bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient‐reported outcomes following treatment with the human GLP‐1 analogue liraglutide or glimepiride in monotherapy: results from a randomized controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bode B. W. , Testa M. A. , Magwire M. , Hale P. M. , Hammer M. , Blonde L. , Garber A. ,   on behalf of the LEAD‐3 Study Group
Published: January 2010

Aim: As weight gain and hypoglycaemia associated with glimepiride therapy can negatively impact weight perceptions, psychological well‐being and overall quality of life in type 2 diabetes, we investigated whether liraglutide treatment could improve these factors. Methods: Seven hundred and thirty‐two patients with type 2 diabetes completed a 77‐item questionnaire during a randomized, 52‐week, double‐blind study with liraglutide 1.2 mg (n = 245) or 1.8 mg (n = 242) compared with glimepiride 8 mg (n = 245). Results: Mean (SE) decreases in glycated haemoglobin levels were greater with liraglutide 1.2 mg [−0.84 (0.08)%] and 1.8 mg [−1.14 (0.08)%] than glimepiride [−0.51 (0.08)%; p = 0.0014 and p < 0.0001, respectively]. Patients gained weight on glimepiride [mean (SE), 1.12 (0.27) kg] but lost weight on liraglutide [1.2 mg: −2.05 (0.28) kg; 1.8 mg: −2.45 (0.28) kg; both p < 0.0001]. Patient weight assessment was more favourable with liraglutide 1.8 mg [mean (SE) score: 40.0 (2.0)] than glimepiride [48.7 (2.0); p = 0.002], and liraglutide 1.8 mg patients were 52% less likely to feel overweight [odds ratio (OR) 0.48; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.331–0.696]. Mean (SE) weight concerns were less with liraglutide [1.2 mg: 30.0 (1.2); 1.8 mg: 32.8 (1.2)] than glimepiride [38.8 (1.2); p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively], with liraglutide groups 45% less likely to report weight concern (OR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.41–0.73). Mean (SE) mental and emotional health and general perceived health improved more with liraglutide 1.8 mg [476.1 (2.8) and 444.2 (3.2), respectively] than glimepiride [466.3 (2.8) and 434.5 (3.2), respectively; p = 0.012 and p = 0.033, respectively]. Conclusions: Improved glycaemic control and decreased weight with liraglutide 1.8 mg vs. glimepiride can improve psychological and emotional well‐being and health perceptions by reducing anxiety and worry associated with weight gain.
A multilocus candidate approach identifies ACE and HIF1A as susceptibility genes for cellulite
Authors: Emanuele E , Bertona M , Geroldi D 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground  Cellulite is a common complex cosmetic problem for many post‐adolescent women characterised by relief alterations of the skin surface, which give the skin an orange‐peel appearance. Although genetic factors have been suggested to play a role in the development of cellulite, the genetic background of this condition remains unclear. We therefore conducted a multi‐locus genetic study examining the potential associations of candidate gene variants in oestrogen receptors, endothelial function/adipose tissue hypoxia, lipid metabolism, extracellular matrix homeostasis, inflammation and adipose tissue biology, with the risk of cellulite.Methods  Using a case–control study of 200 lean women with cellulite and 200 age‐ and BMI‐matched controls (grade 0 according to Nurnberger–Muller scale), we examined the association of cellulite with 25 polymorphisms in 15 candidate genes.Results  Two of the 25 polymorphisms were significantly associated with cellulite at the P < 0.01 level. After allowance for age, body mass index, the prevalence of contraceptive use and smoking in logistic regression analysis, the multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios for cellulite were 1.19 (95% CI: 1.10–1.51; P < 0.01) for ACE rs1799752 and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.45–0.88, P < 0.01) for HIF1A rs11549465.Conclusions  This study, which demonstrates an independent role of ACE and HIF1A in predisposing to cellulite, may provide novel information on the pathophysiology of this common cosmetic problem, and offer a topic for research for novel beautification interventions.
