bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein improves insulin sensitivity and reduces atherogenic risk in Zucker fatty rats
Authors: Dhote Vipin , Joharapurkar Amit , Kshirsagar Samadhan , Dhanesha Nirav , Patel Vishal , Patel Avnish , Raval Saurin , Jain Mukul 
Published: March 2011

Summary1. Insulin‐resistant states are commonly associated with a significantly higher risk of atherosclerosis. Insulin resistance has also been correlated with enhanced very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) production, which is exacerbated by increased intestinal lipid synthesis and insulin‐stimulated de novo lipogenesis. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) catalyses the critical step in the synthesis and secretion of VLDL and chylomicrons. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that chronic inhibition of MTP with a small molecule inhibitor would improve insulin sensitivity and reduce atherogenic risk in a genetic model of diabetic dyslipidaemia.2. The in vivo activity of BMS‐201038, a potent inhibitor of MTP, was evaluated in a model of hypertriglyceridemia induced by Triton WR1339 and corn oil in Zucker fatty rats. Triglyceride secretion rate was significantly reduced by a single dose of BMS‐201038 by 35% at 0.3 mg/kg and 47% at 1 mg/kg, respectively.3. Another group of Zucker fatty rats was dosed orally with BMS‐201038 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) for 14 days. Serum levels of triglycerides were reduced by 71% and 87%, non‐esterified free fatty acids were reduced by 33% and 40%, and low‐density lipoproteins by 26% and 29%, by 0.3 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg dose of BMS‐201038, respectively. These serum lipid changes were accompanied by significant improvements in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. In addition, lipid peroxidation in liver was reduced by 59% and 61%, and superoxide dismutase activity was increased by 11% and 45% by 0.3 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg dose of BMS‐201038, respectively. Similar beneficial changes were found in aorta as well.4. The present study provides evidence that inhibition of MTP with a small molecule inhibitor significantly improves dyslipidaemia associated with insulin resistance and reduces the atherosclerotic risk.
Effect of spirometry and medical review on asthma control in patients in general practice: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: OEI SIAO MING , THIEN FRANCIS C.K. , SCHATTNER ROSA L. , SULAIMAN NABIL D. , BIRCH KATE , SIMPSON PAM , DEL COLLE ELEONORA A. , ARONI ROSALIE A. , WOLFE RORY , ABRAMSON MICHAEL J. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Although guidelines for asthma emphasize the importance of spirometry for continuity and evaluation of care, it is underused in general practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of spirometry and medical review on asthma control in general practice over 12 months.Methods:  Patients were recruited through 31 practices, which were randomly allocated to one of three groups: Group A had 3‐monthly spirometry with medical review, Group B spirometry only before and after the trial, and Group C usual care. Asthma control data were analysed by intention to treat using non‐parametric tests and logistic regression models fitted to allow for confounders, repeated measures and clustering by practice.Results:  The trial was completed by 195 patients (Group A 69, Group B 78, Group C 48). Asthma control improved in all groups during the 12 months trial, most impressively in Group A (odds ratio per 3 months = 1.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.49, P = 0.004), but the difference between the groups' respective 3‐monthly changes was not significant. At 6 months, asthma control in Group A had increased more from baseline than in Groups B + C (P = 0.006).Conclusions:  Regular spirometry with medical review was associated with improved asthma control in general practice patients, while there was less improvement in either the spirometry only or usual care group. The mechanisms of this improvement may include appropriate adjustment of medication and improved compliance.
