bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute hypertension reveals depressor and vasodilator effects of cannabinoids in conscious rats
Authors: Ho W‐S Vanessa , Gardiner Sheila M 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose: The cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids can be influenced by anaesthesia and can differ in chronic hypertension, but the extent to which they are influenced by acute hypertension in conscious animals has not been determined.Experimental approach: We examined cardiovascular responses to intravenous administration of anandamide and the synthetic cannabinoid, (R)‐(+)‐[2,3‐dihydro‐5‐methyl‐3‐(4‐morpholinylmethyl)pyrrolo[1,2,3‐de]‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐6‐yl]‐1‐naphthalenylmethanone (WIN55212‐2), in conscious male Wistar rats made acutely hypertensive by infusion of angiotensin II (AII) and arginine vasopressin (AVP). Rats were chronically instrumented for measurement of arterial blood pressure and vascular conductances in the renal, mesenteric and hindquarters beds.Key results: Anandamide dose‐dependently decreased the mean arterial blood pressure of rats made hypertensive by AII‐AVP infusion, but not normotensive rats. Interestingly, acute hypertension also revealed a hypotensive response to WIN55212‐2, which caused hypertension in normotensive animals. The enhanced depressor effects of the cannabinoids in acute hypertension were associated with increased vasodilatation in hindquarters, renal and mesenteric vascular beds. Treatment with URB597, which inhibits anandamide degradation by fatty acid amide hydrolase, potentiated the depressor and mesenteric vasodilator responses to anandamide. Furthermore, haemodynamic responses to WIN55212‐2, but not to anandamide, were attenuated by the CB1receptor antagonist, AM251 [N‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)‐5‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐1‐(2,4‐dichlorophen yl)‐4‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxamide].Conclusions and implications: These results broadly support the literature showing that the cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids can be exaggerated in hypertension, but highlight the involvement of non‐CB1receptor‐mediated mechanisms in the actions of anandamide.
The vascular effects of different arginase inhibitors in rat isolated aorta and mesenteric arteries
Authors: Huynh NN , Harris EE , Chin‐Dusting JFP , Andrews KL 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Arginase and nitric oxide (NO) synthase share the common substrate L‐arginine, and arginase inhibition is proposed to increase NO production by increasing intracellular levels of L‐arginine. Many different inhibitors are used, and here we have examined the effects of these inhibitors on vascular tissue.Experimental approach:  Each arginase inhibitor was assessed by its effects on isolated rings of aorta and mesenteric arteries from rats by: (i) their ability to preserve the tolerance to repeated applications of the endothelium‐dependent agonist acetylcholine (ACh); and (ii) their direct vasorelaxant effect.Key results:  In both vessel types, tolerance (defined as a reduced response upon second application) to ACh was reversed with addition of L‐arginine, (S)‐(2‐boronethyl)‐L‐cysteine HCl (BEC) or NG‐Hydroxy‐L‐arginine (L‐NOHA). On the other hand, Nω‐hydroxy‐nor‐L‐arginine (nor‐NOHA) significantly augmented the response to ACh, an effect that was partially reversed with L‐arginine. No effect on tolerance to ACh was observed with L‐valine, nor‐valine or D,L, α‐difluoromethylornithine (DFMO). BEC, L‐NOHA and nor‐NOHA elicited endothelium‐independent vasorelaxation in both endothelium intact and denuded aorta while L‐valine, DFMO and nor‐valine did not.Conclusions and implications:  BEC and L‐NOHA, but not nor‐NOHA, L‐valine, DFMO or nor‐valine, significantly reversed tolerance to ACh possibly conserving L‐arginine levels and therefore increasing NO bioavailability. However, both BEC and L‐NOHA caused endothelium‐independent vasorelaxation in rat aorta, suggesting that these inhibitors have a role beyond arginase inhibition alone. Our data thus questions the interpretation of many studies using these antagonists as specific arginase inhibitors in the vasculature, without verification with other methods.
A standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba suppresses doxorubicin‐induced oxidative stress and p53‐mediated mitochondrial apoptosis in rat testes
Authors: Yeh Y‐C , Liu T‐J , Wang L‐C , Lee H‐W , Ting C‐T , Lee W‐L , Hung C‐J , Wang K‐Y , Lai H‐C , Lai H‐C 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Doxorubicin evokes oxidative stress and precipitates cell apoptosis in testicular tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Ginkgo biloba extract 761 (EGb), a widely used herbal medicine with potent anti‐oxidant and anti‐apoptotic properties, could protect testes from such doxorubicin injury.Experimental approach:  Sprague‐Dawley male rats (8 weeks old) were given vehicle, doxorubicin alone (3 mg kg−1 every 2 days for three doses), EGb alone (5 mg kg−1 every 2 days for three doses), or EGb followed by doxorubicin (each dose administered 1 day after EGb). At 7 days after the first drug treatment oxidative and apoptotic testicular toxicity was evaluated by biochemical, histological and flow cytometric analyses.Key results:  Compared with controls, testes from doxorubicin‐treated rats displayed impaired spermatogenesis, depleted haploid germ cell subpopulations, increased lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde), depressed antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione), reduced antioxidant enzyme expression (superoxide dismutase) and elevated apoptotic indexes (pro‐apoptotic modulation of Bcl‐2 family proteins, intensification of p53 and Apaf‐1, release of mitochondrial cytochrome c, activation of caspase‐3 and increase of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick‐end labelling/sub‐haploid cells), while EGb pretreatment effectively alleviated all of these doxorubicin‐induced abnormalities in testes.Conclusions and implications:  These results demonstrate that EGb protected against the oxidative and apoptotic actions of doxorubicin on testes. EGb may be a promising adjuvant therapy medicine, potentially ameliorating testicular toxicity of this anti‐neoplastic agent in clinical practice.
Prograde P–T path of medium‐pressure granulite facies calc‐silicate rocks, Higo metamorphic terrane, central Kyushu, Japan
Authors: MAKI K. , FUKUNAGA Y. , NISHIYAMA T. , MORI Y. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper reports an occurrence of medium‐pressure granulite facies calc‐silicate rocks intercalated with pelitic gneisses in the Higo metamorphic terrane, central Kyushu, Japan, which is classified as a low‐P/high‐T (andalusite‐sillimanite type) metamorphic belt. Three equilibrium stages are recognized in the calc‐silicate rock based on reaction textures: M1 stage characterized by an assemblage of porphyroblastic garnet + coarse‐grained clinopyroxene + plagioclase included in the clinopyroxene; M2 stage by two kinds of breakdown products of garnet, one is plagioclase + coronitic clinopyroxene within garnet and the other is plagioclase + vermicular clinopyroxene surrounding garnet; and M3 stage by amphibole replacing clinopyroxene. The key assemblage in the calc‐silicate rock common to M1 and M2 stages is Grt + Cpx + Pl ± Qtz, which constrains the pressure and temperature (P–T) conditions for these stages by Fe–Mg exchange reaction and the two univariant net‐transfer reactions: 2Grs + Alm + 3Qtz = 3Hd + 3An or 2Grs + Prp + 3Qtz = 3Di + 3An. The P–T conditions for M1 and M2 stages were estimated to be about 8.4 ± 1.9 kbar and 680 ± 122 °C, and 6.7 ± 1.9 to 8.9 ± 2.2 kbar and 700 ± 130 to 820 ± 160 °C, respectively. Estimates are consistent with an isobaric heating P–T path. The high peak temperature conditions at normal crustal depths and the prograde isobaric heating path probably require heat advection due to melt migration during the high‐T metamorphism.
Geochronological and petrological constraints on Palaeoproterozoic granulite facies metamorphism in southeastern margin of the North China Craton
Authors: LIU Y.‐C. , WANG A.‐D. , ROLFO F. , GROPPO C. , GU X.‐F. , SONG B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn the southeastern margin of the North China Craton, high‐pressure (HP) granulite facies meta‐basic rocks exposed as bands or lenses in the Precambrian metamorphic basement (e.g. Bengbu) and as xenoliths in Mesozoic intrusions (e.g. Jiagou) are characterized by the assemblage garnet + clinopyroxene + plagioclase + quartz + rutile ± Ti‐rich hornblende. Cathodoluminescence imaging and mineral inclusions reveal that most zircon from the three dated samples displays distinct core‐mantle‐rim structures. The cores show typical igneous zircon characteristics and give ages of 2.5–2.4 Ga, thus dating the protolith of the metabasites. The mantles formed at granulite facies conditions as evidenced by inclusions of the HP granulite mineral assemblage garnet + clinopyroxene + rutile + plagioclase + quartz ± hornblende and Ti‐rich biotite and yield ages of 1839 ± 31, 1811 ± 19 and 1800 ± 15 Ma. An inclusion‐free rim yields an age of 176 ± 2 Ma with the lower Th/U ratio of 0.02. The geochronological and preliminary petrological data of this study suggest that the lower crust beneath the southeastern margin of the North China Craton formed at 2.5–2.4 Ga and underwent HP granulite facies metamorphism at c. 1.8 Ga. This HT‐HP metamorphic event may be ascribed to large‐scale crustal heating and thickening related to mantle‐derived magma underplating at the base of the lower crust, as evidenced by widespread extension, rifting and related mafic magma emplacement in the North China Craton during this period. The age of 176 ± 2 Ma most likely records the late amphibolite facies retrogression occurring during exhumation.
Talampanel suppresses the acute and chronic effects of seizures in a rodent neonatal seizure model
Authors: Aujla Paven K. , Fetell Michael R. , Jensen Frances E. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryPurpose:  To test the efficacy of the novel candidate anticonvulsant talampanel (GYKI 53773) in a rodent model of hypoxic neonatal seizures. Talampanel is a noncompetitive antagonist of the alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid subtype of the glutamate receptor (AMPAR). We have previously shown that AMPARs play a critical role in the generation of acute seizures and later‐life seizure susceptibility in this model of neonatal seizures.Methods:  Seizures were induced in postnatal day (P) 10 Long‐Evans rat pups by a 15 min exposure to global hypoxia. Acute seizure activity at P10 and subsequent susceptibility to seizure‐induced neuronal injury with a “second‐hit” kainate‐induced seizure at P30–31 were compared between animals receiving talampanel (1, 5, 7.5, or 10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.) versus saline vehicle treatment.Results:  Talampanel treatment suppressed seizures in a dose‐dependent manner, with maximal effect at 7.5 and 10 mg/kg. In addition, talampanel treatment 30 min before hypoxia prevented later‐life increases in seizure‐induced neuronal injury as assessed by in situ DNA nick end‐labeling (ISEL).Discussion:  We have previously demonstrated efficacy of other AMPAR antagonists such as NBQX and topiramate in this model. The present finding shows that the novel agent talampanel, under evaluation as an antiepileptic drug in children and adults, may have clinical potential in the treatment of neonatal seizures, particularly those occurring in the context of hypoxic encephalopathy.
Upregulated TWIK‐related acid‐sensitive K+channel‐2 in neurons and perivascular astrocytes in the hippocampus of experimental temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Kim Ji‐Eun , Kwak Sung‐Eun , Kang Tae‐Cheon 
Published: February 2009

SummaryPurpose: To identify the modulation of Tandem of P‐domains in a weak inwardly rectifying K+channel (TWIK)–related acid‐sensitive K+(TASK)‐2 channel expressions in epilepsy, we conducted a comparative analysis of TASK‐2 channel immunoreactivity in the hippocampus of a pilocarpine‐induced rat epilepsy model.Methods: We performed and immunohistochemical study for TASK‐2 and double immunofluorescent staining for TASK‐2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the rat hippocampus of pilocarpine‐induced epilepsy models.Results: In control animals, TASK‐2 immunoreactivity was strongly detected in CA1–3 pyramidal layers and dentate granule cell layer. After status epilepticus (SE), TASK‐2 immunoreactivity was increased in dentate granule cell layer and CA3 pyramidal cell layer, whereas its immunoreactivity was reduced in CA1 pyramidal cell layer. In addition, TASK‐2 immunoreactivity is gradually increased in perivascular regions following SE. Double immunofluorescent study revealed that the enhancement of TASK‐2 immunoreactivity in perivascular regions is caused by increase in the number of TASK‐2 immunoreactive endfeet of perivascular astrocytes.Discussion: Our findings suggest that elevated TASK‐2 immunoreactivity in neurons may contribute to rapid adaptive responses (presumably for extracellular alkalinization), which result in hyperpolarization and regulate seizure activity. In contrast, upregulated TASK‐2 immunoreactivity in perivascular regions may be involved in abnormalities of blood flow regulation or brain‐blood barrier impairment. These changes may contribute to acquisition of the properties of the epileptic hippocampus.
Self‐Reported Sleep and Nap Habits and Risk of Mortality in a Large Cohort of Older Women
Authors: Stone Katie L. , Ewing Susan K. , Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Ensrud Kristine E. , Redline Susan , Bauer Douglas C. , Cauley Jane A. , Hillier Teresa A. , Cummings Steven R. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between self‐reported sleep and nap habits and mortality in a large cohort of older women.DESIGN: Study of Osteoporotic Fractures prospective cohort study.SETTING: Four communities within the United States.PARTICIPANTS: Eight thousand one hundred one Caucasian women aged 69 and older (mean age 77.0).MEASUREMENTS: Sleep and nap habits were assessed using a questionnaire at the fourth clinic visit (1993/94). Deaths during 7 years of follow‐up were confirmed with death certificates. Underlying cause of death was assigned according to the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification.RESULTS: In multivariate models, women who reported napping daily were 44% more likely to die from any cause (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.23–1.67), 58% more likely to die from cardiovascular causes (95% CI=1.25–2.00), and 59% more likely to die from noncardiovascular noncancer causes (95% CI=1.24–2.03) than women who did not nap daily. This relationship remained significant in relatively healthy women (those who reported no comorbidities). Women who slept 9 to 10 hours per 24 hours were at greater risk of death from cardiovascular and other (noncardiovascular, noncancer) causes than those who reported sleeping 8 to 9 hours.CONCLUSION: Older women who reported napping daily or sleeping at least 9 hours per 24 hours are at greater risk of death from all causes except cancer. Future research could determine whether specific sleep disorders contribute to these relationships.
Improving the Diagnostic Accuracy of Depression in Older Persons: The Depression in the Aged Female National Evaluation Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Lattanzio Fabrizia , Di Bari Mauro , Sgadari Antonio , Baccini Michela , Ercolani Sara , Rengo Franco , Senin Umberto , Bernabei Roberto , Marchionni Niccolò , Cherubini Antonio ,   for the Depression in the Aged Female National Evaluation Study Group
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether a training intervention can improve the ability of geriatricians to recognize depression in older persons.DESIGN: Multicenter, cluster randomized clinical trial.SETTING: Fourteen geriatric outpatient clinics in Italy, each representing the unit of randomization.PARTICIPANTS: After training, a total of 1,914 outpatients aged 65 years and older in both arms, not on antidepressant at entry, were blindly evaluated by the clinic geriatrician, in charge of routine clinical management, and by a field researcher, who formally diagnosed depression by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV), taken as the criterion standard.INTERVENTION: After randomization, geriatricians belonging to the intervention arm were assigned to receive a residential 3‐day educational program on depression. Those in the control arm received a generic course on disease management in elderly people.MEASUREMENTS: Sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of depression made by geriatricians, compared with the DSM‐IV diagnosis.RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity were significantly higher in trained than in untrained geriatricians (49 vs 35% and 91 vs 88%, respectively; P=.002 in marginal regression models). Effectiveness of training was confirmed, adjusting for age, sex, and cognitive performance (P=.02).CONCLUSION: The ability of geriatricians to diagnose depression in older outpatients can be improved with a specific training intervention. Improvement of diagnostic performance might translate into more‐appropriate clinical management.
Visual Estimation of Radioulnar Incongruence in Dogs Using Three‐Dimensional Image Rendering: An In Vitro Study Based on Computed Tomographic Imaging
Authors: BÖTTCHER PETER , WERNER HINNERK , LUDEWIG EBERHARD , GREVEL VERA , OECHTERING GERHARD 
Published: February 2009

Objective— To determine the sensitivity and specificity of visual estimation of radioulnar incongruence (RUI) in the canine elbow by use of 3‐dimensional (3D) image rendering.Study Design— Experimentally induced negative and positive RUI.Sample Population— Canine (>20 kg) cadaveric right thoracic limbs (n=8).Methods— Radial shortening and lengthening of 1 and 2 mm were performed extending an established surgical in vitro model of RUI. Based on transverse computed tomographic (CT) scans of each radioulnar conformation, the subchondral radioulnar joint surface was reconstructed and visualized. A total of 64 3D models of RUI were blindly evaluated in a random manner by 3 independent observers. RUI was estimated subjectively at 1 mm precisely (−2, −1, 0, +1, +2) by visual inspection of the 3D models.Results— Median sensitivity for identifying an incongruent joint was 0.86. Median specificity for identification of a congruent joint was 0.77. Analyzing the data only in respect to a congruent joint versus one with a shortened radius (positive RUI) resulted in a median sensitivity of 0.82, and a median specificity of 1.00. Interobserver agreement was 0.87. Repeatability was 0.96.Conclusion— Estimation of positive and negative RUI based on 3D surface models of the radioulnar articulation mimics gross inspection in a noninvasive manner, the latter being the ultimate gold standard for definitive diagnosis of any radioulnar step. The proposed technique is precise, reliable, and repeatable in vitro.Clinical Relevance— Preoperative estimation of the type and degree of RUI is the basis for deciding which type of corrective or modifying osteotomy might be best suited to restore normal joint loads in vivo.
