bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upping the antedrug: is a novel anti‐inflammatory Toll‐like receptor 7 agonist also a bronchodilator?
Authors: Kaufman EH , Jacoby DB 
Published: October 2011

In this issue of British Journal of Pharmacology, Biffen and colleagues present a novel Toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR7) antedrug to treat allergic disease that is rapidly metabolized in the lung to limit side effects due to systemic exposure. Asthma is characterized as an allergic disease of the lung, and TLR7 agonists are proposed to ameliorate allergic inflammation in the lung, a characteristic of prophylactic medications. We have previously shown that TLR7 agonists of multiple structural classes are acute bronchodilators, characteristic of rescue medication for asthma attacks. It will be interesting to determine whether the bronchodilating effect extends to the novel class of TLR7 agonists described here for a prophylactic and rescue therapy in one drug. Combined with the antedrug approach, this would further limit side effects improving on current combination therapies.LINKED ARTICLE This article is a commentary on Biffen et al., pp. 573–586 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01790.x
The gastrointestinal peptide obestatin induces vascular relaxation via specific activation of endothelium‐dependent NO signalling
Authors: Agnew Andrew J , Robinson Emma , McVicar Carmel M , Harvey Adam P , Ali Imran HA , Lindsay Jennifer E , McDonald Denise M , Green Brian D , Grieve David J 
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Obestatin is a recently discovered gastrointestinal peptide with established metabolic actions, which is linked to diabetes and may exert cardiovascular benefits. Here we aimed to investigate the specific effects of obestatin on vascular relaxation.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Cumulative relaxation responses to obestatin peptides were assessed in rat isolated aorta and mesenteric artery (n≥ 8) in the presence and absence of selective inhibitors. Complementary studies were performed in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC).KEY RESULTS Obestatin peptides elicited concentration‐dependent relaxation in both aorta and mesenteric artery. Responses to full‐length obestatin(1–23) were greater than those to obestatin(1–10) and obestatin(11–23). Obestatin(1–23)‐induced relaxation was attenuated by endothelial denudation, l‐NAME (NOS inhibitor), high extracellular K+, GDP‐β‐S (G‐protein inhibitor), MDL‐12,330A (adenylate cyclase inhibitor), wortmannin (PI3K inhibitor), KN‐93 (CaMKII inhibitor), ODQ (guanylate cyclase inhibitor) and iberiotoxin (BKCa blocker), suggesting that it is mediated by an endothelium‐dependent NO signalling cascade involving an adenylate cyclase‐linked GPCR, PI3K/PKB, Ca2+‐dependent eNOS activation, soluble guanylate cyclase and modulation of vascular smooth muscle K+. Supporting data from BAEC indicated that nitrite production, intracellular Ca2+ and PKB phosphorylation were increased after exposure to obestatin(1–23). Relaxations to obestatin(1–23) were unaltered by inhibitors of candidate endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs) and combined SKCa/IKCa blockade, suggesting that EDHF‐mediated pathways were not involved.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Obestatin produces significant vascular relaxation via specific activation of endothelium‐dependent NO signalling. These actions may be important in normal regulation of vascular function and are clearly relevant to diabetes, a condition characterized by endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular complications.
The Modified Ablation Guided by Ibutilide Use in Chronic Atrial Fibrillation (MAGIC‐AF) Study: Clinical Background and Study Design
Authors: SINGH SHELDON M. , D'AVILA ANDRE , KIM YOUNG‐HOON , ARYANA ARASH , MANGRUM J. MICHAEL , MICHAUD GREGORY F. , DUKKIPATI SRINIVAS R. , CALLANS DAVID J. , BARRETT CONOR D. , BERAS‐JOVINE MAXIMO R. , REDDY VIVEK Y. 
Published: October 2011

The MAGIC‐AF Study.
Background:
Beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), adjuvant ablation at the sites of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) has been shown to improve the long‐term success of catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, this approach often requires extensive ablation due to the widespread distribution of CFAE within the left atrium. An optimal strategy would identify areas of CFAE which, when selectively targeted with ablation, result in AF termination with an acceptable long‐term freedom from AF. It is possible that the intraprocedural administration of an antiarrhythmic drug may help accomplish this.
