bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strict glycaemic control improves skin microcirculation in patients with type 2 diabetes: A report from the Diabetes mellitus And Diastolic Dysfunction (DADD) study
Authors: Jarnert Christina , Kalani Majid , Rydén Lars , Böhm Felix 
Published: March 2012

Background: Microcirculatory and endothelial dysfunction are signs of cardiovascular engagement in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study tested whether glucose normalisation may reverse this. Methods: Thirty-nine T2DM patients (age 61±7 years, 58% females) with signs of mild diastolic dysfunction were randomised to strict glucose control based on insulin (I-group; n=21) or oral agents (O-group; n=18) for four months. Skin microcirculation was studied with Laser Doppler Fluxmetry and endothelial function with brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation. Results: Glucose control improved (reduction of HbA1c I-group = -0.5%; O-group -0.7%; p=0.69). Microcirculation improved in the entire group ( n=39) determined by foot Laser Doppler Fluxmetry (32.2±13.6 vs. 35.3±13.1 perfusion units; p<0.001) and Laser Doppler Fluxmetry following heating (68.8±34.0 vs. 69.3±25.1 PU; p=0.007). Improvement was more consistent with oral agents than insulin. Endothelial function expressed as flow-mediated dilatation decreased in the I-group (6.0±2.2 to 4.7±3.0%; p=0.037) but remained unchanged in the O-group (4.8±2.3 to 5.0±3.7%; n.s.). Conclusions: Glycaemic normalisation improved skin microcirculation but not endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes with mild cardiovascular engagement.
A novel mechanism of sustained platelet αIIbβ3 activation via PEAR1
Authors: Kauskot Alexandre , Di Michele Michela , Loyen Serena , Freson Kathleen , Verhamme Peter , Hoylaerts Marc F. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBecause single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR1) are associated with differential functional platelet responses in healthy subjects, we studied the function of PEAR1 in human platelets. During platelet aggregation by various agonists, the membrane expression of PEAR1 and its tyrosine phosphorylation increased. The recombinant PEAR1 EMI domain (GST-EMI) competitively reduced platelet adhesion to surface-coated PEAR1, diminished platelet aggregation, and eliminated PEAR1 phosphorylation. Polyclonal antibodies against the extracellular PEAR1 domain triggered PEAR1 phosphorylation in a src family kinase (SFK)–dependent manner. Such resulted in downstream signaling, culminating in extensive platelet degranulation and irreversible aggregation reactions interrupted by excess monovalent anti–GST-EMI F(ab) fragments. In resting platelets, the cytoplasmic tail of PEAR1 was found complexed to c-Src and Fyn, but on its phosphorylation, phospho-PEAR1 recruited p85 PI3K, resulting in persistent activation of PI3K and Akt. Thus, αIIbβ3 activation was amplified, hence stabilizing platelet aggregates, a signaling cascade fully interrupted by the SFK inhibitor PP1 and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. This study is the first demonstration of a functional role for PEAR1 in platelet activation, underpinning the observed association between PEAR1 and platelet function in genome-wide association studies.
Association between Ghrelin gene (GHRL) polymorphisms and clinical response to atypical antipsychotic drugs in Han Chinese schizophrenia patients
Authors: Yang Yongfeng , Li Wenqiang , Zhao Jingyuan , Zhang Hongxing , Song Xueqin , Xiao Bo , Yang Ge , Jiang Chengdi , Zhang Dai , Yue Weihua , Lv Luxian 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Ghrelin (GHRL) is a pivotal peptide regulator of food intake, energy balance, and body mass. Weight gain (WG) is a common side effect of the atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) used to treat schizophrenia (SZ). Ghrelin polymorphisms have been associated with pathogenic variations in plasma lipid concentrations, blood pressure, plasma glucose, and body mass index (BMI). However, it is unclear whether GHRL polymorphisms are associated with WG due to AAPs. Furthermore, there is no evidence of an association between GHRL polymorphisms and SZ or the therapeutic response to AAPs. We explored these potential associations by genotyping GHRL alleles in SZ patients and controls. We also examined the relation between these SNPs and changes in metabolic indices during AAP treatment in SZ subgroups distinguished by high or low therapeutic response.

