bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The passive and active contractile properties of the neurogenic, underactive bladder
Authors: Young John S. , Johnston Louise , Soubrane Camille , McCloskey Karen D. , McMurray Gordon , Eccles Rachel , Fry Christopher H. 
Published: June 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Detrusor underactivity is highly prevalent, particularly in the elderly. It is assumed to result from detrusor failure, although detrusor contractility is often derived from urodynamics studies. Given that detrusor pressure and force are not proportional and urodynamics cannot identify the basis of the pathology, we produced a neurogenic animal model with a highly‐compliant bladder and studied detrusor muscle properties, aiming to increase our understanding of the underlying pathology.
Highly compliant bladders were characterized by reduced passive wall stiffness and stretched detrusor muscle strips exhibited an enhanced rate of relaxation. These detrusor strips displayed spontaneous contractions that were of greater amplitude (expressed as a ratio of bladder wall stiffness) than those of strips from sham‐operated animals; spontaneous contractions increased in amplitude when stimulated by an agonist. These data imply that compliance is not the result of a reduction of detrusor contractility; we hypothesize that altered matrix properties reduce the magnitude with which force can be generated to void the bladder.
Objective
To characterize passive and active changes in detrusor activity in a highly compliant bladder.
Materials and Methods
Bladders from adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were used 5 weeks after lower thoracic (T8) spinal cord transection or a sham‐operation.
Passive wall properties were assessed by pressure–volume relationships from whole bladders and the tensile response of bladder strips after a rapid (<0.5 s) stretch.
Active properties were assessed from the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions of bladder strips, and their response to the inotropic TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A.
Results
Passive bladder wall stiffness of SCT bladders was significantly reduced compared to that of the sham‐operated control group (N = 6 and 8, respectively) and SCT bladder strips relaxed more quickly than those from sham‐operated rats.
The frequency of spontaneous contractions was reduced in SCT rats, and their amplitude, expressed as a ratio of bladder wall stiffness, was greater than in sham‐operated rats.
GSK1016790A (0.1 μM) significantly increased amplitude in strips from both sham‐operated and SCT groups.
Conclusions
There is no evidence of contractile failure in a highly‐compliant bladder. The observations of reduced passive bladder wall stiffness and an enhanced rate of stress relaxation lead to the conclusion that increased compliance is marked by altered matrix properties that dissipate muscle force, thereby generating low pressures.
Contractile agonists may be effective for improving bladder function in detrusor underactivity.
An observational, prospective study of monthly adalimumab therapy for disease maintenance in psoriasis patients: a possible new therapeutic option for good responders to the initial induction treatment
Authors: Taniguchi T. , Noda S. , Takahashi N. , Yoshimura H. , Mizuno K. , Adachi M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground  While adalimumab is a mainstay of treatment for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis, the data regarding optimal treatment intervals for therapeutic maintenance are limited.Objective  We compared the clinical efficacy of biweekly maintenance administration of adalimumab with that of monthly treatment.Methods  17 psoriasis patients treated with adalimumab 40 mg every other week with initial loading dose of 80 mg until week 24 were assigned to the maintenance therapy with adalimumab 40 mg either every other week (n = 7), or every month (n = 10). The treatment efficacy was evaluated by the proportion of patients who achieved PASI 75 from the baseline at weeks 36, 48 and 60. There was no selection bias between the two groups.Results  At week 24, all the patients except for one in each group achieved PASI 75. In both groups, all the patients who achieved PASI 75 at week 24 maintained PASI 75 responses at week 60. Regarding two patients who did not achieve PASI 75 at week 24, one biweekly treated patient experienced a gradual increase in therapeutic response while one monthly treated patient showed exacerbation after week 24.Conclusion  Monthly adalimumab treatment seems to be a reasonable treatment option for patients who responded well to initial standard adalimumab treatment for 24 weeks. Since there are several limitations in this study, including the number of patients, observation period, and patients’ characteristics, large randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.
