bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N‐acetylcysteine inhibits chromium hypersensitivity in coadjuvant chromium‐sensitized albino guinea pigs by suppressing the effects of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Wang Bour‐Jr , Guo Yue‐Liang , Chang Ho‐Yuan , Sheu Hamm‐Min , Pan Min‐Hsiung , Lee Yu‐Hsuan , Wang Ying‐Jan 
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: N‐acetylcysteine inhibits chromium hypersensitivity in coadjuvant chromium‐sensitized albino guinea pigs by suppressing the effects of reactive oxygen species. Experimental Dermatology 2010;19: e191–e200.AbstractBackground: Chromium hypersensitivity is an important issue in occupational skin disease. When hexavalent chromium enters the cell, it can be reduced to trivalent chromium, resulting in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are considered to play an important role in the progression of allergic contact dermatitis.N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) could increase glutathione levels in the skin and act as an antioxidant.Aims: We attempted to demonstrate that NAC could inhibit chromium hypersensitivity in a coadjuvant chromium‐sensitized albino guinea pig model by counteracting the formation of ROS.Methods: We utilized a coadjuvant chromium‐sensitized albino guinea pig model to evaluate both the severity of the skin reaction by intradermal and epicutaneous elicitation tests and the sensitization rate of chromium hypersensitivity in NAC‐treated and NAC‐untreated albino guinea pigs (GP). Furthermore, three ROS parameters, including H2O2,malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the skin and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) in plasma, were analyzed in NAC‐treated and NAC‐untreated coadjuvant chromium‐sensitized albino GP.Results: The severity of the skin reaction in the intradermal and epicutaneous elicitation test significantly diminished when the albino GP were treated with a dose of 1200 mg/kg/day of NAC. This dose also significantly decreased the sensitization rate of chromium hypersensitivity. In addition, treatment with 1200 mg/kg/day of NAC significantly reduced the H2O2and MDA levels in the skin and significantly increased the ORAC in the plasma of albino GP. Therefore, NAC could be a potential chemopreventative agent to prevent the progression of chromium hypersensitivity.
Is there a ‘gut–brain–skin axis’?
Authors: Arck Petra , Handjiski Bori , Hagen Evelin , Pincus Maike , Bruenahl Christian , Bienenstock John , Paus Ralf 
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: Is there a ‘gut–brain–skin axis’? Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 401–405.Abstract:  Emerging evidence arising from interdisciplinary research supports the occurrence of communication axes between organs, such as the brain–gut or brain–skin axis. The latter is employed in response to stress challenge, along which neurogenic skin inflammation and hair growth inhibition is mediated. We now show that ingestion of a Lactobacillus strain in mice dampens stress‐induced neurogenic skin inflammation and the hair growth inhibition. In conclusion, we are introducing a hypothesis, encouraged by our pilot observations and resting upon published prior evidence from the literature, which amalgamates previously proposed partial concepts into a new, unifying model, i.e. the gut–brain–skin axis. This concept suggests that modulation of the microbiome by deployment of probiotics can not only greatly reduce stress‐induced neurogenic skin inflammation but even affect a very complex cutaneous phenomenon of (mini‐) organ transformation, i.e. hair follicle cycling. These observations raise the intriguing prospect that feeding of just the right kind of bacteria can exert profound beneficial effects on skin homoeostasis, skin inflammation, hair growth and peripheral tissue responses to perceived stress.
