bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased risk of suicides and attempts during long‐term lithium treatment: a meta‐analytic review
Authors: Baldessarini Ross J , Tondo Leonardo , Davis Paula , Pompili Maurizio , Goodwin Frederick K , Hennen John 
Published: October 2006

Objectives:  To update and extend comparisons of rates of suicides and suicide attempts among patients with major affective disorders with versus without long‐term lithium treatment.Methods:  Broad searching yielded 45 studies providing rates of suicidal acts during lithium treatment, including 34 also providing rates without lithium treatment. We scored study quality, tested between‐study variance, and examined suicidal rates on versus off lithium by meta‐analytic methods to determine risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results:  In 31 studies suitable for meta‐analysis, involving a total of 85,229 person‐years of risk‐exposure, the overall risk of suicides and attempts was five times less among lithium‐treated subjects than among those not treated with lithium (RR = 4.91, 95% CI 3.82–6.31, p < 0.0001). Similar effects were found with other meta‐analytic methods, as well as for completed versus attempted suicide, and for bipolar versus major mood disorder patients. Studies with higher quality ratings, including randomized, controlled trials, involved shorter exposures with somewhat lesser lithium superiority. Omitting one very large study or those involving lithium‐discontinuation had little effect on the results. The incidence‐ratio of attempts‐to‐suicides increased 2.5 times with lithium‐treatment, indicating reduced lethality of suicidal acts. There was no indication of bias toward reporting positive findings, nor were outcomes significantly influenced by publication‐year or study size.Conclusions:  Risks of completed and attempted suicide were consistently lower, by approximately 80%, during treatment of bipolar and other major affective disorder patients with lithium for an average of 18 months. These benefits were sustained in randomized as well as open clinical trials.
Aggression and substance abuse in bipolar disorder
Authors: Grunebaum Michael F , Galfalvy Hanga C , Nichols C Matthew , Caldeira Nathilee A , Sher Leo , Dervic Kanita , Burke Ainsley K , Mann J John , Oquendo Maria A 
Published: October 2006

Objectives:  The goal of this retrospective study was to examine factors differentiating persons with bipolar disorder who did or did not have comorbid lifetime substance use disorders (SUD) at an index assessment. We also explored the chronology of onset of mood and SUD.Methods:  We studied 146 subjects with DSM‐defined bipolar disorder. Subgroups with and without lifetime SUD were compared on demographic and clinical measures.Results:  Substance abuse disorders in this bipolar sample were associated with male sex, impulsive‐aggressive traits, comorbid conduct and Cluster B personality disorders, number of suicide attempts and earlier age at onset of a first mood episode. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, male sex and aggression and possibly earlier age at mood disorder onset were associated with SUD. In those with or without SUD, the first mood episode tended to be depressive and to precede the onset of SUD.Conclusions:  In persons with bipolar disorder, an earlier age of onset and aggressive traits appear to be factors associated with later development of comorbid SUD.
Individual Differences and Repeatability of Post‐prandial Changes of Plasma‐free Amino Acids in Young Horses
Authors: Hackl S. , Van Den Hoven R. , Zickl M. , Spona J. , Zentek J. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryFew data are available on post‐prandial changes of plasma amino acids (AAs) in horses and on the repeatability and the individual variance on different sampling days. The objective of the present study was to measure pre‐ and post‐prandial concentrations of plasma AA in 10 yearling horses. Blood samples were taken on days 1 and 40 of the study before feeding of hay, oats and soya meal and over an 8 h post‐prandial period in 2‐h intervals. The plasma AAs were measured by high‐pressure liquid chromatography after ortho‐phthalaldehyde derivatization. Mean fasting concentrations of the AAs were not significantly influenced by the individuum and sampling day. Repeatability of the fasting AA levels in the individual horses on two different sampling days was only found for histidine, 3‐methylhistidine, methionine, tryptophan and taurine. While the absolute post‐prandial AA concentrations differed between sampling days, the relative changes were comparable. All AA concentrations except 3‐methylhistidine increased after feeding by 13% to more than 200% of their fasting values if the combined data of both days were analysed. Four hours after feeding the concentrations of arginine, asparagine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine and threonine, decreased more than 20%. Histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, valine, tryptophan, glutamine, glycine, tyrosine and taurine concentrations decreased by less than 20%. Concentrations of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, ornithine, serine and citrulline remained elevated. Most AA approached the fasting concentrations at 8 h, only glycine increased between 6 and 8 h after meal and 3‐methyl‐histidine concentrations were constant throughout the entire period. In conclusion, the pre‐prandial plasma AA in horses appeared less influenced by individuum or sampling day than post‐prandial plasma AA concentrations. Therefore, plasma AA concentrations should be interpreted only under well‐defined conditions, especially regarding the feeding regimen.