Functional anatomy of the lymphatics draining the skin: a detailed statistical analysis
Authors: Reynolds Hayley M. , Walker Cameron G. , Dunbar P. Rod , O’Sullivan Michael J. , Uren Roger F. , Thompson John F. , Smith Nicolas P. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractRelatively little is known about the functional anatomy of the lymphatic vessels draining the skin. To address this issue, we previously created a three‐dimensional computer model of skin lymphatic drainage, using melanoma lymphoscintigraphy (LS) data from 5232 patients. In this study we sought to extend our model by performing a detailed statistical analysis of the mapped LS data to characterize the functional anatomy of the superficial lymphatics without any a‐priori spatial bias. We investigated the commonly held assumption that lymphatic drainage is symmetric between the two sides of the body. Results indicated that, with the exception of the lower anterior torso, posterior leg and a small section of the posterior torso, most skin regions with sufficient data showed symmetric drainage. LS data from each symmetric skin region were then reflected to the opposite side of the body to provide an increased LS dataset for subsequent analysis. Cluster analysis was then applied to this reflected LS dataset to group regions of skin that drained in a similar manner. Results defined nine large clusters of skin, largely draining to the dominant axillary, groin, cervical level II and preauricular node fields. Each of the four axillary and groin node fields defined large clusters of skin on the torso, dividing it into regions similar to the historical ‘Sappey’s lines’, although a fifth region of highly ambiguous drainage was also shown in the anterior and posterior center of the torso. Collectively, these results provide important new insights into skin lymphatic drainage, both improving and quantifying our understanding of functional lymphatic anatomy.
Maternal and fetal microvasculature in sheep placenta at several stages of gestation
Authors: Hafez Shireen A. , Borowicz Pawel , Reynolds Lawrence P. , Redmer Dale A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractMaternal and fetal microvasculature was studied in ewes at days 50, 90 and 130 of gestation using microvascular corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy. Microvascular corrosion casts of caruncles at day 50 were cup‐shaped with a centrally located cavity. Branches of radial arteries entered the caruncle from its base and ramified on the maternal surface of the caruncle. Stem arteries broke into an extensive mesh of capillaries forming crypts on the fetal surface. The architecture of the caruncle at day 90 was similar to what was found at day 50 but the vascularity and the depth of the crypts increased in correspondence to increased branching of fetal villi. The substance of the caruncle was thicker at day 130 compared with day 50, with no remarkable difference compared with day 90. Capillary sinusoids of irregular form and diameter were observed on the fetal surface of the caruncle at all stages. These sinusoids may reduce blood flow resistance and subsequently increase transplacental exchange capacity. A microvascular corrosion cast of the cotyledon was cup‐shaped with wide and narrow sides. Cotyledonary vessels entered and left the cotyledon from the narrow side. A cotyledonary artery gave proximal collateral branches immediately after entering the cotyledon and then further branched to supply the remaining portion of the cotyledon. Vessel branches broke into a mesh of capillaries forming the fetal vascular villi. Fetal villi that were nearest to the center of the cotyledon were the longest. Capillaries forming villi were in the form of a web‐like mesh, were irregular in size and had sinusoidal dilations. The architecture of the cotyledon at day 90 was similar to day 50, but the vascularity increased. Branching of the fetal villi became more abundant. This extensive branching presumably allows a higher degree of invasion and surface contact to maternal tissues. At day 130, the distal portions of the fetal villi showed low ridges and troughs to increase the surface area for diffusion. Branching of fetal villi appears to influence the elaboration of maternal crypts in all stages of gestation. However, correspondence between crypts and villi is restricted to distal portions of fetal villi.
Architectural properties of the first dorsal interosseous muscle
Authors: Infantolino Benjamin W. , Challis John H. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractMuscle architecture is considered to reflect the function of muscle in vivo, and is important for example to clinicians in designing tendon‐transfer and tendon‐lengthening surgeries. The purpose of this study was to quantify the architectural properties of the FDI muscle. It is hypothesized that there will be consistency, that is low variability, in the architectural parameters used to describe the first dorsal interosseous muscle because of its clear functional role in index finger motion. The important architectural parameters identified were those required to characterize a muscle adequately by modeling. Specifically the mass, cross‐sectional area, and length of the tendon and muscle were measured in cadavers along with the muscle fiber optimum length and pennation angle, and the moment arm of the first dorsal interosseous at the metacarpophalangeal joint. These parameters provide a characterization of the architecture of the first dorsal interosseous, and were used to indicate the inherent variability between samples. The results demonstrated a large amount of variability for all architectural parameters measured; leading to a rejection of the hypothesis. Ratios designed to describe the functioning of the muscles in vivo, for example the ratio of tendon to fiber optimum lengths, also demonstrated a large variability. The results suggest that function cannot be deduced from form for the first dorsal interosseous, and that subject‐specific architectural parameters may be necessary for the formulation of accurate musculoskeletal models or making clinical decisions.
