bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Translational approaches to obsessive‐compulsive disorder: from animal models to clinical treatment
Authors: Fineberg NA , Chamberlain SR , Hollander E , Boulougouris V , Robbins TW 
Published: April 2011

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive ritualistic behaviours) leading to functional impairment. Accumulating evidence links these conditions with underlying dysregulation of fronto‐striatal circuitry and monoamine systems. These abnormalities represent key targets for existing and novel treatment interventions. However, the brain bases of these conditions and treatment mechanisms are still not fully elucidated. Animal models simulating the behavioural and clinical manifestations of the disorder show great potential for augmenting our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of OCD. This paper provides an overview of what is known about OCD from several perspectives. We begin by describing the clinical features of OCD and the criteria used to assess the validity of animal models of symptomatology; namely, face validity (phenomenological similarity between inducing conditions and specific symptoms of the human phenomenon), predictive validity (similarity in response to treatment) and construct validity (similarity in underlying physiological or psychological mechanisms). We then survey animal models of OC spectrum conditions within this framework, focusing on (i) ethological models; (ii) genetic and pharmacological models; and (iii) neurobehavioural models. We also discuss their advantages and shortcomings in relation to their capacity to identify potentially efficacious new compounds. It is of interest that there has been rather little evidence of ‘false alarms’ for therapeutic drug effects in OCD models which actually fail in the clinic. While it is more difficult to model obsessive cognition than compulsive behaviour in experimental animals, it is feasible to infer cognitive inflexibility in certain animal paradigms. Finally, key future neurobiological and treatment research areas are highlighted.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Translational Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐4
Nitric oxide‐donating statin improves multiple functions of circulating angiogenic cells
Authors: Mangialardi G , Monopoli A , Ongini E , Spinetti G , Fortunato O , Emanueli C , Madeddu P 
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Statins, a major component of the prevention of cardiovascular disease, aid progenitor cell functions in vivo and in vitro. Statins bearing a NO‐releasing moiety were developed for their enhanced anti‐inflammatory/anti‐thrombotic properties. Here, we investigated if the NO‐donating atorvastatin (NCX 547) improved the functions of circulating angiogenic cells (CACs).EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) were prepared from peripheral blood monocytes of healthy volunteers and type‐2 diabetic patients and were cultured in low (LG) or high glucose (HG) conditions, in presence of atorvastatin or NCX 547 (both at 0.1 µM) or vehicle. Functional assays (outgrowth, proliferation, viability, senescence and apoptosis) were performed in presence of the endothelial NOS inhibitor L‐NIO, the NO scavenger c‐PTIO or vehicle.KEY RESULTS Culturing in HG conditions lowered NO in CACs, inhibited outgrowth, proliferation, viability and migration, and induced cell senescence and apoptosis. NCX 547 fully restored NO levels and functions of HG‐cultured CACs, while atorvastatin prevented only apoptosis in CACs. The activity of Akt, a pro‐survival kinase, was increased by atorvastatin in LG‐cultured but not in HG‐cultured CACs, whereas NCX 547 increased Akt activity in both conditions. L‐NIO partially blunted and c‐PTIO prevented NCX 547‐induced improvements in CAC functions. Finally, NCX 547 improved outgrowth and migration of CACs prepared from patients with type 2 diabetes.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS NCX 547 was more effective than atorvastatin in preserving functions of CACs. This property adds to the spectrum of favourable actions that would make NO‐releasing statins more effective agents for treating cardiovascular disease.
Noninvasive diagnostic criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatic masses >2 cm in a hepatitis B virus‐endemic area
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Lee Han Chu , Shim Ju Hyun , Park Hyun Joo , Kim Kang Mo , Kim Pyo Nyun , Shin Yong Moon , Yu Eun Sil , Chung Young‐Hwa , Suh Dong Jin 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Background: Noninvasive criteria for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) suggested by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) in 2005 consisted of serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level >200 ng/ml or a typical enhancement pattern (arterial enhancement and portal/delayed washed out) on dynamic imaging of hepatic mass(es) >2 cm in a cirrhotic liver.
