bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression and distribution of GABA and GABAB‐receptor in the rat adrenal gland
Authors: Kato Kanae , Nakagawa Chieko , Murabayashi Hiroshi , Oomori Yukio 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe inhibitory effects of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central and peripheral nervous systems and the endocrine system are mediated by two different GABA receptors: GABAA‐receptor (GABAA‐R) and GABAB‐receptor (GABAB‐R). GABAA‐R, but not GABAB‐R, has been observed in the rat adrenal gland, where GABA is known to be released. This study sought to determine whether both GABA and GABAB‐R are present in the endocrine and neuronal elements of the rat adrenal gland, and to investigate whether GABAB‐R may play a role in mediating the effects of GABA in secretory activity of these cells. GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed in the superficial cortex. Some GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were found to be associated with blood vessels. Double‐immunostaining revealed GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers in the cortex were choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)‐immunonegative. Some GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers ran through the cortex toward the medulla. In the medulla, GABA‐immunoreactivity was seen in some large ganglion cells, but not in the chromaffin cells. Double‐immunostaining also showed GABA‐immunoreactive ganglion cells were nitric oxide synthase (NOS)‐immunopositive. However, neither immunohistochemistry combined with fluorescent microscopy nor double‐immunostaining revealed GABA‐immunoreactivity in the noradrenaline cells with blue‐white fluorescence or in the adrenaline cells with phenylethanolamine N‐methyltransferase (PNMT)‐immunoreactivity. Furthermore, GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed in close contact with ganglion cells, but not chromaffin cells. Double‐immunostaining also showed that the GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were in close contact with NOS‐ or neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY)‐immunoreactive ganglion cells. A few of the GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were ChAT‐immunopositive, while most of the GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were ChAT‐immunonegative. Numerous ChAT‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed in close contact with the ganglion cells and chromaffin cells in the medulla. The GABAB‐R‐immunoreactivity was found only in ganglion cells in the medulla and not at all in the cortex. Immunohistochemistry combined with fluorescent microscopy and double‐immunostaining showed no GABAB‐R‐immunoreactivity in noradrenaline cells with blue‐white fluorescence or in adrenaline cells with PNMT‐immunoreactivity. These immunoreactive ganglion cells were NOS‐ or NPY‐immunopositive on double‐immunostaining. These findings suggest that GABA from the intra‐adrenal nerve fibers may have an inhibitory effect on the secretory activity of ganglion cells and cortical cells, and on the motility of blood vessels in the rat adrenal gland, mediated by GABA‐Rs.
The effects of Femore™ cream on sexual dysfunction in Turkish women
Authors: Sen Selma , Guneri Sezer E , Sevil Umran , Cengel Selmin 
Published: November 2013

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the effects of Femore™ cream on sexual dysfunction in menopause and women's satisfaction levels.BackgroundThe recent interest of public and the world of medicine in female sexual function have led to a rapid increase in the number of studies on the subject.DesignThe study was designed as an observational intervention study.MethodsThe research data were collected by using a Women Information Form consisting of 13 items; a Sexual Function Index to measure sexual function; and a Satisfaction Determination Form to determine the level of satisfaction with the medical service the women received for the problems with their reproductive organs. The study was conducted with 29 menopausal women who complied with the inclusion criteria.ResultsIt was found that women's average age was 52·6; that the average menarche age was 13·0; and that the average menopause age was 46·2. The major complaint of nearly all the women who were aware of their sexual dysfunction was vaginal dryness, and it was concluded that they took no precautions against this problem. The total scores obtained from the Sexual Function Index were reported to be an average of 18·8 ± 4·2 before use of Femore™ cream and an average of 42·3 ± 2·0 after use of Femore™ cream. The average score concerning satisfaction with the use of Femore™ cream was noted to be 9·06 ± 0·40.ConclusionsThe study results suggested that applying Femore™ cream had positive influences on sexual dysfunction and all subdomains.Relevance to clinical practiceWomen's sexual health can therefore be assessed at primary care centres, and it is considered that health professionals employed at these centres, a majority of whom are female nurses and obstetricians, can play an important role in guiding women on the issue.
Clustering of adolescent health concerns: A latent class analysis of school students in New Zealand
Authors: Noel Hannah , Denny Simon , Farrant Bridget , Rossen Fiona , Teevale Tasileta , Clark Terryann , Fleming Terry , Bullen Pat , Sheridan Janie , Fortune Sarah 
Published: November 2013

