bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic cigarette smoking in alcohol dependence: associations with cortical thickness and N‐acetylaspartate levels in the extended brain reward system
Authors: Durazzo Timothy C. , Mon Anderson , Gazdzinski Stefan , Meyerhoff Dieter J. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTChronic smoking in alcohol dependence is associated with abnormalities in brain morphology and metabolite levels in large lobar regions (e.g. frontal lobe). Here, we evaluated if these abnormalities are specifically apparent in several cortical and select subcortical components of the extended brain reward system (BRS), a network that is critically involved in the development and maintenance of all forms of addictive disorders. We studied 33 non‐smoking and 43 smoking alcohol‐dependent individuals (ALC) with 1 week of abstinence and 42 non‐smoking Controls. At 1.5 Tesla, we obtained regional measures of cortical thickness and N‐acetylaspartate (NAA; a surrogate marker of neuronal integrity) concentration in major components of the BRS as well as the corresponding measures throughout the cortex. Smoking ALC and non‐smoking ALC demonstrated decreased thickness compared with Controls in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), insula, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), the total BRS, total frontal cortex and global cortex. Smoking ALC had significantly decreased thickness compared to non‐smoking ALC in the ACC, insula, the total BRS and total frontal cortex. Smoking ALC had also lower NAA concentrations than both non‐smoking ALC and Controls in the DLPFC, insula, superior corona radiata and the total BRS. Alcohol consumption and common medical and psychiatric co‐morbidities did not mediate differences between smoking and non‐smoking ALC. This dual modality magnetic resonance (MR) study indicated that chronic smoking in ALC was associated with significant cortical thinning and NAA abnormalities in anterior brain regions that are implicated in the development and maintenance of addictive disorders.
Developing written information on osteoarthritis for patients: facilitating user involvement by exposure to qualitative research
Authors: Grime Janet , Dudley Brian 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIntroduction  In developing a guidebook on osteoarthritis (OA), we collaborated with people who have chronic joint pain (users). But to advise, users need to be aware of and sensitive about their own state of knowledge and educationalists argue that adults sometimes lack such awareness. This paper will report on our experience of providing users with findings from qualitative research to increase awareness of their level of knowledge.Method  A summary of the results from qualitative research into people’s experiences of living with chronic pain was sent to individual members of two groups of users. It was then used to structure group meetings held to help identify information needed for the guidebook.Findings  Some users found the summary difficult to read and suggested how to simplify it. Nevertheless, it helped most users to become aware of the experiences and views of others who have OA and thus become more sensitive to their own level of knowledge. It also helped them recall experiences that stimulated practical suggestions for managing joint pain in everyday life and provided a way of gently challenging the views of users when they appeared to assume that their views were widely held. The discussions brought to light gaps in the research literature.Conclusion  We believe this way of involving users by exposing them to qualitative research findings about lay experiences of living with OA effectively facilitated the users’ contributions to the needs of those who have to live with OA, and we believe it has wider applications.
Thoraco‐Omphalopagus Conjoined Twins in Chamois‐Coloured Domestic Goat Kids
Authors: Binanti D. , Riccaboni P. 
Published: November 2011

With 2 figuresSummaryConjoined twins have been observed in a wide range of mammalian and non‐mammalian species; they are considered to be more common in bovine, less frequent in sheep and pig and extremely rare in horse and goat. A pair of female conjoined twins was delivered from a 2‐year‐old Chamois‐coloured domestic goat. Post‐mortem examination revealed two identical and symmetrical twins, fused from the manubrium sterni to the region just caudal to the umbilicus. The rib cages were conjoined in the ventral plane with a single set of pericardial, pleural and peritoneal cavities. Internal examination revealed the presence of a common diaphragm and a single enlarged liver. Within a single central pericardium, two malformed hearts were present. Reports on this type of congenital duplication in goats have not been found in the literature. Thoracopagus and thoraco‐omphalopagus are the most common types of conjoined twins in human beings and are associated with the highest mortality because of the frequent incidence of complex cardiac anatomy.
