bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trypanosoma cruzi invades host cells through the activation of endothelin and bradykinin receptors: a converging pathway leading to chagasic vasculopathy
Authors: Andrade Daniele , Serra Rafaela , Svensjö Erik , Lima Ana Paula C , Ramos Junior Erivan S , Fortes Fabio S , Morandini Ana Carolina F , Morandi Verônica , Soeiro Maria de N , Tanowitz Herbert B , Scharfstein Julio 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Independent studies in experimental models of Trypanosoma cruzi appointed different roles for endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and bradykinin (BK) in the immunopathogenesis of Chagas disease. Here, we addressed the hypothesis that pathogenic outcome is influenced by functional interplay between endothelin receptors (ETAR and ETBR) and bradykinin B2 receptors (B2R).EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Intravital microscopy was used to determine whether ETR/B2R drives the accumulation of rhodamine‐labelled leucocytes in the hamster cheek pouch (HCP). Inflammatory oedema was measured in the infected BALB/c paw of mice. Parasite invasion was assessed in CHO over‐expressing ETRs, mouse cardiomyocytes, endothelium (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) or smooth muscle cells (HSMCs), in the presence/absence of antagonists of B2R (HOE‐140), ETAR (BQ‐123) and ETBR (BQ‐788), specific IgG antibodies to each GPCRs; cholesterol or calcium‐depleting drugs. RNA interference (ETAR or ETBR genes) in parasite infectivity was investigated in HSMCs.KEY RESULTS BQ‐123, BQ‐788 and HOE‐140 reduced leucocyte accumulation in HCP topically exposed to trypomastigotes and blocked inflammatory oedema in infected mice. Acting synergistically, ETAR and ETBR antagonists reduced parasite invasion of HSMCs to the same extent as HOE‐140. Exogenous ET‐1 potentiated T. cruzi uptake by HSMCs via ETRs/B2R, whereas RNA interference of ETAR and ETBR genes conversely reduced parasite internalization. ETRs/B2R‐driven infection in HSMCs was reduced in HSMC pretreated with methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, a cholesterol‐depleting drug, or in thapsigargin‐ or verapamil‐treated target cells.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings suggest that plasma leakage, a neutrophil‐driven inflammatory response evoked by trypomastigotes via the kinin/endothelin pathways, may offer a window of opportunity for enhanced parasite invasion of cardiovascular cells.LINKED ARTICLE This paper is commented on by D'Orléans‐Juste et al., pp. 1330–1332 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01636.x
A Role for Dynamin in Triggering Ethanol Tolerance
Authors: Krishnan Harish R. , Al‐Hasan Yazan M. , Pohl Jascha B. , Ghezzi Alfredo , Atkinson Nigel S. 
Published: July 2011

Background:  A prevailing hypothesis is that the set of genes that underlie the endophenotypes of alcoholism overlap with those responsible for the addicted state. Functional ethanol tolerance, an endophenotype of alcoholism, is defined as a reduced response to ethanol caused by prior ethanol exposure. The neuronal origins of functional rapid tolerance are thought to be a homeostatic response of the nervous system that counters the effects of the drug. Synaptic proteins that regulate neuronal activity are an important evolutionarily conserved target of ethanol.
Methods:  We used mutant analysis in Drosophila to identify synaptic proteins that are important for the acquisition of rapid tolerance to sedation with ethanol. Tolerance was assayed by sedating flies with ethanol vapor and comparing the recovery time of flies after their first sedation and their second sedation. Temperature‐sensitive paralytic mutants that alter key facets of synaptic neurotransmission, such as the propagation of action potentials, synaptic vesicle fusion, exocytosis, and endocytosis, were tested for the ability to acquire functional tolerance at both the permissive and restrictive temperatures.
Results:  The shibire gene encodes Drosophila Dynamin. We tested 2 temperature‐sensitive alleles of the gene. The shits1 allele blocked tolerance at both the permissive and restrictive temperatures, while shits2 blocked only at the restrictive temperature. Using the temperature‐sensitive property of shits2, we showed that Dynamin function is required concomitant with exposure to ethanol. A temperature‐sensitive allele of the Syntaxin 1A gene, Syx1A3–69, also blocked the acquisition of ethanol tolerance.