The all‐age spirometry reference ranges reflect contemporary Australasian spirometry
Authors: THOMPSON BRUCE R. , STANOJEVIC SANJA , ABRAMSON MICHAEL J. , BEASLEY RICHARD , COATES ANDREW , DENT ANNETTE , ECKERT BRENTON , JAMES ALAN , FILSELL SUE , MUSK A. W. (BILL). , NOLAN GARY , DIXON BARBARA , O'DEA CHRIS , SAVAGE JENNI , STOCKS JANET , SWANNEY MAUREEN P. , HALL GRAHAM L. ,   ON BEHALF OF THE ANZSRS REFERENCE RANGES WORKING PARTY
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Advances in statistical modelling have allowed the creation of smoothly changing spirometry reference ranges that apply across a wide age range and better define the lower limit of normal. The objective of this study was to assess the agreement of the Stanojevic 2009 all‐age reference ranges to contemporary lung function data to verify the appropriateness of this reference for clinical use in Australia and New Zealand.Methods:  Spirometry data from healthy Caucasians measured between 2000–2009 in Australia and New Zealand were collected. Z‐scores were calculated for the standard spirometry outcomes based on the all‐age reference ranges.Results:  Spirometry from 2066 subjects aged 4–80 years (55% male) from 14 centres were eligible. Statistically, the collated contemporary dataset differed from the all‐age reference ranges, but these differences were relatively small and clinically irrelevant representing differences of approximately 3% predicted. Significant differences were also observed between some centres and equipment, potentially indicating varying influence of equipment or subject selection.Conclusions:  Spirometry from contemporary Australasian healthy subjects fits the all‐age reference ranges well. While the current study supports the use of the all‐age reference ranges, the between‐centre differences highlight the need for spirometry to be used in conjunction with other clinical findings.
Multicentre audit of inpatient management of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: comparison with clinical guidelines
Authors: Pretto J. J. , McDonald V. M. , Wark P. A. B. , Hensley M. J. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground and objective:  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are a major cause of hospital admission and clinical guidelines for optimised management are available. However, few data assessing concordance with these guidelines are available. We aimed to identify gaps and document variability in clinical practices for COPD admissions.Methods:  Medical records of all admissions over a 3‐month period as COPD with non‐catastrophic or severe comorbidities or complications at eight acute‐care hospitals within the Hunter New England region were retrospectively audited.Results:  Mean (SD) length of stay was 6.3 (6.1) days for 221 admissions with mean age of 71 (10), 53% female and 34% current smokers. Spirometry was performed in 34% of admissions with a wide inter‐hospital range (4–58%, P < 0.0001): mean FEV1 was 36% (18) predicted. Arterial blood gases were performed on admission in 54% of cases (range 0–85%, P < 0.0001). Parenteral steroids were used in 82% of admissions, antibiotics in 87% and oxygen therapy during admission in 79% (with oxygen prescription in only 3% of these). Bronchodilator therapy was converted from nebuliser to an inhaler device in 51% of cases early in admission at 1.6 (1.7) days. Only 22% of patients were referred to pulmonary rehabilitation (inter‐hospital range of 0–50%, P= 0.002). Re‐admission within 28 days was higher in rural hospitals compared with metropolitan (27% vs 7%, P < 0.0001).Conclusions:  We identified gaps in best practice service provision associated with wide inter‐hospital variations, indicating disparity in access to services throughout the region.
Effects of oral estrogen and hypnotics on Japanese peri‐ and postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance
Authors: Terauchi Masakazu , Obayashi Satoshi , Akiyoshi Mihoko , Kato Kiyoko , Matsushima Eisuke , Kubota Toshiro 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  To assess the effects of estrogen and hypnotics on Japanese peri‐ and postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance.Methods:  Among the records of 1451 participants enrolled in the Systematic Health and Nutrition Education Program conducted at the Menopause Clinic of the Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital between 1995 and 2009, those of 202 peri‐ and postmenopausal women were retrospectively analyzed. These women, who had moderate to severe sleep disturbances, had either received only health and nutrition education (control; n = 119), or had received education with either conjugated estrogen (estrogen [0.625 mg/day]; n = 55) or nightly hypnotics (hypnotics; n = 28), and were followed up for a median interval of six months.Results:  Both oral estrogen and hypnotics improved the subjective sleep disturbance scores, while administration of hypnotics decreased the percentage of women reporting difficulty in initiating sleep or non‐restorative sleep. Oral estrogen was also effective in alleviating various menopausal symptoms, while hypnotics were not. The health‐related quality of life of these patients was significantly promoted by health and nutrition education alone, and neither estrogen nor hypnotics had an additive effect on it. Administration of hypnotics substantially lowered the blood pressure of the subjects (systolic pressure, −10.2%; diastolic pressure, −8.3%) and significantly reduced body weight (−2.1%), body mass index (−2.2%) and body fat (−7.8%), without affecting lean body mass.Conclusions:  Oral estrogen and hypnotics are effective for sleep disturbance in Japanese peri‐ and postmenopausal women. They can be admininstered either singly or in combination, according to the patient's characteristics.