Objective:
The Modified Ablation Guided by Ibutilide Use in Chronic AF (MAGIC‐AF) Study is an international multicenter prospective randomized double‐blinded clinical trial assessing the utility of the intraprocedural administration of 0.25 mg of intravenous ibutilide before performing CFAE ablation. The primary efficacy endpoint of this study will be the freedom from AF at 1 year after a single procedure off antiarrhythmic agents. Safety endpoints will include procedural and radiofrequency ablation time as well as overall procedural complication rate.
Methods:
Patients undergoing a first ever catheter ablation procedure for persistent AF will be included. Individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, complex congenital heart disease including atrial septal defects, and ejection fraction <35% will be excluded from the study. All patients will first undergo PVI. Those patients who remain in AF will then be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive either 0.25 mg intravenous ibutilide or saline placebo followed by a CFAE based ablation strategy. Two hundred randomized patients will be enrolled in this study—100 in each study arm.
Conclusion:
The MAGIC‐AF study will assess the utility of a combined pharmaco‐ablative strategy in patients with persistent AF undergoing a CFAE based ablation strategy.
Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Wolff–Parkinson–White Syndrome:
Authors: DEREJKO PAWEŁ , SZUMOWSKI ŁUKASZ JAN , SANDERS PRASHANTHAN , KRUPA WOJCIECH , BODALSKI ROBERT , ORCZYKOWSKI MICHAŁ , URBANEK PIOTR , ZAKRZEWSKA JOANNA , LIM HAN S. , LAU DENNIS H. , KUŚNIERZ JACEK , WALCZAK FRANCISZEK 
Published: October 2011

AF in WPW Syndrome. Aim: We aimed to characterize electrophysiological properties of pulmonary veins (PVs) in patients with Wolff–Parkinson–White (WPW) syndrome and atrial fibrillation (AF), and to compare them to those in patients with WPW without AF.Methods and Results:
A total of 31 patients (mean age 40 ± 15 years, 23 males) with WPW were recruited: 16 patients with (AF group) and 15 without (controls) a history of AF. The basic electrophysiological (EPS) and echocardiographic data were not different between the 2 groups. Effective refractory periods (ERPs) of PVs were significantly shorter in the AF group compared to controls: left superior (LS) PV ERP 185±29 versus 230 ± 24 ms, P = 0.001; left inferior PV ERP 198 ± 25 versus 219 ± 26 ms, P = 0.04; right superior (RS) PV ERP 207 ± 25 versus 236 ± 19 ms, P = 0.001; right inferior PV ERP 208 ± 30 versus 240 ± 19 ms, P = 0.003. Maximal veno‐atrial conduction delay (i.e., the maximal prolongation of interval from stimulus delivered at PV ostia to proximal coronary sinus after extrastimulus compared to the basic drive cycle) was longer in the AF group when pacing from LSPV (69.3 ± 37.9 vs 32.6 ± 16.1 ms, P = 0.01) and RSPV (74.1 ± 25.9 vs 50.2 ± 26.5 ms, P = 0.04). During EPS, AF was induced more often in the AF group (n = 7) compared to controls (n = 1; P = 0.04). Follow‐up revealed that AF recurred in 3 patients in the AF group and none of the controls.Conclusion:
Patients with WPW syndrome and AF have shorter ERPs of PVs and greater maximal veno‐atrial conduction delay compared to patients with WPW without AF. These findings suggest a potential role of PVs in the development of AF in patients with WPW.
(J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23 p. 280‐286, March 2012.)
Heart Failure Decreases Nerve Activity in the Right Atrial Ganglionated Plexus
Authors: SHINOHARA TETSUJI , SHEN MARK J. , HAN SEONGWOOK , MARUYAMA MITSUNORI , PARK HYUNG‐WOOK , FISHBEIN MICHAEL C. , SHEN CHANGYU , CHEN PENG‐SHENG , LIN SHIEN‐FONG 
Published: October 2011

Reduced Vagal Control in Heart Failure.Objective: We tested the hypothesis that heart failure (HF) results in right atrial ganglionated plexus (RAGP) denervation that contributes to sinoatrial node dysfunction.Background: HF is associated with sinoatrial node dysfunction. However, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear.Methods: We recorded nerve activity (NA) from the RAGP, right stellate ganglion (SG), and right vagal nerve in 7 ambulatory dogs at baseline and after pacing‐induced HF. We also determined the effects of RAGP stimulation in isolated normal and HF canine RA.Results: NAs in both the SG and vagal were significantly higher in HF than at baseline. The relationship between 1‐minute integrated NAs of vagal and RAGP showed either a positive linear correlation (Group 1, n = 4) or an L‐shaped correlation (Group 2, n = 3). In all dogs, a reduced heart rate was observed when vagal‐NA was associated with simultaneously increased RAGP‐NA. On the other hand, when vagal‐NA was not associated with increased RAGP‐NA, the heart rate was not reduced. The induction of HF significantly decreased RAGP‐NA in all dogs (P < 0.05). Stimulating the superior RAGP in isolated RA significantly reduced the sinus rate in normal but not the HF hearts. Immunohistochemical staining revealed lower densities of tyrosine hydroxylase‐ and choline acetyltransferase‐positive nerve tissues in HF RAGP than normal (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively).Conclusions: The RAGP‐NA is essential for the vagal nerve to counterbalance the SG in sinus rate control. In HF, RAGP denervation and decreased RAGP‐NA contribute to the sinus node dysfunction.
