bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The endocannabinoid system is altered in the post‐mortem prefrontal cortex of alcoholic subjects
Authors: Erdozain Amaia M. , Rubio Marina , Valdizan Elsa M. , Pazos Angel , Meana J Javier , Fernández‐Ruiz Javier , Alexander Stephen P. H. , Callado Luis F. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThere is strong biochemical, pharmacological and genetic evidence for the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in alcohol dependence. However, the majority of studies have been performed in animal models. The aim of the present study was to assess the state of the CB1 receptor, the enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), and the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and cyclic‐AMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) in the post‐mortem prefrontal cortex of alcoholic subjects. Experiments were performed in samples from 44 subjects classified in four experimental groups: (1) non‐suicidal alcoholic subjects (n = 11); (2) suicidal alcoholic subjects (n = 11); (3) non‐alcoholic suicide victims (n = 11); and (4) control subjects (n = 11). We did not observe statistically significant differences in CB1 mRNA relative expression among the four experimental groups. Conversely, our results showed an increase in CB1 receptor protein expression in the prefrontal cortex of the suicidal alcoholic group (127.2 ± 7.3%), with no changes in functionality with regard to either G protein activation or the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. In parallel, alcoholic subjects presented lower levels of MAGL activity, regardless of the cause of death. A significant decrease in the active form of ERK and CREB levels was also observed in both alcoholic groups. Taken together, our data are consistent with a role for the ECS in the neurobiological mechanisms underlying alcoholism. Moreover, the alterations reported here should be of great interest for the therapeutic treatment of this chronic psychiatric disease.
Analgesic efficacy of pre‐operative stellate ganglion block on postoperative pain relief: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kumar N. , Thapa D. , Gombar S. , Ahuja V. , Gupta R. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryWe undertook a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study to compare the analgesic efficacy of pre‐operative stellate ganglion block on postoperative pain relief after upper limb orthopaedic surgery. Patients were administered a 3‐ml injection during ultrasound‐guided stellate ganglion block; 15 patients received lidocaine 2% and 15 patients received 0.9% saline. Following the block, all patients received standardised general anaesthesia. Postoperative analgesia included regular intravenous diclofenac, paracetamol and patient‐controlled analgesia with tramadol for 24 h. Patients were observed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h after surgery for tramadol consumption, cardiovascular variables and visual analogue scale pain scores at rest and on movement. The mean (SD) hourly tramadol consumption was significantly reduced in the lidocaine group compared with the saline group at 4 h (8.0 (10.1) mg vs 28.0 (12.6) mg, respectively; p = 0.001), 6 h (5.3 (10.8) mg vs 17.3 (12.7) mg, respectively; p = 0.013) and 8 h (5.3 (11.8) mg vs 21.3 (9.1) mg, respectively; p = 0.001). The cumulative 24‐h tramadol consumption was 97.3 (16.6) mg in the lidocaine group and 150.6 (26.0) mg in the saline group (p = 0.001). There were significant differences in the pain visual analogue scale at rest at two time points; at 4 h the median (IQR [range]) visual analogue scale scores were 4 (4–6 [2–8]) in the lidocaine group and 5 (4–6 [2–7]) in the saline group (p = 0.03), and at 6 h visual analogue scale scores were 3 (3–4 [3–6]) and 4 (4–6 [2–7]), respectively (p = 0.04). Pain visual analogue scale on movement was lower in the lidocaine group at all time intervals compared with the saline group, but this did not reach statistical significance. The present study has demonstrated a postoperative tramadol‐sparing and analgesic effect of pre‐operative stellate ganglion block in patients undergoing upper limb orthopaedic surgery under general anaesthesia.
