bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Approximate entropy of self‐reported mood prior to episodes in bipolar disorder
Authors: Glenn Tasha , Whybrow Peter C , Rasgon Natalie , Grof Paul , Alda Martin , Baethge Christopher , Bauer Michael 
Published: October 2006

Background:  Approximate entropy (ApEn) measures regularity in time series data, while traditional linear statistics measure variability. Using self‐reported mood data from patients with bipolar disorder, this preliminary study addressed whether ApEn could distinguish (i) the 60 days prior to the start of a manic or depressed episode from the 60 days prior to a month of euthymia, and (ii) the 60 days prior to a manic episode from the 60 days prior to a depressed episode.Methods:  Self‐reported mood data from 49 outpatients with bipolar disorder receiving standard treatment were analysed. The data contained 27 episodes (12 manic and 15 depressed), and 43 periods of 1 month of euthymia. For the 60 days prior to episode or euthymia, the ApEn, linear statistics and the correlation between linear and non‐linear measures were calculated.Results:  ApEn was significantly greater in the 60 days prior to a manic or depressive episode than the 60 days prior to a month of euthymia. The onset of an episode was associated with greater irregularity in mood. Variability was also significantly larger and correlated with ApEn. ApEn was significantly greater in the 60 days prior to a manic episode than in the 60 days prior to a depressed episode, whereas measures of variability were not significantly different. Mood in the 60 days prior to mania was more irregular than prior to depression.Conclusions:  Non‐linear measures may complement traditional linear measures in the analysis of longitudinal data in bipolar disorder. A larger study is indicated.
EDARAVONE REDUCES MYOCARDIAL INFARCT SIZE AND IMPROVES CARDIAC FUNCTION AND REMODELLING IN RABBITS
Authors: Onogi Hirohito , Minatoguchi Shinya , Chen Xue‐Hai , Bao Narentuoya , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Misao Yu , Yasuda Shinji , Yamaki Takahiko , Maruyama Rumi , Uno Yoshihiro , Arai Masazumi , Takemura Genzou , Fujiwara Hisayoshi 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY

In the present study, we investigated the effect of 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐5‐one (edaravone), a free radical scavenger, on myocardial infarct (MI) size and cardiac function in an in vivo model of MI in rabbits. We further investigated the contribution of hydroxyl radicals, superoxide and nitric oxide (NO) to its effects.
Anaesthetized open‐chest Japanese white male rabbits were subjected to 30 min coronary occlusion and 48 h reperfusion. The control group (n = 10) was injected with saline 10 min before reperfusion. The edaravone group (n = 10) was injected with a bolus of 3 mg/kg edaravone 10 min before reperfusion. The edaravone + NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) group (n = 5) was given 10 mg/kg, i.v., l‐NAME 10 min before the administration of 3 mg/kg edaravone. The l‐NAME group (n = 5) was given 10 mg/kg, i.v., l‐NAME 20 min before reperfusion. Infarct size was measured using the triphenyl tetrazolium chloride method and is expressed as a percentage of area at risk. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography 14 days after infarction.
In another series of experiments, rabbits were subjected to 30 min coronary occlusion and 30 min reperfusion and myocardial interstitial 2,3‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) and 2,5‐DHBA levels, indicators of hydroxyl radical, were measured using a microdialysis technique.
Infarct size in the edaravone group was significantly reduced compared with that in the control group (27.4 ± 6.8 vs 43.4 ± 6.8%, respectively; P < 0.05). The edaravone‐induced reduction of infarct size was abolished by pretreatment with l‐NAME. Myocardial interstitial levels of 2,3‐DHBA and 2,5‐DHBA increased 20 and 30 min after ischaemia and peaked at 10 min reperfusion in the control group. Edaravone significantly inhibited the increase in 2,3‐DHBA and 2,5‐DHBA levels seen during reperfusion. Dihydroethidium staining showing in situ detectoion of superoxide was less intense in ischaemic myocardium in the edaravone‐treated group compared with the control group. Edaravone improved cardiac function and left ventricular remodelling 14 days after infarction.
In conclusion, edaravone significantly reduces MI size and improves cardiac function and LV remodelling by decreasing hydroxyl radicals and superoxide in the myocardium and increasing the production of NO during reperfusion in rabbits.
KYNURENINE PATHWAY METABOLISM IN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOPOROSIS AFTER 2 YEARS OF DRUG TREATMENT
Authors: Forrest Caroline M , Mackay Gillian M , Oxford Lynn , Stoy Nicholas , Stone Trevor W , Darlington L Gail 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT

Metabolism of tryptophan along the oxidative pathway via kynurenine results in the production of quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid, which can act on glutamate receptors in peripheral tissues. We have now measured the concentrations of kynurenine pathway metabolites in the plasma of patients with osteoporosis before treatment with drugs, throughout and after 2 years of treatment with the drugs raloxifene or etidronate. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring levels of the lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde and 4‐hydroxynonenal. Kynurenines were analysed by HPLC. Bone density was measured using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scans.
Patients with osteoporosis showed significantly lower baseline levels of 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid compared with healthy controls, but significantly higher levels of anthranilic acid and lipid peroxidation products. After 2 years treatment with etidronate and calcium, we observed significant therapeutic responses quantified by bone densitometric scanning. Significant improvements were not seen in patients treated with raloxifene.
In parallel, the levels of 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid, anthranilic acid and lipid peroxidation products were restored to control values by both drug treatments studied and tryptophan levels were increased significantly compared with baseline values.
The results suggest that tryptophan metabolism is altered in osteoporosis in a manner that could contribute to the oxidative stress and, thus, to progress of the disease. The oxidative metabolism of tryptophan (the kynurenine pathway) could represent a novel target for the development of new drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis. In addition, we noted that etidronate is a more effective drug than raloxifene, but that the simultaneous use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs may reduce the efficacy of etidronate.
Determinants of sufficient daily activity in Australian primary school children
Authors: Spinks Anneliese , Macpherson Alison , Bain Chris , McClure Roderick 
Published: October 2006

Aims:  Australian guidelines recommend that children participate in at least one hour of physical activity every day. We aimed to measure physical activity participation in a random sample of Australian primary school children and to determine the biological, behavioural, environmental and social influences associated with insufficient daily activity.Method:  We analysed the following cross‐section data from a randomly selected sample of children (N = 518) aged 5 to 12 years: age, gender, socioeconmic status (SES) indicators, family size, home play equipment availability, transport method to school, and estimated time per week in physical and sedentary activity. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine variables that were associated with insufficient (<60 minutes) daily activity.Results:  Seventy‐six children (15% of the cohort) failed to meet the minimum activity recommendations of 60 minutes of daily activity. These children were significantly less likely to walk or cycle to school (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.43; 95% CI = 0.24 − 0.77) or participate in organised sports or activity (OR 0.42; 95% CI = 0.28 − 0.64) and were more likely to spend in excess of 2 hours a day watching television of using a computer for entertainment (OR 2.10 (1.16 − 3.78). Age, gender, SES and family size were not significantly associated with insufficient activity.Conclusion:  There exists a significant proportion of the paediatric population who are insufficiently active. Interventions to encourage increased activity in this sub‐group may be successful if they seek to alter sedentary behaviour (namely television use) and method of transportation to and from school.
Evaluation of first unprovoked seizures in children by general paediatricians in New Zealand
Authors: Johnson Rachel E , Nolan Melinda A 
Published: October 2006

Aim:  To determine current practice of general paediatricians in New Zealand in the investigation and management of a first unprovoked seizure in childhood.Methods:  A self‐administered questionnaire was emailed to 109 general paediatricians in New Zealand. The questionnaire presented the participant with three hypothetical case scenarios representing a generalised tonic clonic seizure, a complex partial seizure and an episode of non‐specific collapse. The participant was asked to indicate what investigations and course of management was required.Results:  Forty‐seven questionnaires were returned. Primary investigations included an electroencephalogram (EEG) in 47% of cases after a first generalised tonic clonic seizure increasing to 89% after a second. Ninety‐one per cent of paediatricians were likely to request an EEG after a complex partial seizure. No paediatrician would request neuroimaging following a first generalised tonic clonic seizure. Neuroimaging was requested by 10% of paediatricians following a second generalised tonic clonic seizure and by 47% following a complex partial seizure. No paediatrician elected to initiate antiepileptic drugs after a first generalised tonic clonic seizure, but 49% would initiate treatment after a second generalised tonic clonic seizure. Eleven per cent of paediatricians would start treatment after a single complex partial seizure.Conclusion:  Less than 50% of general paediatricians would request an EEG after a first unprovoked seizure. This is an unexpectedly low rate that may reflect accessibility. New Zealand paediatricians had an appropriately low rate of requesting neuroimaging. As currently recommended no general paediatricians began antiepileptic drugs in the scenario of a single uncomplicated seizure in the absence of other risk factors.
Transbronchial needle aspiration cytology of subcarinal lymph nodes for the staging procedure in the diagnosis of lung cancer
Authors: AONO Hiromi , OKAMOTO Hiroaki , KUNIKANE Hiroshi , NAGATOMO Akira , WATANABE Koshiro , NAGAI Atsushi 
Published: October 2006