Investigations on the Association of D‐lactate Blood Concentrations with the Outcome of Therapy of Acidosis, and with Posture and Demeanour in Young Calves with Diarrhoea
Authors: Lorenz I. , Vogt S. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe objective of this prospective study was to elucidate whether amounts of bicarbonate needed for correction of acidosis and normalization of clinical signs are influenced by blood d‐lactate concentrations in calves with diarrhoea. In 73 calves up to 3 weeks old with acute diarrhoea and base excess values below −10 mmol/l correction of acidosis was carried out within 3.5‐h by intravenous administration of an amount of sodium bicarbonate which was calculated using the formula: HCO (mmol) = body mass (kg) × base deficit (mmol/l) × 0.6 (l/kg). Clinical signs, venous base excess, and plasma d‐lactate concentrations were monitored immediately following admission, following correction of acidosis at 4 h and 24 h after admission. The base excess and plasma d‐lactate concentrations throughout the study were −17.8 ± 4.0, −0.4 ± 0.4, −3.0 ± 5.5 mmol/l (base excess), and 10.0 ± 4.9, 9.8 ± 4.8, 5.4 ± 3.4 mmol/l (d‐lactate) for the three times of examination. Metabolic acidosis was not corrected in more than half of the calves (n = 43) by the calculated amount of bicarbonate, whereas the risk of failure to correct acidosis increases with d‐lactate concentrations. The study shows that calves with elevated d‐lactate concentrations do not need additional specific therapy, as d‐lactate concentrations regularly fall following correction of acidosis and restitution of body fluid volume, for reasons that remain unclear. However, calves with distinct changes in posture and demeanour need higher doses of bicarbonate than calculated with the factor of 0.6 in the formula mentioned above probably because of d‐hyperlactataemia.
Altered Homeostasis of Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Joints of Standardbred Trotters During a Long‐term Training Programme
Authors: Skiöldebrand E. , Heinegård D. , Olofsson B. , Rucklidge G. , Ronéus N. , Ekman S. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThis study evaluates how strenuous training, age and lameness influence the release of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (sf‐COMP), aggrecan and collagen type II into synovial fluid in 28 (19.5–40 months) Standardbred trotters (STB), during a long‐term training programme (24 months). All the horses were trained by the same trainer and were healthy on entering the training programme. Synovial fluid (sf) from the left middle carpal joint in each subject was sampled every third month. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the concentrations of sf‐COMP, sf‐aggrecan and sf‐collagen type II. Concentration of sf‐COMP decreased with increasing age and total days of training. The concentration of sf‐COMP was found similarly related to both age and total days of training, so they could not be differentiated. It was also shown that the concentration of collagen type II degradation products increased with total days of training. The study shows that extensive and long‐term training programme induces metabolic changes in articular cartilage exemplified by reduced release and synthesis of COMP. This is most likely due to strenuous training leading to inappropriate load on the articular cartilage.
Anti‐oxidative Status and Semen Quality during Cooled Storage in Stallions
Authors: Pagl R. , Aurich C. , Kankofer M. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryActivity of the anti‐oxidative enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and SH‐groups were determined in native stallion semen (n = 8 stallions). Semen was then diluted in Kenney extender, EquiPro®extender either with or without addition ofN‐acetyl cysteine or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and stored for 72 h at 5°C. Correlations between initial activity of enzymes and development of semen motility and membrane integrity were calculated. Activities of GSH‐Px, SOD and CAT immediately after semen collections were 10.0 ± 0.6 picokatals, 0.40 ± 0.03 SOD units and 0.70 ± 0.05 nanokatals/106spermatozoa respectively. TBARS content was 0.06 ± 0.01 nmol and SH‐group content 1.7 ± 0.5 mmol/106spermatozoa. The loss of motile spermatozoa during storage did not differ between extenders.N‐acetyl cysteine had no effect on semen motility and membrane integrity. The loss in membrane‐intact spermatozoa was highest (P < 0.05) in semen diluted in PBS. Motility and membrane integrity after addition of extender were positively correlated with GSH‐Px and CAT, indicating that anti‐oxidative mechanisms contribute to the initial high percentage of motile and membrane‐intact spermatozoa. However, in these samples the decrease in semen quality was most pronounced. No correlations existed between initial activity of anti‐oxidative enzymes, peroxidation products and semen quality during storage. This indicates that once extender has been added, peroxidative damage to sperm membranes is not the predominant cause of losses in semen quality.