Evaluation of poliovirus antibody titers in orally vaccinated semi‐captive chimpanzees in Uganda
Authors: Mugisha L. , Pauli G. , Opuda‐Asibo J. , Joseph O.O. , Leendertz F.H. , Diedrich S. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground  To understand immunological responses in chimpanzees vaccinated with live‐attenuated vaccine (oral polio vaccine; OPV), serum neutralizing antibodies against poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 were investigated over time.Methods  The neutralizing antibody titers against poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 were determined by microneutralization test using 100 ID50 of poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 (Sabin strains).Results  Neutralizing antibodies against poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 were detected in 85.7%, 71.4%, and 65% of the serum from 42 chimpanzees tested 9 years post‐vaccination. The neutralizing antibody titers in chimpanzees were similar to the documented levels in human studies as an indicator of vaccine efficacy.Conclusions  This study reveals persistence of neutralizing antibodies in chimpanzees for at least 9 years after vaccination with OPV. This first study in chimpanzees provides useful information for the evaluation of the success of vaccination with OPV in other captive apes.
Separate and combined effects of caffeine and dbcAMP on olive baboon (Papio anubis) sperm
Authors: Nyachieo Atunga , Spiessens Carl , Chai Daniel C. , Kiulia Nicholas M. , Mwenda Jason M. , D’Hooghe Thomas M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground  Improvement of baboon sperm capacitation is necessary for achieving high in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates in baboons. In this study, we evaluated separate and combined effects of caffeine and dbcAMP on baboon sperm capacitation.Methods  Sixteen male baboons (n = 16) were electroejaculated. Each sperm sample was divided into two aliquots: one for chemical activation and the other untreated control. Group 1: dbcAMP (n = 6); Group 2: caffeine (n = 6) and Group 3: combination of caffeine and dbcAMP (n = 4). In each aliquot, sperm motility after 30 minutes of incubation was evaluated as well as zona pellucida (ZP) binding ability after overnight incubation with 4–5 ZP from unfertilized human oocytes.Results  Sperm motility and ZP binding ability in all chemically activated groups increased significantly as compared to their respective controls (P < 0.05).Conclusion  Combined and separate effects of caffeine and dbcAMP increases baboon sperm motility and ZP binding ability and may improve baboon IVF.
Late effects of early growth hormone treatment in Down syndrome
Authors: Myrelid Å , Bergman S , Elfvik Strömberg M , Jonsson B , Nyberg F , Gustafsson J , Annerén G 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjective:  Down syndrome (DS) is associated with short stature and psychomotor delay. We have previously shown that growth hormone (GH) treatment during infancy and childhood normalizes growth velocity and improves fine motor skill performance in DS. The aim of this study was to investigate late effects of early GH treatment on growth and psychomotor development in the DS subjects from the previous trial.Design:  Twelve of 15 adolescents with DS (3 F) from the GH group and 10 of 15 controls (5 F) participated in this follow‐up study. Fifteen other subjects with DS (6 F) were included as controls in anthropometric analyses. Cognitive function was assessed with the Leiter International Performance Scale‐Revised (Leiter‐R) and selected subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Third edition (WISC‐III). The Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second edition (BOT‐2), was used to assess general motor ability.Results:  Although early GH treatment had no effect on final height, the treated subjects had a greater head circumference standard deviation score (SDS) than the controls (−1.6 SDS vs. −2.2 SDS). The adolescents previously treated with GH had scores above those of the controls in all subtests of Leiter‐R and WISC‐III, but no difference in Brief IQ‐score was seen between the groups. The age‐adjusted motor performance of all subjects was below −2 SD, but the GH‐treated subjects performed better than the controls in all but one subtest.Conclusion:  The combined finding of a greater head circumference SDS and better psychomotor performance indicates that DS subjects may benefit from early GH treatment.
13q33.2 deletion: a rare cause of ambiguous genitalia in a male newborn with growth restriction
Authors: Andresen JH , Aftimos S , Doherty E , Love DR , Battin M 
Published: January 2010

Abstract13q deletion is a rare cause of ambiguous genitalia in the male newborn, and can be associated with mental retardation of varying degree, retinoblastoma, and malformations of the brain, eye, genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract, depending on the level of the deletion.We present a male neonate with ambiguous genitalia and IUGR with a 13q33.2 deletion, and a paternal balanced translocation. Microarray analysis found the genes involved to be on chromosome 13 in the region 102989254bp–109214509bp. This deletion encompasses the EFNB2 gene, which has been implicated in genital malformations in 13q deletion cases.Conclusions:  We find a link between haploinsufficiency of the EFNB2 gene and the presence of ambiguous genitalia and hypospadia in patients with a 13q.33 deletion. This work emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis of this condition due to the link with mental retardation and the need for follow up and management.