The Socio‐Economic Gradient in Teenagers' Reading Skills: How Does England Compare with Other Countries?*
Authors: Jerrim John 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA number of studies have explored the link between family background and children's achievement in a cross‐national context. A common finding is that there is a stronger association in England than in other parts of the developed world. Rather less attention has been paid, however, to England's comparative position at different points of the achievement distribution. Is the test score gap particularly big between the most able children from advantaged and disadvantaged homes, or are differences particularly pronounced between low achievers? This issue is investigated using the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2009 data set. The association between family background and high achievement is found to be stronger in England than in most other developed countries, and there is little evidence that this has changed over time. However, socio‐economic differences at the bottom of the achievement distribution are no more pronounced in England than elsewhere. I discuss the implications of these findings for social mobility and educational policy in the UK.
Effects of rest temperature, contact activation, and sample technique on canine thrombelastography
Authors: Ralph Alan G. , Brainard Benjamin M. , Pittman Jennifer R. , Babski Danielle M. , Koenig Amie 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effects of rest temperature, contact activation (CA), and sample collection technique on thrombelastography (TEG) using canine whole blood.DesignProspective, experimental study.SettingUniversity‐based research facility.AnimalsTwelve healthy, adult, mixed‐breed dogs.InterventionsBlood was collected by jugular venipuncture. Tubes containing 3.2% sodium citrate, with and without 75 μg/mL corn trypsin inhibitor (CTI), were filled by vacuum. Samples rested for 30 minutes at 3 temperatures: 37°C, room temperature (RT, 20–22°C), or warmed to 37°C 5 minutes prior to analysis (prewarmed). Samples were analyzed at 37°C. CTI‐treated samples were analyzed with and without 1:50,000 tissue factor (TF) as activator. Six dogs were also tested similarly using a needle/syringe collection technique.Measurement and Main ResultsPrewarmed samples exhibited greater MA compared to RT (55.5 ± 7.2 mm vs. 53.5 ± 6.0, P< 0.05), while 37°C samples exhibited a steeper angle (56.7 ± 10.4°C vs. 52.4 ± 8.6°C) and greater MA (55.9 ± 7.5 mm vs. 53.5 ± 6.0 mm) than RT samples (both P< 0.05). CTI‐treated samples were hypocoagulable (R time 45 min [7.5–56.8 min], angle 8.2°C [5.1–42.5°C], MA 29.2 ± 9.7 mm, P< 0.001), with TF activation returning all but the angle (42.5 ± 7.6°C) to values similar to citrated samples (angle = 56.7 ± 10.4°C, P = 0.017). Collection using a syringe/needle method revealed a shorter R time for prewarmed samples only (R time 4.7 ± 0.7 min, vs. 5.6 ± 0.8 min for vacuum‐collected samples, P = 0.008).ConclusionsEven in the absence of exogenous activators, CA has an impact on canine TEG results. The effects of rest temperatures and sample collection technique on TEG appear to be minimal.
Autologous blood transfusion following red blood cell salvage for the management of blood loss in 3 dogs with hemoperitoneum
Authors: Hirst Caroline , Adamantos Sophie 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the use of autologous transfusion using a red blood cell salvage device for the management of large volume hemorrhage in 3 dogs with hemoperitoneum.Case Series SummaryThree dogs were managed for large volume hemorrhage by autologous transfusion of red blood cells after cell salvage. In all cases, blood was salvaged from the abdominal cavity during surgery. The causes of hemorrhage included testicular arterial hemorrhage after castration, hepatic parenchymal hemorrhage following hepatic dissection for intrahepatic portosystemic shunt ligation, and intra‐abdominal serosal hemorrhage associated with Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. In all cases, autologous transfusion was not associated with any identified complications and contributed to improved cardiovascular stability and packed cell volume.New or Unique Information ProvidedThis case series is the first to describe the use of a semiautomated red blood cell salvage system for the clinical management of acute hemorrhage in dogs. This case series provides evidence that this procedure can be used safely and effectively for the management of clinical hemorrhage. On this basis, further veterinary evaluation can be justified.