The relationship between glutathione peroxidase and bioimpedance parameters in nondiabetic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Çelik Gülperi , Yöntem Mustafa , Cilo Mustafa , Bilge Murat , Mehmetoğlu İdris , Ünaldi Mustafa 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThere is growing evidence from experimental and clinical studies that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of malnutrition. This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels as a marker of antioxidant status and the nutritional status assessed by bioimpedance analysis (BIA). Ninety‐seven nondiabetic stable outpatient uremic adults undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD) were recruited for this study. Impedance measurements were performed using a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer after dialysis. GPx levels correlated with intracellular water (ICW) (r = 0.341, P = 0.011), ICW/total body weight (r = 0.320, P = 0.017), lean body mass (r = 0.300, P = 0.026) and total body cell mass (r = 0.339, P = 0.011). When patients were divided into two groups according to mean GPx levels (83.9 U/gr hemoglobin), the patients with higher GPx (GPx > 83.9 U/gr hemoglobin) had higher albumin (P = 0.038), lean body mass (P = 0.026), ICW (P = 0.011), and total body cell mass (P = 0.011) compared with those with lower GPx (GPx ≤ 83.9 U/gr hemoglobin). Furthermore, in the patients with higher GPx, body fat; extracellular water/total body water; illness marker and body fat mass index were lower than other group. In conclusion, our results reveal correlation indicating a relationship between antioxidant status (as measured by GPx) and nutritional status as assessed by BIA in nondiabetic HD patients.
Fecundity and development of the ectoparasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis are dependent on host quality
Authors: Rivers David B. , Denlinger David L. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe gregarious, ectoparasitoid Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) was offered pupae representing seven fly species, but only members of two families (Sarcophagidae and Muscidae) were parasitized. Host acceptance as an oviposition site did not imply host suitability for parasitoid growth: N. vitripennis produced fewer progeny, a higher proportion of males, required a longer development time, and produced smaller adult wasps on Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) than on the three sarcophagid species tested [Sarcophaga bullata Parker, S. crassipalpis Macquart, and Peckia abnormis (Enderlein) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)]. The physiological and nutritional status of a preferred host, S. bullata, influenced oviposition behavior and development of N. vitripennis. Progeny allocation and sex ratio, which were regulated by the female parasitoid during oviposition, differed on living and dead nondiapausing hosts and on diapausing pupae. Differences in the host's nutritional condition was reflected in changes of the wasp's development time and adult body size. Envenomation was essential for successful development of the parasitoid on nondiapausing hosts, but venom injection by N. vitripennis did not increase the suitability of diapausing or dead pupae. The results suggest that wasp development is enhanced by changes induced in the host by parasitism.
Host‐age discrimination during host location by Cotesia glomerata, a larval parasitoid of Pieris brassicae
Authors: Mattiacci Letizia , Dicke Marcel 
Published: October 2011

AbstractSome parasitoids are restricted with respect to the host stage that they attack and even to a certain age within a stage. In this paper we investigate whether the parasitoid Cotesia glomerata can discriminate between old and young caterpillar instars of its host, Pieris brassicae, before contacting these hosts, since contacts with older instars are very risky with a chance of being killed, due to the aggressive defensive behaviour of the caterpillars.Flight chamber dual choice tests showed that volatile chemicals emitted by Brussels sprouts plants (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) after feeding damage by 1st and 5th larval instars are equally attractive to the wasps. Simulated herbivore damage by 2nd and 5th larval instars, obtained by treating mechanically damaged leaves with carterpillar regurgitant, was also equally attractive, even when the wasps were exposed to repeated experience on different larval instars to increase their discriminatory ability.In contrast, single choice contact bioassays showed that the time spent searching on a leaf with feeding damage of 1st instar larvae was significantly longer than the time spent on 5th instar feeding damage or on mechanically damaged leaves. Both flight and contact bioassays did not show any effect of egg‐related infochemicals. The results demonstrate that C. glomerata can discriminate between young and old larval instars of P. brassicae, without contacting the caterpillars. This is not done through volatile herbivore‐induced synomones but through cues that are contacted after arrival at a caterpillar‐infested leaf.