Conclusions:  We have shown that shibire and Syntaxin 1A are required for the acquisition of rapid functional tolerance to ethanol. Furthermore, the shibire gene product, Dynamin, appears to be required for an immediate early response to ethanol that triggers a cellular response leading to rapid functional tolerance.
Mood and Implicit Alcohol Expectancy Processes: Predicting Alcohol Consumption in the Laboratory
Authors: Wardell Jeffrey D. , Read Jennifer P. , Curtin John J. , Merrill Jennifer E. 
Published: July 2011

Background:  Implicit positive alcohol expectancy (PAE) processes are thought to respond phasically to external and internal stimuli—including mood states—and so they may exert powerful proximal influences over drinking behavior. Although social learning theory contends that mood states activate mood‐congruent implicit PAEs, which in turn lead to alcohol use, there is a dearth of experimental research examining this mediation model relative to observable drinking. Moreover, an expectancy theory perspective might suggest that, rather than influencing PAEs directly, mood may moderate the association between PAEs and drinking. To test these models, this study examined the role of mood in the association between implicitly measured PAE processes (i.e., latency to endorse PAEs) and immediate alcohol consumption in the laboratory. Gender differences in these processes also were examined.
Method:  College students (N = 146) were exposed to either a positive, negative, or neutral mood induction procedure, completed a computerized PAE reaction time (RT) task, and subsequently consumed alcohol ad libitum.
Results:  The mood manipulation had no direct effects on drinking in the laboratory, making the mediation hypothesis irrelevant. Instead, gender and mood condition moderated the association between RT to endorse PAEs and drinking in the laboratory. For males, RT to tension reduction PAEs was a stronger predictor of volume of beer consumed and peak blood alcohol concentration in the context of general arousal (i.e., positive and negative mood) relative to neutral mood. RT to PAEs did not predict drinking in the laboratory for females.
Conclusions:  The results show that PAE processes are important determinants of immediate drinking behavior in men, suggesting that biased attention to mood‐relevant PAEs—as indicated by longer RTs—predicts greater alcohol consumption in the appropriate mood context. The findings also highlight the need to consider gender differences in PAE processes. This study underscores the need for interventions that target automatic cognitive processes related to alcohol use.
Neuroendocrine Assessment of Serotonergic, Dopaminergic, and Noradrenergic Functions in Alcohol‐Dependent Individuals
Authors: Fahlke Claudia , Berggren Ulf , Berglund Kristina J. , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Engel Jörgen A. , Balldin Jan 
Published: July 2011

Background:  Alcohol dependence has been associated with reduced function of serotonin, dopamine as well as noradrenaline activities in several neuroendocrine studies. To our knowledge, there is, however, no study investigating all these 3 systems with the use of neuroendocrine methods in one and the same alcohol‐dependent individual.
Methods:  Alcohol‐dependent individuals (n = 42) and controls (n = 28) participated in the neuroendocrine test series. Central serotonergic neurotransmission was assessed by the prolactin (PRL) response to citalopram (CIT). The postsynaptic DRD2 function was measured by the growth hormone (GH) response to apomorphine (APO) and the postsynaptic α2‐adrenoceptor function by GH response to clonidine (CLON).
Results:  In the alcohol‐dependent individuals, the PRL concentrations were significantly lower at the time points 240 minutes and 300 minutes after CIT administration and mean delta PRL value was significantly reduced by 45% in comparison with controls. There were no significant differences in APO‐GH and CLON‐GH concentrations at any time points or in mean delta GH values between the groups. An impaired monoaminergic profile, including all 3 systems, was significantly more frequent in alcohol‐dependent individuals than controls (43% vs. 6% respectively).
Conclusions:  The monoaminergic dysfunction was restricted to an impairment of the serotonergic system, suggesting that this system is especially vulnerable to long‐term and excessive alcohol consumption. Moreover, impaired monoaminergic profiles, including low responses in 2 or 3 systems, were more frequently observed in alcohol‐dependent individuals than in controls. Such impaired profiles may be of clinical importance, but further studies are needed.