Low tidal volume ventilation in healthy dogs
Authors: Oura Trisha , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Buckley Gareth , Bedenice Daniela 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if low tidal volume (VT) ventilation is associated with the development of respiratory acidosis and changes in lung function in healthy dogs.DesignRandomized prospective experimental cross‐over study.SettingPulmonary function laboratory at a university teaching hospital.AnimalsFive healthyBeagle dogs.InterventionsDogs were anesthetized and randomly mechanically ventilated withVTof 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 mL/kg while maintaining a constant minute volume.Measurements and Main ResultsArterial blood gases and pulmonary mechanics were collected after 15 minutes of equilibration at eachVT. Repeated measuresANOVAwas used to determine the effect ofVTwith aP‐value of <0.05 considered significant, and aPearson product moment was used to determine correlation betweenVTand pHandPaCO2.VThad a significant effect onPaCO2(P< 0.001) and on pH(P< 0.001) with lowerVTbeing associated with higherPaCO2and lower pH. There was a strong correlation betweenVTandPaCO2(r= –0.87) andVTand pH(r= 0.83). Increased airway pressures and pulmonary compliance were associated with increasingVT.ConclusionsThere is a predictable decrease in the pH, decrease in airway pressure, decrease in compliance, and increase in thePaCO2associated with lowerVT. LowVTventilation is well tolerated in healthy dogs; the role of lowVTventilation in dogs with acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome as well as the influence of positive end expiratory pressure requires further evaluation.
The atypical antidepressant mianserin exhibits agonist activity at κ‐opioid receptors
Authors: Olianas Maria C , Dedoni Simona , Onali Pierluigi 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Antidepressants are known to interact with the opioid system through mechanisms not completely understood. We previously reported that tricyclic antidepressants act as agonists at distinct opioid receptors. Here, we investigated the effect of the atypical antidepressant mianserin at cloned and native opioid receptors.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of mianserin were examined in CHO cells transfected with human opioid receptors, C6 glioma cells and rat brain membranes by the use of radioligand binding and functional assays including the stimulation of [35S]GTPγS binding and MAPK phosphorylation.KEY RESULTS Mianserin displayed 12‐ and 18‐fold higher affinity for κ‐ than µ‐ and δ‐opioid receptors respectively. In [35S]GTPγS assays, mianserin selectively activated κ‐opioid receptors. The agonist activity was antagonized by the selective κ‐opioid blocker nor‐binaltorphimine (nor‐BNI). The mianserin analogue mirtazapine also displayed κ‐opioid agonist activity. Mianserin and mirtazapine increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation in CHO cells expressing κ‐opioid receptors and C6 cells, and these effects were antagonized by nor‐BNI. In rat striatum and nucleus accumbens, mianserin stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in a nor‐BNI‐sensitive manner with maximal effects lower than those of the full κ‐opioid agonists (–)‐U50,488 and dynorphin A. When combined, mianserin antagonized the effects of the full κ‐opioid receptor agonists in [35S]GTPγS assays and reduced the stimulation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation by dynorphin A.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In different cell systems, mianserin directly activates κ‐opioid receptors, displaying partial agonist activity at brain receptors. Thus, this property appears to be a common feature of different classes of antidepressants.
Specific Detection of Cultivable Helicobacter pylori Cells from Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Moreno Yolanda , Ferrús Mª Antonía 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground
Helicobacter pylori is present in surface water and wastewater, and biofilms in drinking water systems have been reported as possible reservoirs of H. pylori. However, its ability to survive in an infectious state in the environment is hindered because it rapidly loses its cultivability. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of cultivable and therefore viable H. pylori in wastewater treatment plants to understand the role of wastewater in the pathogen's transmission.Materials and MethodsA modified filter technique was used to obtain a positive H. pylori culture, and specific detection of this pathogen was achieved with FISH and PCR techniques.ResultsA total of six positive H. pylori cultures were obtained from the water samples, and molecular techniques positively identified H. pylori in 21 culture‐negative samples.ConclusionsThe combination of a culturing procedure after sample filtration followed by the application of a molecular method, such as PCR or FISH, provides a specific tool for the detection, identification, and direct visualization of cultivable and therefore viable H. pylori cells from complex mixed communities such as water samples.
