bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Sarcoidosis Health Questionnaire in a non‐US population
Authors: DE BOER SALLY , WILSHER MARGARET L. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Sarcoidosis is a multi‐system disease with an unpredictable course and variable clinical manifestations that are often associated with impaired quality of life. The Sarcoidosis Health Questionnaire (SHQ), which was developed for an 80% African American population, assesses health‐related quality of life in sarcoidosis patients. The aim of this study was to validate the SHQ in a predominantly European population of sarcoidosis patients.Methods:  Consecutive outpatients (n = 92) with sarcoidosis, who were attending a teaching hospital clinic, completed three questionnaires (SHQ, Short Form (SF) 36, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS)) and pulmonary function tests were performed.Results:  The mean age of the patients was 51 years, 52% were males and 74% were of European ethnicity. The mean number of organs involved was 1.3, with pulmonary involvement in 95% of patients (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s 74.4%, forced vital capacity 84.6%). Seventy percent of patients had current symptoms and 26.5% were receiving immunosuppressant therapy. The SHQ total score (mean 5.13) was significantly correlated with the SF 36 physical component score (46.7, r = 0.78) and the FAS (20.8, r = −0.7) but only weakly correlated with pulmonary function. There were significant differences in SHQ scores when patients were stratified according to symptoms, oral therapy, health status (P < 0.0001 for all), forced expiratory volume in 1 s ≥70% (P = 0.008) and forced vital capacity ≥70% (P = 0.01).Conclusions:  The SHQ correlated well with health‐related quality of life and fatigue measures in a predominantly European population of sarcoidosis patients, despite differences in organ involvement and disease burden, when compared with the development study.
Low‐dose azithromycin improves phagocytosis of bacteria by both alveolar and monocyte‐derived macrophagesin chronic obstructive pulmonary disease subjects
Authors: HODGE SANDRA , REYNOLDS PAUL N. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Chronic inflammation and reduced airways integrity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) potentially results from secondary necrosis as a result of impaired phagocytosis of apoptotic material by airway macrophages, and increased bacterial colonization. We have previously shown that administration of low‐dose azithromycin to subjects with COPD improved macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic airway epithelial cells, reduced inflammation and increased expression of macrophage mannose receptor.Methods:  We firstly investigated whether there were defects in the ability of both alveolar (AM) and monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM) to phagocytose bacteria in COPD, as we have previously reported for phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. We then assessed the effects of administration of low‐dose azithromycin to COPD patients on the ability of AM and MDM to phagocytose bacteria. Azithromycin (250 mg orally daily for 5 days then 2× weekly (total 12 weeks)) was administered to 11 COPD subjects and phagocytosis of fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labelled Escherichia coli assessed by flow cytometry.Results:  COPD subjects had a significant defect in the ability of both AM and MDM to phagocytose bacteria that was significantly improved by administration of low‐dose azithromycinConclusions:  The data provide further support for the long‐term use of low dose azithromycin as an attractive adjunct treatment option for COPD. Improved clearance of both apoptotic cells and bacteria in the airway may have a dual effect; reducing the risk of secondary necrosis and release of toxic cell contents that perpetuate inflammation as well as contributing to a reduction in the rate of exacerbations in COPD.
Comparative study between depression in Korean elderly with mild cognitive impairment and normal cognitive function
Authors: Shin Kyung‐Rim , Kang Younhee , Kim Miyoung , Jung Dukyoo , Kim Mijung 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis cross‐sectional comparative study compares differences in depression in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment and those with normal cognitive function in a community. Study subjects were drawn from elderly people visiting one particular public health center in Seoul, South Korea and included 81 people with mild cognitive impairment and 81 with normal cognitive function who were matched based on age, sex, education, and daily living activities. Study variables, including cognitive function, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and depression, were measured with standardized instruments. Collected data were statistically analyzed with Student's paired t‐test and χ2 test. The results showed no significant differences between these groups in terms of depression. Therefore, in community practice settings, nurses should understand that depression is not a manifestation of cognitive impairment and should develop effective nursing strategies to assess depression while considering other factors including age, sex, education, and daily living activities.