Host plant constituents as oviposition stimulants for a generalist herbivore: European corn borer
Authors: Udayagiri Sujaya , Mason Charles E. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractOviposition response of the polyphagous European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), to chemical constituents in host plants was investigated in the laboratory using two‐choice bioassays. Foliar extracts of corn (Zea mays L.), pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) were prepared using the solvents pentane, acetone and methanol. In all three host plants, chemicals soluble in pentane stimulated oviposition. In potato, chemicals extractable in acetone also elicited a positive oviposition response. When presented with a choice between pentane extracts of corn and pepper, females preferred corn. No preferences were exhibited between pentane extracts of corn and potato or pepper and potato. Pentane extracts of corn husks, tassels, silk, and corn leaves from plants at early whorl and tassel (pre‐pollen shed) stages of development also stimulated oviposition. Similar extracts from plants at 2‐leaf and blister (when kernels resemble blisters) stages were not stimulatory. This indicates that plant phenology affects chemically mediated oviposition response in European corn borer. The potential use of plant chemicals for management of O. nubilalis in the field is suggested.
Merkel cell carcinoma with heterologous rhabdomyoblastic differentiation: the role of immunohistochemistry for Merkel cell polyomavirus large T‐antigen in confirmation
Authors: Adhikari Laura A. , McCalmont Timothy H. , Folpe Andrew L. 
Published: October 2011

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) represents an uncommon and lethal form of cutaneous malignancy. Historically, the pathogenesis of MCC has been presumed to be linked to ultraviolet light overexposure, but recently, it has been documented that some examples harbor polyomavirus genome, the presence of which is presumed to be of pathogenetic importance. Extremely rare cases of MCC may show heterologous differentiation. We report an example of MCC with heterologous rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation, the third such case to date, with emphasis on its distinction from fusion‐negative alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The role of immunohistochemistry for Merkel cell polyomavirus large T‐antigen in this differential diagnosis is emphasized.Adhikari LA, McCalmont TH, Folpe AL. Merkel cell carcinoma with heterologous rhabdomyoblastic differentiation: the role of immunohistochemistry for Merkel cell polyomavirus large T‐antigen in confirmation.
Indigenous aged care service use and need for assistance: How well is policy matching need?
Authors: Cotter Philippa R , Condon John R , Anderson Ian PS , Smith Leonard R , Barnes Tony 
Published: October 2011

Aim:  To investigate the effectiveness of the Australian Government's aged care planning framework for Indigenous Australians, particularly the use of a lower planning age of 50 years.Methods:  We analysed published data and administrative datasets relating to population demographics, aged care assessments, admissions and usage, need for assistance and expenditure, comparing the Indigenous 50–69 and 70+ age groups with the non‐Indigenous 70+ age group.Results:  Indigenous people aged 50–69 years have much lower utilisation, and a different pattern of utilisation, of aged care services than either Indigenous or non‐Indigenous people aged 70 and over. Community‐based services are much more important for Indigenous than non‐Indigenous people, regardless of age.Conclusion:  The planning framework conflates the diverse needs of Indigenous people across a wide age range and does not set a meaningful target for service provision. It has not ensured the right balance of services across geographic areas and between different levels of care.
Cognitive functioning in older twins: The Older Australian Twins Study
Authors: Sachdev Perminder S , Lee Teresa , Lammel Andrea , Crawford John , Trollor Julian N , Wright Margaret J , Brodaty Henry , Ames David , Martin Nicholas G ,   the OATS research team
Published: October 2011

Aim:  To examine the concordance rates of common medical conditions and neurocognitive performance in monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) older twins.Methods:  Twins aged ≥65 years and living in the three Eastern states of Australia were recruited through the Australian Twin Registry and underwent detailed neuropsychological and medical assessment.Results:  Assessments were conducted on 113 MZ and 96 DZ twin pairs, with a mean age of 70.5 years. MZ twins were more concordant than DZ twins for hypertension and asthma. MZ twins had higher correlations than DZ twins on most neuropsychological tests, with the exception of some tests related to processing speed. The concordance rate for mild cognitive impairment or dementia was 76.2% in MZ twins and 42.9% in DZ twins, a non‐significant difference.Conclusions:  Except for some aspects of processing speed, most cognitive functions in older individuals show significant heritability. The heritability of neurocognitive disorders is, however, low.
Sensitivity analysis of the DRAINWAT model applied to an agricultural watershed in the lower coastal plain, North Carolina, USA
Authors: Kim Hyunwoo , Amatya Devendra M. , Broome Stephen W. , Hesterberg Dean L. , Choi Minha 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe DRAINWAT, DRAINmod for WATershed model, was selected for hydrological modelling to obtain water table depths and drainage outflows at Open Grounds Farm in Carteret County, North Carolina, USA. Six simulated storm events from the study period were compared with the measured data and analysed. Simulation results from the whole study period and selected rainfall events assured that the DRAINWAT model reasonably predicted the water table depths and drainage outflow events even though it underestimated outflows in very dry period after 24 April, 2001. The potential evapotranspiration by various calculation methods was found to be the most sensitive parameter in this study. The other three parameters (maximum surface depressional storage, Manning's channel roughness coefficient, and channel bedslope) were not significantly (α = 0.05) sensitive to the cumulative outflow as expected. The DRAINWAT model may be a useful tool for water management in flat agricultural areas with high water table if it can be calibrated properly with reliable measurements.
Changes of the sphincter of Oddi motility in dog after cholecystectomy
Authors: FAN Ming Ming , LI Fu , ZHANG Xi Wen 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:  To determine the effect of cholecystectomy on the motility of the sphincter of Oddi (SO).METHODS:  Pressures of common bile duct (CBD), SO motility and its response to bolus injections of cholecystokinin (CCK, 20 ng/kg and 100 ng/kg) were detected respectively by manometry in eight Beagle dogs before and after cholecystectomy.RESULTS:  After cholecystectomy the CBD pressure increased 2.18 ± 1.86 mmHg, while the cyclical motion pattern of SO still existed but with a shortened cycle duration. The basal pressure (BP), phasic contraction amplitude (PCA), phasic contraction frequency (PCF) and its mode of propagation did not change significantly. Under the stimulation of CCK after cholecystectomy, although the motion patterns of SO were similar to those before cholecystectomy, the greatest inhibitory efficacy of BP and PCA all decreased with the prolonged excitement duration and the increased percentage of retrograde contraction.CONCLUSIONS:  Shortly after a cholecystectomy in Beagle dogs, the CBD pressure increased, SO motilities did not change significantly during the interdigestive phase except with a shortened cycle duration. Its relaxation responded to CCK was weakened with a confused contraction pattern.
Single‐step versus two‐step endo–ultrasonography‐guided drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst
Authors: MANGIAVILLANO Benedetto , ARCIDIACONO Paolo Giorgio , MASCI Enzo , MARIANI Alberto , PETRONE Maria Chiara , CARRARA Silvia , TESTONI Sabrina , TESTONI Pier Alberto 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this prospective study was to compare the feasibility, technical success rate and complication between single‐step endo‐ultrasonography (EUS)‐guided and two‐step EUS‐guided drainage technique for symptomatic pancreatic pseudocyst (PP).METHODS:  Twenty‐one PP patients with clear intra‐cystic fluid that needed to be drained were divided into two groups, depending on the availability of the therapeutic echoendoscope at the time of the procedure: Group 1 (13 patients) underwent a single‐step EUS‐guided endoscopic drainage and Group 2 (8 patients) underwent a two‐step EUS‐guided drainage technique.RESULTS:  In Group 1 immediate technical success was achieved in 92.3% (12/13); two patients had recurrent PP and both were successfully treated by a second EUS‐guided drainage. Clinical success was achieved in all cases. In Group 2 technical success was achieved in 75.0% of the patients (6/8). One patient (12.5%) bled 36 h after the procedure. Five out of 6 patients had long‐term success. Clinical success was significantly greater in Group 1 (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:  The technique of single‐step EUS‐guided drainage was superior to the technique of a two‐step EUS‐guided drainage technique for PP drainage.