Spontaneous recurrent seizures after status epilepticus induced by soman in Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: De Araujo Furtado Marcio , Lumley Lucille A. , Robison Christopher , Tong Lawrence C. , Lichtenstein Spencer , Yourick Debra L. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryPurpose:  Exposure to toxic levels of organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents can lead to seizures, respiratory failure, and, if untreated, death. The cholinesterase inhibitor soman belongs to the class of OP nerve agents and can cause status epilepticus (SE) and brain damage due to neuroexcitotoxicity. In the present study, electroencephalographic seizures are characterized through telemetry implants in rats exposed to soman, followed by treatment with therapeutics similar to those administered after nerve agent exposure.Methods:  Cortical electroencephalography (EEG), motor activity and body temperature were recorded continuously for 2 days preexposure and 15 days postexposure to verify the occurrence of spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) after soman exposure.Results:  Behavioral seizures were monitored and the latency to SE was 7.8 ± 4.0 min after exposure. Among the rats that showed SE, approximately 90% had prolonged seizures within the initial 3 days after soman exposure. Five percent of the rats developed stage 1 seizures, 16% stage 2, 23% stage 3, 18% stage 4, and 38% stage 5. Seventy‐nine percent of the rats presented SE and epileptiform‐like discharges several days after SE, and 28.9% of those with SE experienced electrographic SRS. The latency to the appearance of SRS ranged from 5–10 days. Fiber degeneration evaluated through silver staining revealed damage in cortical and subcortical areas directly correlated with SE.Discussion:  The presence of SRS after seizures induced by soman highlights the importance of quantifying SRS in studies where the objective is to find new therapeutics against soman‐induced seizures.
Potentiation of the anticonvulsant efficacy of sodium channel inhibitors by an NK1‐receptor antagonist in the rat
Authors: Kalinichev Mikhail , Bradford Andrea , Bison Silvia , Lucas Adam , Sartori Ilaria , Garbati Nicoletta , Andreetta Filippo , Bate Simon , Austin Nigel E. , Jones Declan N. C. , Read Kevin D. , Alvaro Giuseppe , Large Charles H. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryPurpose: Many patients with epilepsy are refractory to anticonvulsant drugs or do not tolerate side effects associated with the high doses required to fully prevent seizures. Antagonists of neurokinin‐1 (NK1) receptors have the potential to reduce seizure severity, although this potential has not been fully explored in animals or humans. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the NK1‐receptor antagonist, vofopitant, alone and in combination with different anticonvulsant drugs.Methods: Studies were conducted in rats using a model of generalized seizure induced by electroshock. Drug concentrations in blood and brain were determined in parallel to distinguish pharmacodynamic from pharmacokinetic interactions.Results: The NK1‐receptor antagonist,GR205171(vofopitant) had no anticonvulsant efficacy by itself, but could potentiate the anticonvulsant efficacy of lamotrigine and other sodium channel blockers. However,GR205171had no effect on the anticonvulsant potency of either valproate or gabapentin.GR205171did not produce central nervous system (CNS) side effects at the doses tested, and it did not potentiate side effects induced by high doses of lamotrigine. The NK1‐receptor inactive enantiomer ofGR205171,GR226206did not potentiate the efficacy of lamotrigine, suggesting that effects observed withGR205171were mediated by NK1 receptors. Analysis of the dose–effect relationship forGR205171indicated that a high (>99%) occupancy of NK1 receptors is required for effect, consistent with previous behavioral and human clinical studies with this pharmacologic class.Discussion: These results suggest that there may be benefit in adding treatment with a suitable NK1‐receptor antagonist to treatment with a sodium channel blocker in patients with refractory epilepsy.