Indirect evidence for microbiota reduction through dietary mannanoligosaccharides in the pigeon, an avian species without functional caeca
Authors: Abd El‐Khalek E. , Kalmar I. D. , De Vroey M. , Ducatelle R. , Pasmans F. , Werquin G. , Janssens G. P. J. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryA feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) on nutrient digestibility, intestinal pH, gut morphology and faecal bacteriology of pigeons, as model for birds without functional caeca. Sixteen adult pigeons (Columba livia domestica) were randomly allotted to either an extruded pellet diet with or without 0.4% MOS. After an adaptation period of 24 days, excreta were collected during 4 days. Apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients were determined using total collection method. Further, excreta pH was measured and percentage of uric acid determined. Fresh excreta were cultured for measurement of colony‐forming units for Escherichia coli. At the end, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was excised and pH measurements performed on the separate GIT sections. Finally, pancreas, liver, gizzard and abdominal fat pad were weighed, and standardised segments of duodenum and jejunum were removed for microscopic measurement of crypt depth, villus height and muscularis thickness. Feed intake and water intake were similar between control diet and MOS diet. Intestinal pH was unaffected by MOS supplementation; however, excreta pH was significantly lower in pigeons on the MOS diet. Although nutrient digestibility was similar between treatments, uric acid content of excreta was significantly higher in the MOS group in relation to the control group. Further, duodenal crypt depth, villus height and muscularis thickness, as well as jejunal muscularis thickness were all significantly reduced by MOS supplementation. No effect of MOS supplementation was seen on the counts of E. coli. Furthermore, despite marked differences on both GIT morphology and uric acid content of excreta, apparent digestibility coefficients, and organ weights, were similar between treatments. It is suggested that the MOS‐induced changes on gut morphology and the reduced excreta pH reflect a reduced bacterial challenge in the intestine of pigeons. Supplementation of MOS, therefore, has potential as prebiotic strategy in birds without functional caeca.
The effect of methyl eugenol exposure on subsequent mating performance of sterile males of Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Ji Q. E. , Chen J. H. , McInnis D. O. , Guo Q. L. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractMethyl eugenol (ME) is ingested and used by several fruit fly species of the genus Bactrocera as a precursor of the sexual pheromone produced by adult males. This can result in an increase in male sexual activity and performance, which is important to the development of an effective sterile insect technique programme in China. The effect of ME on mating competitiveness, multiple mating, and the incidence of female remating were studied in sterile males from a genetic sexing strain of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) irradiated with 100 Gy of 137Cs. The results obtained in field cages showed that feeding on ME did not increase the frequency of multiple mating by sterile males, but significantly increased the mating competitiveness of sterile males against that of semi‐wild males. At the same time, sterile males fed ME did not significantly affect the remating of semi‐wild females 5 days after the initial mating with a semi‐wild male, but the ME‐fed males increased the remating frequency of females 10 and 15 days after the initial mating.
Prenatal high‐dose immunoglobulin treatment for neonatal hemochromatosis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tanaka Hirokazu , Haba Reiji , Itoh Susumu , Sakamoto Haruhiko , Hata Toshiyuki 
Published: November 2011

AbstractNeonatal hemochromatosis is a difficult disorder to cure, and it has a high rate of recurrence. High‐dose immunoglobulin treatment is very effective as prenatal treatment for recurrent neonatal hemochromatosis. A 34‐year‐old pregnant Japanese woman underwent high‐dose immunoglobulin treatment for recurrent neonatal hemochromatosis. High‐dose non‐specific intravenous immunoglobulin (1 g/kg bodyweight) was administered to the mother intravenously every week from 18 until 36 gestational weeks. A male infant was delivered at 37 weeks of gestation, and his condition was favorable, including hepatic function. The use of γ‐globulin for neonatal hemochromatosis appears adequately validated by experience.