Outcomes of a Headache‐Specific Cross‐Sectional Multidisciplinary Treatment Program
Authors: Wallasch Thomas‐Martin , Angeli Andreas , Kropp Peter 
Published: June 2012

Aim.— Chronic headache is a disabling disorder that is frequently poorly managed in general clinical practice.Objectives.— To investigate primary (headache frequency in days/month) and secondary (headache‐related disability, lost work/school time, anxiety and depression, amount and intake frequency of acute medication) 12‐month outcomes of a headache‐specific cross‐sectional outpatient and inpatient multidisciplinary treatment program using a dedicated computer system for data collection and corresponding between integrated care team in a tertiary headache center and practicing headache specialists.Background.— A need for integrated headache care using comprehensive and standardized assessment for diagnosis of headache, psychiatric comorbidity, and burden of disease exists. There are little published data on long‐term efficacy of multidisciplinary treatment programs for chronic headache.Design.— A prospective, observational, 12‐month, follow‐up study.Subjects and Methods.— Prospectively recruited consecutive patients with frequent difficult‐to‐treat headaches (n = 201; 63 migraine, 11 tension‐type headache, 59 combined migraine/tension‐type headache, and 68 medication overuse headache) were enrolled. Outcome measures included prospective headache diaries, a medication survey, Migraine Disability Assessment, 12‐item short form health survey, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.Results.— The primary outcome of a reduction of ≥50% of headache frequency (days/month) was observed in 62.7%. Mean headache frequency decreased from 14.4 ± 8.2 to 7.6 ± 8.3 days/month, P < .0001. Secondary outcomes improved significantly in the total cohort and all headache subgroups. Predictors for good outcome were younger age, few days lost at work/school, and familiarity with progressive muscle relaxation therapy at baseline.Conclusions.— The present analysis provided support for a cross‐sectional multidisciplinary integrated headache‐care program.
The Impact of Extended‐Cycle Vaginal Ring Contraception on Migraine Aura: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Calhoun Anne , Ford Sutapa , Pruitt Amy 
Published: June 2012

Objective.— To determine whether extended‐cycle dosing of an ultralow dose vaginal ring contraceptive decreases frequency of migraine aura and prevents menstrual related migraine (MRM).Background.— Many women are denied therapy with combined hormonal contraceptives due to published guidelines that recommend against their use in migraine with aura (MwA). The concern is that these products might further elevate the risk of ischemic stroke that accompanies aura. Stroke risk has been reported to vary directly with aura frequency, and aura frequency in turn has been shown to have a direct relationship to estrogen concentration. With the evolution of increasingly lower dosed combined hormonal contraceptives, we now have formulations that – provided that ovulation is inhibited – result in lower peak levels of estrogen than the concentrations attained during the native menstrual cycle. These formulations would thus be expected to result in a lower frequency of migraine aura. Furthermore, as extended‐cycle therapy eliminates monthly estrogen withdrawals, this therapy would likewise be expected to prevent MRM.Methods.— This pilot study is an institutional review board‐approved retrospective database review. We queried our database of 830 women seen in a subspecialty menstrual migraine clinic to identify women who met all inclusion criteria: (1) current history of MwA; (2) confirmed diagnosis of MRM; and (3) treatment with extended‐cycle dosing of a transvaginal ring contraceptive containing 0.120 mg etonogestrel/15 µg ethinyl estradiol. Standardized calendars that specifically document bleeding patterns, headache details, and occurrence of aura are required of all patients in this clinic.Results.— Twenty‐eight women met study criteria, none of whom were smokers. Of these, 5 discontinued use of etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol within the first month, leaving 23 evaluable subjects. At baseline, subjects averaged 3.23 migraine auras/month (range: 0.1‐12). With extended dosing of the vaginal ring contraceptive, median frequency was reduced to 0.23 auras per month following treatment after a mean observation of 7.8 months (P < .0005). No subject reported an increase in aura frequency. On this regimen, MRM was eliminated in 91.3% of the evaluable subjects.Conclusion.— In this sample of women with both MwA and MRM, use of an extended‐cycle vaginal ring contraceptive was associated with a reduced frequency of migraine aura and with resolution of MRM. This cannot be extrapolated to suggest that stroke risk in MwA will be similarly reduced. Studies to evaluate this relationship are warranted.