Methods
Four SNPs (Leu72Met, -501A/C, -604 G/A, and -1062 G > C) were genotyped in 634 schizophrenia patients and 606 control subjects.

Results
There were no significant differences in allele frequencies, genotype distributions, or the distributions of two SNP haplotypes between SZ patients and healthy controls (P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in symptom reduction between genotypes after 8 weeks of AAP treatment as measured by positive and negative symptom scale scores (PANSS). However, the -604 G/A polymorphism was associated with a greater BMI increase in response to AAP administration in both APP responders and non-responders as distinguished by PANSS score reduction (P < 0.001). There were also significant differences in WG when the responder group was further subdivided according to the specific AAP prescribed (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
These four GHRL gene SNPs were not associated with SZ in this Chinese Han population. The -604 G/A polymorphism was associated with significant BW and BMI increases during AAP treatment. Patients exhibiting higher WG showed greater improvements in positive and negative symptoms than patients exhibiting lower weight gain or weight loss.
Point specificity in acupuncture
Authors: Choi Emma M , Jiang Fang , Longhurst John C 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The existence of point specificity in acupuncture is controversial, because many acupuncture studies using this principle to select control points have found that sham acupoints have similar effects to those of verum acupoints. Furthermore, the results of pain-related studies based on visual analogue scales have not supported the concept of point specificity. In contrast, hemodynamic, functional magnetic resonance imaging and neurophysiological studies evaluating the responses to stimulation of multiple points on the body surface have shown that point-specific actions are present. This review article focuses on clinical and laboratory studies supporting the existence of point specificity in acupuncture and also addresses studies that do not support this concept. Further research is needed to elucidate the point-specific actions of acupuncture.
Glutamine and glutamate supplementation raise milk glutamine concentrations in lactating gilts
Authors: Manso Helena Emilia CCC , Filho Helio C Manso , de Carvalho Luiz E , Kutschenko Marianne , Nogueira Eduardo T , Watford Malcolm 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in milk, and lactation is associated with increased glutamine utilization both for milk synthesis and as a fuel for the enlarged small intestine. A number of recent studies have indicated that lactation is accompanied by a mild catabolic state in which skeletal muscle proteins are degraded to provide amino acids that are used to synthesize additional glutamine. In this study we tested the hypothesis that supplemental L-glutamine or the commercially available glutamine supplement Aminogut (2.5% by weight mixed into daily feed) provided to gilts from 30 days prior to parturition until 21 days post-parturition would prevent a decrease in skeletal muscle glutamine while increasing the glutamine content of the milk. Muscle glutamine content decreased (P < 0.05) in control animals during lactation but this was prevented by supplementation with either L-glutamine or Aminogut. In this study, neither lactation nor supplementation had any effect on plasma glutamine or glutamate content. Free glutamine, and the total glutamine plus glutamate concentrations in milk from the control and the Aminogut group rose (P < 0.05) during the first 7 days of lactation, with milk concentrations in the L-glutamine supplemented group showing a similar trend (P = 0.053). Milk glutamate remained constant between day 7 and 21 of lactation in the control and L-glutamine supplemented groups, but by day 21 of lactation the free glutamine, glutamate, and glutamine plus glutamate concentrations in milk from Aminogut-treated gilts were higher than those of control gilts. Thus dietary glutamine supplementation can alleviate the fall in intramuscular glutamine content during lactation in gilts, and may alleviate some of the catabolic effects of lactation. Furthermore, the increased milk glutamine content in the supplemented gilts may provide optimum nutrition for piglet development.
Four butyrolactones and diverse bioactive secondary metabolites from terrestrial Aspergillus flavipes MM2: isolation and structure determination
Authors: Nagia Mohamed MS , El-Metwally Mohammad Magdy , Shaaban Mohamed , El-Zalabani Soheir M , Hanna Atef G 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The chemical constituents and biological activities of the terrestrial Aspergillus flavipes MM2 isolated from Egyptian rice hulls are reported. Seven bioactive compounds were obtained, of which one sterol: ergosterol (1), four butyrolactones: butyrolactone I (2), aspulvinone H (3), butyrolactone-V (6) and 4,4'-diydroxypulvinone (7), along with 6-methylsalicylic acid (4) and the cyclopentenone analogue; terrien (5). Structures of the isolated compounds were deduced by intensive studies of their 1D & 2D NMR, MS data and comparison with related structures. The strain extract and the isolated compounds (1-7) were biologically studied against number of microbial strains, and brine shrimp for cytotoxicity. In this article, the taxonomical characterization of A. flavipes MM2 along with its upscale fermentation, isolation and structural assignment of the obtained bioactive metabolites, and evaluate their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities were described.
Dementia in schizophrenia
Authors: Radhakrishnan Raghavakurup , Butler Robert , Head Laura 
Published: March 2012