Acne: prevalence and relationship with dietary habits in Eskisehir, Turkey
Authors: Koku Aksu A.E. , Metintas S. , Saracoglu Z.N. , Gurel G. , Sabuncu I. , Arikan I. , Kalyoncu C. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Acne vulgaris is a common disease affecting adolescents. There is not comprehensive data on acne prevalence in the Central Anatolia Region in particular. Etiology of acne is not clarified yet. Acne might be related to environmental factors. There is increasing evidence supporting acne and diet relationship.Objectives  The aim of the study was to determine the acne prevalence in adolescents in the city of Eskisehir, located in the Central Anatolia, Turkey in addition to evaluate factors affecting acne and its relationship with dietary habits.Methods  A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 2300 participants aged 13–18 years. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire form consisting information about acne and a questionnaire form consisting information about dietary habits (The Adolescent Food Habits Checklist). In addition an objective evaluation of acne was determined.Results  The mean age of students with acne was 15.10 ± 1.53. The current acne prevalence was 60.7%. Although 21% of the participants had severe acne (grade 3–4) and 25% developed sequelaes, only 11.5% of all participants consulted a doctor. The participants without acne had healthier dietary habits than participants with acne (P < 0.05). Frequent fat intake (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.06–1.82), frequent sugar intake (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.05–1.60), frequent eating sausages, burgers (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03–1.48), frequent eating pastries, cakes (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.01–1.43) were associated with increased risk for acne.Conclusions  Acne prevalence is high among adolescents in Eskisehir but the rate of consulting doctor is low. Increasing public awareness is critical for convincing adolescents to seek medical help earlier. Acne was related with dietary habits. Fat, sugar and fast food consumption is found to be positively correlated with acne prevalence.
Atherosclerotic plaques in the internal carotid artery and associations with lung function assessed by different methods
Authors: Frantz Sophia , Nihlén Ulf , Dencker Magnus , Engström Gunnar , Löfdahl Claes‐Göran , Wollmer Per 
Published: November 2011

SummaryBackground:  Previous studies on associations between reduced lung function and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have mainly been based on forced expiratory volume in 1‐s (FEV1) and vital capacity (VC). This study examined potential associations between five different lung function variables and plaques in the internal carotid artery (ICA).Methods:  Subjects (n = 450) from a previous population‐based respiratory questionnaire survey [current smokers without lower respiratory symptoms, subjects with a self‐reported diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and never‐smokers without lower respiratory symptoms] were examined using spirometry, body plethysmography and measurements of diffusing capacity for CO (DL,CO). Plaques in the ICA were assessed by ultrasonography.Results:  Two hundred and twenty subjects were current smokers, 139 ex‐smokers and 89 never‐smokers. COPD was diagnosed in 130 subjects (GOLD criteria). Plaques in the ICA were present in 231 subjects (52%). General linear analysis with adjustment for established risk factors for atherosclerosis, including C‐reactive protein, showed that DL,CO was lower [77·4% versus 83·7% of predicted normal (PN), P = 0·014] and residual volume (RV) was higher (110·3% versus 104·8% of PN, P = 0·020) in subjects with than without plaques in the ICA. This analysis did not show any statistically significant association between plaques and FEV1 or VC.Conclusion:  The occurrence of plaques in the ICA was associated with low DL,CO and high RV, but not significantly with FEV1 or COPD status. The results suggest that the relationships between reduced lung function, COPD and CVD are complex and not only linked to bronchial obstruction and low‐grade systemic inflammation.