AimsThe aims of this study are to identify clinically meaningful groups of adolescents based on their engagement in high levels of risk behaviours or severe emotional health concerns and to describe the demographic characteristics of these groups in two populations of school students in New Zealand.MethodsA nationally representative sample of secondary school students was surveyed in 2007; alternative education (AE) students in Auckland and Northland were surveyed in 2009. A total of 9107 secondary school students and 335 AE students completed a youth health questionnaire using Internet tablets. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify groups of students on the basis of distinct profiles of their risk behaviours and mental health concerns.ResultsThe majority (80%) of students in secondary schools are ‘healthy’ and report few health concerns, 16% are considered ‘risky’ or ‘distressed’, and 4% report ‘multiple’ risk behaviour profiles or emotional health concerns. In AE, only 21% of students were considered ‘healthy’ with most featuring in the ‘risky’ or ‘multiple’ groups. Females were more likely to be ‘distressed’, whereas males were more likely to feature in the ‘risky’ or ‘multiple’ groups.ConclusionsClinically‐concerning health risk behaviours and emotional health concerns ‘cluster’ in up to 20% of students in secondary schools and up to 79% of students in AE. Gender, ethnic and socio‐economic disparities are also observed. This highlights the importance of comprehensive psychosocial assessment and appropriate service provision, particularly for at‐risk groups.
Factors causing stress in women with babies 0–3 months old and their coping styles
Authors: Deniz C. , Ayaz S. 
Published: November 2013

Accessible summary
Women who became stressed because of problems with self‐care, baby care and social life use emotion‐oriented styles.
Women adopted the helpless approach within the ‘emotion‐oriented/passive’ coping style.
AbstractThis study was conducted in order to identify the factors that cause stress in women who have babies aged 0–3 months and the ways to deal with stress. This descriptive study was conducted in outpatient clinics for newborns. The sample consisted of 322 women. Data were collected through a questionnaire and Ways of Coping with Stress Inventory. It was found that most of the women became stressed because of problems regarding self‐care, baby care and social life. Women mostly used ineffective coping styles to cope with stress.
Phylogeny of Euonymus inferred from molecular and morphological data
Authors: LI Yan‐Nan , XIE Lei , LI Jin‐Yu , ZHANG Zhi‐Xiang 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEuonymus, a cosmopolitan genus of the family Celastraceae, has its species diversity centered in East Asia. It exhibits a complex pattern of morphological variation, making its taxonomy difficult. Monophyly of the genus remains uncertain, and the evolutionary implications of the infrageneric division and delimitation of many species are debatable. In this study, we sampled a total of 62 accessions representing 48 species/taxa covering a broad range of diversity of the genus and its allies. We first investigated the phylogeny of Euonymus using DNA sequences of multiple nuclear and plastid markers, and then used this phylogeny to discuss the circumscription and classification of the genus in combination with evolution of fruit characters, which has been used as an important criterion for the generic subdivision. The resultant data revealed the monophyly of Euonymus sensu lato with inclusion of Glyptopetalum, resolved the major lines of phylogeny of the genus, and clarified the echinate and winged capsules each as lineage‐specific. Therefore, among the five sections accepted by Flora of China, only Sect. Echinococcus (with spiny fruits) and Sect. Kalonymus (with winged fruits) correspond to the molecular grouping. The globose capsule may represent an ancestral character state, and the other types of fruits, that is, the shallowly to deeply lobed capsules, may belong to a broad range of continuous variation derived from the globose.
Species diversity and distribution of Ruppia in China: Potential roles of long‐distance dispersal and environmental factors
Authors: YU Shuo , SHI Miao‐Miao , CHEN Xiao‐Yong 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRuppia is a cosmopolitan genus and the species identity within the genus has been often confusing due to high plasticity in morphology. We used nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer and seven chloroplast DNA fragments combined with morphological traits to distinguish Ruppia species along the coastline of China, and to infer the potential mechanisms shaping their distribution patterns. Molecular and morphological data distinguished three congruent clades corresponding with three species: R. cirrhosa (Petagna) Grande, R. maritima L., and R. megacarpa Mason. The geographical ranges of R. cirrhosa and R. maritima coincided closely with coastal current breaks by the Taiwan Strait; R. cirrhosa was found in 17 locations mainly in the north, whereas R. maritima was common in the south, most likely to be the result of differentiated adaptation to optimal temperatures of growth and/or seed germination. Ruppia megacarpa, usually considered as an endemic species of Australia and New Zealand, was first reported in China at two bird stopover sites, Qingdao and Yancheng. The transoceanic dispersal by migratory birds may contribute to the presence and distribution of R. megacarpa in China.
Mitochondrial Impairment and Oxidative Stress in Leukocytes after Testosterone Administration to Female-To-Male Transsexuals
Authors: Victor Víctor M. , Rocha Milagros , Bañuls Celia , Rovira-Llopis Susana , Gómez Marcelino , Hernández-Mijares Antonio 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Testosterone undecanoate (T) treatment is common in female-to-male transsexuals (FtMs) but can induce impairment of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress.