Pre‐emptive epidural analgesia improves post‐operative pain and immune function in patients undergoing thoracotomy
Authors: Yang Chengzhi , Chang Hao , Zhang Tiewa , Liang Chao , Li Enyou 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundPre‐emptive analgesia may relieve post‐operative pain. However, its effects on immune function of patients undergoing thoracotomy are still unclear. Therefore, we investigated effects of pre‐emptive epidural analgesia on post‐operative pain and immune function in patients undergoing thoracotomy.MethodsNinety patients undergoing thoracotomy were randomized equally into three groups. Group A (control) only received patient‐controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA). Group B (routine) was given 0.125% ropivacaine 6 mL 30 min after surgery, then PCEA. Group C (pre‐emptive) received 0.125% ropivacaine 6 mL 30 min before skin incision and every 60 min during surgery, then PCEA. Visual analogue scale scores and cytokine levels were the main outcomes. Secondary outcomes included analgesic demands, side effects and hospital stays.ResultsPost‐operative visual analogue scale scores were decreased in group C compared with group B, and that of group B were lower than in group A (P < 0.05). Compared with group B, protein and mRNA expressions of tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 were decreased, and that of IL‐4 were increased in group C (P = 0.002∼0.049). Both analgesic demands and the incidences of nausea/vomiting and hypotension were lower in group C compared with group B (P = 0.01∼0.037). Hospital stays were shorter in group C compared with group B (P = 0.045).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that pre‐emptive epidural analgesia can produce better analgesia effects, with less analgesic demands and side effects, and attenuate the surgery‐induced immune alterations, and improve the post‐operative recovery in patients undergoing thoracotomy.
Hemodialysis‐Specific Factors Associated With Salivary Flow Rates
Authors: Marques Paulo Leonardo Ponte , Libório Alexandre Braga , de Lima Saintrain Maria Vieira 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe saliva is important to maintain the integrity of tissues and teeth, besides having microbial activity. Hemodialysis (HD) patients usually have reduced salivary flow rate (SFR) and are exposed to all its associated complications. The aim of the present study was to identify HD‐related factors associated with reduced SFR. A cross‐sectional study was performed with maintenance HD patients. Stimulated whole saliva was collected before and after HD. Xerostomia was assessed through the validated xerostomia inventory and thirst through the dialysis thirst inventory. Parameters of dental health status were obtained by the decayed, missed, and filled teeth index and community periodontal index. One hundred twenty‐eight patients (66 males) participated in this study. Stimulated SFR before HD was 0.38 ± 0.28 mL/min. In univariate analysis and after adjusting for several factors, serum urea before HD session, serum intact parathormone (iPTH), calcium‐phosphorus product (Ca×Pi), serum ferritin, and number of medications were negatively correlated with SFR in univariate analysis. Moreover, patients taking sevelamer had reduced SFR in comparison with those not receiving it (SFR 0.32 ± 0.19 vs. 0.44 ± 0.23 mL/min, P = 0.003). At multivariate analysis, including dialysis and nondialysis‐related factors, age, elevated pre‐HD serum urea, higher Ca×Pi product, higher iPTH, and sevelamer use remained as factors that were independently associated with a reduced SFR. After dialysis, there was a significant increment in SFR (0.39 ± 0.28 vs. 0.60 ± 0.34 mL/min, P < 0.001). Several HD‐related features were associated with reduced SFR, including serum urea, sevelamer use, and bone and mineral disorders markers.
Reduced activities of phospholipases A2 in platelets of drug‐naïve bipolar disorder patients
Authors: Ikenaga Eliza Hiromi , Talib Leda Leme , Ferreira Aline Siqueira , Machado‐Vieira Rodrigo , Forlenza Orestes Vicente , Gattaz Wagner F 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivePhospholipases A2 (PLA2) comprise a family of hydrolytic enzymes that cleave membrane phospholipids and play a key role in cellular homeostasis. Alterations in enzymatic activity have been hypothesized in bipolar disorder (BD). Recent studies suggest that PLA2 activity in platelets may reflect PLA2 activity in the brain. The aim of this study was to determine PLA2 activity in platelets of BD patients.MethodsWe determined the activity of PLA2 subtypes [extracellular, calcium‐dependent PLA2 (sPLA2), intracellular, calcium‐dependent PLA2 (cPLA2), and intracellular, calcium‐independent PLA2 (iPLA2)] by a radioenzymatic method in platelets from 20 patients with BD (15 drug‐naïve and five drug‐free) and from 16 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls.ResultsWe found that iPLA2, cPLA2, and sPLA2 activities were lower in drug‐naïve patients with BD when compared to the control group (p = 0.017, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsReduced PLA2 activity at the early stage of BD may disrupt brain function and increase the risk for the disease. Moreover, epidemiological studies show that patients with BD have a fivefold increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. Because patients with Alzheimer's disease also have reduced PLA2 activity, the present finding of reduced PLA2 in the BD group may be related to the risk factor for these individuals developing Alzheimer's disease in advanced age.