Radiographic and Arthroscopic Findings in the Elbow Joints of 263 Dogs with Medial Coronoid Disease
Authors: FITZPATRICK NOEL , SMITH THOMAS J. , EVANS RICHARD B. , YEADON RUSSELL 
Published: February 2009

Objective—To report clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic findings in dogs with thoracic limb lameness attributed solely to disease of the medial aspect of the coronoid process (MCP).Study Design—Case series.Animals—Dogs (n=263) with MCP disease (MCD; 437 elbows).Methods—Clinical records (January 2000–July 2006) and radiographs were reviewed and pertinent data recorded. Radiographic interpretation included measures of periarticular osteophytosis, gross assessment of MCP integrity, and measurement of ulnar subtrochlear sclerosis (STS). Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate associations between data; confidence interval was set at 95%.Results—Labrador Retrievers were 50.2% of all dogs with MCD. Mean age at diagnosis was 32 months and duration of lameness was 14.5 weeks. Thirteen elbows (3%) were considered radiographically normal. Osteophytosis was identified on the anconeal process (70.2%), radial head (37.3%), and lateral epicondyle (56.5%), and STS was identified in 86.7% of elbows. Median osteophytosis score was 1; mean absolute osteophytosis score was 1.7. Arthroscopic findings included: fissuring (18.3%) and fragmentation (64.1%) of the MCP and kissing lesions (49.0%) of elbows. Median‐modified Outerbridge score of the MCP was 2 and the humeral condyle, 0. Weak or moderate correlations were found between osteophytosis and modified Outerbridge scores and weak correlation between modified Outerbridge scores of the MCP and medial humeral condyle.Conclusions—Wide ranges in clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic findings are recognized in dogs with MCD but correlations between such factors are generally weak. Radiographic and arthroscopic findings do not correlate with owner‐reported duration of lameness.Clinical Relevance—Radiographic measures of osteophytosis are poor predictors of severity of arthroscopic pathology for MCD.
Bilateral Shoulder and Elbow Arthroscopy in Dogs with Forelimb Lameness: Diagnostic Findings and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: COOK JAMES L. , COOK CRISTI R. 
Published: February 2009

Objective— Characterize clinical findings and outcomes in dogs with forelimb lameness.Study Design— Prospective case series.Animals— Dogs (n=19) with forelimb lameness.Methods— Dogs were included when lameness was attributed to shoulder and/or elbow pathology with informed consent for bilateral shoulder and elbow arthroscopy. Historical, clinical examination and diagnostic imaging findings were recorded. Localization of lameness was determined and subjective arthroscopic assessment of shoulders and elbows performed. Outcomes were subjectively assessed by owner survey.Results— Dogs were lame in 1 (n=8) or both (11) forelimbs on admission. Lameness was localized to shoulders (8), elbows (6), or both (5). Preoperative localization was correct in 15 of 19 dogs (78.9%). Arthroscopic pathology was noted in 17 shoulders and 23 elbows. Orthopedic examination, spinatus muscle atrophy, abduction angles, elbow joint effusion, and radiographic assessment were clinically useful for preoperatively determining pathology. Eleven shoulders and 20 elbows were surgically treated. Dogs were significantly (P<.001) less lame at follow‐up (mean±SD lameness score, 1.1±1.1) 6–24 months postoperatively compared with admission (4.2±2.8). Dogs with shoulder involvement only were significantly (P=.038) less lame than dogs with shoulder and elbow involvement after treatment. Most dogs (15) had mild to moderate lameness after treatment.Conclusion— Forelimb lameness in dogs may be associated with shoulder or elbow pathology or both. Preoperative localization and diagnosis based on examination, palpation, and radiography will be “correct”∼80% of the time.Clinical Relevance— We recommend comprehensive assessment using history, orthopedic examination, joint‐specific palpation, radiography, and arthroscopy, and following outcomes to determine cause of lameness, indications for treatment, optimal treatment, and accurate client communication for forelimb lameness in dogs.