Energy expenditure in very low birth weight newborns: a comparison between small and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age
Authors: Moreira MEL , Soares FVM , Meio MDBB , Abranches AD , Gomes Junior SC 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAims:  To compare resting energy expenditure (REE) in small‐ and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age very low birth weight newborns after reaching corrected at‐term age.Methods:  Observational study that included all clinically stable very low birth weight newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. The newborns were classified as small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA). Resting energy expenditure was measured using indirect calorimetry when the newborns reached at‐term age.Results:  A total of 51 newborns, of which 23 were SGA and 28 AGA, were included. There was no statistically significant difference in REE between the two groups, although the observed levels were higher than the reference values.Conclusion:  There is no statistical difference in resting expenditure energy between SGA and AGA infants when they reached term. The higher energy expenditure found in both groups may be explained by other factors related to prematurity and its complications and requires further investigation.
Influence of clinical status on the association between plasma total and unbound bilirubin and death or adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in extremely low birth weight infants
Authors: Oh W , Stevenson DK , Tyson JE , Morris BH , Ahlfors CE , Bender G Jesse , Wong RJ , Perritt R , Vohr BR , Van Meurs KP , Vreman HJ , Das A , Phelps DL , O’Shea T Michael , Higgins RD ,   On Behalf of the NICHD Neonatal Research Network Bethesda MD
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectives:  To assess the influence of clinical status on the association between total plasma bilirubin and unbound bilirubin on death or adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18–22 months corrected age in extremely low birth weight infants.Method:  Total plasma bilirubin and unbound bilirubin were measured in 1101 extremely low birth weight infants at 5 ± 1 days of age. Clinical criteria were used to classify infants as clinically stable or unstable. Survivors were examined at 18–22 months corrected age by certified examiners. Outcome variables were death or neurodevelopmental impairment, death or cerebral palsy, death or hearing loss, and death prior to follow‐up. For all outcomes, the interaction between bilirubin variables and clinical status was assessed in logistic regression analyses adjusted for multiple risk factors.Results:  Regardless of clinical status, an increasing level of unbound bilirubin was associated with higher rates of death or neurodevelopmental impairment, death or cerebral palsy, death or hearing loss and death before follow‐up. Total plasma bilirubin values were directly associated with death or neurodevelopmental impairment, death or cerebral palsy, death or hearing loss, and death before follow‐up in unstable infants, but not in stable infants. An inverse association between total plasma bilirubin and death or cerebral palsy was found in stable infants.Conclusions:  In extremely low birth weight infants, clinical status at 5 days of age affects the association between total plasma bilirubin and death or adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18–22 months of corrected age. An increasing level of UB is associated a higher risk of death or adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes regardless of clinical status. Increasing levels of total plasma bilirubin are directly associated with increasing risk of death or adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in unstable, but not in stable infants.
Can transfers from residential aged care facilities to the Emergency Department be avoided through improved primary care services? Data from qualitative interviews
Authors: Arendts Glenn , Reibel Tracy , Codde Jim , Frankel Jackie 
Published: January 2010

Aim:  To explore the factors that influence the transfer of patients from residential aged care facilities (RACF) to hospital emergency departments (ED), and describe features of improved primary care in RACF that could result in reduced transfer.Methods:  a. Three focus groups conducted with family and carers of RACF residents, along with RACF, ED and general practice staff. b. Semistructured one‐on‐one interviews with nine residents of RACF.Results:  Five main themes emerged – staffing and skill mix in RACF, treatment options in RACF, end of life decision‐making, communication and bureaucratic requirements. Analysis of the semistructured interviews demonstrated parallel concerns with many of the focus groups indicators. There was a strong but not universal preference among residents to minimise RACF to ED transfer.Conclusions:  The transfer of residents from RACF to ED is influenced by multiple interrelated factors, and strategies to reduce transfer should address these.