SummaryA growing body of evidence suggests that the most common type of dementia in schizophrenia differs from Alzheimer's disease in its clinical features, natural course, neuropathology, neuroanatomical substrates and prognosis. Furthermore, there is some evidence that the risk of developing cognitive impairment and its progression in early-onset schizophrenia differ compared with late- or very-late-onset schizophrenia. The diagnosis and management of dementia in schizophrenia is challenging for both general adult and old age psychiatrists. This article reviews the evidence base regarding dementia in schizophrenia. It discusses the diagnosis of dementia in schizophrenia, its management and prognosis, and identifies some future research opportunities.
Neuropsychiatric aspects of carbon monoxide poisoning: diagnosis and management
Authors: Ho Roger Chun Man , Cheng Wendy , Chua Anna Nyap Cheng , Mak Anselm 
Published: March 2012

SummaryCharcoal-burning has become a common method of attempted suicide in Asia and survivors are often intoxicated with carbon monoxide (CO). Reports of the neuropsychiatric aspects of CO poisoning date back to 1914. This article outlines the neuropsychiatric sequelae that have been described secondary to CO poisoning. The underlying pathophysiology and management strategies, including acute management and cognitive rehabilitation, are discussed as these topics are of relevance to psychiatrists.
Assessing whether psychiatric trainees feel safe in the workplace
Authors: Acosta Catia , Warner James , Kopelman Michael , Nilforooshan Ramin 
Published: March 2012

Aims and methodPrevious studies have shown that 17 to 60% of psychiatric trainees have been physically or verbally assaulted. To measure the frequency of assaults and the trainees' reactions, we conducted a retrospective self-reported survey of attendees at MRCPsych teaching courses in south London and at an annual meeting of psychiatric trainees.ResultsOverall, 64% of the questionnaires distributed were returned completed. Of the trainees who responded, 41% had been physically assaulted at least once and 89% had been verbally assaulted. As a result of the assault, 34% of trainees were subsequently more risk aware and 11% were now hesitant to assess patients with a history of violence. There was no association between the level of training or attendance at a breakaway training course and having been subject to physical assault.Clinical implicationsOur study showed unacceptable levels of physical and verbal assault on psychiatric trainees and an important effect of those incidents on clinical practice.
In-patient psychiatric rehabilitation services: survey of service users in three metropolitan boroughs
Authors: Cowan Colin , Meaden Alan , Commander Martin , Edwards Tom 
Published: March 2012