G‐protein βγ subunits in vasorelaxing and anti‐endothelinergic effects of calcitonin gene‐related peptide
Authors: Meens MJPMT , Mattheij NJA , van Loenen PB , Spijkers LJA , Lemkens P , Nelissen J , Compeer MG , Alewijnse AE , De Mey JGR 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) has been proposed to relax vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) via cAMP and can promote dissociation of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) from ETA receptors. The latter is not mimicked by other stimuli of adenylate cyclases. Therefore, we evaluated the involvement of G‐protein βγ subunits (Gβγ) in the arterial effects of CGRP receptor stimulation.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH To test the hypothesis that instead of α subunits of G‐proteins (Gαs), Gβγ mediates the effects of CGRP receptor activation, we used (i) rat isolated mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA), (ii) pharmacological modulators of cyclic nucleotides; and (iii) low molecular weight inhibitors of the functions of Gβγ, gallein and M119. To validate these tools with respect to CGRP receptor function, we performed organ bath studies with rat isolated MRA, radioligand binding on membranes from CHO cells expressing human CGRP receptors and cAMP production assays in rat cultured VSMC.KEY RESULTS In isolated arteries contracted with K+ or ET‐1, IBMX (PDE inhibitor) increased sodium nitroprusside (SNP)‐ and isoprenaline (ISO)‐ but not CGRP‐induced relaxations. While fluorescein (negative control) was without effects, gallein increased binding of [125I]‐CGRP in the absence and presence of GTPγS. Gallein also increased CGRP‐induced cAMP production in VSMC. Despite these stimulating effects, gallein and M119 selectively inhibited the relaxing and anti‐endothelinergic effects of CGRP in isolated arteries while not altering contractile responses to K+ or ET‐1 or relaxing responses to ISO or SNP.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Activated CGRP receptors induce cyclic nucleotide‐independent relaxation of VSMC and terminate arterial effects of ET‐1 via Gβγ.
Biliary atresia and survival into adulthood without transplantation: a collaborative multicentre clinic review
Authors: Kumagi Teru , Drenth Joost P. H. , Guttman Orlee , Ng Vicky , Lilly Les , Therapondos George , Hiasa Yoichi , Michitaka Kojiro , Onji Morikazu , Watanabe Yuji , Sen Sambit , Griffiths William , Roberts Eve , Heathcote Jenny , Hirschfield Gideon M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundBiliary atresia is a progressive biliary injury which occurs only in infants.AimsTo review the experience of patients surviving into adulthood without the need for liver transplantation in childhood.MethodsA multicentre review of patients with biliary atresia treated surgically who survived into adulthood without the need for transplantation.ResultsTwenty‐two patients were identified across four centres. Median age at the last follow‐up was 25 years (range: 18–46), and 21 patients had clinical features of portal hypertension. At last follow‐up values of liver enzymes varied from normal to 15 × the upper limit of normal (ULN) for ALT (median 2.11 × ULN) and 9 × the ULN for ALP (median 2.02 × ULN). Six patients had a serum bilirubin > 50 μmol/l. Pruritus and jaundice were noted in 8 of 20 patients (40%) and 11 of 22 patients (50%) respectively. Thirteen patients (59.1%) were shown to have imaging features of sclerosing cholangitis, with strictures of intrahepatic bile duct(s) (IHBD), dilatation of IHBD (n = 8), or stone(s) within the IHBD (n = 5). A history of presumed bacterial cholangitis was present in 11 patients (50%). Successful pregnancies were recorded in three of fourteen female patients. Four patients underwent transplant between the ages of 20–27 years. Twenty‐one patients (95.5%) were alive, including 18 (81.8%) with their native liver at the time of last follow‐up.ConclusionsSome patients treated for biliary atresia will survive into adulthood with their native liver, but commonly with secondary biliary disease including cholangitis and portal hypertension.
Cellular‐based therapies to prevent or reduce thrombocytopenia
Authors: Pineault Nicolas , Boyer Lucie 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia is a serious side effect following high‐dose chemotherapy or whole‐body irradiation. For many patients, a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant is required as part of the treatment or to restore the integrity of the hematopoietic system. In this article, we first review the origin of thrombocytopenia in the context of umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation and current cellular therapies developed to overcome this condition. Results obtained in recent clinical trials and in the laboratory using a mouse‐based xenograft model were also discussed. Second, we investigate the kinetic of human platelet production in two immunodeficient mouse strains transplanted with UCB cells to determine which of the two is better suited to measure the thrombopoietic potential of human hematopoietic cells.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: NOD/SCID/IL2Rγnull or NOD.CB17‐Prkdcscid/NcrCrl (NOD/SCID) mice were transplanted with ex vivo expanded UCB cells. Human platelet levels and marrow engraftments were measured by cytometry analyses.RESULTS: Human platelets appeared earlier and at greater levels in the NOD/SCID/IL2Rγnull mouse strain. Consistent with these results and previous reports, human marrow engraftment was also greater in the IL2Rγnull‐based NOD/SCID mice.CONCLUSION: The NOD/SCID/IL2Rγnull mouse strain is an ideal choice for preclinical studies aimed at measuring the in vivo thrombopoietic potential of human HPCs. Exploitation of such a model should facilitate the development of new cellular therapies aimed at improving hematological recoveries following HSC transplantation.
Hemodynamic responses to a hemoglobin bis‐tetramer and its polyethylene glycol conjugate
Authors: Lui Francine E. , Yu Binglan , Baron David M. , Lei Chong , Zapol Warren M. , Kluger Ronald 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: The design of hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) poses a significant challenge as clinical trials of many materials have reported adverse side effects that may come from the scavenging of the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO). A compensating reaction, reduction of endogenous nitrite by hemoglobin (Hb) and its derivatives, generates NO. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugation of Hb enhances the rate of the reaction.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Hemoglobin bis‐tetramers (BT) and their PEGylated derivative (BT‐PEG) bind oxygen with a degree of cooperativity and also have significantly enhanced nitrite reductase activity compared to the native protein. Circulatory evaluation will test if the properties of BT and BT‐PEG are reflected in their effects in vivo. BT and BT‐PEG were evaluated as infusions into healthy wild‐type (WT) and diabetic (db/db) mouse models. The effects were compared to infusions of murine Hb.RESULTS: The materials were found not to cause significant increases in systemic blood pressure in either WT mice or db/db mice. The latter are highly sensitive to NO scavenging. Further hemodynamic measurements in WT mice indicate that while a slight increase in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was observed after infusion of BT, the extent is not significant. No change in SVR from baseline was observed after infusion of BT‐PEG.CONCLUSION: The enlarged Hb derivatives do not evoke unfavorable circulatory responses that have been noted to result from infusion of Hb derivatives. These results suggest that a compromise between the P50, n50, and nitrite reductase activity of a Hb derivative can serve as the basis for producing HBOCs that can be tested for vasoactivity.
The Experience of Being a Traditional Midwife: Living and Working in Relationship With Women
Authors: Dietsch Elaine , Mulimbalimba‐Masururu Luc 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: The purpose of this project was to learn from traditional midwives about their experience of practicing in an area of rural Kenya. Methods: This qualitative, service‐based research project used a simple exploratory and descriptive design. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews and fieldwork notes taken during and immediately after the interviews with 84 traditional midwives. Data were thematically analyzed and themes identified through paired‐author consensus. Exemplars using the participants’ translated words were used for analysis and presentation purposes. Results: In being humble, patient, and kind, the traditional midwives used their relationships with women to create an enabling, calm, and physiologically sound intrapartum environment. Discussion: Traditional midwives provide a valuable service to women in this area of Kenya at a time when their role is being increasingly devalued by global health agencies. We recommend a redirection of global policy from one that esteems only professional caregivers to one that recognizes the potential value of traditional midwives and supports them through sustainable, evidence‐based education and resourcing.
An Educational Intervention to Change Planned Behavior Concerning Midwife‐Assisted Out‐of‐Hospital Childbirth
Authors: Hans Jason D. , Kimberly Claire 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: The Business of Being Born is a documentary film that reviews the history, economics, and culture of birth in the United States, with an emphasis on viewing low‐risk birth as a natural and reasonably safe experience that does not require medical intervention. Methods: A nonequivalent control group design with 468 American university students was used to examine the potential of The Business of Being Born for changing attitudes toward, and planned behavior concerning, midwife‐assisted out‐of‐hospital childbirth. Results: Viewing the film had a large positive effect on planned behavior concerning midwife‐assisted out‐of‐hospital childbirth. Rationales for planned behaviors indicated that trust and safety concerns accounted for the appeal of physician‐assisted hospital childbirth over midwife‐assisted out‐of‐hospital childbirth, but that viewing the film substantially tempered these concerns vis‐à‐vis midwife‐assisted out‐of‐hospital childbirth among a large portion of participants. Discussion: The results indicate that The Business of Being Born can increase awareness of and support for the midwifery profession, and that these changes may result in increased demand for midwifery services. However, proactive efforts must be taken to ensure that the film reaches its target audience.