Rationale and study design of a three‐period, 58‐week trial of ferric citrate as a phosphate binder in patients with ESRD on dialysis
Authors: Umanath Kausik , Sika Mohammed , Niecestro Robert , Connelly Carolyn , Schulman Gerald , Koury Mark J. , Lewis Julia B. , Dwyer Jamie P. ,   Collaborative Study Group
Published: June 2012

AbstractChronic kidney disease associated mineral and bone disorders arise as a result of aberrant bone mineral metabolism in patients with advancing levels of renal dysfunction and end‐stage renal disease. One of the cornerstones of treatment is the use of phosphate‐binding agents. We describe the rationale and study design for a clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of ferric citrate as a phosphate binder. This trial is a three‐period, international, multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of ferric citrate as a phosphate binder, consisting of a 2‐week washout period, a 52‐week safety assessment period in which subjects are randomized to ferric citrate or active control, and a 4‐week efficacy assessment period in which subjects randomized to ferric citrate in the safety assessment period are randomized to ferric citrate or placebo. Eligible subjects include end‐stage renal disease patients who have been treated with thrice‐weekly hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis for at least 3 months in dialysis clinics in the United States and Israel. Primary outcome measure will be the effect of ferric citrate vs. placebo on the change in serum phosphorus. Safety assessments will be performed by monitoring adverse events, concomitant medication use, and sequential blood chemistries (including iron parameters, phosphorus, and calcium). This three‐period trial will assess the efficacy of ferric citrate as a phosphate binder. If proven safe and efficacious, ferric citrate will likely provide an additional phosphate binder to treat chronic kidney disease associated mineral and bone disorders.
Wettability versus electrostatic forces in fibronectin and albumin adsorption to titanium surfaces
Authors: Kohavi David , Badihi Hauslich Liad , Rosen Graciela , Steinberg Doron , Sela Michael N. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectivesAlthough the enhancement of plasma protein adsorption to titanium (
Ti
) following wetting has been recognized, the relationship between wettability and electrostatic forces has remained unclear. Thus, we have carried out a series of studies to determine the role of wettability and electrostatic forces on protein adsorption.MethodsTitanium disks with different surfaces were wetted with a range of solutions, two of which contained divalent positive ions (
Ca
and
Mg
). Unwetted disks served as a control. Subsequently, the wetted disks were subjected to three treatment regimes: (1) incubation in human serum albumin (HSA) or human serum fibronectin (HSF); (2) drying the wetted disks, followed by incubation in HSA or HSF; and (3) following protein adsorption, the
Ca
originating in the wetting solutions was removed by divalent positive ions chelator treatment (EGTA), and the remaining quantities were assessed. The quantity of the adsorbed proteins was determined by ELISA.ResultsIt was found that in the case of HSA, adsorption was enhanced by the wettability, the presence of
Ca
and
Mg
in the wetting solution, and the existence of rough surfaces. For HSF, the wettability and rough surfaces enhanced adsorption.ConclusionThe results demonstrate that in addition to wettability, the composition of the wetting solution affects the protein adsorption. While wetting reduces the time for the HSA and HSF adsorption to reach saturation, the electrostatic forces enhance the amount of HSA adsorption. Thus, the protein adsorption capacity of titanium rough surfaces can be selectively manipulated by changing of the wetting solution.