Aims and methodTo examine care pathways and characteristics of service users across a range of in-patient rehabilitation settings: community, long-term complex care and high-dependency rehabilitation.ResultsSignificant differences were found for service users in the different units with respect to duration of stay, length of history, number of admissions, community team, physical health, social functioning, history of aggression and perceived risk if discharged.Clinical implicationsCommunity service provision may not adequately meet the needs of the most disabled and access to appropriate move-on facilities for rehabilitation in-patients is insufficient. Remedying this requires collaboration between policy makers, commissioners and clinicians to ensure access to a comprehensive range of services.
Vandetanib Versus Placebo in Patients With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer After Prior Therapy With an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor: A Randomized, Double-Blind Phase III Trial (ZEPHYR)
Authors: Lee Jin Soo , Hirsh Vera , Park Keunchil , Qin Shukui , Blajman Cesar R. , Perng Reury-Perng , Chen Yuh-Min , Emerson Laura , Langmuir Peter , Manegold Christian 
Published: February 2012

Purpose Vandetanib is a once-daily oral inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and RET signaling. This placebo-controlled trial assessed whether vandetanib conferred an overall survival benefit in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after prior treatment with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor and one or two chemotherapy regimens. Patients and Methods Eligible patients were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive vandetanib 300 mg/d or placebo until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary objective was to compare the outcomes between the two arms with respect to overall survival. Results Overall, 924 patients received vandetanib (n = 617) or placebo (n = 307). No significant increase in overall survival was detected in the vandetanib cohort compared with placebo (hazard ratio = 0.95; 95.2% CI, 0.81 to 1.11; P = .527); median overall survival was 8.5 months versus 7.8 months for vandetanib and placebo patients, respectively. Statistically significant advantages favoring vandetanib were observed for progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 0.63; P < .001) and objective response rate (2.6% v 0.7%; P = .028). Postprogression therapy was balanced across the cohorts in both number and type. Adverse events were generally consistent with previous NSCLC studies of vandetanib 300 mg; common events occurring with a greater frequency in the vandetanib arm versus placebo included diarrhea (46% v 11%), rash (42% v 11%), and hypertension (26% v 3%). Conclusion The study did not demonstrate an overall survival benefit for vandetanib versus placebo. There was a higher incidence of some adverse events with vandetanib.
Analysis of pneumatization and neurovascular structures of the sphenoid sinus using cone-beam tomography (CBT)
Authors: Güldner Christian , Pistorius Sarah M , Diogo Isabell , Bien Siegfried , Sesterhenn Andreas , Werner Jochen A 
Published: March 2012

Background The sphenoid sinus is a frequent target of paranasal sinus surgery. Because of the high risk of injuring the surrounding structures (e.g. internal carotid artery, optical nerve) a preoperative imaging is absolutely necessary. Purpose To analyze the possibilities of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), which is especially quite a new technique in ENT, in the evaluation of the sphenoid sinus, its surrounding structures, and the corresponding anatomical variations. Material and Methods This was a retrospective, single-centre study of 580 patients (1160 sides = cases). The Accu-I-Tomo-F17 was used. Pneumatization of sphenoid sinus, course of internal artery, course of optical nerve, and dehiscence of the bony canals were evaluated. Results In the case of pneumatization a type I (completely missing or minimal sphenoid sinus) was found in two patients (0.3%), type II (posterior wall of sphenoid sinus is in front of the anterior wall of the sella) in 38 patients (6.6%), type III (posterior wall is between anterior and posterior wall of sella) in 332 patients (57,2%), type IVa (posterior wall is behind the posterior wall of sella without air dorsal the sella) in 104 patients (17.9%), and type IVb (similar to type IVa but with air dorsal the sella) in 104 patients (17.9%). In 1025 cases (89.5%) a smooth course of the internal carotid artery was found whereas a free course could be detected in 120 cases (10.5%). Defects of the bony canal of the optical nerve were found in 16.7% and of the internal carotid artery in 2.7% of the cases. The optical nerve showed a free course through the sphenoid in 151 cases (13.7%) and a smooth course in 1007 cases (87.0%). Conclusion CBCT could evaluate all relevant anatomic structures and answer the questions of different anatomical variants. A modified classification of the pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus could be described. Frequencies of anatomical variations are in accordance with the current literature of CT research.
Health-related quality of life in Cystic Fibrosis patients infected with transmissible Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains: cohort study
Authors: Ashish Abdul , Shaw Matthew , Mcshane James , Ledson Martin J , Walshaw Martin J 
Published: February 2012