SERTRALINE PROTECTS AGAINST MONOCROTALINE‐INDUCED PULMONARY HYPERTENSION IN RATS
Authors: Li Xue‐Qin , Hong Yang , Wang Yun , Zhang Xin‐Hua , Wang Huai‐Liang 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY

Serotonin (5‐HT), as a type of mitogen for smooth muscle cells, plays an important role in the development of pulmonary hypertension. It is known that selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRI) inhibit 5‐HT internalization. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of the SSRI sertraline against pulmonary hypertension.
Monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced chronic ‘inflammatory’ pulmonary hypertension in Wistar rats was established. Pulmonary haemodynamic measurement and lung tissue morphological investigations were undertaken. Serotonin transporter (SERT) mRNA was assayed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).
The results showed that pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was significantly increased by MCT treatment from 12.6 ± 2.1 to 20.1 ± 3.4 mmHg (P < 0.01 vs control) and sertraline attenuated the MCT‐induced increase in PAP from 20.1 ± 3.4 to 16.4 ± 1.8 mmHg (P < 0.05 vs MCT). The right ventricular index was increased in the MCT‐treated group from 0.32 ± 0.04 to 0.51 ± 0.09 (P < 0.01 vs control) and was reduced to 0.42 ± 0.04 by sertraline (P < 0.05 vs MCT). The degree of muscularization of the pulmonary artery in the MCT‐treated group was significantly higher than control (P < 0.01) and was decreased by sertraline (P < 0.01 vs MCT). The RT‐PCR assay showed that MCT increased SERT mRNA expression from 0.86 ± 0.08 to 0.99 ± 0.06 (P < 0.05 vs control), which was attenuated by sertraline (0.82 ± 0.09; P < 0.05 vs MCT).
In conclusion, the SSRI sertraline protects against MCT‐induced pulmonary hypertension by decreasing PAP, right ventricular index and pulmonary artery remodelling, which may be related to a reduction in SERT mRNA.
ROSIGLITAZONE, A PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR‐ACTIVATED RECEPTOR‐γ LIGAND, REDUCES INFARCTION VOLUME AND NEUROLOGICAL DEFICITS IN AN EMBOLIC MODEL OF STROKE
Authors: Allahtavakoli Mohammad , Shabanzadeh Alireza P , Sadr Seyed Shahabeddin , Parviz Mohsen , Djahanguiri Bijan 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY

Stroke is accompanied by a robust inflammatory response, glutamate‐mediated excitotoxicity, release of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. Thiazolidinediones, which target the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐g, have been reported recently to exhibit potent anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant actions and inhibit both neural excitotoxicity and apoptosis.
The present study was conducted to determine whether rosiglitazone, a potent thiazolidinedione for PPAR‐g, would show efficacy against the cerebral infarction and neurological dysfunctions induced by embolic middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in the rat.
Focal ischaemic injury was induced by embolizing a preformed clot into the MCA. Rosiglitazone was dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide and injected i.p. 1 h before MCA occlusion at doses of 0.33, 0.1, 0.3 or 1 mg/kg. In addition, 1 mg/kg rosiglitazone was used immediately or 4 h after embolization. Forty‐eight hours after MCA occlusion, brains were removed, sectioned and stained with a 2% solution of 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolum chloride and analysed using a commercial image‐processing software program.
When rosiglitazone was administered 1 h before embolization, it significantly reduced infarct volume by 48.2, 68.4% and 70.3% at doses of 0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg, respectively (P < 0.001). Administration of rosiglitazone (1 mg/kg) immediately or 4 h after stroke also reduced infarct volume by 67 and 50.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). Rosiglitazone‐treated rats also demonstrated improved neurological functions. However, there were no statistically significant differences between control and treated groups in terms of brain oedema at 48 h after ischaemic injury.