A novel canine model of immune thrombocytopenia: has immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) gone to the dogs?
Authors: LeVine Dana N. , Birkenheuer Adam J. , Brooks Marjory B. , Nordone Shila K. , Bellinger Dwight A. , Jones Sam L. , Fischer Thomas H. , Oglesbee Stephen E. , Frey Kahlina , Brinson Nicole S. , Peters Allison P. , Marr Henry S. , Motsinger‐Reif Alison , Gudbrandsdottir Sif , Bussel James B. , Key Nigel S. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryCanine immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is analogous to human ITP, with similar platelet counts and heterogeneity in bleeding phenotype among affected individuals. With a goal of ultimately investigating this bleeding heterogeneity, a canine model of antibody‐mediated ITP was developed. Infusion of healthy dogs with 2F9, a murine IgG2a monoclonal antibody to the canine platelet glycoprotein GPIIb (a common target of autoantibodies in ITP) resulted in profound, dose‐dependent thrombocytopenia. Model dogs developed variable bleeding phenotypes, e.g. petechiae and haematuria, despite similar degrees of thrombocytopenia. 2F9 infusion was not associated with systemic inflammation, consumptive coagulopathy, or impairment of platelet function. Unexpectedly however, evaluation of cytokine profiles led to the identification of platelets as a potential source of serum interleukin‐8 (IL8) in dogs. This finding was confirmed in humans with ITP, suggesting that platelet IL8 may be a previously unrecognized modulator of platelet‐neutrophil crosstalk. The utility of this model will allow future study of bleeding phenotypic heterogeneity including the role of neutrophils and endothelial cells in ITP.
Paclitaxel, topotecan and rituximab: long term outcomes of an effective salvage programme for relapsed or refractory aggressive B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Westin Jason R. , McLaughlin Peter , Romaguera Jorge , Hagemeister Fredrick B. , Pro Barbara , Dang Nam H. , Samaniego Felipe , Rodriguez Maria A. , Fayad Luis , Oki Yasuhiro , Fanale Michelle , Fowler Nathan , Nastoupil Loretta , Feng Lei , Loyer Evelyn , Younes Anas 
Published: July 2014

SummaryRelapsed aggressive lymphomas are often treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy (PBC) followed by an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Response rates to PBC in patients with relapsed aggressive lymphomas are c. 60%, and non‐responders have a dismal prognosis. Novel therapies for aggressive lymphomas, including those failing PBC, are needed. We performed a phase II study of paclitaxel, topotecan and rituximab (TTR) in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‐cell, follicular grade IIIB, or transformed lymphomas, including those who previously failed PBC. The median age of the 72 patients enrolled was 54 years. Responding patients were offered ASCT after two courses. The overall response rate was 69% for all patients (n = 49/71) and 45% for those who previously failed PBC (n = 9/20). With a median follow up of 125 months for the censored observations, the overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival at 5 years was 39% and 27%, respectively. Responding patients who received ASCT had an OS of 63% at 5 years. Our results demonstrate that TTR is an effective salvage regimen for patients with relapsed aggressive B‐cell lymphomas, including those who previously failed PBC. Given the declining therapeutic outcomes of salvage PBC in the rituximab era, further evaluation of TTR is warranted.
Prenatal molecular diagnosis of X‐linked hydrocephalus via a silent C924T mutation in the L1CAM gene
Authors: Serikawa Takehiro , Nishiyama Kenichi , Tohyama Jun , Tazawa Ryushi , Goto Kiyoe , Kuriyama Yoko , Haino Kazufumi , Kanemura Yonehiro , Yamasaki Mami , Nakata Koh , Takakuwa Koichi , Enomoto Takayuki 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe present a case of a patient whose L1CAM gene in X‐chromosome has a C924T transition. Her first son's ventriculomegaly was prenatally detected. A mature infant was born, his head circumference was large, and thumbs were bilaterally adducted. X‐linked hydrocephalus (XLH) was suspected. The DNA examination revealed that both her and boy's LICAM gene had a C924T transition. She became pregnant 5 years later and amniocentesis was performed. The results of cytogenetic analysis revealed that the fetus was female. She continued her pregnancy and delivered a healthy girl. She again became pregnant 3 years later. The chromosomal analysis revealed that the fetus was male. Fetal DNA analysis determined that the fetus had the inherited mutation. She chose to terminate the pregnancy. A C924T mutation can be disease causing for XLH, and the detection of this mutation would aid in genetic counseling for the prenatal diagnosis of XLH.