Objectives To assess the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult cystic fibrosis (CF) patients of chronic infection with the Liverpool Epidemic Strain (LES) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Psa). Design Cohort study. Participants Adult CF patients attending a single CF centre. Setting Outpatient clinic. Main outcome measures HRQoL measures of adult CF patients chronically infected with LES and Psa strains measured by CFQ-UK. Results Patients infected by transmissible Psa strains had worse physical functioning, respiratory symptoms, treatment burden, vitality, role, health perception and emotion than those with unique Psa strains ( P < 0.01), and significantly poorer physical functioning, respiratory symptoms, treatment burden, body image, weight, role, and emotion than those without any Psa infection ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, in a matched cohort of 39 patients, those with LES infection reported significantly worse physical functioning, treatment burden, respiratory symptoms and health perception than those with unique Psa infection (P < 0.02). Conclusion Chronic infection with transmissible Psa strains, particularly LES, confers a worse quality of life in adult CF patients. Coupled with the established poorer clinical outcome, this reinforces the need to prevent the spread of such strains in CF community.
The Oxygen Free Radicals Originating from Mitochondrial Complex I Contribute to Oxidative Brain Injury Following Hypoxia–Ischemia in Neonatal Mice
Authors: Niatsetskaya Zoya V. , Sosunov Sergei A. , Matsiukevich Dzmitry , Utkina-Sosunova Irina V. , Ratner Veniamin I. , Starkov Anatoly A. , Ten Vadim S. 
Published: March 2012

Oxidative stress and Ca2+toxicity are mechanisms of hypoxic–ischemic (HI) brain injury. This work investigates if partial inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain protects HI brain by limiting a generation of oxidative radicals during reperfusion. HI insult was produced in p10 mice treated with complex I (C-I) inhibitor, pyridaben, or vehicle. Administration of P significantly decreased the extent of HI injury. Mitochondria isolated from the ischemic hemisphere in pyridaben-treated animals showed reduced H2O2emission, less oxidative damage to the mitochondrial matrix, and increased tolerance to the Ca2+-triggered opening of the permeability transition pore. A protective effect of pyridaben administration was also observed when the reperfusion-driven oxidative stress was augmented by the exposure to 100% O2which exacerbated brain injury only in vehicle-treated mice.In vitro, intact brain mitochondria dramatically increased H2O2emission in response to hyperoxia, resulting in substantial loss of Ca2+buffering capacity. However, in the presence of the C-I inhibitor, rotenone, or the antioxidant, catalase, these effects of hyperoxia were abolished.Our data suggest that the reperfusion-driven recovery of C-I-dependent mitochondrial respiration contributes not only to the cellular survival, but also causes oxidative damage to the mitochondria, potentiating a loss of Ca2+buffering capacity. This highlights a novel neuroprotective strategy against HI brain injury where the major therapeutic principle is a pharmacological attenuation, rather than an enhancement of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism during early reperfusion.
Proton-Conducting Cross-Linked Sulfonated Aromatic Polymers for Fuel Cells Application
Authors: Maranesi B. , Pasquini L. , Khadhraoui M. , Knauth P. , Di Vona M.L. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThermal stability, hydration and mechanical properties of thermally cross-linked Sulfonated Aromatic Polymers (SAP) with high ionic exchange capacity (IEC) were measured and compared to untreated samples. The formation of cross-linking greatly stabilizes SAP in terms of thermal, mechanical, and hydrolytic degradation: they can resist in water even at a temperature of 145 °C with improved mechanical properties. Acid-base titration and FTIR spectra consistently indicate that SAP microstructure stabilization is related to cross-linking of the polymer chains by SO2 bridges, which is promoted by temperature.