Aim
The effect of T treatment on the mitochondrial function and redox state of leukocytes of FtMs subjects was evaluated.

Methods
This was an observational study conducted in a university hospital. Fifty-seven FtMs were treated with T (1,000 mg) for 12 weeks, after which anthropometric and metabolic parameters and mitochondrial function were evaluated.

Main Outcome Measures
Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were evaluated. Mitochondrial function was studied by assessing mitochondrial oxygen (O2) consumption, membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, glutathione levels (GSH), and the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH)/(GSSG) ratio in polymorphonuclear cells.

Results
T treatment led to mitochondrial impairment in FtMs as a result of a decrease in mitochondria O2 consumption, the membrane potential, GSH levels, and the (GSH)/(GSSG) ratio and an increase in ROS production. Mitochondrial O2 consumption and membrane potential negatively correlated with T levels, which was further confirmed that the T treatment had induced mitochondrial dysfunction. T also produced a significant increase in total testosterone, free androgenic index, and atherogenic index of plasma, and a decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusions
Treatment of FtMs with T can induce impairment of mitochondrial function and a state of oxidative stress. This effect should be taken into account in order to modulate possible comorbidities in these patients.
Sildenafil Promotes eNOS Activation and Inhibits NADPH Oxidase in the Transgenic Sickle Cell Mouse Penis
Authors: Musicki Biljana , Bivalacqua Trinity J. , Champion Hunter C. , Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Sickle cell disease (SCD)-associated vasculopathy in the penis is characterized by aberrant nitric oxide and phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 signaling, and by increased oxidative stress. Preliminary clinical trials show that continuous treatment with PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil unassociated with sexual activity decreases priapic activity in patients with SCD. However, the mechanism of its vasculoprotective effect in the penis remains unclear.

Aims
We evaluated whether continuous administration of PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil promotes eNOS function at posttranslational levels and decreases superoxide-producing enzyme NADPH oxidase activity in the sickle cell mouse penis.

Methods
SCD transgenic mice were used as an animal model of SCD. WT mice served as controls. Mice received treatment with the PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil (100 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 3 weeks. eNOS phosphorylation on Ser-1177 (positive regulatory site), eNOS interactions with heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) (positive regulator), phosphorylated AKT (upstream mediator of eNOS phosphorylation on Ser-1177), an NADPH oxidase catalytic subunit gp91(phox), and a marker of oxidative stress (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [HNE]) were measured by Western blot.

Main Outcome Measures
Effect of continuous sildenafil treatment on eNOS posttranslational activation, NADPH oxidase catalytic subunit, and oxidative stress in the penis of the sickle cell mouse.

Results
Continuous treatment with sildenafil reversed (P &lt; 0.05) the abnormalities in protein expressions of P-eNOS (Ser-1177), eNOS/HSP90 interaction, P-AKT, protein expression of gp91(phox), and 4-HNE, in the sickle cell mouse penis. Sildenafil treatment of WT mice did not affect any of these parameters.