Rehabilitation of Older Adults with Hip Fracture: Cognitive Function and Walking Abilities
Authors: Morghen Sara , Gentile Simona , Ricci Eleonora , Guerini Fabio , Bellelli Giuseppe , Trabucchi Marco 
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between baseline cognitive function and the achievement of walking independence and its maintenance at 1 year in a population of older adults who underwent post‐hip fracture (HF) surgery rehabilitation.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.SETTING: Department of rehabilitation and aged care.PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred six older adults admitted for post‐HF surgery rehabilitation.MEASUREMENTS: All participants aged 65 and older who were completely unable to walk on admission but able to walk before fracture were stratified according to Mini‐Mental State Examination score (0–15=moderately severe or severe cognitive impairment (CI), 16–23=mild to moderate CI, ≥24=no CI). Walking ability was defined according to the corresponding Barthel Index subitem, with walking independence at discharge being defined as a score of 12 or more out of 15. Walking ability 1 year after discharge was ascertained by telephone interviews with participants or proxies.RESULTS: At discharge, 29.6% of participants with moderately severe or severe CI (n=24), 51.9% with mild to moderate CI (n=56) and 78.6% of participants without CI (n=92) were able to walk independently. Among those who achieved walking independence and were alive at 1 year, 12 participants with moderately severe or severe CI (57.1%), 31 with mild to moderate CI (57.7%) and 73 without CI (78.9%) were still capable of walking independently.CONCLUSION: Although less frequently than in individuals with better cognitive function, walking independence is achievable after HF surgery rehabilitation, and can be maintained at 1 year also in those with moderately severe or severe CI.
Number of Teeth and Fatigue in Older Adults
Authors: Avlund Kirsten , Schultz‐Larsen Kirsten , Christiansen Niels , Holm‐Pedersen Poul 
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether tooth loss at age 70 is associated with fatigue in a nondisabled community‐dwelling population cross‐sectionally at age 70 and with onset of fatigue longitudinally at 5‐, 10‐, and 15‐year follow‐ups.SETTING: Community‐based population in Copenhagen.PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred seventy‐three nondisabled 70‐year‐old individuals in 1984.MEASUREMENTS: Data from interviews and a medical and oral examination. Oral health was measured according to number of teeth (0, 1–9, 10–19, ≥20). Fatigue was measured using the Avlund Mobility‐Tiredness Scale on six mobility activities. Covariates, all measured at baseline, were sex, education, income, comorbidity, and smoking.RESULTS: Bivariate logistic regression analyses showed significant cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between number of teeth at age 70 and onset of fatigue at 5‐ and 10‐ but not 15‐year follow‐up. The associations between having no teeth and fatigue were attenuated when adjusted for socioeconomic position and smoking.CONCLUSION: Tooth loss is associated with onset of fatigue in old age, but the estimates are attenuated when adjusting for socioeconomic position and smoking. Tooth loss may be an early indicator of frailty.
Does Hospice Improve Quality of Care for Persons Dying from Dementia?
Authors: Teno Joan M. , Gozalo Pedro L. , Lee Ian C. , Kuo Sylvia , Spence Carol , Connor Stephen R. , Casarett David J. 
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effectiveness of hospice services for persons dying from dementia from the perspective of bereaved family members.DESIGN: Mortality follow‐back survey.SETTING: Death certificates were drawn from five states (AL, FL, TX, MA, and MN).PARTICIPANTS: Bereaved family members listed as the next of kin on death certificates when dementia was listed as the cause of death.MEASUREMENTS: Ratings of the quality of end‐of‐life care, perceptions of unmet needs, and opportunities to improve end‐of‐life care. Two questions were also asked about the peacefulness of dying and quality of dying.RESULTS: Of 538 respondents, 260 (48.3%) received hospice services. Family members of decedents who received hospice services reported fewer unmet needs and concerns with quality of care (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.33–0.74) and a higher rating of the quality of care (AOR=2.0, 95% CI=1.53–2.72). They also noted better quality of dying than those without hospice services.CONCLUSION: Bereaved family members of people with dementia who received hospice reported higher perceptions of the quality of care and quality of dying.