Aims: To validate these criteria in a Korean population and to evaluate whether these criteria are applicable to patients without cirrhosis at a high risk of developing HCC.
Methods: We prospectively investigated 206 consecutive patients with hepatic mass(es) >2 cm who underwent biopsy or surgical resection. Patients were evaluated by four‐phase dynamic computed tomography (CT) and by assays of serum AFP concentrations at baseline. Patients were classified according to the presence of risk factors or cirrhosis, and the diagnostic accuracy of each test was determined.
Results: The positive predictive values (PPV) of typical CT findings or serum AFP >200 ng/ml were 97.8% in cirrhotic patients, 89.6% in high‐risk patients without cirrhosis and 82.4% in low‐risk patients. The PPVs of typical CT findings alone in these groups were 98.8, 97.6 and 87.5% respectively. In high‐risk patients without cirrhosis, the addition of serum AFP levels to typical CT findings minimally increased the diagnostic sensitivity from 81.6 to 87.8% but reduced the PPV from 97.6 to 89.6%.
Conclusions: Serum AFP concentration is not a suitable diagnostic criterion for HCC. Typical CT findings can be used to diagnose HCC >2 cm both in cirrhotic patients and in high‐risk patients without cirrhosis.
Outcomes of Brachial Artery–Basilic Vein Fistula
Authors: Dukkipati Ramanath , de Virgilio Christian , Reynolds Tyler , Dhamija Rajiv 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIncreasing the creation of arteriovenous fistulas in the maintenance of hemodialysis patients is of great importance to the nephrology community. The creation of the brachial artery–basilic vein fistula is an important option in patients with unsuccessful or failing forearm accesses for hemodialysis. The aim of this study is to review reported outcomes of brachial artery–basilic vein fistulas regarding patency and primary failure rates in comparison with other types of fistulas and grafts in the published literature. We have also described the variations in the surgical technique during creation and the potential influence on outcomes. Based on our review of the literature, the rate of primary failure is approximately 15–20% with a range of 0–40%. The mean 1‐year primary patency rate is approximately 72% with a range of 23–90%, and the 2‐year primary patency rate is approximately 62% with a range from 11% to 86%. The number of required interventions to maintain patency is lower with brachial artery–basilic vein fistula compared to arteriovenous grafts.
A Direct Comparison of Popular Models of Normal Memory Loss and Alzheimer's Disease in Samples of African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Refugees and Immigrants from the Former Soviet Union
Authors: Schrauf Robert W. , Iris Madelyn 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVES: To understand how people differentiate normal memory loss from Alzheimer's disease (AD) by investigating cultural models of these conditions.DESIGN: Ethnographic interviews followed by a survey. Cultural consensus analysis was used to test for the presence of group models, derive the “culturally correct” set of beliefs, and compare models of normal memory loss and AD.SETTING: Chicago, Illinois.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eight individuals from local neighborhoods: African Americans, Mexican Americans, and refugees and immigrants from the former Soviet Union.MEASUREMENTS: Participants responded to yes‐or‐no questions about the nature and causes of normal memory loss and AD and provided information on ethnicity, age, sex, acculturation, and experience with AD.RESULTS: Groups held a common model of AD as a brain‐based disease reflecting irreversible cognitive decline. Higher levels of acculturation predicted greater knowledge of AD. Russian speakers favored biological over psychological models of the disease. Groups also held a common model of normal memory loss, including the important belief that “normal” forgetting involves eventual recall of the forgotten material.CONCLUSION: Popular models of memory loss and AD confirm that patients and clinicians are speaking the same “language” in their discussions of memory loss and AD. Nevertheless, the presence of coherent models of memory loss and AD, and the unequal distribution of that knowledge across groups, suggests that clinicians should include wider circles of patients' families and friends in their consultations. These results frame knowledge as distributed across social groups rather than simply the possession of individual minds.
Soluble salivary proteins secreted by Schizaphis graminum
Authors: Baumann Linda , Baumann Paul 
Published: April 2011

AbstractSchizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Homoptera: Aphididae), when feeding on a sucrose solution, secreted primarily three proteins of 154, 69, and 66 kilodaltons (kDa). The sequence of the first nine amino acids at the N‐terminus of the 66 and 69 kDa proteins was identical suggesting that they differ only in processing at the C‐terminus. The N‐terminus of the 154 kDa protein was different, yet had some similarity to the N‐terminus of the 66 and 69 kDa proteins. There was an immunological cross‐reaction between the 154 kDa and the 66 and 69 kDa proteins indicating some amino acid sequence similarity. The probable relationships of these proteins are discussed.
Behavioural and neurophysiological responses of Spodoptera littoralis to azadirachtin and a range of synthetic analogues
Authors: Simmonds M. S. J. , Blaney W. M. , Ley S. V. , Anderson J. C. , Banteli R. , Denholm A. A. , Green P. C. W. , Grossman R. B. , Gutteridge C. , Jennens L. , Smith S. C. , Toogood P. L. , Wood A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe antifeedant activity of azadirachtin and 56 azadirachtin analogues, including 22, 23‐dihydroazadirachtin, against larvae of Spodoptera littoralis was investigated using behavioural and electrophysiological bioassays. None of the analogues was as active as azadirachtin, although many showed significant antifeedant activity at high concentrations. The majority of the analogues stimulated a dose‐dependent response from a neurone in the medial styloconic maxillary sensilla which correlated with the behavioural activity. Methylation of the hydroxy substitutions on the azadirachtin molecule usually resulted in a decrease in antifeedant activity, as did the addition of bulky groups to the dihydrofuran ring.
Accumulation of Cd and Pb in successive stages ofGalleria mellonellaand metal transfer to the pupal parasitoidPimpla turionellae
Authors: Ortel J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractLarvae ofGalleria mellonellaL. (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) were exposed to Pb (4, 43, 430 μg Pb/g food dw) and Cd (4, 20, 40 μg Cd/g food dw) applied singly and in combination. Metal transfer of Pb and Cd was investigated from food to larvae and successive stages ofG. mellonellaand also to the pupal parasitoidPimpla turionellaeL. (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae). Larvae/food concentration factors (CFs) were highest in controls (Cd 5.25, Pb 3.07) and ranged from 0.19 to 0.92 for Cd and from 0.18 to 0.83 for Pb in contaminated groups; in general, the CFs decreased with an increasing contamination level in food.G. mellonellaeliminated most of its larval metal load before pupation (metal concentration in larvae >> pupae). Although pupae were only moderately contaminated (0.11–1.61 μg Cd/g dw), concentrations inP. turionellaeranged from 0.5 to 6.8 μg Cd/g dw. Again, CFs (parasitoid/pupa) decreased with enhanced levels of metal in the host pupae (Cd 3.07–14.05, Pb 0.0–2.47). The CFs calculated for both species were lower at combined contamination compared to single application.G. mellonellacan be classified as a ‘deconcentrator’ (CF < 1) along with other lepidopteran species, whereasP. turionellaeis apparently a ‘macroconcentrator’ (CF > 2).
Constructing nutrient budgets
Authors: Raubenheimer D. , Simpson S.J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe present a formalised, yet flexible, scheme for classifying and symbolising the components of nutrient budgets. The scheme distinguishes hierarchically both among components of the ingesta and among the various sinks to which they are allocated. The primary terms in the budget are distinguished according to either methodological criteria (whether in a given time period they are retained by the animal or dissociated from the body) or functional criteria (whether they contribute to fitness). In both methodological and functional classifications, the primary terms of the budget may be progressively expanded to represent with increasing resolution nutrient allocation. The interplay between the various components of the ingesta and their subsequent allocation may be considered simultaneously using a two‐dimensional nutritional matrix.
Cerebral blood flow changes associated with fetal intracranial hemorrhages
Authors: Kirkinen Pertti , Ordén Maija‐Riitta , Partanen Kaarina 
Published: April 2011