Conclusion
Our findings that sildenafil enhances eNOS activation and inhibits NADPH oxidase function in the sickle cell mouse penis offers a vasculoprotective molecular basis for the therapeutic effect of sildenafil in the penis in association with SCD.
Social Network Analysis and Critical Realism
Authors: Buch‐Hansen Hubert 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSocial network analysis (SNA) is an increasingly popular approach that provides researchers with highly developed tools to map and analyze complexes of social relations. Although a number of network scholars have explicated the assumptions that underpinSNA, the approach has yet to be discussed in relation to established philosophies of science. This article argues that there is a tension between applied and methods‐orientedSNAstudies, on the one hand, and those addressing the social‐theoretical nature and implications of networks, on the other. The former, in many cases, exhibits positivist tendencies, whereas the latter incorporate a number of assumptions that are directly compatible with core critical realist views on the nature of social reality and knowledge. This article suggests that SNA may be detached from positivist social science and come to constitute a valuable instrument in the critical realist toolbox.
Hepatitis B virus‐specific T‐cell responses during IFN administration in a small cohort of chronic hepatitis B patients under nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment
Authors: Sprinzl M. F. , Russo C. , Kittner J. , Allgayer S. , Grambihler A. , Bartsch B. , Weinmann A. , Galle P. R. , Schuchmann M. , Protzer U. , Bauer T. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe effect of pegylated interferon‐α (IFN) add‐on therapy on HBV‐specific T‐cell responses was evaluated in 12 patients with stable, undetectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) load under nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated at week 0, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 of IFN add‐on therapy. Quantity and quality of circulating HBV S‐ and core‐specific CD4 and CD8 T cells were analysed ex vivo by flow cytometry. HBV S‐ and core‐specific CD4 T‐cell numbers modestly increased within 8 weeks of IFN administration (P = 0.0391 and P = 0.0195), whereas HBV‐specific CD8 T cells in general showed only minor changes under IFN add‐on therapy. Functionality of HBV‐specific CD4 but not CD8 T cells positively correlated with serum transaminase activity. In addition, we observed an increase in CD4 T cells producing tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) without antigen restimulation (P = 0.0039), which correlated with elevated transaminases. During IFN add‐on therapy, two patients developed an anti‐HBs seroconversion, only one of whom showed a relevant increase in HBV‐specific T cells. In conclusion, IFN add‐on therapy of chronic hepatitis B increased HBV‐specific T‐cell responses and affected a previously unrecognized TNFα‐monofunctional CD4 T‐cell population. Although the observed T‐cell responses did not correlate with HBsAg seroconversion, we expect additional insights into the immunopathogenesis of hepatitis B, following the characterization of the newly identified TNF α‐monofunctional T‐cell population.
Hampered by historical paradigms – echinocandins and the treatment of Candida endocarditis
Authors: Gardiner B. J. , Slavin M. A. , Korman T. M. , Stuart R. L. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryInfective endocarditis due to Candida sp. has a high mortality rate. Traditionally, management involves early surgery and prolonged amphotericin ± flucytosine. We report a case of Candida parapsilosis bileaflet mitral valve endocarditis cured with anidulafungin and fluconazole, and review the role of echinocandins in the management of Candida endocarditis.
Susceptibility to stress‐induced visceral sensitivity: a bad legacy for next generations
Authors: Théodorou V. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDespite high prevalence, the precise irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathophysiology remains poorly understood likely due to the heterogeneity of IBS populations and the multifactorial etiology of this disorder. Among risk factors, genetic predisposition and early life trauma have been reported. In this context, the debate on genetic or environmental influences in the IBS pathogenesis is still open. The study by van der Wijngaard et al., reporting for the first time that susceptibility to stress‐induced visceral hypersensitivity in maternally separated rats can be transferred to the next generation without any further exposure of F2 individuals to maternal separation, supports the importance of environmental influence in the IBS phenotype. Epigenetic mechanisms such as hypermethylation in the promoter region of the glucocorticoid receptor gene mediating the long‐term and transgenerational behavioral effects of maternal care on the development have been shown in some but not in all studies. Van der Wijngaard et al. incriminated maternal care in the transmitted susceptibility to stress‐induced visceral hypersensitivity, but not changes in glucocorticoid receptor protein expression in the brain. This finding opens a broad field of future directions aimed at evaluating the mechanisms involved in the transmission across generations of the digestive features of IBS, including, for example, on the role of gut microbiota changes in vertical transmission or epigenetic modifications of intestinal mast cells and the junctional region of intestinal epithelial cells in vertical transfer.
Locked Compression Plating for Peri‐ and Intra‐articular Fractures Around the Knee
Authors: Jain Jitesh Kumar , Asif Naiyer , Ahmad Suhail , Qureshi Owais , Siddiqui Yasir Salam , Rana Ashish 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of locked compression plates (LCPs) in management of peri‐ and intra‐articular fractures around the knee.MethodsTwenty distal femoral and 20 proximal tibial fractures were fixed with LCPs. The types of femoral fractures were A1 (four), A2 (three), A3 (two), C1 (one), C2 (seven) and C3 (three). The types of tibial fractures were A2 (one), A3 (two), B2 (two), C1 (four), C2 (five) and C3 (six). All patients were followed up for up to 18 months (mean, 12 months). Fourteen patients with distal femoral fractures and 19 with proximal tibial fractures underwent surgery using a minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique. The others were treated by open reduction. The average time of fixation was 8 days after injury (0–31 days). Knee Society scores were used for clinical and functional assessment.ResultsAll fractures, except one of the distal femur and one of the proximal tibia, united. The mean union times for distal femoral and proximal tibial fractures were 15.2 and 14.9 weeks, respectively. One patient with a distal femoral fracture had implant failure. One patient was quadriplegic and did not recover the ability to walk. The average Knee Society scores of the remaining 18 patients were 82.66 (excellent) and 77.77 (functional score, good). There was one case of implant failure and one of screw breakage in distal femoral fractures. One case of nonunion occurred in a proximal tibial fracture.ConclusionProvided it is applied with proper understanding of biomechanics, LCP is one of the best available options for management of challenging peri‐ and intra‐articular fractures.
Marrow Stromal Stem Cell Autologous Transplantation in Denervated Fracture Healing: an Experimental Study in Rats
Authors: Lei Shuan‐Hu , Guo Li , Yue Hai‐Yuan , Zhao Da‐Cheng , Zhang Cheng‐Jun , Du Wen‐Jia , Huang Liang‐Zeng , Wang Jing , Dang Yue‐Xiu , Liu Jing‐Sheng , Hao Jun‐Long , Wang Yu‐Liang 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of bone marrow stromal stem cell (BMSCs) transplantation on healing of fractures combined with central nerve injuries in rats.Methods Forty‐eight healthy adult SD male rats were randomly divided into the following three groups (16 rats in each group): group A, simple (left) tibial fracture; group B, tibial fracture combined with T10 spinal cord transection (SCT); group C, tibial fracture combined with T10 SCT and BMSCs transplantation. The tibial fractures were stabilized with modular intramedullary nails and all operated hind limbs were further immobilized in plaster casts to prevent unequal load bearing. BMSCs were labeled with bromodeoxyuridine and implanted into the fractures of C group rats 2 days after creation of the model. The animals in B and C groups were evaluated by postoperative Tarlov scores. The fractured tibiae were evaluated separately radiographically (X‐ray and CT) and immunohistochemically 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after injury to assess fracture healing. In addition, the wet weights of the left tibias were measured.ResultsAll Tarlov score of the B and C group animals reached the requirements of the experiment. One, 2 and 3 weeks after surgery, the tibial callus widths in B and C group animals were significantly greater than those of group A rats (P < 0.05). At 4 weeks the tibial callus width in group C animals had decreased, but still differed significantly from that in group A rats (P < 0.05). One, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after surgery, the wet weights of B and C group tibias were significantly greater than those of group A (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin–eosin‐stained sections showed bony union and increased bone trabecula in B and C groups and areas with particles positive for alkaline phosphatase staining were more abundant in groups B and C, especially in group C.ConclusionNeural regulation plays an important role in fracture healing. Treatment with BMSCs has a positive effect on defective callus in rats that have been subjected to SCT.