How many life years are lost in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? Secular cause‐specific and all‐cause mortality in rheumatoid arthritis, and their predictors in a long‐term Australian cohort study
Authors: Lassere M. N. , Rappo J. , Portek I. J. , Sturgess A. , Edmonds J. P. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere is an excess of mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but no long‐term Australian cohort data.AimsTo determine median life years lost, all‐cause standardised mortality ratio (SMR) and cause‐specific SMR, their predictors and secular change in Australian patients with RA.MethodsStudy population was all patients seen by a rheumatologist between 1990 and 1994. Record linkage with Australian National Death Index was performed to determine fact and cause of death up to 2004. All‐cause and cause‐specific SMR, and median life years lost were determined.ResultsThere were 35 (31%) deaths in the early 1990s cohort (n = 113), SMR 1.31 (95% 0.93, 1.80). There were 216 (44%) deaths in the pre‐1990s established cohort (n = 495), SMR 1.73 (1.49, 1.95). Median life years lost in the early cohort was 6 years for males and 7 years for females compared with 8 and 10 years, respectively, in the established cohort. Patients with low disease activity score at baseline (DAS < 3.2), SMR was 0.8 (0.3, 2.2) and 1.5 (1.1, 2.2) for the early and established cohorts, and if DAS ≥3.2, SMR was 1.4 (1.02, 1.98) and 1.8 (1.5, 2.1) respectively. Primary cause of death was cardiovascular disease (SMR 1.43 (1.17, 1.74). Patients at most risk were those age 45–54 years. RA was listed as a comorbid condition on the death certificate in only 16% of patients.ConclusionsWithin a period of 14 years, median life expectancy of patients with RA with disease onset in the early 1990s is reduced by 6–7 years. However, our results also suggest a secular reduction in excess mortality.
The differential modulation of the ventral premotor–motor interaction during movement initiation is deficient in patients with focal hand dystonia
Authors: Houdayer Elise , Beck Sandra , Karabanov Anke , Poston Brach , Hallett Mark 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA major feature of focal hand dystonia (FHD) pathophysiology is the loss of inhibition. One inhibitory process, surround inhibition, for which the cortical mechanisms are still unknown, is abnormal in FHD. As the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) plays a key role in the sensorimotor processing involved in shaping finger movements and has many projections onto the primary motor cortex (M1), we hypothesized that the PMv–M1 connections might play a role in surround inhibition. A paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation paradigm was used in order to evaluate and compare the PMv–M1 interactions during different phases (rest, preparation and execution) of an index finger movement in patients with FHD and controls. A sub‐threshold conditioning pulse (80% resting motor threshold) was applied to the PMv at 6 ms before M1 stimulation. The right abductor pollicis brevis, a surround muscle, was the target muscle. In healthy controls, the results showed that PMv stimulation induced an ipsilateral ventral premotor–motor inhibition at rest. This cortico‐cortical interaction changed into an early facilitation (100 ms before movement onset) and turned back to inhibition 50 ms later. In patients with FHD, this PMv–M1 interaction and its modulation were absent. Our results show that, although the ipsilateral ventral premotor–motor inhibition does not play a key role in the genesis of surround inhibition, PMv has a dynamic influence on M1 excitability during the early steps of motor execution. The impaired cortico‐cortical interactions observed in patients with FHD might contribute, at least in part, to the abnormal motor command.