Diagnostic accuracy and efficacy of color Doppler mapping for tubal patency
Authors: Demir Berfu , Kocak Muberra , Beydilli Gulay , Kaplan Metin , Gelisen Orhan , Haberal Ali 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of color Doppler mapping for tubal patency, comparing its results with those of hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopy.Material and Methods:  A prospective clinical study was conducted in 36 subfertile women who were offered laparoscopy after HSG evaluation. All infertile couples were evaluated with basic infertility procedures. After HSG assessment, laparoscopy was offered when evidence of either unilateral or bilateral tubal obstruction was observed. One day before the operation, transvaginal ultrasound scanning of the pelvis and color Doppler mapping were performed. The findings of sonography, HSG and laparoscopy were compared.Results:  Sixty‐four of 72 fallopian tubes were evaluated and four patients were excluded from the analysis because of technical difficulties. The sensitivity of color Doppler mapping for detecting tubal patency was 76.2% with a specificity of 81.4%. The positive and negative predictive values were 66.7% and 87.5%, respectively. The concordance rate was 79.7%. The false positivity rate for color Doppler mapping and HSG were observed as 19% and 35%, respectively.Conclusion:  Color Doppler mapping as an adjunct to an abnormal HSG may decrease the need for laparoscopic intervention for the diagnosis of tubal disorders.
Comparison of success rate of nifedipine, progesterone, and bed rest for inhibiting uterine contraction in threatened preterm labor
Authors: Chawanpaiboon Saifon , Pimol Kanjana , Sirisomboon Ratre 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  To compare the success rates and gestational ages at delivery of nifedipine, proluton depot administration as a tocolytic agent and bed rest groups to pregnant women with threatened preterm labor.Material and Methods:  A total of 150 pregnant women with threatened preterm labor between 28 and 35 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the study. All women underwent contraction inhibition randomly sorted into three groups. The first and second groups were inhibited with nifedipine and proluton depot, respectively. The third group was admitted for bed rest.Results:  Nifedipine, proluton depot and bed rest can be used to inhibit contraction in threatened preterm labor. However, when time‐to‐event test was used, nifedipine took the shortest time for contraction inhibition with statistical significance.Conclusion:  Nifedipine, proluton depot and bed rest can be used successfully to inhibit contraction in threatened preterm labor. However, nifedipine took the shortest time to inhibit uterine contraction in threatened preterm labor.
Decreased fetal movement prompts investigation of prenatal/neonatal nemaline myopathy: The possible merit of fetal movement count
Authors: Kuwata Tomoyuki , Matsubara Shigeki , Ohkusa Takashi , Yada Yukari , Suzuki Mitsuaki 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe highlight the merit of fetal movement count to identify a fetus with neuromuscular disorder: nemaline myopathy. A 38‐year‐old 1‐para woman not in a consanguineous marriage had decreased fetal movement. This, together with increased amniotic fluid volume, led us to perform detailed ultrasound examinations, which revealed stretch contracture of the knee joints, leading us to suspect fetal neuromuscular disorders. At 382/7, she gave birth vaginally to a 2444 g female infant. Her respiration was very weak, requiring respiratory support. Contractures of the upper/lower extremity joints and club feet were observed. All skeletal muscles were hypotonic. Biopsized muscle cells showed nemaline bodies, confirming the diagnosis of nemaline myopathy. Fetal movement count may contribute to the identification of fetal neuromuscular diseases, such as nemaline myopathy.
