bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deficient orthographic and phonological representations in children with dyslexia revealed by brain activation patterns
Authors: Cao Fan , Bitan Tali , Chou Tai‐Li , Burman Douglas D. , Booth James R. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  The current study examined the neuro‐cognitive network of visual word rhyming judgment in 14 children with dyslexia and 14 age‐matched control children (8‐ to 14‐year‐olds) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).Methods:  In order to manipulate the difficulty of mapping orthography to phonology, we used conflicting and non‐conflicting trials. The words in conflicting trials either had similar orthography but different phonology (e.g., pint‐mint) or similar phonology but different orthography (e.g., jazz‐has). The words in non‐conflicting trials had similar orthography and phonology (e.g., gate‐hate) or different orthography and phonology (e.g., press‐list).Results:  There were no differences in brain activation between the controls and children with dyslexia in the easier non‐conflicting trials. However, the children with dyslexia showed less activation than the controls in left inferior frontal gyrus (BA 45/44/47/9), left inferior parietal lobule (BA 40), left inferior temporal gyrus/fusiform gyrus (BA 20/37) and left middle temporal gyrus (BA 21) for the more difficult conflicting trials. For the direct comparison of conflicting minus non‐conflicting trials, controls showed greater activation than children with dyslexia in left inferior frontal gyrus (BA 9/45/46) and medial frontal gyrus (BA 8). Children with dyslexia did not show greater activation than controls for any comparison.Conclusions:  Reduced activation in these regions suggests that children with dyslexia have deficient orthographic representations in ventral temporal cortex as well as deficits in mapping between orthographic and phonological representations in inferior parietal cortex. The greater activation for the controls in inferior frontal gyrus could reflect more effective top‐down modulation of posterior representations.
Precancerous changes in the cervix and risk of subsequent preterm birth
Authors: Bruinsma F , Lumley J , Tan J , Quinn M 
Published: October 2006

Objective The aims of this study were (i) to examine whether women referred for assessment of precancerous changes in the cervix had higher rates of preterm birth compared with those in the general population and (ii) to compare preterm birth rates for treated and untreated women adjusting for possible confounding factors.Design Retrospective cohort design.Setting Teaching hospital.Population All women referred to the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne (1982–2000), who subsequently had a birth recorded on the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection system (n= 5548).Methods Record linkage of hospital dysplasia clinic records and population‐based birth records.Main outcome measures Total preterm delivery (<37 weeks of gestation) and subtypes.Results Both treated and untreated women were at a significantly increased risk for preterm birth compared with those in the general population: treated—standardised prevalence ratio (SPR) 2.0, 95% CI 1.8–2.3 and untreated—SPR 1.5, 95% CI 1.4–1.7. Within the cohort, the treated women were significantly more likely to give birth preterm (adjusted OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01–1.51). An increased risk of preterm birth was also associated with a history of induced or spontaneous abortions, illicit drug use during pregnancy or a major maternal medical condition. Cone biopsy, loop electrosurgical excision procedure and diathermy were associated with preterm birth. After adjusting for possible confounding factors, only diathermy remained significant (adjusted OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.36–2.17). Women treated using laser ablation were not at an increased risk for preterm birth (adjusted OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.8–1.4).Conclusions Diagnosis of precancerous changes in the cervix (regardless of the treatment) was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Consideration should be given to the preferential use of ablative treatments.
Serotonin 5‐HT2A receptor activation induces 2‐arachidonoylglycerol release through a phospholipase c‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Parrish Jason C. , Nichols David E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTo date, several studies have demonstrated that phospholipase C‐coupled receptors stimulate the production of endocannabinoids, particularly 2‐arachidonoylglycerol. There is now evidence that endocannabinoids are involved in phospholipase C‐coupled serotonin 5‐HT2A receptor‐mediated behavioral effects in both rats and mice. The main objective of this study was to determine whether activation of the 5‐HT2A receptor leads to the production and release of the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol. NIH3T3 cells stably expressing the rat 5‐HT2A receptor were first incubated with [3H]‐arachidonic acid for 24 h. Following stimulation with 10 μm serotonin, lipids were extracted from the assay medium, separated by thin layer chromatography, and analyzed by liquid scintillation counting. Our results indicate that 5‐HT2A receptor activation stimulates the formation and release of 2‐arachidonoylglycerol. The 5‐HT2A receptor‐dependent release of 2‐arachidonoylglycerol was partially dependent on phosphatidylinositol‐specific phospholipase C activation. Diacylglycerol produced downstream of 5‐HT2A receptor‐mediated phospholipase D or phosphatidylcholine‐specific phospholipase C activation did not appear to contribute to 2‐arachidonoylglycerol formation in NIH3T3–5HT2A cells. In conclusion, our results support a functional model where neuromodulatory neurotransmitters such as serotonin may act as regulators of endocannabinoid tone at excitatory synapses through the activation of phospholipase C‐coupled G‐protein coupled receptors.