Adaptation in the auditory midbrain of the barn owl (Tyto alba) induced by tonal double stimulation
Authors: Singheiser Martin , Ferger Roland , von Campenhausen Mark , Wagner Hermann 
Published: January 2012

AbstractDuring hunting, the barn owl typically listens to several successive sounds as generated, for example, by rustling mice. As auditory cells exhibit adaptive coding, the earlier stimuli may influence the detection of the later stimuli. This situation was mimicked with two double‐stimulus paradigms, and adaptation was investigated in neurons of the barn owl’s central nucleus of the inferior colliculus. Each double‐stimulus paradigm consisted of a first or reference stimulus and a second stimulus (probe). In one paradigm (second level tuning), the probe level was varied, whereas in the other paradigm (inter‐stimulus interval tuning), the stimulus interval between the first and second stimulus was changed systematically. Neurons were stimulated with monaural pure tones at the best frequency, while the response was recorded extracellularly. The responses to the probe were significantly reduced when the reference stimulus and probe had the same level and the inter‐stimulus interval was short. This indicated response adaptation, which could be compensated for by an increase of the probe level of 5–7 dB over the reference level, if the latter was in the lower half of the dynamic range of a neuron’s rate‐level function. Recovery from adaptation could be best fitted with a double exponential showing a fast (1.25 ms) and a slow (800 ms) component. These results suggest that neurons in the auditory system show dynamic coding properties to tonal double stimulation that might be relevant for faithful upstream signal propagation. Furthermore, the overall stimulus level of the masker also seems to affect the recovery capabilities of auditory neurons.
Informal Referrals, Employment, and Wages: Seeking Causal Relationships
Authors: Diaz Ana Maria 
Published: January 2012

AbstractEmployers and job seekers rely extensively on informal referrals to fill vacancies or to find a job. The widespread use of job contacts has been largely associated with labor outcomes, such as finding a job or even affecting wages. This paper explores whether the use of informal referrals on the job search process affects labor market outcomes of Colombian urban workers. Results indicate that informal referrals are slightly more successful than other job search strategies in term of job seeker's placement. However, referred workers earn in average less than their non‐referred counterparts. Yet, this is only true in formal‐sector positions.
Somatic neuropathy is an independent predictor of all‐ and diabetes‐related mortality in type 2 diabetic patients: a population‐based 5‐year follow‐up study (KCIS No. 29)
Authors: Hsu W.‐C. , Chiu S. Y.‐H. , Yen A. M.‐F. , Chen L.‐S. , Fann C.‐Y. , Liao C.‐S. , Chen H.‐H. 
Published: January 2012

Background and purpose:  To investigate the relationships of diabetic neuropathy to all‐cause and diabetes‐related mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes after controlling for significant correlates.Methods:  We examined 326 patients diagnosed as diabetic polyneuropathy by nerve conduction study in Keelung city, Taiwan, in 2002 and followed them up to ascertain the cause and date of death until the end of 2006. The cause and date of death were recorded for the deceased patients. Information on significant correlates in association with diabetic polyneuropathy and all‐cause and diabetes‐related mortality was also collected.Results:  With median follow‐up time of 62.28 months, 44 patients with type 2 diabetes died. The cause of death related to diabetes accounted for 59% (n = 26) of the deceased. Univariate analysis shows that the presence of diabetic neuropathy confers higher risk for all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.88) and mortality from diabetes (HR = 6.58). The significant finding still persisted after adjustment for age, gender, blood pressure, smoking, history of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease, duration of diabetes, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, hemoglobin, and creatinine (adjusted HR = 4.44 for all‐cause death and adjusted HR = 11.82 for diabetes‐related mortality, respectively).Conclusions:  Diabetic polyneuropathy was an independent predictor for all‐cause and diabetes‐related mortality. The presence of neuropathy together with other significant prognostic factors is informative to predict all‐cause death and death from diabetes‐related disease for patients diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Cognitive performance and electrophysiological indices of cognitive control: A validation study of conflict adaptation
Authors: Clayson Peter E. , Larson Michael J. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPsychiatric and neurologic disorders are associated with deficits in the postconflict recruitment of cognitive control. The primary aim of this study was to validate the relationship between cognitive functioning and indices of conflict adaptation. Event‐related potentials were obtained from 89 healthy individuals who completed an Eriksen flanker task. Neuropsychological domains tested included memory, verbal fluency, and attention/executive functioning. Behavioral measures and N2 amplitudes showed significant conflict adaptation (i.e., previous‐trial congruencies influenced current‐trial measures). Higher scores on the attention/executive functioning and verbal fluency domains were associated with larger incongruent‐trial N2 conflict adaptation; measures of cognitive functioning were not related to behavioral indices. This study provides initial validation of N2 conflict adaptation effects as cognitive function‐related aspects of cognitive control.