Increasing Walking and Bright Light Exposure to Improve Sleep in Community‐Dwelling Persons with Alzheimer's Disease: Results of a Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: McCurry Susan M. , Pike Kenneth C. , Vitiello Michael V. , Logsdon Rebecca G. , Larson Eric B. , Teri Linda 
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVES: To test the effects of walking, light exposure, and a combination intervention (walking, light, and sleep education) on the sleep of persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD).DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial with blinded assessors.SETTING: Independent community living.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty‐two people with AD and their in‐home caregivers.INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned to one of three active treatments (walking, light, combination treatment) or contact control and received three or six in‐home visits.MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcomes were participant total wake time based on wrist actigraphy and caregiver ratings of participant sleep quality on the Sleep Disorders Inventory (SDI). Secondary sleep outcomes included additional actigraphic measurements of sleep percentage, number of awakenings, and total sleep time.RESULTS: Participants in walking (P=.05), light (P=.04), and combination treatment (P=.01) had significantly greater improvements in total wake time at posttest (effect size 0.51–0.63) than controls but no significant improvement on the SDI. Moderate effect size improvements in actigraphic sleep percentage were also observed in active treatment participants. There were no significant differences between the active treatment groups and no group differences for any sleep outcomes at 6 months. Participants with better adherence (4 d/wk) to walking and light exposure recommendations had significantly less total wake time (P=.006) and better sleep efficiency (P=.005) at posttest than those with poorer adherence.CONCLUSION: Walking, light exposure, and their combination are potentially effective treatments for improving sleep in community‐dwelling persons with AD, but consistent adherence to treatment recommendations is required.
The Risk for Syncope and Presyncope During Surgery in Surgeons and Nurses
Authors: RUDNICKI JERZY , ZYŚKO DOROTA , GAJEK JACEK , KULICZKOWSKI WIKTOR , ROSIŃCZUK‐TONDERYS JOANNA , ZIELIŃSKA DOMINIKA , TERPIŁOWSKI ŁUKASZ , AGRAWAL ANIL KUMAR 
Published: July 2011

Background:
Surgeons and nurses are exposed to orthostatic stress.
Aims:
To assess the lifetime incidence of syncopal and presyncopal events during surgery in operation room staff and reveal the predicting factors.
Methods and Results:
The study included 317 subjects (161 F, 156 M) aged 43.9 ± 9.6; 216 surgeons and 101 instrumenters. The study included filling of an anonymous questionnaire on the syncope and presyncope history.
Results:
At least one syncopal event during operation was reported by 4.7% and presyncope by 14.8% of the studied population. All but one subject reported prodromal symptoms before syncope. In the medical history, syncope outside the operating room was reported by 11% of the studied group. Syncope and presyncope during operation was related to syncope in the medical history outside the operation room, respectively: odds ratio (OR) 20.2 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0–70.5 and OR 10.8; CI: 5.0–23.4 and to presyncope in the medical history, respectively: OR 23.5; CI: 7.4–74.4 OR 8.9; CI: 3.6–11.2 (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
(1) Syncope and presyncope may occur during surgery in the staff of the operating room. (2) Syncope in the operating room is usually preceded by prodromal symptoms and has vasovagal origin. (3) Both lower then expected occurrence of syncope in the operating room staff and absence of any difference between genders in this regard indicate preselection in the process of choosing profession and specialization. (4) Syncope and presyncope outside the operating room in medical history increases the risk of syncope and presyncope inside the operation room. (PACE 2011; 34:1486–1491)
The Efficiency of 10‐Second Resting Heart Rate for the Evaluation of Short‐Term Heart Rate Variability Indices
Authors: NUSSINOVITCH UDI , ELISHKEVITZ KEREN POLITI , KAMINER KEREN , NUSSINOVITCH MOSHE , SEGEV SHLOMO , VOLOVITZ BENJAMIN , NUSSINOVITCH NAOMI 
Published: July 2011

Background:
High values of resting heart rate were found to be correlated with adverse outcomes in various patient groups. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a reliable technique in determining autonomic nervous system function. Our aim was to evaluate whether a 10‐second resting heart rate obtained from a resting electrocardiogram (ECG), could be used as a reliable evaluation of short‐term HRV.