Sonographic measurement of cervical length and risk of preterm delivery
Authors: Demirci Oya , Ünal Ayşegül , Demirci Elif , Sözen Hamdullah , Akdemir Yeşim , Boybek Esra , Ertekin Aktuğ 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  To study the relationship between cervical lengths measured by ultrasound and risk of preterm delivery.Material & Methods:  We examined 209 women with singleton pregnancies. The inclusion criteria were women who presented with regular and painful contractions (≥2 contractions at intervals of 10 min for at least 1 h). Transvaginal scan was performed to measure the cervical length. The clinical management of the women, including hospitalization and administration of tocolytics, was determined by the attending obstetricians, who were blinded about cervical length. The primary outcome was delivery within 7 days of presentation.Results:  Delivery within 7 days of presentation occurred in 19/209 (9%) of pregnancies who were presenting with regular and painful uterine contraction at 31 weeks of gestation, and this was inversely related to cervical length. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that cervical length and history of abortion remain as significant contributors to predicting delivery within 7 days. Of the patients who presented with threatened preterm labor, 117 (56%) received tocolytics, and 92 (44%) did not. In the group with a cervical length of <15 mm, delivery within 7 days occurred in 15/21 (71.4%) who were treated with tocolytics and 2/5 (40%) that were managed expectantly.Conclusion:  Women with threatened preterm labor and a cervical length of <15 mm at presentation are at high risk of delivering preterm within 7 days. Sonographic measurement of cervical length helps to avoid over‐diagnosis of preterm labor.
Seven principles in the regulation of adult neurogenesis
Authors: Kempermann Gerd 
Published: March 2011

AbstractSeven key elements describing the regulation of adult neurogenesis are proposed. (i) A distinction must be made between regulation and ‘control’ at the transcriptional level in order to appreciate the hierarchy of regulatory factors. (ii) The regulatory hierarchy comprises conceptual levels from behaviour to genes. Consequently, ‘regulation’ of neurogenesis can be confounded by confusing rather than integrating factors, levels and concepts. The immense spectrum of neurogenic regulators reflects the sensitivity of adult neurogenesis to many different types of stimuli, and provides a means of abstraction. (iii) Age per se does not seem to play a constant role in the modulation of this process, as the dramatic ‘age‐related’ changes in adult neurogenesis only take place early in life. (iv) The regulatory hierarchy at any given time‐point is corresponded by the directionality and sequential interdependence of different regulatory factors in the course of development. Regulation goes from non‐specific to specific, and the following steps build on regulation at the previous ones. (v) This complexity is reflected at the genetic level in that adult neurogenesis is highly heritable and highly polygenic with single factors explaining little of the variance. (vi) As regulation is additive, there is an element of self‐reinforcement in the regulation of adult neurogenesis, allowing the formation of regulatory reserves for situations of functional demand. (vii) The complexity of regulation makes adult neurogenesis sensitive to pathological disturbance at various levels, suggesting that different molecular events might result in similar and shared behavioural or functional phenotypes originating in the dentate gyrus.
Restrictions in time and space – new insights into generation of specific neuronal subtypes in the adult mammalian brain
Authors: Weinandy Franziska , Ninkovic Jovica , Götz Magdalena 
Published: March 2011

AbstractKey questions in regard to neuronal repair strategies are which cells are best suited to regenerate specific neuronal subtypes and how much of a neuronal circuit needs to persist in order to allow its functional repair. Here we discuss recent findings in the field of adult neurogenesis, which shed new light on these questions. Neural stem cells in the adult brain generate very distinct types of neurons depending on their regional and temporal specification. Moreover, distinct brain regions differ in the mode of neuron addition in adult neurogenesis, suggesting that different brain circuits may be able to cope differently with the incorporation of new neurons. These new insights are then considered in regard to the choice of cells with the appropriate region‐specific identity for repair strategies.