Effect of sildenafil on the anticonvulsant action of classical and second‐generation antiepileptic drugs in maximal electroshock‐induced seizures in mice
Authors: Nieoczym Dorota , Łuszczki Jarogniew J. , Czuczwar Stanisław J. , Wlaź Piotr 
Published: January 2010

SummaryPurpose: The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of sildenafil on the threshold for electrically induced seizures in mice. In addition, interactions between sildenafil and classical and second‐generation antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), that is, carbamazepine (CBZ), phenobarbital (PB), phenytoin (PHT), valproate (VPA), lamotrigine (LTG), topiramate (TPM), and oxcarbazepine (OXC) were evaluated.Methods: Two electroconvulsive tests were used: maximal electroshock seizure threshold (MEST) and maximal electroshock seizure (MES) tests in mice. Acute adverse effects of the studied combinations were investigated in the chimney test, step‐through passive avoidance task, and grip‐strength test. Total brain and free plasma concentrations of AEDs were also determined.Results: Sildenafil raised the threshold for electroconvulsions in a dose‐dependent manner. It also increased the anticonvulsant activity of CBZ, VPA, and TPM in the MES test, whereas the activity of the remaining AEDs was not significantly changed. Sildenafil increased total brain and free (protein unbound) plasma CBZ concentrations and total brain VPA concentration. Neither sildenafil nor its coadministration with the studied AEDs affected motor coordination and long‐term memory in mice. Interestingly, sildenafil dose‐dependently enhanced the skeletal muscle strength in mice, although combinations of sildenafil with AEDs were ineffective in this respect.Conclusions: Sildenafil significantly raised the threshold for electroconvulsions in mice without any impairment of motor performance and long‐term memory, but it enhanced muscle strength. Treatment of patients on CBZ or VPA with sildenafil may not be recommended due to pharmacokinetic interactions. Coadministration of sildenafil with other AEDs, especially with TPM, seems to be a reasonable choice.
How common is ictal hypoxemia and bradycardia in children with partial complex and generalized convulsive seizures?
Authors: Moseley Brian D. , Nickels Katherine , Britton Jeffrey , Wirrell Elaine 
Published: January 2010

SummaryPurpose:  Autonomic effects of seizures, including cardiorespiratory abnormalities, may be involved in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for ictal hypoxemia (oxygen saturation <90%) and ictal bradycardia (heart rate < second percentile for age) in children during recorded seizures.Methods:  The medical records of children admitted to our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) between November 1, 2007 and March 13, 2009 were reviewed. Children selected for this study had at least one partial complex or generalized convulsive seizure with recorded oximetry and/or heart rate data.Results:  Forty‐nine children were identified and 225 seizures were analyzed. Ictal hypoxemia was observed in 48.9% of children and 26.8% of seizures. Ictal hypoxemia was significantly more likely to occur during generalized versus nongeneralized seizures (43.9% vs. 18.9%) and when tapering antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) (75% vs. 35.5%). For partial complex seizures, there was an association between ictal hypoxemia and prolonged seizure duration. There was no correlation between ictal hypoxemia and partial seizure onset localization or lateralization.Ictal bradycardia occurred in 8.2% of children and 3.7% of seizures. Ictal bradycardia was observed solely with partial complex seizures of extratemporal onset. Due to the low prevalence of ictal bradycardia, these findings were not statistically significant.Discussion:  Ictal hypoxemia is common, particularly in the setting of generalized tonic–clonic seizures, prolonged partial complex seizures, and when AEDs are tapered. In contrast to previous ictal bradycardia studies, ictal bradycardia occurred exclusively in extratemporal partial complex seizures in this cohort.
What comes first, agricultural growth or democracy?
Authors: Fulginiti Lilyan E. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractToday, the international community faces two major development challenges: how to ignite growth and how to establish democracy. Economic research has identified two plausible hypotheses regarding this association. The first hypothesis emphasizes the need to start with democracy and institutions that secure property rights. The second hypothesis emphasizes the need to start with physical and human capital accumulation. In this article, we discuss some of the econometric evidence on the relationship between institutions, human capital, and agricultural productivity growth across developed and developing countries with the objective of finding support for one or the other hypothesis. We find that most variables used in the literature to capture the effect of institutions are not independent of the process of growth. While no evidence of causation from political institutions to agricultural productivity growth is found, human capital accumulation emerges as an important source of growth.
Price transmission in the Spanish bovine sector: the BSE effect
Authors: Hassouneh Islam , Serra Teresa , Gil José M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA regime‐switching vector error correction model is applied to monthly price data to assess the impact of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) outbreaks on price relationships and patterns of transmission among farm and retail markets for bovines in Spain. To evaluate the degree to which price transmission is affected by BSE food scares, a BSE food scare index is developed and used to determine regime switching. Results suggest that BSE scares affect beef producers and retailers differently. Consumer prices are found to be weakly exogenous and not found to react to BSE scares, while producer prices are conversely adjusted. The magnitude of the adjustment is found to depend on the magnitude of the BSE scare.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: A Multi‐Subunit Chlamydial Vaccine Induces Antibody and Cell‐Mediated Immunity in Immunized Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus): Comparison of Three Different Adjuvants
Authors: Carey Alison J. , Timms Peter , Rawlinson Galit , Brumm Jacqui , Nilsson Karen , Harris Jonathon M. , Beagley Kenneth W. 
Published: January 2010

Citation Carey AJ, Timms P, Rawlinson G, Brumm J, Nilsson K, Harris JM, Beagley KW. A multi‐subunit chlamydial vaccine induces antibody and cell‐mediated immunity in immunized koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus): comparison of three different adjuvants. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 161–172Problem  Chlamydial infections represent a major threat to the survival of the koala. Infections caused by Chlamydia pecorum cause blindness, infertility, pneumonia and urinary tract infections and represent a threat to the survival of the species. Little is known about the immune response in koalas, or the safety of commonly used adjuvants for induction of protective systemic and mucosal immunity.Method of study  In the present study, we immunized 18 healthy female koalas subcutaneously with a combination of three chlamydial antigens [major outer membrane protein (MOMP), NrdB and TC0512 (Omp85)] mixed with one of three different adjuvants [Alhydrogel, Immunostimulating Complex (ISC) and TiterMax Gold].Results  All adjuvants induced strong neutralizing IgG responses in plasma against the three antigens with prolonged responses lasting more than 270 days seen in Alhydrogel and ISC immunized animals. Cloacal IgG responses lasting >270 days were also induced in ISC‐immunized animals. Chlamydia‐specific peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferative responses were elicited by both Alhydrogel and ISC, and these lasted >270 days in the ISC group.Conclusion  The data show that a multi‐subunit chlamydial vaccine, given subcutaneously, can elicit Chlamydia‐specific cell‐mediated and antibody responses in the koala demonstrating that the development of a protective vaccine is feasible.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Peripheral Blood NK Cells Reflect Changes in Decidual NK Cells in Women With Recurrent Miscarriages
Authors: Park Dong Wook , Lee Hyun Joo , Park Chan Woo , Hong Sung Ran , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Yang Kwang Moon 
Published: January 2010

Citation Park DW, Lee HJ, Park CW, Hong SR, Kwak‐Kim J, Yang KM. Peripheral blood NK cells reflect changes in decidual NK cells in women with recurrent miscarriages. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 173–180Problem  We aimed to investigate if peripheral blood natural killer (pNK) cell levels are correlated with decidual NK (dNK) cell levels, and if chemokine expression has any role in dNK cell regulation.Method of study  Decidual tissues of women having two or more miscarriages with normal karyotype were collected after miscarriage and an immuno‐histochemisty study was made. pNK cells were evaluated using flow cytometric analysis.Results  The %CD3−/56+ and %CD3−/56+/16+ pNK cells showed a significant correlation with mean number of CD56+ dNK cells. The number of decidual CD16+ cells was significantly higher in women with elevated pNK (≥15%) than that of normal pNK (<15%). The %CD3−/56+ and %CD3−/56+/16+ pNK cells showed an inverse correlation with duration of gestation. The CCL3+ and CXCL12+ cells were present in the decidua; however, staining intensity was not correlated with number of dNK cells.Conclusion  The pNK cell levels reflect changes in dNK cell levels. This implicates that pNK cell level is a clinically useful marker to predict pregnancy outcome. Further study is needed to examine if elevated pNK cells enhance recruitment of dNK cells in the decidua.