bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomised controlled trial comparing use of lignocaine periprostatic nerve block alone and combined with diclofenac suppository for patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsy
Authors: Ooi Wei Ling , Hawks Cynthia , Tan Andrew H.H. , Hayne Dickon 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo examine whether or not the combination of diclofenac suppository with peri‐prostatic nerve block (PPNB) was effective in reducing the degree of pain experienced during transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsy in a randomised single‐blind placebo‐controlled trial.Patients and MethodsIn all, 96 patients having a planned TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy were randomised into one of the following arms on a 1:1 basis: 10 mL 1% lignocaine PPNB and placebo suppository (control) or 10 mL 1% lignocaine PPNB and 100 mg diclofenac suppository (treatment). Pain scores were recorded using the Numerical Rating Scale for pain (0–10) at the following time‐points: (i) introduction of probe, (ii) during biopsy, (iii) 1 h after biopsy, (iv) later that evening (≈6 h after biopsy) and (v) 1 day after biopsy. Patients were asked about their preferred method for pain control if a repeat TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy was required: local anaesthetic (LA) again or intravenous sedation.ResultsThere were no significant differences in age (P = 0.653) or PSA level (P = 0.584) between either study arm. The differences in pain scores between the control and treatment groups were not significant at Time 1 (probe insertion; P = 0.299), Time 2 (biopsy; P = 0.983), Time 4 (evening after; P = 0.231) and Time 5 (1 day after biopsy; P = 0.384). At Time 3 (1 h after biopsy), the control pain scale scores were statistically significantly higher than the treatment pain scale scores (P = 0.044). There was no difference between treatment (87%) and control (80%) groups as to whether they would prefer to repeat the biopsy under LA (P = 0.373).ConclusionThe use of a diclofenac suppository with PPNB did not show any clinically meaningful effect in decreasing pain or improving tolerability of TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy and is not recommended. PPNB TRUS‐guided biopsy is extremely well tolerated, with >80% of patients electing for subsequent LA biopsy if required.
κ‐opioid receptors are not necessary for the antidepressant treatment of neuropathic pain
Authors: Megat Salim , Bohren Yohann , Doridot Stephane , Gaveriaux‐Ruff Claire , Kieffer Brigitte L , Freund‐Mercier Marie‐José , Yalcin Ipek , Barrot Michel 
Published: October 2014

Background and PurposeTricyclic antidepressants are used clinically as first‐line treatments for neuropathic pain. Opioid receptors participate in this pain‐relieving action, and preclinical studies in receptor‐deficient mice have highlighted a critical role for δ‐, but not μ‐opioid receptors. In this study, we investigated whether κ‐opioid (KOP) receptors have a role in the antiallodynic action of tricyclic antidepressants.Experimental ApproachWe used a model of neuropathic pain induced by unilateral sciatic nerve cuffing. In this model, the mechanical allodynia was evaluated using von Frey filaments. Experiments were conducted in C57BL/6J mice, and in KOP receptor‐deficient mice and their wild‐type littermates. The tricyclic antidepressant nortriptyline (5 mg·kg−1) was delivered twice a day for over 2 weeks. Agonists and antagonists of opioid receptors were used to test the selectivity of the KOP receptor antagonist norbinaltorphimine (nor‐BNI) in mice with neuropathic pain.Key ResultsAfter 12 days of treatment, nortriptyline relieved neuropathic allodynia in both wild‐type and KOP receptor‐deficient mice. Surprisingly, acute nor‐BNI reversed the effect of nortriptyline in both wild‐type and KOP receptor‐deficient mice. Further experiments showed that nor‐BNI action was selective for KOP receptors at a late time‐point after its administration (8 h), but not at an early time‐point, when it may also interact with δ‐opioid (DOP) receptors.Conclusions and ImplicationsKOP receptors are not necessary for the effect of a tricyclic antidepressant against neuropathic allodynia. These findings together with previous data indicate that the DOP receptor is the only opioid receptor that is necessary for the antiallodynic action of antidepressants.
Spinal blockage of P/Q‐ or N‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels modulates functional and symptomatic changes related to haemorrhagic cystitis in mice
Authors: Silva R B M , Sperotto N D M , Andrade E L , Pereira T C B , Leite C E , de Souza A H , Bogo M R , Morrone F B , Gomez M V , Campos M M 
Published: October 2014

Background and PurposeSpinal voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are pivotal regulators of painful and inflammatory alterations, representing attractive therapeutic targets. We examined the effects of epidural administration of the P/Q‐ and N‐type VGCC blockers Tx3‐3 and Phα1β, respectively, isolated from the spider Phoneutria nigriventer, on symptomatic, inflammatory and functional changes allied to mouse cyclophosphamide (CPA)‐induced haemorrhagic cystitis (HC). The effects of P. nigriventer‐derived toxins were compared with those displayed by MVIIC and MVIIA, extracted from the cone snail Conus magus.Experimental ApproachHC was induced by a single i.p. injection of CPA (300 mg·kg–1). Dose‐ and time‐related effects of spinally administered P/Q and N‐type VGCC blockers were assessed on nociceptive behaviour and macroscopic inflammation elicited by CPA. The effects of toxins were also evaluated on cell migration, cytokine production, oxidative stress, functional cystometry alterations and TRPV1, TRPA1 and NK1 receptor mRNA expression.Key ResultsThe spinal blockage of P/Q‐type VGCC by Tx3‐3 and MVIIC or N‐type VGCC by Phα1β attenuated nociceptive and inflammatory events associated with HC, including bladder oxidative stress and cytokine production. CPA produced a slight increase in bladder TRPV1 and TRPA1 mRNA expression, which was reversed by all the toxins tested. Noteworthy, Phα1β strongly prevented bladder neutrophil migration, besides HC‐related functional alterations, and its effects were potentiated by co‐injecting the selective NK1 receptor antagonist CP‐96345.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur results shed new light on the role of spinal P/Q and N‐type VGCC in bladder dysfunctions, pointing out Phα1β as a promising alternative for treating complications associated with CPA‐induced HC.
A novel compound VSC2 has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties in microglia and in Parkinson's disease animal model
Authors: Lee Ji Ae , Kim Ji Hyun , Woo Seo Yeon , Son Hyo Jin , Han Se Hee , Jang Bo Ko , Choi Ji Won , Kim Dong Jin , Park Ki Duk , Hwang Onyou 
Published: October 2014

Background and PurposeNeuroinflammation through microglial activation is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD), a major neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuronal death in the substantia nigra. We examined our novel synthetic compound VSC2 for its anti‐inflammatory properties towards development of a PD therapy.Experimental ApproachWe tested the effects of VSC2 on production of various NF‐κB‐dependent proinflammatory molecules and Nrf2‐dependent antioxidant enzymes in BV‐2 microglia and in vivo.Key ResultsThe vinyl sulfone compound, VSC2, most effectively suppressed the production of NO in LPS‐activated microglia. It also down‐regulated expression of inducible NOS (iNOS), COX‐2, IL‐1β and TNF‐α and inhibited nuclear translocalization and transcriptional activity of NF‐κB. VSC2 increased total and nuclear Nrf2 levels, induced Nrf2 transcriptional activity and was bound to Keap1 with high affinity. Expression of the Nrf2‐regulated antioxidant enzyme genes NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreducase‐1 (NQO‐1), haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL) were up‐regulated by VSC2. In the MPTP mouse model of PD, oral administration of VSC2 decreased the number of activated microglia in the substantia nigra, lowered the levels of iNOS, COX‐2 and IL‐1β, and protected the dopaminergic neurons. VSC2 also elevated the levels of NQO1, HO‐1, GCL and Nrf2 in the nigrostriatal area.Conclusions and ImplicationsVSC2 has both anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties and prevented neuroinflammation in microglia and in an animal model of PD. This suggests VSC2 as a potential candidate for PD therapy.
Postconditioning signalling in the heart: mechanisms and translatability
Authors: Bice Justin S , Baxter Gary F 
Published: October 2014

The protective effect of ischaemic postconditioning (short cycles of reperfusion and reocclusion of a previously occluded vessel) was identified over a decade ago commanding intense interest as an approach for modifying reperfusion injury which contributes to infarct size in acute myocardial infarction. Elucidation of the major mechanisms of postconditioning has identified potential pharmacological targets for limitation of reperfusion injury. These include ligands for membrane‐associated receptors, activators of phosphokinase survival signalling pathways and inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. In experimental models, numerous agents that target these mechanisms have shown promise as postconditioning mimetics. Nevertheless, clinical studies of ischaemic postconditioning and pharmacological postconditioning mimetics are equivocal. The majority of experimental research is conducted in animal models which do not fully portray the complexity of risk factors and comorbidities with which patients present and which we now know modify the signalling pathways recruited in postconditioning. Cohort size and power, patient selection, and deficiencies in clinical infarct size estimation may all represent major obstacles to assessing the therapeutic efficacy of postconditioning. Furthermore, chronic treatment of these patients with drugs like ACE inhibitors, statins and nitrates may modify signalling, inhibiting the protective effect of postconditioning mimetics, or conversely induce a maximally protected state wherein no further benefit can be demonstrated. Arguably, successful translation of postconditioning cannot occur until all of these issues are addressed, that is, experimental investigation requires more complex models that better reflect the clinical setting, while clinical investigation requires bigger trials with appropriate patient selection and standardization of clinical infarct size measurements.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Conditioning the Heart – Pathways to Translation. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐8
Trading up: the fitness consequences of divorce in monogamous birds
Authors: Culina Antica , Radersma Reinder , Sheldon Ben C. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTSocial and genetic mating systems play an important role in natural and sexual selection, as well as in the dynamics of populations. In socially monogamous species different genetic mating patterns appear when individuals mate outside the breeding pair within a breeding season (extra‐pair mating) or when they change partners between two breeding seasons (widowing or divorce). Divorce can be defined as having occurred when two previously paired individuals are alive during the next breeding season and at least one of them has re‐mated with a new partner. In socially monogamous birds divorce is widespread, but it is not clear whether it is a behavioural adaptation to improve the quality of a mating decision or whether, alternatively, it results as a non‐selected consequence of other processes: existing studies suggest a heterogeneous set of results with respect to this central question. This heterogeneity could result from a number of factors, ranging from the methodological approaches used, to population‐ or species‐specific characters. In this review we use phylogenetic meta‐analyses to assess the evidence that divorce is adaptive (in terms of breeding success) across 64 species of socially monogamous birds. Second, we explore biological and methodological reasons for the heterogeneity in the results of previous studies. Results of our analyses supported the hypothesis that divorce is, in general, an adaptive behavioural strategy as: (1) divorce is triggered by relatively low breeding success; (2) there is a positive change in breeding success as a result of divorce. More specifically, while controlling for methodological moderators, we show that: (i) earlier stages of breeding are better predictors of divorce than later stages (r= 0.231; 95%CI: 0.061–0.391 for clutch size; similar for laying date); (ii) females benefited from divorce more than males in terms of increasing breeding success between successive breeding attempts, with different stages of the breeding cycle improving at different rates (e.g.r= 0.637; 95%CI: 0.328–0.817 for brood‐level measures). We show that the effect size was dependent on the methodological approach used across studies and argue that research on the adaptive nature of divorce should be cautious when designing the study and interpreting the results. Altogether, by providing strong evidence that divorce is an adaptive strategy across monogamous birds, the results of our analysis provide a firm ground for further exploration of external covariates of divorce (e.g. demographic factors) and the mechanisms underlying the differences in the effect sizes of the proximal fitness causes and consequences of divorce.
Identifying the interactional processes in the first assessments in child mental health
Authors: O'Reilly Michelle , Karim Khalid , Stafford Victoria , Hutchby Ian 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundA comprehensive assessment is essential to contemporary practice in child and adolescent mental health. In addition to determining diagnosis and management, it is seen as important for clinical engagement and forming a therapeutic relationship. However, there has been little research on the processes which occur during this interaction, particularly in first assessments.MethodTwenty‐eight naturally occurring child mental health initial assessments were video recorded and subjected to the basic principles of the conversation analytic method.ResultsSeveral processes were identified in a typical child and adolescent mental health assessment. These included introductions, reasons for attendance, problem presentation, decision‐making and session closure.ConclusionsInitial assessments provide a platform for all future engagement with services and an understanding of the processes occurring within this setting is important for the eventual outcomes, particularly in respect to new ways of working such as the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA).
Depletion of regulatory T cells in a hapten-induced inflammation model results in prolonged and increased inflammation driven by T cells
Authors: Christensen A D , Skov S , Kvist P H , Haase C 
Published: October 2014

SummaryRegulatory T cells (Tregs) are known to play an immunosuppressive role in the response of contact hypersensitivity (CHS), but neither the dynamics of Tregs during the CHS response nor the exaggerated inflammatory response after depletion of Tregs has been characterized in detail. In this study we show that the number of Tregs in the challenged tissue peak at the same time as the ear-swelling reaches its maximum on day 1 after challenge, whereas the number of Tregs in the draining lymph nodes peaks at day 2. As expected, depletion of Tregs by injection of a monoclonal antibody to CD25 prior to sensitization led to a prolonged and sustained inflammatory response which was dependent upon CD8 T cells, and co-stimulatory blockade with cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4-immunoglobulin (CTLA-4-Ig) suppressed the exaggerated inflammation. In contrast, blockade of the interleukin (IL)-10-receptor (IL-10R) did not further increase the exaggerated inflammatory response in the Treg-depleted mice. In the absence of Tregs, the response changed from a mainly acute reaction with heavy infiltration of neutrophils to a sustained response with more chronic characteristics (fewer neutrophils and dominated by macrophages). Furthermore, depletion of Tregs enhanced the release of cytokines and chemokines locally in the inflamed ear and augmented serum levels of the systemic inflammatory mediators serum amyloid (SAP) and haptoglobin early in the response.
Angiotensin II in inflammation, immunity and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chang Y , Wei W 
Published: October 2014

SummaryRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that is characterized by increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, independent of the traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Although classically known for its role in the regulation of circulatory homeostasis, angiotensin II (Ang II) is recognized to act as a powerful proinflammatory mediator. Some research has showed that Ang II plays important roles in autoimmune diseases, including RA, systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis. Ang II blockers prove effective in reducing inflammation and autoimmunity in rheumatic diseases and their relative safety, together with their effects for reducing the cardiovascular disease risk, suggest that Ang II blockers may at least act as effective adjunctive therapy for disease control in patients with RA. The present review focuses systematically on the potential impact of Ang II and its receptors on inflammation and immunomodulation in patients with RA.
Senior nurses' perspectives on the transfer of opioid substitution treatment clients from clinics to community pharmacy
Authors: Bui Jessica , Day Carolyn , Hanrahan Jane , Winstock Adam , Chaar Betty 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThere is unmet demand for opioid substitution treatment (OST) in New South Wales, Australia, with many public clinics reporting long waitlists. Recently, some community pharmacies have reported a lack of referrals from public clinics. To obtain insight into this apparent contradiction, this study explored the perspectives of senior nurses in public OST clinics regarding client transfers to community pharmacies.Design and MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine senior nurses from eight (20%) public OST clinics in New South Wales regarding: the nurses' experience in OST provision, factors affecting client transfer, opinions on pharmacy OST services and relationships with community pharmacies. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. NVivo was used for initial analysis and coding of the transcripts. Emerging themes were repeatedly analysed and refined by consensus discussion.ResultsMost clinics reported being at or over capacity. Nurse identified barriers to transfer included: difficulty motivating reluctant clients, clients' unwillingness to pay for pharmacy supervised dispensing, lack of convenient pharmacy providers and unstable clients. Despite overall good collaborations with community pharmacies, some aspects could be improved, especially face‐to‐face visits and education around clinic procedures.Discussion and ConclusionThis study highlights the complex barriers encountered by senior nurses in the transfer of OST clients from clinics to community pharmacies. Improved collaboration with pharmacies and subsidised or standardised dispensing fees may enhance the transfer of clients to pharmacies and improve clinics throughput. [Bui J, Day C, Hanrahan J, Winstock A, Chaar B. Senior nurses' perspectives on the transfer of OST clients from clinics to community pharmacy. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:495–98]
Alcohol‐related emergency department injury presentations in Queensland adolescents and young adults over a 13‐year period
Authors: Hides Leanne , Limbong Jesani , Vallmuur Kirsten , Barker Ruth , Daglish Mark , Young Ross McD. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThe rate of alcohol‐related emergency department (ED) presentations in young people has increased dramatically in recent decades. Injuries are the most common type of youth alcohol‐related ED presentation, yet little is known about these injuries in young people. This paper describes the characteristics of alcohol‐related ED injury presentations in young people over a 13‐year period and determines if they differ by gender and/or age group (adolescents: 12–17 years; young adults: 18–24 years).Design and MethodThe Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit (QISU) database collects injury surveillance data at triage in participating EDs throughout Queensland, Australia. A total of 4667 cases of alcohol‐related injuries in young people (aged 12–24 years) were identified in the QISU database between January 1999 and December 2011, using an injury surveillance code and nursing triage text‐based search strategy.ResultsOverall, young people accounted for 38% of all QISU alcohol‐related ED injury presentations in patients aged 12 years or over. The majority of young adults presented with injuries due to violence and falls, whereas adolescents presented due to self‐harm or intoxication without other injury. Males presented with injuries due to violence, whereas females presented with alcohol‐related self‐harm and intoxication.Discussion and ConclusionsThere is a need for more effective ways of identifying the degree of alcohol involvement in injuries among young people presenting to EDs. [Hides L, Limbong J, Vallmuur K, Barker R, Daglish M, Young RMcD. Alcohol‐related emergency department injury presentations in Queensland adolescents and young adults over a 13‐year period. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:177–184]
Native‐range habitats of invasive plants: are they similar to invaded‐range habitats and do they differ according to the geographical direction of invasion?
Authors: Hejda Martin , Chytrý Milan , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimHabitat types are involved in shaping biological traits of their resident native species and thus they determine, to a large extent, in which habitats particular species will succeed if invading outside their native range. However, the correspondences between habitats that invasive aliens occupy in the native and invaded ranges are poorly known. We explore the relationships between (1) habitats of invasive species in their native and invaded ranges and (2) native‐range habitats and the direction of invasion (from/to Europe; from/to the Old World).LocationGlobal.MethodsDescriptions of native‐ and invaded‐range habitats of 286 invasive species were extracted from the literature and transformed into 12 habitat types. The differences between native‐range habitats according to the direction of invasion and between habitats occupied in the native and invaded ranges were tested by log‐linear models and deletion tests.ResultsMost frequent invaders were species confined to forests (98 species), riparian habitats (80), grasslands (80) and man‐made habitats (73) in their native ranges. Native‐range habitats differed between species invading from and to Europe (110 and 41, respectively) as well as between species invading from and to the Old World (213 and 75, respectively). Grasslands were the most overrepresented native‐range habitat for species invading from Europe compared to species invading Europe; wetlands were the most overrepresented native‐range habitats for species invading the Old World compared to species invading from the Old World. Many species that originated from forests invade grasslands, and, conversely, many grassland species invade open forests.Main conclusionsEuropean grassland species are much more successful as world‐wide invaders than grassland species from other continents invading Europe, and New World wetland species invading the Old World are more successful than wetland species invading from the Old World. Successful invaders are adapted to a broad spectrum of successional phases ranging from grasslands to forests.