Older women and arthritis: Tracking impact over time
Authors: Parkinson Lynne , Gibson Richard , Robinson Ian , Byles Julie 
Published: January 2010

Aim:  To explore the ongoing impact of arthritis on older community‐dwelling women over 9 years of Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health data.Methods:  National longitudinal surveys (1996–2005) were conducted with a random sample of 12432 Australian women, aged 70–75 years in 1996. Self‐report of doctor diagnosis of arthritis was the factor of interest. The main outcome measure was SF‐36 health‐related quality of life.Results:  A total of 7088 women completed the 2005 survey (58% of original cohort): 63% of women aged 77–85 years in 2005 reported doctor diagnosis of arthritis. Women with arthritis were more likely to report comorbid conditions, have poorer health and score as depressed and anxious. Arthritis was associated with decreasing scores for physical function, pain and social function over time.Conclusion:  Arthritis was associated with an increasing negative impact on health and quality of life for older women over time.
Can Oral Contraceptives Cause Vestibulodynia?
Authors: Goldstein Andrew , Burrows Lara , Goldstein Irwin 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTAimTo describe the clinical course of a young woman who developed vestibulodynia with introital dyspareunia while on oral contraceptive (OCs) and to provide a possible explanation for the etiology of her symptoms as well as her recovery after treatment.MethodsA single case is presented including subjective reporting, laboratory evaluation, and quantitative sensory testing.ResultsAfter topical hormonal therapy, the patient reported resolution of her dyspareunia and and her laboratory values normalized.
Single mechano‐gated channels activated by mechanical deformation of acutely isolated cardiac fibroblasts from rats
Authors: Kamkin A. , Kirischuk S. , Kiseleva I. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim:  Mechanosensitive conductances were reported in cardiac fibroblasts, but the properties of single channels mediating their mechanosensitivity remain uncharacterized. The aim of this work was to investigate single mechano‐gated channels (MGCs) activated by mechanical deformations of cardiac fibroblasts.Methods:  Currents through single MGCs and mechanosensitive whole‐cell currents were recorded from isolated rat atrial fibroblasts using the cell‐attached and whole‐cell patch‐clamp configurations respectively. Defined mechanical stress was applied via the patch pipette used for the whole‐cell recordings.Results:  Under resting conditions occasional short openings of two types of single MGCs with conductances of 43 and 87 pS were observed. Both types of channels displayed a linear current–voltage relationship with the reversal potential around 0 mV. Small (1 μm) mechanical deformations affected neither single nor whole‐cell mechano‐gated currents. Cell compressions (2, 3 and 4 μm) augmented the whole‐cell currents and increased the frequency and duration of single channel openings. Cell stretches (2, 3 and 4 μm) inactivated the whole‐cell currents and abolished the activity of single MGCs. Gd3+ (8 μm) blocked the whole‐cell currents within 5 min. No single channel activity was observed in the cell‐attached mode when Gd3+ was added to the intrapipette solution. Cytochalasin D and colchicine (100 μm each) completely blocked both the whole‐cell and single channel currents.Conclusions:  These findings show that rat atrial fibroblasts express two types of MGCs whose activity is governed by cell deformation. We conclude that fibroblasts can sense the direction of applied stress and contribute to mechano‐electrical coupling in the heart.