The findings of the present study may support the idea of a potential benefit of thiazolidinediones in the management of ischaemic stroke.
Cpu0507, An Endothelin Receptor Antagonist, Improves Rat Hypoxic Pulmonary Artery Hypertension And Constriction In Vivo And In Vitro
Authors: Yuan Sheng‐hua , Dai De‐zai , Guan Li , Dai Yin , Ji Min 
Published: October 2006

Summary

The Aim Of The Present Study Was To Test The Efficacy Of The Novel Endothelin (Et) Receptor Antagonist Cpu0507 In Treating Rat Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension (Ph) In Vivo And In Vitro And To Explore The Role Of The Et‐1 System In The Disease.
Male Sprague‐dawley Rats (220 ± 20 G) Were Divided Into Four Groups: (I) Control; (Ii) Untreated Hypoxic (28 Days Hypoxia); (Iii) Hypoxic Rats Treated In The Last 5 Days Of Hypoxia With Nifedipine(5 Mg/kg Per Day, P.o.); And (Iv) Hypoxic Rats Treated In The Last 5 Days Of Hypoxia With Cpu0507 (20 Mg/kg Per Day, S.c.). Effects Of Treatments On Haemodynamics And Biochemical Data, As Well As Functional Assessments Of The Isolated Pulmonary Artery, Were Determined In Vivo And In Vitro.
It Was Found That Cpu0507 Reduced The Elevated Pulmonary Arterial Pressure And Right Heart Weight Index And Restored Abnormalities In Nitric Oxide (No), Malondialdehyde And No Synthase (Nos) In The Serum And Superoxide Dismutase, Hydroxyproline And Nos In Pulmonary Homogenates. In Addition, Cpu0507 Restored Altered Pulmonary Vasoconstrictor And Vasodilator Responses. Vascular Constriction And Dilatation Of Untreated Pulmonary Arteries Were Reverted Effectively Towards Normal Following Exposure Of Artery Rings To Cpu0507 In Vitro.
In Conclusion, The Results Indicate That Hypoxic Ph Is Relieved Significantly By Cpu0507 In Vivo And In Vitro And The Effects Are Presumed To Be Mediated By Suppression Of The Et–reactive Oxygen Species Axis.
l‐GLUTAMATE AND GLUTAMINE IMPROVE HAEMODYNAMIC FUNCTION AND RESTORE MYOCARDIAL GLYCOGEN CONTENT DURING POSTISCHAEMIC REPERFUSION: A RADIOACTIVE TRACER STUDY IN THE RAT ISOLATED HEART
Authors: Støttrup Nicolaj B , Kristiansen Steen B , Løfgren Bo , Hansen Bo Falck , Kimose Hans‐Henrik , Bøtker Hans Erik , Nielsen Torsten Toftegaard 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY

l‐Glutamate and glutamine have been suggested to have cardioprotective effects. However, the issue is controversial and the metabolic mechanisms underlying a beneficial effect are not well understood.
In the present study we investigated the effects of l‐glutamate and glutamine on haemodynamic recovery, the rate of de novo glycogen synthesis and myocardial glucose uptake during postischaemic reperfusion.
. Hearts from male Wistar rats (250–300 g) were divided into three groups as follows: (i) control (n = 12); (ii) l‐glutamate (n = 12); and (iii) glutamine (n = 12). Hearts were mounted in a Langendorff preparation and perfused with oxygenated Krebs’–Henseleit solution at 80 mmHg and 37C. Global ischaemia for 20 min was followed by 15 min reperfusion, during which l‐glutamate (50 mmol/L) or glutamine (20 mmol/L) were administered. Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), de novo synthesis of glycogen using [14C]‐glucose and myocardial glucose uptake using d‐[2‐3H]‐glucose were measured.
l‐Glutamate and glutamine increased postischaemic LVDP (P < 0.01 vs control hearts for both). l‐Glutamate and glutamine increased de novo glycogen synthesis by 78% (P < 0.001) and 55% (P < 0.01), respectively. At the end of reperfusion, total myocardial glycogen content was increased by both l‐glutamate and glutamine (5.7 ± 0.3 and 6.2 ± 0.7 mmol/g wet weight, respectively; P < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively) compared with that in control hearts (3.6 ± 0.4 mmol/g wet weight). Neither l‐glutamate nor glutamine affected myocardial glucose uptake during reperfusion.
