bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone mineral density in children and adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa in Japan
Authors: TANAKA KYOKO , HISADA KEN , UNNO KIYOE , IIJIMA MEGUMI , UNNO ATSUSHI , TOKITA AKIFUMI , SHIMIZU TOSHIAKI , YAMASHIRO YUICHIRO 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground: The correlation between reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and the disease anorexia nervosa (AN) has long been established. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship in more detail, particularly focusing on the increasing incidence of the disease occurring in adolescent patients.Method: Twenty‐four girls diagnosed with AN were enrolled in the study. All subjects ranged in age from 11.1 to 15.5 years, with an average age of 13.5 years. The BMD of lumbar spines and femoral necks were measured. All the values for BMD at admission were expressed as means ± SD and patients with and without menarche were separately investigated.Results: The average BMD of lumbar spines at the time of admission was −0.51 SD in total. However, the average BMD of patients without menarche was −1.28 SD, which was significantly lower than the −0.16 SD on average in patients with menarche. As a whole the BMD of femoral necks at admission tended to be lower than that of lumbar spines. Similarly, it was lower in patients without menarche (−1.7 SD on average) than in those with menarche (−0.77 SD on average).Conclusions: BMD was lower in children and adolescent AN patients without menarche, and such a tendency was more significant at the femoral neck region. In child AN cases without menarche, the BMD, especially at the femoral neck, needs to be measured, and later recovery should be monitored closely over a long period.
Co‐prescribing of topical and systemic beta‐blockers in patients with glaucoma: a quality use of medicine issue in Australian practice
Authors: Goldberg Ivan , Adena Michael A 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPurpose: Prescribing topical beta‐blockers for patients with glaucoma, who are also being treated with systemic beta‐blockers, raises efficacy and safety concerns. This potentially inappropriate co‐prescribing practice is a Quality Use of Medicine issue. This study aimed to quantify the extent of co‐prescribing of topical and systemic beta‐blockers in Australian clinical practice.Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of de‐identified billing data for supply (surrogate marker for prescribing) of topical and systemic beta‐blockers from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (1999–2004) to concessional patients supplied either topical or systemic beta‐blockers. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients supplied systemic beta‐blockers within the patient population supplied topical beta‐blockers. This percentage was calculated for each financial year (July 1999–June 2004), age group (<65 years; 65–74 years; 75–84 years; ≥85 years) and sex.Results: Approximately 20% of patients supplied topical beta‐blockers (representing Australian glaucoma patients) were also supplied systemic beta‐blockers, equating to more than 20 000 patients per year. This percentage varied with age, but not with year or sex. The percentage of patients co‐supplied topical and systemic beta‐blockers was the lowest (13%) for patients <65 years and the highest (23%) for patients 75–84 years.Conclusions: Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme supply data shows that the potentially inappropriate practice of co‐prescribing topical and systemic beta‐blockers affects more than 20 000 concessional patients in Australia each year, particularly the elderly. This Quality Use of Medicine issue has now been quantified; doctors, pharmacists and patients must be made aware of the reduced efficacy and potential for more side‐effects from this co‐prescribing practice.
Functional specificity of human premotor–motor cortical interactions during action selection
Authors: O'Shea Jacinta , Sebastian Catherine , Boorman Erie D. , Johansen‐Berg Heidi , Rushworth Matthew F. S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractFunctional connections between dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) and primary motor cortex (M1) have been revealed by paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We tested if such connections would be modulated during a cognitive process (response selection) known to rely on those circuits. PMd–M1 TMS applied 75 ms after a cue to select a manual response facilitated motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs). MEPs were facilitated at 50 ms in a control task of response execution, suggesting that PMd–M1 interactions at 75 ms are functionally specific to the process of response selection. At 100 ms, PMd–M1 TMS delayed choice reaction time (RT). Importantly, the MEP (at 75 ms) and the RT (at 100 ms) effects were correlated in a way that was hand‐specific. When the response was made with the M1‐contralateral hand, MEPs correlated with slower RTs. When the response was made with the M1‐ipsilateral hand, MEPs correlated with faster RTs. Paired‐pulse TMS confined to M1 did not produce these effects, confirming the causal influence of PMd inputs. This study shows that a response selection signal evolves in PMd early during the reaction period (75–100 ms), impacts on M1 and affects behaviour. Such interactions are temporally, anatomically and functionally specific, and have a causal role in choosing which movement to make.