Background and material. In order to evaluate cerebral blood flow changes associated with fetal intracranial hemorrhages, ultrasound and MRI examinations were carried out in four pregnancies with this complication.Results. Increased resistance indices of the blood flow profile of the middle cerebral artery were detected in three of the fetuses, two of them presenting retrograde diastolic flow. Flow became normalized in one case within four weeks, changing on the contralateral side to an increased diastolic flow pattern.Conclusion. Increased intracranial pressure can cause these flow changes, but cerebral blood flow autoregulation need not be completely ruined in this complication.
Socioeconomic status and perinatal outcome according to residence area in the city of Malmö
Authors: Gudmundsson Saemundur , Björgvinsdóttir Lara , Molin Johan , Gunnarsson Gudmundur , Marsal Karel 
Published: April 2011

Background. Maternal socioeconomic status is known to influence perinatal outcome. Antenatal care is free of charge in Sweden and all pregnant women are followed according to a standardized protocol of surveillance. The city of Malmö in southern Sweden is divided into 124 townships with great differences in socioeconomic standard. The aim of this study was to evaluate perinatal outcome according to the address of residence of the mothers within the city of Malmö.Methods. Perinatal outcome of 7056 pregnancies was related to three socioeconomic characteristics of the 124 townships in Malmö: percentage of immigrants, percentage of inhabitants on social welfare and the median income.Results. Maternal age was lower, number of abortions and parity were higher in low income areas. Perinatal complications were also more frequent, including low birthweight, small‐for‐gestational age newborns, maternal anemia, infections, and low 1‐ and 5‐minute Apgar scores. Premature rupture of membranes was associated with low income areas. Symphysiolysis and pre‐eclampsia were more frequent in the high income areas.Conclusion. Although maternity care is provided free of charge, perinatal complications were more frequent in areas of lower socioeconomic status. In order to improve perinatal outcome, antenatal surveillance should be intensified in low class socioeconomic areas.
Delivery and pudendal nerve function
Authors: Tetzschner Tine , Sørensen Michael , Jønsson Lisbeth , Lose Gunnar , Christiansen John 
Published: April 2011

Objective. To assess the impact of mode of delivery and the occurrence of pelvic instability upon the pudendal nerve function and relate the pudendal nerve function to the occurrence of anal and urinary incontinence.Methods. One hundred and forty‐six pregnant women were examined during pregnancy and 12 weeks post partum with measurement of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML), the difference between the two measurements was defined as ΔPNTML. Anal and urinary continence status, details of delivery and the occurrence of pelvic instability were recorded prospectively.Results. Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency increased from 1.7 msec in primiparae and 1.8 msec in multiparae during pregnancy to 2.0 msec (p<0.001) and 2.1 (p<0.001) respectively after delivery. The increase was significantly higher after the use of vacuum extraction (p<0.04). Multivariate analysis showed that ΔPNTML was associated with age, the presence of pelvic instability and the use of vacuum extraction. Whereas ΔPNTML was not associated with factors such as infant's head circumference and weight, parity, cesarean section, pudendal block, epidural analgesia and second stage of labor. Only four women had anal incontinence after delivery. Twenty‐five women with urinary incontinence had a significantly higher mean PNTML (2.20 msec) than 121 continent women (2.01 msec).Conclusion. Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency increases in both primiparous and multiparous women after delivery. In 10% of the women the increase resulted in a pathologic PNTML value >2.4 msec. The ΔPNTML was significantly associated with age, the occurrence of pelvic instability and the use of vacuum extraction. The group of women with urinary incontinence had a significant increased PNTML.
Pre‐ and postoperative therapy with GnRH agonist for endometrial resection
Authors: Sørensen Søren Stampe , Colov Nina Palmgren , Vejerslev Lars O. 
Published: April 2011

Background. To assess the value of endometrial preparation, with preoperative and pre‐ and postoperative GnRH agonist therapy in transcervical endometrial resection.Methods. Sixty women with menorrhagia were randomly divided between three groups: A: no preoperative preparation, B: goserelin 3.6 mg given as a subcutaneous implant 4–6 weeks preoperatively, and C: the same regimen as B, and repeated on the day of endometrial resection. At follow‐up visits 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after operations the patients were interviewed for duration, amount and pains of menstrual periods.Results. The duration of surgery for the pretreated group (32.8 ± 5.1 min) and the group treated postoperatively (30.9 ± 8.9 min) were significantly shorter than that in the control group (46.4 ± 11.5 min) (p<0.01). The weight of endomyometrial strips was about 3 times lower for group B and C as compared to group A (p<0.01). Three months following the procedure twenty five percent of patients in group A were amenorrheic or showed scanty bleeding as compared to 58% and 85% in group B and C (p<0.05 and p<0.01), respectively. At 12 months follow‐up these rates were 35%, 58% and 67% respectively (A versus B: NS, A versus C: p<0.05) and 24%, 65% and 75% after excluding larger submucosal fibroids (A versus B: p<0.025, A versus C: p<0.005). No statistical difference was demonstrated between group B and C. Sixty‐nine percent of pretreated patients (group B+C) versus 35% of women in group A reported improved or relieved menstrual cramps (p<0.05).Conclusions. GnRH pretreatment facilitates endometrial resection and increases the rate of amenorrhea and scanty bleeding postoperatively. Whether supplementary postoperative therapy with GnRH agonist enhances the success rate further is uncertain.
Gynecological complaints and war traumas
Authors: Frljak Amira , Cengic Sabina , Hauser Monika , Schei Berit 
Published: April 2011