The antidote effect of quinone oxidoreductase 2 inhibitor against paraquat‐induced toxicity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Janda Elzbieta , Parafati Maddalena , Aprigliano Serafina , Carresi Cristina , Visalli Valeria , Sacco Iolanda , Ventrice Domenica , Mega Tiziana , Vadalá Nuria , Rinaldi Stefano , Musolino Vincenzo , Palma Ernesto , Gratteri Santo , Rotiroti Domenicantonio , Mollace Vincenzo 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The mechanisms of paraquat (PQ)‐induced toxicity are poorly understood and PQ poisoning is often fatal due to a lack of effective antidotes. In this study we report the effects of N‐[2‐(2‐methoxy‐6H‐dipyrido{2,3‐a:3,2‐e}pyrrolizin‐11‐yl)ethyl]‐2‐furamide (NMDPEF), a melatonin‐related inhibitor of quinone oxidoreductase2 (QR2) on the toxicity of PQ in vitro & in vivo.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Prevention of PQ‐induced toxicity was tested in different cells, including primary pneumocytes and astroglial U373 cells. Cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analysed by flow cytometry and fluorescent probes. QR2 silencing was achieved by lentiviral shRNAs. PQ (30 mg·kg−1) and NMDPEF were administered i.p. to Wistar rats and animals were monitored for 28 days. PQ toxicity in the substantia nigra (SN) was tested by a localized microinfusion and electrocorticography. QR2 activity was measured by fluorimetry of N‐benzyldihydronicotinamide oxidation.KEY RESULTS NMDPEF potently antagonized non‐apoptotic PQ‐induced cell death, ROS generation and inhibited cellular QR2 activity. In contrast, the cytoprotective effect of melatonin and apocynin was limited and transient compared with NMDPEF. Silencing of QR2 attenuated PQ‐induced cell death and reduced the efficacy of NMDPEF. Significantly, NMDPEF (4.5 mg·kg−1) potently antagonized PQ‐induced systemic toxicity and animal mortality. Microinfusion of NMDPEF into SN prevented severe behavioural and electrocortical effects of PQ which correlated with inhibition of malondialdehyde accumulation in cells and tissues.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS NMDPEF protected against PQ‐induced toxicity in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a key role for QR2 in the regulation of oxidative stress.LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Baltazar et al., pp. 44–45 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.02017.x
Pharmacology and functions of receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide: IUPHAR Review 1
Authors: Harmar Anthony J , Fahrenkrug Jan , Gozes Illana , Laburthe Marc , May Victor , Pisegna Joseph R , Vaudry David , Vaudry Hubert , Waschek James A , Said Sami I 
Published: January 2012

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) are members of a superfamily of structurally related peptide hormones that includes glucagon, glucagon‐like peptides, secretin, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) and growth hormone‐releasing hormone (GHRH). VIP and PACAP exert their actions through three GPCRs – PAC1, VPAC1 and VPAC2– belonging to class B (also referred to as class II, or secretin receptor‐like GPCRs). This family comprises receptors for all peptides structurally related to VIP and PACAP, and also receptors for parathyroid hormone, corticotropin‐releasing factor, calcitonin and related peptides. PAC1 receptors are selective for PACAP, whereas VPAC1 and VPAC2 respond to both VIP and PACAP with high affinity. VIP and PACAP play diverse and important roles in the CNS, with functions in the control of circadian rhythms, learning and memory, anxiety and responses to stress and brain injury. Recent genetic studies also implicate the VPAC2 receptor in susceptibility to schizophrenia and the PAC1 receptor in post‐traumatic stress disorder. In the periphery, VIP and PACAP play important roles in the control of immunity and inflammation, the control of pancreatic insulin secretion, the release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla and as co‐transmitters in autonomic and sensory neurons. This article, written by members of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology Committee on Receptor Nomenclature and Drug Classification (NC‐IUPHAR) subcommittee on receptors for VIP and PACAP, confirms the existing nomenclature for these receptors and reviews our current understanding of their structure, pharmacology and functions and their likely physiological roles in health and disease. More detailed information has been incorporated into newly revised pages in the IUPHAR database (http://www.iuphar‐db.org/DATABASE/FamilyMenuForward?familyId=67).LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Secretin Family (Class B) G Protein‐Coupled Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.166.issue‐1