Interleukin‐1 inhibits firing of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus and enhances GABAergic inhibitory post‐synaptic potentials
Authors: Brambilla D. , Franciosi S. , Opp M. R. , Imeri L. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract In vitro electrophysiological data suggest that interleukin‐1 may promote non‐rapid eye movement sleep by inhibiting spontaneous firing of wake‐active serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Interleukin‐1 enhances GABA inhibitory effects. DRN neurons are under an inhibitory GABAergic control. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that interleukin‐1 inhibits DRN serotonergic neurons by potentiating GABAergic inhibitory effects. In vitro intracellular recordings were performed to assess the responses of physiologically and pharmacologically identified DRN serotonergic neurons to rat recombinant interleukin‐1β. Coronal slices containing DRN were obtained from male Sprague–Dawley rats. The impact of interleukin‐1 on firing rate and on evoked post‐synaptic potentials was determined. Evoked post‐synaptic potentials were induced by stimulation with a bipolar electrode placed on the surface of the slice ventrolateral to DRN. Addition of interleukin‐1 (25 ng/mL) to the bath perfusate significantly decreased firing rates of DRN serotonergic neurons from 1.3 ± 0.2 Hz (before administration) to 0.7 ± 0.2 Hz. Electrical stimulation induced depolarizing evoked post‐synaptic potentials in DRN serotonergic neurons. The application of glutamatergic and GABAergic antagonists unmasked two different post‐synaptic potential components: a GABAergic evoked inhibitory post‐synaptic potentials and a glutamatergic evoked excitatory post‐synaptic potentials, respectively. Interleukin‐1 increased GABAergic evoked inhibitory post‐synaptic potentials amplitudes by 30.3 ± 3.8% (n = 6) without affecting glutamatergic evoked excitatory post‐synaptic potentials. These results support the hypothesis that interleukin‐1 inhibitory effects on DRN serotonergic neurons are mediated by an interleukin‐1‐induced potentiation of evoked GABAergic inhibitory responses.
Evidence for RPE65‐independent vision in the cone‐dominated zebrafish retina
Authors: Schonthaler Helia B. , Lampert Johanna M. , Isken Andrea , Rinner Oliver , Mader Andreas , Gesemann Matthias , Oberhauser Vitus , Golczak Marcin , Biehlmaier Oliver , Palczewski Krzysztof , Neuhauss Stephan C. F. , Von Lintig Johannes 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAn enzyme‐based cyclic pathway for trans to cis isomerization of the chromophore of visual pigments (11‐cis‐retinal) is intrinsic to vertebrate cone and rod vision. This process, called the visual cycle, is mostly characterized in rod‐dominated retinas and essentially depends on RPE65, an all‐trans to 11‐cis‐retinoid isomerase. Here we analysed the role of RPE65 in zebrafish, a species with a cone‐dominated retina. We cloned zebrafish RPE65 and showed that its expression coincided with photoreceptor development. Targeted gene knockdown of RPE65 resulted in morphologically altered rod outer segments and overall reduced 11‐cis‐retinal levels. Cone vision of RPE65‐deficient larvae remained functional as demonstrated by behavioural tests and by metabolite profiling for retinoids. Furthermore, all‐trans retinylamine, a potent inhibitor of the rod visual cycle, reduced 11‐cis‐retinal levels of control larvae to a similar extent but showed no additive effects in RPE65‐deficient larvae. Thus, our study of zebrafish provides in vivo evidence for the existence of an RPE65‐independent pathway for the regeneration of 11‐cis‐retinal for cone vision.
Substance P excites globus pallidus neuronsin vivo
Authors: Cui Qiao‐Ling , Yung Wing‐Ho , Xue Yan , Chen Lei 
Published: September 2007

AbstractSubstance P is a member of the neurokinin family. Previous studies have reported the existence of substance P and its high‐affinity receptor, neurokinin‐1 receptor, in globus pallidus. Employingin vivoextracellular recording combined with behavioural tests, the effects of substance P in globus pallidus of rats were studied. Micropressure ejection of the selective neurokinin‐1 receptor agonist [Sar9,Met(O2)11] substance P increased the spontaneous firing rate of pallidal neurons in a concentration‐dependent manner, with increases of 27.3% at 0.01, 33.4% at 0.03, 45.5% at 0.1, 38.4% at 0.3 and 36.4% at 1.0 mm. The selective neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist SR140333B prevented the excitatory effects induced by [Sar9,Met(O2)11] substance P. In behaving rats, we observed the postural effects of neurokinin‐1 receptor activation in the globus pallidus. Consistent with electrophysiological results, unilateral microinjection of [Sar9,Met(O2)11] substance P (0.1 mm) led to a SR140333B‐sensitive contralateral deflection in the presence of systemic haloperidol administration. Combining electrophysiological and behavioural findings, we concluded that substance P produces excitatory effects on globus pallidus neurons via neurokinin‐1 receptors.
Schwann cells revert to non‐myelinating phenotypes in the deafened rat cochlea
Authors: Hurley Patricia A. , Crook Jeremy M. , Shepherd Robert K. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractLoss of sensory hair cells within the cochlea results in a permanent sensorineural hearing loss and initiates the gradual degeneration of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) − the primary afferent neurons of the cochlea. While these neurons are normally myelinated via Schwann cells, loss of myelin occurs as a precursor to neural degeneration. However, the relationship between demyelination and the status of Schwann cells in deafness is not well understood. We used a marker of peripheral myelin (myelin protein zero; P0) and a marker of Schwann cells (S100) to determine the temporal sequence of myelin and Schwann cell loss as a function of duration of deafness. Rat pups were systemically deafened for periods ranging from 2 weeks to greater than 6 months by co‐administration of frusemide and gentamicin. Cochleae were cryosectioned and quantitative immunohistochemistry used to determine the extent of P0 and S100 labelling within the peripheral processes, SGN soma and their central processes within the modiolus. SGN density was also determined for each cochlear turn. P0 labelling decreased throughout the cochlea with increasing duration of deafness. The reduction in P0 labelling occurred at a faster rate than the SGN loss. In contrast, S100 labelling was not significantly reduced compared with age‐matched controls in any cochlear region until 6 months post‐deafening. These results suggest that Schwann cells may revert to non‐myelinating phenotypes in response to deafness and exhibit greater survival traits than SGNs. The potential clinical significance of these findings for cochlear implants is discussed.
Long‐term depression of cortico‐striatal synaptic transmission by DHPG depends on endocannabinoid release and nitric oxide synthesis
Authors: Sergeeva O. A. , Doreulee N. , Chepkova A. N. , Kazmierczak T. , Haas H. L. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn models of early stage Parkinson's disease (PD), motor deficits are accompanied by excessive activation of striatal glutamate receptors. Metabotropic glutamate group I receptors (mGluR I) play an important but not well‐understood role in PD progression. In mouse brain slices, bath application of the mGluR I agonist (RS)‐DHPG (3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine, 100 µm for 20 min) caused a long‐term depression of corticostriatal transmission (LTDDHPG), which was reversed by three mGluR I antagonists: LY 367385, CPCCOEt and MPEP. LTDDHPG required nitric oxide (NO) synthesis as it was blocked by the broad‐spectrum NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine (NL‐Arg) and impaired under blockade of neuronal NOS and in endothelial NOS‐deficient mice. Release of endocannabinoids (eCB) was critically involved in this form of striatal plasticity givem that the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 prevented LTDDHPG, while the CB1 agonist ACEA elicited LTD. The NO synthesis necessary for LTDDHPG induction occurred downstream of CB1 activation as ACEA‐evoked LTD was also abolished by NL‐Arg. These findings are relevant for the pathophysiology of PD, as they link the overactivation of group I mGluRs and striatal NO production.