Objective and background:  The aim of this study was to improve the staging of lung cancer with or without lymphadenopathy on chest CT by using transbronchial aspiration cytology (TBAC).Methods:  TBAC of the subcarinal lymph nodes was performed on 153 consecutive patients with lung cancer, with or without subcarinal lymphadenopathy on chest CT.Results:  Thirty‐four patients had enlargement of the subcarinal lymph nodes (>1 cm). Eighteen of these had TBAC confirmation of metastases. Another seven patients with no mediastinal involvement on CT were positive for metastases on TBAC. TBAC was the only way to confirm lung cancer in two patients. Therefore, routinely performed subcarinal TBAC contributed to an improved non‐operative staging of the patients and diagnosis in 16% (25/153) of the patients with lung cancer. Forty‐nine patients with NSCLC had surgical resection of the tumour. Surgical procedure revealed metastases to the subcarinal lymph nodes in three patients in whom the preoperative TBAC diagnosis was normal. No significant complications due to TBAC occurred in any of the patients.Conclusion:  TBAC of the subcarinal lymph nodes is a minimally invasive technique for staging of lung cancer and can provide useful information for the diagnosis of metastases to the subcarinal lymph nodes.
Temporal changes in cytokine/chemokine profiles and pulmonary involvement in severe acute respiratory syndrome
Authors: CHIEN Jung‐Yien , HSUEH Po‐Ren , CHENG Wern‐Cherng , YU Chong‐Jen , YANG Pan‐Chyr 
Published: October 2006

Objective and background:  Pathological changes in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) suggest that SARS sequelae are associated with dysregulation of cytokine and chemokine production. To improve understanding of the immuno‐pathological processes involved in lung injury associated with SARS, the temporal changes in cytokine/chemokine profiles in the sera of SARS patients were compared with those of patients with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP), according to the degree of lung involvement.Methods:  Serum levels of 11 cytokines and chemokines, in 14 patients with SARS and 24 patients with CAP, were serially checked using a bead‐based multiassay system. Sera from 12 healthy subjects were used as normal controls.Results:  The serum levels of interferon‐γ‐inducible protein‐10 (IP‐10), IL‐2 and IL‐6 were significantly elevated during SARS infection. In patients with CAP, but not in those with SARS, the levels of interferon‐γ, IL‐10, IL‐8 and monokine induced by interferon‐γ (MIG) were significantly elevated compared with the levels in healthy controls. Among the chemokines/cytokines, IL‐6 levels correlated most strongly with radiographic scores (r = 0.62). The elevation of IP‐10 and IL‐2 antedated the development of chest involvement and reached peak levels earlier than the radiographic scores. In contrast, the dynamic changes in IL‐6, C‐reactive protein and neutrophils occurred synchronously with the changes in radiographic scores. The mean ratio of IL‐6 to IL‐10 in SARS patients (4.84; range 0.41–21) was significantly higher than that in CAP patients (2.95; range 0.02–10.57) (P = 0.04).Conclusions:  The early induction of IP‐10 and IL‐2, as well as the subsequent over‐production of IL‐6 and lack of IL‐10 production, probably contribute to the main immuno‐pathological processes involved in lung injury in SARS. These changes in cytokine/chemokine profile are remarkably different from those observed in CAP patients.
Long‐term effect of bronchial artery embolization in Korean patients with haemoptysis
Authors: KIM Yong Gil , YOON Hyun‐Ki , KO Gi Young , LIM Chae‐Man , KIM Won Dong , KOH Younsuck 
Published: October 2006

Objective and background:  Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) has been regarded as a bridging therapy in the management of massive haemoptysis until a more definite therapy can be pursued. The long‐term effectiveness of BAE and the factors associated with failure to control bleeding in an Asian setting of tuberculosis are unknown and were investigated.Methods:  Over approximately 4 years, 139 patients received BAE to treat haemoptysis at a single centre, of these, 118 had been followed up for more than 1 year (median 23 months) and were retrospectively recruited into the study. Patients were divided into those who required readmission for treatment of recurrent haemoptysis after BAE (re‐bleeding group), and those who did not (non‐rebleeding group).Results:  Of the 118 patients, 112 (95.8%) had haemoptysis of greater than 100 mL per day. The most common underlying cause of haemoptysis was pulmonary tuberculosis. Eight patients, four of whom had advanced lung cancer, died after BAE. There were 32 patients (27.1%) in the re‐bleeding group. Aspergillosis was significantly associated with re‐bleeding after BAE (P < 0.05). There were no differences in gender, age, degree of haemoptysis, or APACHE II scores between the re‐bleeding and non‐rebleeding groups. Twelve patients in the re‐bleeding group had a repeat BAE only, whereas seven underwent surgery after repeat BAE. Of the 118 patients who underwent initial BAE, one showed a transient spinal ischaemia.Conclusions:  BAE with appropriate medical treatment should be sufficient for most patients with massive haemoptysis. In patients with massive haemoptysis due to aspergilloma, however, elective surgery should be considered if bleeding is not controlled by repeated BAE.
URBAN–RURAL DIFFERENCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SCREEN‐DETECTED INVASIVE BREAST CANCER AND DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU IN VICTORIA
Authors: Kok David L. , Chang Jiun‐Horng , Erbas Bircan , Fletcher Ashley , Kavanagh Anne M. , Henderson Michael A. , Gertig Dorota M. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  At least one‐third of primary breast cancers in Australia are discovered by population‐based mammographic screening. The aim of this study was to determine whether there were any differences in the surgical treatment of women diagnosed with breast cancer by BreastScreen Victoria between urban and rural populations and to investigate temporal changes in their pattern of care.Methods:  An analysis of women diagnosed with breast cancer (invasive and non‐invasive) by BreastScreen Victoria from 1993 to 2000 was conducted. Descriptive analyses of the proportion of women undergoing each surgical treatment type over time were carried out. Logistic regression was used to assess the effect of urban–rural residence on each treatment outcome while accounting for possible confounding factors.Results:  Rural women with invasive breast cancer were less likely to undergo breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) compared with urban women (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.50). The same was also true for rural women with ductal carcinoma in situ (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.96). This difference was independent of patient and tumour characteristics, including tumour size, surgeon caseload, patient’s age and socioeconomic status. It also persisted over time despite a steady overall increase in use of BCS for both invasive and non‐invasive cancers over the study period.Conclusions:  Among Victorian women with screen‐detected breast cancer, urban women consistently had higher rates of BCS compared with rural women despite increased overall adoption of BCS. Reasons for this disparity are still unclear and warrant further investigation.
DO ANTIBIOTICS CONTRIBUTE TO POSTOPERATIVE ILEUS? CONTRACTILE RESPONSES OF ILEUM SMOOTH MUSCLE IN GUINEA PIGS TO LONG‐TERM PARENTERAL CEFTRIAXONE AND AMPICILLIN
Authors: Ceran Canan , Karadas Baris , Kaya Tijen , Arpacik Mehmet , Bagcivan Ihsan , Sarac Bülent 
Published: October 2006