Arginase II inhibition prevents nitrate tolerance
Authors: Khong SML , Andrews KL , Huynh NN , Venardos K , Aprico A , Michell DL , Zarei M , Moe KT , Dusting GJ , Kaye DM , Chin‐Dusting JPF 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nitrate tolerance, the loss of vascular responsiveness with continued use of nitrates, remains incompletely understood and is a limitation of these therapeutic agents. Vascular superoxide, generated by uncoupled endothelial NOS (eNOS), may play a role. As arginase competes with eNOS for L‐arginine and may exacerbate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we hypothesized that arginase inhibition might reduce nitrate tolerance.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Vasodilator responses were measured in aorta from C57Bl/6 and arginase II knockout (argII –/–) mice using myography. Uncoupling of eNOS, determined as eNOS monomer : dimer ratio, was assessed using low‐temperature SDS‐PAGE and ROS levels were measured using L‐012 and lucigenin‐enhanced chemiluminescence.KEY RESULTS Repeated application of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) on aorta isolated from C57Bl/6 mice produced a 32‐fold rightward shift of the concentration–response curve. However this rightward shift (or resultant tolerance) was not observed in the presence of the arginase inhibitor (s)‐(2‐boronethyl)‐L‐cysteine HCl (BEC; 100 µM) nor in aorta isolated from argII –/– mice. Similar findings were obtained after inducing nitrate tolerance in vivo. Repeated administration of GTN in human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced uncoupling of eNOS from its dimeric state and increased ROS levels, which were reduced with arginase inhibition and exogenous L‐arginine. Aortae from GTN tolerant C57Bl/6 mice exhibited increased arginase activity and ROS production, whereas vessels from argII –/– mice did not.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Arginase II removal prevents nitrate tolerance. This may be due to decreased uncoupling of eNOS and consequent ROS production.
Life history traits and damage potential of an invasive pest Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Satakentia liukiuensis
Authors: TAKANO Shun‐ichiro , TAKASU Keiji , FUSHIMI Tsutomu , ICHIKI Ryoko T. , NAKAMURA Satoshi 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe coconut hispine beetle Brontispa longissima has been causing serious damage to the coconut palm Cocos nucifera in the Pacific, and Southeast and East Asia. This beetle also attacks Satakentia liukiuensis, an endemic palm on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, Japan. To assess the potential impact of B. longissima on S. liukiuensis, we examined the development period, survival rate, egg production and body size of B. longissima on S. liukiuensis at 22–31°C and consumption of S. liukiuensis leaf at 28°C. We also examined these life history traits on C. nucifera at 28°C to compare with those on S. liukiuensis. Brontispa longissima completed their development and reproduced on S. liukiuensis at 22–30°C. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the effective cumulative temperature (k) as 891.2 degree‐days, and the lower developmental threshold as 13.3°C. On the basis of these values and monthly average temperatures on Ishigaki Island, it was estimated that B. longissima has four generations per year on the island. Satakentia liukiuensis was less suitable for B. longissima than C. nucifera in terms of immature survival, development time, resultant adult size and reproduction. The low quality of S. liukiuensis as a host‐plant may prevent the outbreak of B. longissima, which has not occurred yet on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands.