developed in 15%, mostly females, and influenced the response to treatment.
Evaluation of Guided Bone Regeneration around Oral Implants over Different Healing Times Using Two Different Bovine Bone Materials: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical and Histological Investigation
Authors: Kohal Ralf Joachim , Straub Lisa Marie , Wolkewitz Martin , Bächle Maria , Patzelt Sebastian Berthold Maximilian 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the potential of two bone substitute materials and the influence of different healing periods in guided bone regeneration therapy of osseous defects around implants.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐four edentulous patients received implants in the region of the lost lower incisors. Around two standardized osseous defects were created, treated either with a 50:50 mixture of PepGen P‐15® and OsteoGraf®/N‐700 (test group) or with BioOss® (control group), and covered with titanium membranes. After healing periods of 2, 4, 6, or 9 months, the implants were removed together with the surrounding bone and subsequently prepared for histological evaluations.ResultsDefect depths in both groups showed a clinical reduction after intervention. The histologically measured distance from the implant shoulder to the first point of bone‐implant contact (BIC) after treatment did not differ between the two groups. The healing time influenced the level of the first point of BIC, with a longer healing period producing a more coronal first point of BIC. A greater percentage BIC and a higher fraction of mineralized bone were found in the pristine bone area compared with the augmented defect area.ConclusionIt can be concluded that in the treatment of osseous defects around oral implants, both materials were equally effective bone substitute materials when used in combination with guided bone regeneration.