Pharmacokinetic Interaction Study between the New Antiepileptic and CNS Drug RWJ‐333369 and Carbamazepine in Healthy Adults
Authors: Chien Suchean , Bialer Meir , Solanki Bhavna , Verhaeghe Tom , Doose Dennis R. , Novak Gerald , Yao Caiping 
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To characterize the possible pharmacokinetic interaction between the new antiepileptic and CNS drug RWJ‐333369 and carbamazepine (CBZ) following multiple dosing in healthy subjects. Methods: In an 8‐week, open‐label, sequential design study, 24 healthy adults received multiple‐dose RWJ‐333369 alone (5 days 250 mg q12h; 5 days 500 mg q12h), then after a 4‐day washout, multiple‐dose CBZ alone (3 days 100 mg q12h; 3 days 200 mg q12h; 22 days 300 mg q12h), and then combination of CBZ (300 mg q12h), and RWJ‐333369 (5 days 250 mg q12h; 5 days 500 mg q12h). Results: At steady‐state following multiple dosing, RWJ‐333369 peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration‐time‐curve within the dosing interval (AUCss) increased in proportion to dose. The Cmax and AUCss of CBZ were similar when given alone or concomitantly with RWJ‐333369. The 90% confidence intervals for the ratio of CBZ Cmax and AUCss with/without RWJ‐333369 were: 94–104% and 95–104%, respectively (well within the equivalence range of 80–125%). When RWJ‐333369 was administered with CBZ, its mean (SD) oral clearance increased from 3.2 L/h to 4.9 L/h and consequently its mean half‐life was shortened from 10.4 (1.9) h to 7.4 (1.2) h, and mean AUCss and Cmax were reduced by 37% and 30%, respectively. Conclusions: There was no effect of multiple‐dose RWJ‐333369 on CBZ pharmacokinetics. CBZ induced RWJ‐333369 clearance, resulting in shortened half‐life and decreased exposure (AUCss) and Cmax. Concomitant administration of RWJ‐333369 with CBZ was generally safe and tolerated.
Differential Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Neuroactive Steroids in Men with Epilepsy
Authors: Herzog Andrew G. , Drislane Frank W. , Schomer Donald L. , Pennell Page B. , Bromfield Edward B. , Dworetzky Barbara A. , Farina Erin L. , Frye Cheryl A. 
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To compare serum levels of neuroactive steroids among men with epilepsy who take various antiepileptic drugs, untreated men with epilepsy and normal controls (NC). Methods: Subjects were 85 men with localization‐related epilepsy [unmedicated >6 months (No Rx)‐10, carbamazepine (CBZ)‐25, phenytoin (PHT)‐25, lamotrigine (LTG)‐25] and 25 NC. Sexual function scores (S‐Score), hormone levels [dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), bioactive (BA) testosterone (T), estradiol (BAE), and androstanediol (BAL)] and the ratios of inhibitory to excitatory neuroactive metabolites of T, i.e., BAL/BAE, were compared among groups. Results: S‐scores, DHEAS, and bioactive testosterone (BAT) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower and BAL and BAL/BAE were significantly higher among CBZ and PHT groups than among NC and LTG groups. LTG did not differ from NC in any of these measures. BAT correlated significantly with BAL/BAE for PHT (r = 0.44, p = 0.02) and CBZ (r = 0.42, p = 0.03) but not for NC (r = 0.03, p = NS) and LTG (r = 0.06, p = NS) groups. Conclusions: In comparison to LTG, enzyme inducing AEDs (CBZ, PHT) are associated with a more favorable neuroactive steroid balance (lower DHEAS and higher BAL/BAE) for seizure management, but at the expense of reduced serum bioavailable testosterone levels and sexual function.
Effectiveness of Structured Questionnaires for Screening Heavy Drinking in Middle‐Aged Women
Authors: Aalto Mauri , Tuunanen Mervi , Sillanaukee Pekka , Seppä Kaija 
Published: October 2006

Background: There is a need for an effective and feasible alcohol screening instrument. The aim of the study was to evaluate how the abbreviated versions of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire perform in comparison with the original AUDIT and what the optimal cutoffs are when screening for heavy drinking among women.Methods: All the 40‐year‐old women in the city of Tampere, Finland, are invited yearly for a health screening. From 1 year, data from 894 women (response rate 68.2%) invited for a health screening were utilized in the study. The original 10‐item AUDIT, AUDIT‐C, Five Shot, AUDIT‐PC, AUDIT‐3, AUDIT‐QF, and CAGE were evaluated against the Timeline Followback. Consumption of at least 140 g of absolute ethanol per week on average during the past month was considered heavy drinking.Results: In the Timeline Followback, the mean±SD weekly reported alcohol consumption was 45±67 g (range 0–936 g) of absolute ethanol. Of the women, 6.2% (55/894) were heavy drinkers. The optimal combination of sensitivity and specificity was reached for the AUDIT with cutoff ≥6, for the AUDIT‐C with cutoff ≥5, for the Five Shot with cutoff ≥2.0, for the AUDIT‐PC with cutoff ≥4, and for the AUDIT‐QF with cutoff ≥4. When choosing the optimal cutoffs, the AUDIT‐C, the Five Shot, the AUDIT‐PC, and the AUDIT‐QF performed as well as the 10‐item AUDIT. With these cutoffs, sensitivities were 0.84 to 0.93 and specificities were 0.83 to 0.90. The AUDIT‐3 and the CAGE did not perform as well as the other questionnaires.Conclusions: The 10‐item AUDIT, AUDIT‐C, Five Shot, AUDIT‐PC, and AUDIT‐QF seem to be equally effective tools in screening for heavy drinking among middle‐aged women. However, their applicability is achieved only if the cutoffs are tailored according to gender.
Effects of Mineralocorticoid and Glucocorticoid Receptor Blockade on Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Function in Female Rats Prenatally Exposed to Ethanol
Authors: Glavas Maria M. , Yu Wayne K. , Weinberg Joanne 
Published: October 2006

Background: Rats prenatally exposed to ethanol (E) exhibit hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) hyperresponsiveness, demonstrated by increased and/or prolonged elevations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and/or corticosterone (CORT) in response to stressors. The present study examined the possible role of CORT feedback deficits in mediating this hyperresponsiveness by examining HPA function following mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptor blockade.Methods: Adult female Sprague–Dawley offspring from E, pair‐fed (PF), and control (C) groups were injected subcutaneously with the MR antagonist spironolactone (SPIRO; 30 mg/kg bw), the GR antagonist RU38486 (120 mg/kg bw), or vehicle. One hour postinjection, blood samples (0 minutes) were taken via jugular cannulae to obtain a measure of prestress ACTH and CORT levels. Rats were then loosely restrained for 1 hour, and samples were taken during (15, 30, and 60 minutes) and then 1 hour following stress, for determination of plasma ACTH and CORT levels.Results: Both SPIRO and RU38486 significantly increased prestress ACTH levels in E compared with both PF and C females. In contrast, RU38486 significantly increased ACTH levels in C compared with PF females during stress and in C compared with E females during recovery. CORT levels were increased during stress in E females in response to SPIRO, and RU38486 increased the CORT response during stress in PF and during recovery in E and PF females compared with vehicle.Conclusions: E females showed enhanced HPA responses to both MR and GR blockade compared with PF and C before restraint as well as a different pattern of responsivity during and following restraint. While receptor blockade had some effect on CORT responses in PF females, changes in ACTH appear specific to ethanol. These findings suggest that the balance between HPA drive and feedback may be altered in E compared with C females.