Background: Antibiotics may impair small bowel smooth muscle contractility and contribute to postoperative ileus. The aim of this study was to compare the contractile responses of ileum smooth muscle to different agonists in guinea pigs treated with ceftriaxone (Rocephin; F. Hoffman–La Roche, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland) or ampicillin (Ampisina; Mustafa Nevzat İlaç Sanayii AŞ, Istanbul, Turkey).Methods: Twenty‐four adult guinea pigs were randomly divided into three groups. Whereas eight of these received ceftriaxone sodium (100 mg/kg per day, i.m.) for 10 days, another eight guinea pigs received ampicillin (50 mg/kg per day, i.m.) for 10 days and the remaining eight served as the control group receiving 1 mL distilled water during 10 days as placebo. By the end of 10 days, the animals were killed and their ilea were excised. Ileum segments were placed in an organ bath; concentration–response relationship for carbachol and histamine were obtained by adding the reagent cumulatively to the bath.Results: pD2values being the same, maximum contractile responses (Emax) to carbachol and histamine were significantly reduced in the ceftriaxone sodium group compared with the control group. No significant differences inEmaxand pD2values to carbachol and histamine were observed between the ampicillin group and the control group.Conclusion: These data indicate that whereas ceftriaxone may impair small bowel smooth muscle contractility, ampicillin does not. There are implications for the long‐term use of parenteral antibiotics in the postoperative period.
Targeted in utero delivery of a retroviral vector for gene transfer in the rodent brain
Authors: Stott Simon R. W. , Kirik Deniz 
Published: October 2006

Abstract In vivo application of viral vectors for gene transfer is a commonly used tool in anatomical and functional studies, as well as in development of neuroprotective and restorative strategies for therapy. Although the most common route of administration is via direct injection into the brain parenchyma in adult animals, a number of short‐term studies have been performed in the developing central nervous system. Here we investigated the long‐term transgene expression following in utero delivery of a retroviral vector encoding for the green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker gene at embryonic days 14.5–17.5 using an ultrasound‐guided injection system. Intraparenchymal injections of the ganglionic eminence were compared with vector delivery to the intracerebroventricular space. Injections into the ganglionic eminences resulted in a predominantly unilateral transduction localized to the forebrain, giving rise to GFP‐positive (GFP+) neurons and astrocytes in the striatum, olfactory bulb, cortex and hippocampus. When the vector was injected into the lateral ventricle, on the other hand, widespread expression of GFP was seen throughout the brain. The total number of GFP+ cells in the striatum was estimated to be between 20 000 and 50 000 cells using a computerized stereological quantification tool. Phenotypic characterization of these transduced cells using confocal microscopical analysis showed that 64% were NeuN+ neurons, 14% APC+ oligodendrocytes and 15% glial cells labelled with GFAP, S100β and Iba1, when the vector injection was performed at E14.5. Delivery into later embryos resulted in a reduction in neuronal profiles with a reciprocal increase in glial cells.
Usefulness of colour tissue Doppler imaging in assessing aortic elastic properties in Type 1 diabetic patients
Authors: Karamitsos T. D. , Karvounis H. I. , Didangellos T. P. , Papadopoulos C. E. , Dalamanga E. G. , Karamitsos D. T. , Parharidis G. E. , Louridas G. E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAims  Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with macrovascular disease and impaired aortic function. We hypothesized that the change in aortic elastic properties could be investigated with colour tissue Doppler imaging (CTDI) in Type 1 diabetic patients and that these findings could be related to the aortic stiffness index.Methods  We examined by echocardiography 66 patients with Type 1 DM (mean age 35 ± 10 years, mean duration of disease 20 ± 9 years) without a history of arterial hypertension or coronary artery disease (negative thallium‐201 stress test) and 66 age‐ and sex‐matched normal subjects. Arterial pressure was measured before echocardiography was performed. Internal aortic systolic and diastolic diameters by M‐mode echocardiography and aortic systolic upper wall tissue velocity (Sao, cm/s) by CTDI were measured 3 cm above the aortic valve. Aortic distensibility and aortic stiffness index were calculated using accepted formulae.Results  Aortic stiffness, distensibility and Sao velocity differed significantly between the studied groups. In the diabetic group, duration of diabetes correlated with aortic stiffness (r = 0.53, P < 0.001), distensibility (r = −0.61, P < 0.001) and Sao velocity (r = −0.48, P < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between aortic stiffness and Sao velocity (r = −0.49, P < 0.001). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis in the diabetic group revealed that aortic S velocity (β = 0.30, P = 0.005) and duration of diabetes (β = −0.49, P = 0.001) were the main predictors of aortic distensibility (overall R2 = 0.48).Conclusions  Aortic elastic properties can be directly assessed by measuring the movements in the upper aortic wall. Reduced aortic S velocity is associated with increased aortic stiffness in Type 1 diabetic patients.