Epigenetic regulation of neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain
Authors: Sun Jiaqi , Sun Jiawei , Ming Guo‐li , Song Hongjun 
Published: March 2011

AbstractEpigenetic regulation represents a fundamental mechanism to maintain cell‐type‐specific gene expression during development and serves as an essential mediator to interface the extrinsic environment and the intrinsic genetic programme. Adult neurogenesis occurs in discrete regions of the adult mammalian brain and is known to be tightly regulated by various physiological, pathological and pharmacological stimuli. Emerging evidence suggests that various epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in fine‐tuning and coordinating gene expression during adult neurogenesis. Here we review recent progress in our understanding of various epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non‐coding RNAs, as well as cross‐talk among these mechanisms, in regulating different aspects of adult mammalian neurogenesis.
A new chapter in the field of memory: adult hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Koehl Muriel , Abrous Djoher N. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractUnderstanding the cellular mechanisms underlying learning and memory is a major challenge in neurobiology. Structural and functional changes occurring in the hippocampus such as synaptic remodeling and long‐term potentiation are key signatures of long‐term memory processes. The discovery of a de novo hippocampal production of neurons in the adult brain has been a breakthrough in the field of plasticity and memory, introducing a new actor that could sustain memory processes. Here we will review our current knowledge on the role of these adult new neurons in memory. In particular we will provide evidence showing that they are required for learning and memory and that an alteration in their production rate or maturation leads to memory impairments. Through a thorough survey of the literature, we will also acknowledge that there are many controversies regarding the specific role played by newborn neurons. The emerging picture is that they are involved in the establishment of spatiotemporal relationships among multiple environmental cues for the flexible use of the acquired information. Indeed, newborn neurons have been found to be required for separating events based on their spatial and temporal characteristics, a process that preserves the uniqueness of a memory representation. Thus, adult‐born neurons are required for allocentric space representation, for long‐term memory retention and for flexible inferential memory expression. Finally, we will conclude by highlighting directions for future research, emphasizing that the exact participation of newborn neurons in memory processes will not be approached without considering the hippocampal network in general.
Neurogenesis and affective disorders
Authors: Samuels Benjamin A. , Hen René 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe neurogenesis hypothesis of depression was originally formed upon the demonstration that stress impacts levels of adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Since then much work has established that newborn neurons in the dentate gyrus are required for mediating some of the beneficial effects of antidepressant treatment. Recent studies combining behavioral, molecular and electrophysiological approaches have attempted to make sense of the role young neurons play in modulating mood by demonstrating a potential role in regulating the circuitry in the brain that underlies depression. Here we discuss the work that led to the neurogenesis hypothesis of depression, and the subsequent studies that have sought to test this hypothesis. We also discuss different animal models of depression that have been used to test the role of neurogenesis in mediating the antidepressant response.
Modeling new neuron function: a history of using computational neuroscience to study adult neurogenesis
Authors: Aimone James B. , Gage Fred H. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAdult neurogenesis is a sophisticated biological process whose function has remained a mystery to neuroscience researchers. To address this question, a number of unique modeling studies have explored the computational implications of adding new neurons to the adult dentate gyrus. Models of neurogenesis fall into two broad categories: abstract models that explore the function of new neurons in simple networks, and biologically based models that investigate the role of new neurons in networks based on the anatomy of the hippocampus. In this review, we summarize the strategies and results of these different modeling approaches, and we discuss their conclusions and limitations in the face of new biological findings.
Neurogenesis in humans
Authors: Curtis Maurice A. , Kam Monica , Faull Richard L. M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractSince 1944 increasing evidence has been emerging that the adult human brain harbours progenitor cells with the potential to produce neuroblasts. However, it was not until 1998 that this fact was confirmed in the adult human brain. With the purpose of human neurogenesis being hotly debated, many research groups have focussed on the effect of neurodegenerative diseases in the brain to determine the strength of the endogenous regenerative response. Although most of the human studies have focussed on the hippocampus, there is a groundswell of evidence that there is greater plasticity in the subventricular zone and in the ventriculo‐olfactory neurogenic system. In this review, we present the evidence for increased or decreased plasticity and neurogenesis in different diseases and with different drug treatments in the adult human brain. Whilst there is a paucity of studies on human neurogenesis, there are sufficient to draw some conclusions about the potential of plasticity in the human brain.