Dietary intake of high‐dose biotin inhibits spermatogenesis in young rats
Authors: Sawamura Hiromi , Ikeda Chieko , Shimada Ryoko , Yoshii Yui , Watanabe Toshiaki 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTo characterize a new function of the water‐soluble vitamin, biotin, in reproduction and early growth in mammals, the effects of high dietary doses of biotin on early spermatogenesis were biochemically and histologically investigated in male rats. Weaned rats were fed a CE‐2 (control) diet containing 0.00004% biotin, or a control diet supplemented with 0.01%, 0.1%, or 1.0% biotin. Pair‐fed rats were fed a control diet that was equal in calories to the amount ingested by the 1.0% biotin group, because food intake was decreased in the 1.0% biotin group. Food intake and body weight gain were lower in the 1.0% biotin group than in the control group. The kidney, brain and testis weights were significantly lower in the 1.0% biotin group than in the pair‐fed group after 6 weeks of feeding. The accumulation of biotin in the liver and testis increased in a dose‐dependent manner. In the 1.0% biotin group, the number of mature sperm was markedly lower, that of sperm with morphologically abnormal heads, mainly consisting of round heads, had increased. In addition, the development of seminiferous tubules was inhibited, and few spermatogonia and no spermatocytes were histologically observed. These results demonstrated that the long‐term intake of high‐dose biotin inhibited spermatogenesis in young male rats.
Signaling regulating inner ear development: Cell fate determination, patterning, morphogenesis, and defects
Authors: Nakajima Yuji 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe membranous labyrinth of the inner ear is a highly complex organ that detects sound and balance. Developmental defects in the inner ear cause congenital hearing loss and balance disorders. The membranous labyrinth consists of three semicircular ducts, the utricle, saccule, and endolymphatic ducts, and the cochlear duct. These complex structures develop from the simple otic placode, which is established in the cranial ectoderm adjacent to the neural crest at the level of the hindbrain at the early neurula stage. During development, the otic placode invaginates to form the otic vesicle, which subsequently gives rise to neurons for the vestibulocochlear ganglion, the non‐sensory and sensory epithelia of the membranous labyrinth that includes three ampullary crests, two maculae, and the organ of Corti. Combined paracrine and autocrine signals including fibroblast growth factor, Wnt, retinoic acid, hedgehog, and bone morphogenetic protein regulate fate determination, axis formation, and morphogenesis in the developing inner ear. Juxtacrine signals mediated by Notch pathways play a role in establishing the sensory epithelium, which consists of mechanosensory hair cells and supporting cells. The highly differentiated organ of Corti, which consists of uniformly oriented inner/outer hair cells and specific supporting cells, develops during fetal development. Developmental alterations/arrest causes congenital malformations in the inner ear in a spatiotemporal‐restricted manner. A clearer understanding of the mechanisms underlying inner ear development is important not only for the management of patients with congenital inner ear malformations, but also for the development of regenerative therapy for impaired function.
In vitro assessment of artifacts induced by titanium, titanium–zirconium and zirconium dioxide implants in cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Sancho‐Puchades Manuel , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Benic Goran I. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to test whether or not the intensity of artifacts around implants in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) differs between titanium, titanium–zirconium and zirconium dioxide implants.Materials and methodsTwenty models of a human mandible, each containing one implant in the single‐tooth gap position 45, were cast in dental stone. Five test models were produced for each of the following implant types: titanium 4.1 mm diameter (Ti4.1), titanium 3.3 mm diameter (Ti3.3), titanium–zirconium 3.3 mm diameter (TiZr3.3) and zirconium dioxide 3.5–4.5 mm diameter (ZrO3.5–4.5) implants. For control purposes, three models without implants were produced. Each model was scanned using a CBCT device. Gray values (GV) were recorded at eight circumferential positions around the implants at 0.5 mm, 1 mm and 2 mm from the implant surface (GVTest). GV were assessed in the corresponding volumes of interest (VOI) in the control models without implants (GVControl). Differences of gray values (ΔGV) between GVTest and GVControl were calculated as percentages. One‐way ANOVA and post hoc tests were applied to detect differences between implant types.ResultsMean ΔGV for ZrO3.5–4.5 presented the highest absolute values, generally followed by TiZr3.3, Ti4.1 and Ti3.3 implants. The differences of ΔGV between ZrO3.5–4.5 and the remaining groups were statistically significant in the majority of the VOI (P ≤ 0.0167). ΔGV for TiZr3.3, Ti4.1 and Ti3.3 implants did not differ significantly in the most VOI. For all implant types, ΔGV showed positive values buccally, mesio‐buccally, lingually and disto‐lingually, whereas negative values were detected mesially and distally.ConclusionsZirconium dioxide implants generate significantly more artifacts as compared to titanium and titanium–zirconium implants. The intensity of artifacts around zirconium dioxide implants exhibited in average the threefold in comparison with titanium implants.