Methods:
Seventy‐nine healthy volunteers were included in the study. All participants underwent a 10‐second ECG, and 5‐minute HRV measurement under strict criteria.
Results:
A significantly negative correlation was found between resting heart rate and 5‐minute max‐RR, min‐RR, standard deviation of normal RR intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences of RR intervals (RMSSD), HRV triangular index, number of intervals differing by 50 milliseconds from the preceding interval (NN50), pNN50, standard deviation of the points perpendicular to the line of identity (SD1), standard deviation along the line of identity (SD2), and high frequency spectral component (HF). A significant positive correlation was found between resting heart rate and a 5‐minute low frequency spectral component (LF) and LF/HF ratio. Specifically, max‐RR and min‐RR were found to have the best correlation with resting heart rate.
Conclusions:
Resting heart rate obtained from a 10‐second ECG can be used for crude estimation of all HRV results in healthy individuals who do not take medications, with variable efficacy depending on the measured parameter. Resting heart rate was especially efficient in predicting max‐RR and min‐RR. Further research should focus on assessing the reliability of a resting heart rate for HRV evaluation, in patients with autonomic dysfunction and high‐risk cardiac patients. (PACE 2011; 34:1498–1502)
Impact of endometriosis on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles in young women: a stage‐dependent interference
Authors: COCCIA MARIA ELISABETTA , RIZZELLO FRANCESCA , MARIANI GIULIA , BULLETTI CARLO , PALAGIANO ANTONIO , SCARSELLI GIANFRANCO 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjective. Endometriosis is a frequent indication for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF‐ET). Its influence on IVF‐ET cycles remains controversial. We evaluated the impact of the severity of endometriosis on IVF‐ET cycles in young women. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. Academic tertiary referral centre. Sample and Methods. In a retrospective cohort analysis, 164 IVF‐ET cycles in 148 women with endometriosis‐associated infertility were analyzed. Eighty cycles performed during the same period on 72 consecutive women with tubal infertility were considered as controls. All patients were younger than 35 years old. Main Outcome Measures. Response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization, implantation and pregnancy rate (PR). Results. Clinical PR was lower in the group with endometriosis (all stages) in comparison with the tubal factor group. Higher total gonadotropin requirements, lower response to COH and lower oocyte yield were also found in the endometriosis group. Stage‐stratified analysis showed a lower fertilization rate in stage I–II (52.6% stage I–II, 70.5% stage III–IV and 71.9% tubal factor). In stage III–IV endometriosis there was a higher cycle cancellation rate, a reduced response to COH and a lower PR compared with both the stage I–II and the tubal infertility groups (PR 9.7, 25 and 26.1%, respectively). Conclusions. Stage III–IV was strongly associated with poor IVF outcome. A decreased fertilization rate in stage I–II might be a cause of subfertility in these women, owing to a hostile environment caused by the disease.
Grand‐grand multiparity (more than 10 deliveries) does not convey a risk for osteoporosis
Authors: Turan Volkan 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjective. To examine whether multiparity is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Design. A retrospective evaluation. Population. 16 grand‐grand multiparous women and women who gave birth a maximum of three times (n= 15), aged 55–60 years. Methods. X‐ray absorptiometry was used to examine lumbar spine (L1–L4) and femoral bone mineral densities. The relation between parity and osteoporosis was investigated by separating the bone mineral density into three categories according to the score from the absorptiometry. Results. The women had a similar body mass index and post‐menopausal status, lumbar spine (L1–L4) and femoral bone mineral densities. There was no relation between multiparity and osteoporosis development in the lumbar spine (r=−0.02; p=0.992) or total femoral (r=0.20; p=0.916) regions. Conclusions. Many pregnancies and childbirths along with long total lactation times do not appear to play a role in increasing the risk of osteoporosis at a more advanced age.