Assessing clinicians' management of first episode schizophrenia using clinical case vignettes
Authors: Huffman Jeff C. , Freudenreich Oliver , Romeo Sarah , Baer Lee , Sutton‐Skinner Kelly , Petersen Tim , Fromson John A. , Birnbaum Robert J. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground: Patients with first episode schizophrenia may present in a variety of clinical settings to providers who have a range of knowledge and skills. A thoughtful workup of patients with new‐onset psychosis is critical, and the treatment of first episode schizophrenia differs from that of chronic psychotic disorders. Clinical case vignettes with free‐form responses can be used to carefully assess whether front line practitioners provide guideline‐adherent management of first episode psychosis.Methods: A clinical case vignette, presenting a patient with first episode schizophrenia, was created and administered to the attendees of a continuing medical education programme. Free‐form responses to questions regarding differential diagnosis, workup, treatment and treatment duration were scored based on published practice guidelines. Response frequencies were tabulated and performance was compared among professional disciplines.Results: Sixty‐two attendees completed the vignette. Though the attendees typically considered a broad differential diagnosis and appropriately initiated treatment with antipsychotics, the respondents' proposed medical workup was limited, and they prescribed antipsychotics at higher doses and for a shorter duration than recommended in the literature. The prescribers outperformed the non‐prescribers on treatment questions (P = 0.006), but the two groups' performance did not signficantly differ on the assessment questions (P = 0.08).Conclusions: The front line clinicians who encounter patients with first episode schizophrenia may have significant practice gaps in the initial and follow‐up care of these patients. Given the preliminary nature of this study and the debate about the optimal care for first episode psychosis, further study is needed. If such gaps are confirmed, additional educational interventions are required to align clinical management with published practice guidelines.
A descriptive review of qualitative studies in first episode psychosis
Authors: Boydell Katherine M. , Stasiulis Elaine , Volpe Tiziana , Gladstone Brenda 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim: The aim of this paper is to provide a descriptive review of published qualitative research studies on first episode psychosis (FEP).Methods: A review was undertaken to describe the findings of qualitative studies in early psychosis. Keyword searches in Medline, CINAHL, ASSIA, PsychINFO databases, as well as manual searches of other relevant journals and reference lists of primary papers, were conducted.Results: Thirty‐one qualitative papers (representing 27 discrete studies) were identified. The majority reported research concerning young people based in community settings. The research studies were organized according to the following generic social processes: (i) achieving identity; (ii) acquiring perspectives; (iii) doing activity; and, (iv) experiencing relationships. The papers reviewed are based on first‐person accounts obtained from individuals who have experienced FEP, their family members and service providers.Conclusion: This descriptive review contributes to our understanding of the complex social processes of achieving identity, acquiring perspectives, doing activities and developing relationships as experienced by young people and the significant others in their world. The cumulative findings highlight the contextually rich and detailed information made possible through qualitative studies of FEP. They begin to account for the active engagement of individuals affected by psychosis in making sense of their experience and suggest that this experience should be understood from within young people's own framework of meaning.
Stigma and treatment delay in first‐episode psychosis: a grounded theory study
Authors: Franz Lauren , Carter Tandrea , Leiner Amy S. , Bergner Erin , Thompson Nancy J. , Compton Michael T. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim: A longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is associated with greater morbidity in the early course of schizophrenia. This formative, hypothesis‐generating study explored the effects of stigma, as perceived by family members, on DUP.Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 African American family members directly involved in treatment initiation for a relative with first‐episode psychosis. Data analysis relied on a grounded theory approach. A testable model informed by constructs of Link's modified labelling theory was developed.Results: Four main themes were identified, including: (i) society's beliefs about mental illnesses; (ii) families' beliefs about mental illnesses; (iii) fear of the label of a mental illness; and (iv) a raised threshold for the initiation of treatment. A grounded theory model was developed as a schematic representation of the themes and subthemes uncovered in the family members' narratives.Conclusions: The findings suggest that due to fear of the official label of a mental illness, certain coping mechanisms may be adopted by families, which may result in a raised threshold for treatment initiation, and ultimately treatment delay. If the relationships within the grounded theory model are confirmed by further qualitative and quantitative research, public educational programs could be developed with the aim of reducing this threshold, ultimately decreasing DUP.