Comparable cytological features between cells processed as either wet mount or conventional cytospins
Authors: Mojica W. D. , Chen F. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveMicrofluidics represents a novel approach for the processing of pathological biopsy specimens. It represents an enabling platform between traditional morphology‐driven pathology diagnostics and future sequencing technologies. Microfluidics requires the dissociation of cells from tissue, but the evaluation of these cells still lies within the domain of pathology, specifically cytopathology. The dissociated cells, however, require supravital staining and examination under wet mount conditions as part of their processing in a microfluidic platform. These conditions are vastly different from current approaches for cytopathological specimen preparation. No studies to date have compared the cytological characteristics of cells between these two different conditions.MethodsSlivers of different types of unfixed tissue were procured and the cells were dissociated. The cells were recovered and separated for processing either by staining with a supravital dye and examination under wet mount conditions or by conventional preparatory methods and staining by the Papanicolaou method.ResultsObvious differences existed in the tinctorial hue between similar cells stained by the two different methods; however, there were no significant differences in the features between the matched cells. Some cells in the wet mount preparations existed in three‐dimensional balls, reducing the quality of the images relative to cells flattened to the slide by the cytospin method.ConclusionsCells stained with a supravital stain and examined in a wet mount environment appear to be cytologically similar to cells prepared by conventional methods. Long‐established criteria for the evaluation of cells prepared by established protocols can therefore be extended and applied to cells viewed within a microfluidic platform.
Dipyridamole‐induced headache and lower recurrence risk in secondary prevention of ischaemic stroke: a post hoc analysis
Authors: Davidai G. , Cotton D. , Gorelick P. , Bath P. M. W. , Lipton R. B. , Sacco R. , Diener H.‐C. 
Published: July 2014

Background and purposeOur objective was to investigate the association between recurrent stroke risk and headache induced by extended‐release dipyridamole (ER‐DP) when administered alone or with low‐dose aspirin (ASA+ER‐DP).MethodsThis was a post hoc analysis of prospectively collected data on recurrent stroke risk and headache as an adverse event or reason for treatment discontinuation from the PRoFESS (N = 20 332) and ESPS2 (N = 6602) trials. Hazard ratios (HRs) for recurrent stroke were calculated using the Cox model.ResultsIn PRoFESS, the 2.5‐year recurrent stroke risk in patients receiving ASA+ER‐DP was 8.2% in those with headache within 7 days of starting treatment and 9.4% in those without [HR 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73–0.98; P = 0.03]. Recurrent stroke risk was 5.0% in patients who discontinued ASA+ER‐DP due to headache by day 90 versus 9.2% in those who did not (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.35–0.77; P = 0.001). No such difference was observed in clopidogrel‐treated patients. In ESPS2, risk of recurrent stroke was 6.2% in patients who discontinued ASA+ER‐DP due to headache by day 90 versus 9.8% in patients who did not (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.31–1.27; P = 0.19) and 7.3% in patients who discontinued ER‐DP due to headache by day 90 versus 13.2% in those who did not (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.27–1.04; P = 0.06).ConclusionsPatients taking ASA+ER‐DP in PRoFESS who developed headache had significantly reduced stroke recurrence risk versus those without headache. Similar (non‐significant) findings for ASA+ER‐DP and ER‐DP in ESPS2 suggest that dipyridamole‐induced headache may reflect better cerebrovascular function.