Background. During the war in former Yugoslavia people endured great suffering. Although many had sought refuge in other countries, the majority remained within Bosnia‐Herzegovina. Special service for women within the war zone was urgently needed. A Women's Therapy Center was established in Zenica, Bosnia‐Herzegovina offering reproductive health services and psychosocial assistance. The aim of the study was to establish the most commonly occurring gynecological problems during different periods in the war and relate these to war traumas.Methods. Information from 486 records of consecutive gynecological consultations in four different periods during in 1993/94 were retrospectively recorded.Results. Vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and amenorrhea were the most commonly occurring problems. A higher proportion of pregnant women requested legal abortion in the first period compared to later periods when the situation was improved. In 14 (3%) of the consultations a history of rape during the war was recorded. Additionally 42 (9%) had suffered from other types of war traumas. The reporting of war traumas was significantly related to suffering from pelvic pain (p<0.05).Conclusions. The focus on the need of victims of rape during war has highlighted the need for reproductive services as part of emergency situations. The suffering of war traumas has to be taken into account in the handling of gynecological problems in this situation.
Obesity as a predictor of postpartum urinary symptoms
Authors: Rasmussen Kjeld Leisgárd , Krue Søren , Johansson Lars Eric , Knudsen Hans Jørgen Hynding , Agger Anders Ole 
Published: April 2011

Background. To investigate the relationship between pre‐pregnancy obesity, and urinary symptoms, especially urinary incontinence, before, during, and 6–18 months after delivery.Methods. Body Mass Index extracted from obstetric records. Postal questionnaire.Material and setting. One hundred and eight women with Body Mass Index of at least 30 kg/m2 delivered at the Obstetric Department, Herning Central Hospital, October 1994 to September 1995. As control served 108 matched, normal weight women delivering during the same period.Result. Response rate was 83%. Stress incontinence, urgency and the feeling of having a hygienic problem was significantly more common after delivery in both groups, but at any time significantly more common among obese women. Urge incontinence was a numerically small problem after delivery.Conclusion. Obesity is a potent risk factor for several urinary symptoms after pregnancy and delivery, and a substantial number of women still have problems 6–18 months postpartum.
Second‐look laparotomy in the management of fallopian tube carcinoma
Authors: Cormio Gennaro , Gabriele Antonio , Maneo Andrea , Marzola Marta , Lissoni Andrea , Mangioni Costantino 
Published: April 2011

Objective. To evaluate the role of second‐look laparotomy following platinum‐based combination chemotherapy in patients with fallopian tube carcinoma.Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 21 patients with tubal carcinoma who underwent second‐look laparotomy following cytoreductive surgery and platinum‐based combination chemotherapy.Results. Thirteen patients (62%) were found to be free of disease at second‐look operation. Neither stage nor grade were predictive of findings at second‐look procedure. The absence of gross residual disease following primary surgery was the only predictor of disease‐free status at second‐look laparotomy (p<0.01). With a mean follow‐up of 49 months among the survivors, four (31%) of the patients with negative second‐look laparotomy have had a recurrence. The median survival following a positive second‐look laparotomy was 18 months (range 5–42 months).Conclusion. Second‐look laparotomy provides useful prognostic information in patients with tubal carcinoma. The high rate of recurrent disease after negative second‐look laparotomy, and the lack of an effective second‐line treatment in patients with persistent disease, represent major criticisms of this procedure.