. Improved postischaemic haemodynamic recovery after l‐glutamate and glutamine supplementation during reperfusion is associated with increased de novo glycogen synthesis, suggesting a favourable modulation of intracellular myocardial carbohydrate metabolism.
STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE DIHYDROPYRIDINE RECEPTOR II–III LOOP AND THE RYANODINE RECEPTOR
Authors: Casarotto Marco G , Cui Yanfang , Karunasekara Yamuna , Harvey Peta J , Norris Nicole , Board Philip G , Dulhunty Angela F 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY

Excitation–contraction coupling in skeletal muscle is dependent on a physical interaction between the dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) and the ryanodine receptor (RyR).
A number of peptides derived from the II–III loop region of the DHPR have been shown to be functionally active in stimulating the release of calcium via RyR channels. Their function has been found to correlate with the presence of a basic helical region located at the N‐terminus of the II–III loop.
The entire recombinant skeletal DHPR II–III loop is an efficient activator of RyR1 and RyR2.
The skeletal DHPR II–III loop is comprised of a series of a‐helices, but its tertiary structure has been determined to be unstructured and flexible.
Fluorescence quenching experiments have been used to identify and measure the binding affinity of the II–III loop with fragments of the RyR.
Gastric longitudinal shortening may occur during gastric phase III activities in man
Authors: Ino Kyoko , Kusano Motoyasu , Ohwada Tsuneo , Kawamura Osamu , Toki Munetoshi , Sekiguchi Toshikazu , Mori Masatomo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine whether the gastric longitudinal shortening occurs during the gastric phase III in man.Methods:  Intragastric pH and gastroduodenal motility were simultaneously measured by means of a 24‐h ambulatory recording system in 14 healthy volunteers. In nine subjects (group A), the catheter assembly was endoscopically clipped to the gastric mucosa with the middle transducer and the distal pH sensor in the antrum. In the remaining five subjects (group B), measurements were performed without securing the assembly.Results:  In 23 of the 25 gastrointestinal interdigestive migrating complexes in group A, the distal and middle transducers showed characteristic duodenal contractions (11–12 c.p.m.). Neutralization was noted at the distal pH sensor. Similar phenomena were observed during all 15 gastrointestinal interdigestive migrating complexes in group B. The catheter assemblies escaped into the duodenum despite the fact that they were secured to the stomach. This may be explained by gastric longitudinal shortening during gastric phase III activities.Conclusions:  Studies of intragastric physiology with test catheters must take the effect of gastric longitudinal shortening during phase III into consideration.
Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma has an increased risk of subsequent recurrence after curative treatment
Authors: Yamashiki Noriyo , Yoshida Haruhiko , Tateishi Ryosuke , Shiina Shuichiro , Teratani Takuma , Yoshida Hideo , Kondo Yuji , Oki Takamasa , Kawabe Takao , Omata Masao 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Local ablation therapy has been shown to be effective for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, HCC recurrence is very frequent even after apparently curative treatment. In particular, recurrent HCC may be more prone to subsequent recurrence, although quantitative data are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in the risk for subsequent recurrence, if any, between primary and recurrent cases.Methods:  A retrospective analysis was conducted of 376 patients with HCC (uninodular and ≤5 cm, or 2–3 nodules each ≤3 cm) who underwent local ablation therapy. There were 207 primary cases (group I), 100 with first recurrence (group II), and 69 with second or later recurrence (group III). After confirming complete ablation, each patient was followed up for recurrence. Risk factors for recurrence‐free survival were analyzed using proportional hazard regression.Results:  The median time to recurrence, as estimated by Kaplan–Meier method, was 30 months in group I, 23 months in group II, and 11 months in group III (P < 0.001). Multivariate proportional hazard regression analysis reveled that group (i.e. previous recurrence) was the strongest predictor of subsequent recurrence; compared to group I, group II showed a hazard ratio of 1.456 (P = 0.015) and group III, 3.011 (P < 0.0001). α‐Fetoprotein level >100 ng/mL, treatment other than radiofrequency ablation, HCV antibody positivity, and tumor multinodularity also remained as significant predictors.Conclusion:  Hepatocellular carcinoma at second or later recurrence is three times as prone to subsequent recurrence as is primary HCC, when compared with adjustment for other tumor and hepatic factors.