Spatio‐temporal dynamics of oscillatory network activity in the neonatal mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Sun Jyh‐Jang , Luhmann Heiko J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe used a 60‐channel microelectrode array to study in thick (600–1000 µm) somatosensory cortical slices from postnatal day (P)0–P3 mice the spatio‐temporal properties of early network oscillations. We recorded local non‐propagating as well as large‐scale propagating spontaneous oscillatory activity. Both types of activity patterns could never be observed in neocortical slices of conventional thickness (400 µm). Local non‐propagating spontaneous oscillations with an average peak frequency of 15.6 Hz, duration of 1.7 s and maximal amplitude of 66.8 µV were highly synchronized in a network of ∼200 µm in diameter. Spontaneous oscillations of lower frequency (10.4 Hz), longer duration (23.8 s) and larger amplitude (142.9 µV) propagated with 0.11 mm/s in the horizontal direction over at least 1 mm. These propagating oscillations were also synchronized in a columnar manner, but these waves synchronized the activity in a larger neuronal network of 300–400 µm in diameter. Both types of spontaneous network activity could be blocked by the gap junction antagonist carbenoxolone. Electrical stimulation of the subplate (SP) or bath application of the cholinergic agonist carbachol also elicited propagating network oscillations, emphasizing the role of the SP and the cholinergic system in the generation of early cortical network oscillations. Our data demonstrate that a sufficiently large network in thick neocortical slice preparations is capable of generating spontaneous and evoked network oscillations, which are highly synchronized via gap junctions in 200–400‐µm‐wide columns. These via synchronized oscillations coupled networks may represent a self‐organized functional template for the activity‐dependent formation of neocortical modules during the earliest stages of development.
Vacuolization correlates with spin–spin relaxation time in motor brainstem nuclei and behavioural tests in the transgenic G93A‐SOD1 mouse model of ALS
Authors: Bucher Selina , Braunstein Kerstin E. , Niessen Heiko G. , Kaulisch Thomas , Neumaier Michael , Boeckers Tobias M. , Stiller Detlef , Ludolph Albert C. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn recent years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a preferred tool for the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans. A widely used animal model for human ALS is the G93A‐superoxide dismutase 1 (G93A‐SOD1) transgenic mouse model. However, the mechanisms for the selective degeneration of motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord are still uncertain. In our study, we applied MRI at 4.7 Tesla to non‐invasively evaluate pathological alterations in the brainstem of this animal model and to follow the progression of the disease. Extending previous investigation, we used the relaxation parameter T2 as a suitable measure for the progression of ALS, and evaluated the potential agreement with histological evaluation and behavioural data of open‐field tests. In the brainstem of G93A‐SOD1 mice, T2 values were significantly increased in the motor nuclei Nc. V, Nc. VII and Nc. XII, as early as Day 80, i.e. before the average disease onset at about Day 90. Moreover, this increase is associated with a progressive development of vacuoles in the brainstem motor nuclei and a significantly decreased performance in behavioural tests. Overall, MRI is a very sensitive tool to obtain correlates for neuronal degeneration in vivo. Furthermore, MRI enables us to investigate a follow up at different time points of the disease. These advantages are especially useful for therapeutic studies with respect to survival rates of motor neurons using mouse models. Finally, our data suggest that MRI does not only resemble the findings of behavioural tests, but is potentially superior to behavioural studies.
Intra‐abdominal and gastrointestinal tuberculosis
Authors: Rasheed S. , Zinicola R. , Watson D. , Bajwa A. , McDonald P. J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjective  Reports suggest that the rates of tuberculosis (TB) continue to rise in the UK and throughout the world. The spread of the disease is aided by poverty, overcrowding, co‐infection with human immunodeficiency virus and drug resistance. Consistent with the overall trend, intra‐abdominal and gastrointestinal (GI) TB rates are rising. Tuberculosis is a treatable disease, whether occurring in the lungs or at extra‐pulmonary sites but the nonspecific features of the disease result in difficulty in establishing a diagnosis. In this report, we have concentrated on the benefits and potential pitfalls of diagnostic methods.Method  A literature review was performed using the National Library of Medicine's Pubmed Database using the keywords diagnosis, management, abdominal and GI TB.Results  Abdominal TB presents a particular challenge, as the diverse features of the disease do not readily suggest a particular diagnosis and diagnostic delays lead to significant morbidity and mortality. A number of investigative methods have been used to aid in the diagnosis of abdominal and GI TB.Conclusion  The nonspecific presentation of abdominal and GI TB present challenges in the diagnosis of this increasingly common disease. A high index of suspicion is an important factor in early diagnosis. After a diagnosis has been established, prompt initiation of treatment helps prevent morbidity and mortality.
Palliative surgery for rectal cancer in a national cohort
Authors: Sigurdsson H. K. , Kørner H. , Dahl O. , Skarstein A. , Søreide J. A. ,   On behalf of The Norwegian Rectal Cancer Group
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjective  Whether resection of the primary tumour is of benefit to patients with incurable rectal cancer (RC) remains a matter of debate. In this study we analyse prospectively recorded data from a national cohort.Method  Among 4831 patients diagnosed with RC between 1997 and 2001, 838 (17%) patients were treated with palliative surgery. Patients were stratified according to disease stage, age and type of surgery.Results  A significantly longer median survival, 12 (range 10–13) months, was observed in patients treated with resection of the primary tumour compared with 5 (range 4–6) months in patients treated with nonresective procedures (P < 0.001). Median survival in months was significantly (P < 0.001) related to age (13; < 60 years of age, 10; 60 to 69 years, 7; 70 to 79 years, 6; ≥ 80 years of age). In patients over 80 years, survival was similar regardless of the treatment. Thirty‐day mortality varied from 2.5% to 20%, according to age groups.Conclusion  The longer survival observed in patients with resection of the primary tumour may partly be explained by patient selection. Elderly patients (≥ 80 years) had a similar survival, irrespective of resection of the primary tumour or not. Careful consideration of the individual patient, extent of disease and treatment‐related factors are important in decision‐taking for palliative treatment for patients with advanced RC.
Routine interval appendectomy is unnecessary after conservative treatment of appendiceal mass
Authors: Tekin A. , Kurtoğlu H. C. , Can I. , Öztan S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjective  The traditional management of appendiceal mass is initial conservative treatment followed by interval appendicectomy. Recently interval appendicectomy has been questioned by a growing amount of evidence. The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of interval appendicectomy after successful initial conservative treatment.Method  The study included 98 patients with a mass in the right iliac fossa. Four (4%) patients were excluded wing to another diagnosis of appendiceal mass including caecal cancer (two), diverticulitis (one), and Crohn’s disease (one). The remaining 94 patients were treated conservatively. Routine interval appendicectomy was not performed after successful conservative treatment.Results  Ultrasound (US)‐guided drainage was performed in seven (7.4%) patients. Two were drained surgically because of a persistent abscess despite a previous US‐guided drainage. In five (5.3%) patients, a delayed operation was necessary because of complications. One patient developed small bowel obstruction, and in three patients, conservative treatment was unsuccessful with the abscess remaining unresolved. Within 3 months, seven out of the 89 patients were readmitted to hospital with a recurrent mass in two patients and acute appendicitis without a mass in five patients. Six (6.7%) patients were readmitted with recurrent appendicitis after 3 months. The recurrence rate after successful conservative treatment was 14.6%. The majority (nine patients; 10.1%) of the recurrences occurred within the first 6 months, and after 1 year the recurrence rate was very low (two patients; 2.2%).Conclusion  Routine interval appendicectomy after initial successful conservative treatment is not justified and should be abandoned. At present, there is no consensus for the management of appendiceal mass. There is, therefore, a need to develop a protocol for the management of this common problem.
The diagnostic value of digital rectal examination in primary care for palpable rectal tumour
Authors: Ang C. W. , Dawson R. , Hall C. , Farmer M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground  Accurate digital rectal examination (DRE) enables the early diagnosis of palpable rectal tumour. We aimed at evaluating the diagnostic value of DRE performed by general practitioners (GPs), with respect to detecting the presence of a palpable rectal tumour.Method  All patients diagnosed to have a palpable rectal tumour via a 14‐day cancer referral system between May and December 2006 were identified from the colorectal database. Patients referred by GPs during the same period as having a palpable rectal tumour were also identified by reviewing the 14‐day cancer referrals. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of a DRE in primary care were calculated by using these data.Results  Between May and December 2006, 1069 patients were referred to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire to the 14‐day urgent colorectal cancer referral service. Of these, 108 patients were referred as having a ‘palpable rectal tumour’. Only 32 of the 108 were found to have a rectal lesion on examination in the hospital. Ten tumours were missed by GPs’ DREs.Conclusion  Digital rectal examination in primary care for palpable rectal tumour has a sensitivity of 0.762, specificity of 0.917, positive predictive value of 0.296 and negative predictive value of 0.988. It is an inaccurate procedure and a poor predictor for palpable rectal tumour.