Relationship Between Ghrelin Levels, Alcohol Craving, and Nutritional Status in Current Alcoholic Patients
Authors: Addolorato Giovanni , Capristo Esmeralda , Leggio Lorenzo , Ferrulli Anna , Abenavoli Ludovico , Malandrino Noemi , Farnetti Sara , Domenicali Marco , D'Angelo Cristina , Vonghia Luisa , Mirijello Antonio , Cardone Silvia , Gasbarrini Giovanni 
Published: October 2006

Background: Ghrelin is a peptide produced mainly by the gut and hypothalamus. Ghrelin is able to stimulate food‐seeking behavior. Alcohol‐craving and food‐seeking behavior could share common neural circuits. Ghrelin is related to nutritional status, but few data are available in alcoholic patients on the relationship between ghrelin and nutritional disorders.Methods: Plasma ghrelin was evaluated in 15 current alcoholic male patients compared with 15 healthy male volunteers. Craving was evaluated by the Obsessive–Compulsive Drinking Scale. Body composition was assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Energy substrate utilization was evaluated by indirect calorimetry.Results: Ghrelin was significantly reduced in alcohol‐dependent patients with respect to healthy subjects (p=0.0278). A significant positive correlation was found between ghrelin and craving (r=0.55; p=0.034). A preferential utilization of lipids as an energy substrate with a reduction of the fat mass (p=0.01) and an increase of the free fat mass (p=0.0091) was found in alcoholic patients.Conclusions: Within our sample showing low ghrelin levels probably related to the impaired nutritional status; patients with higher levels of ghrelin showed higher levels of alcohol craving. These preliminary data indicate that ghrelin could be implicated in the neurobiological mechanisms of alcohol craving, other than a hormone influenced by the nutritional status.
Nonanoic acid, other alkanoic acids, and related compounds as antifeedants in Hylobius abietis pine weevils
Authors: Månsson Per E. , Schlyter Fredrik , Eriksson Carina , Sjödin Kristina 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA medium‐length, straight‐chain alkanoic acid, nonanoic acid, is known from laboratory microassays to be an antifeedant in adults of the large pine weevil, Hylobius abietis (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Our hypothesis was that we could find new, less volatile alkanoic acids or related compounds suitable for field application and with improved long‐term duration. Alkanoic acids of varying chain lengths (C6–C13) were tested for antifeedant activity in H. abietis adults. Microassay choice tests showed that straight‐chain (C6–C11) alkanoic acids were active. However, high activities were restricted to the (C6–C10) acids, with the C9 (nonanoic acid) at 4 µmol cm−2 being the most active one. In a no‐choice test on pine twigs, the antifeedant effect of C10 acid was lower than that of the C8 and C9 acids. In microassays, less volatile methyl‐branched alkanoic acids exhibited lower antifeedant activities than did the corresponding straight‐chain ones. However, the most active of the methyl‐branched acids, 2‐methyldecanoic acid, had an activity similar to that of nonanoic acid. Compounds related to nonanoic acid were either active (1‐nonanol), weakly active (nonanoic anhydride), or inactive (nonanal, sodium nonanoate). The anhydride was highly active in the microassay, but less active on twigs. The antifeedant effects of the straight chain (C8–C10) alkanoic acids against pine weevil feeding were tested in the field. In contrast to the results from the twig tests, the less volatile C10 acid was more active in the field for the protection of transplants on fresh clear cuts over a 3‐month period than both the C8 and C9 acids. Phytotoxic effects of the alkanoic acids were observed both in the field and in laboratory studies. If a protective layer of paraffin was applied to the stem prior to application of the alkanoic acids, these undesired side effects were reduced.
The infrabony defect and its determinants
Authors: Kim C. ‐K. , Choi S. ‐H. , Kim T. ‐S. , Kaltschmitt J. , Eickholz P. 
Published: October 2006

Background and Objective:  The purpose of this study was to assess the defect width of infrabony defects in a cross‐sectional study and to evaluate whether the defect width is a function of defect depth.Material and Methods:  Complete sets of intra‐oral radiographs of patients with severe periodontitis, which exhibited at least one infrabony defect, were digitised and evaluated. The following parameters were measured: depth and width of the infrabony defect, defect angle, and width of the interdental spaces.Results:  Fifty‐one patients (26 women), ranging from 21 to 73 yr of age (48.5 ± 13.4 yr), contributed a total of 1272 teeth with 135 infrabony defects (10.6%). Seventeen infrabony defects were located at sites without a neighboring tooth. Infrabony defects were statistically more prevalent in the mandible (n = 82) than in the maxilla (p = 0.013), and more prevalent at mesial sites (n = 92) than at distal sites (p < 0.001). At infrabony defects, the width of interdental spaces at the most coronal extension of the alveolar crest could be measured only at sites with neigboring teeth 2.67 ± 0.78 mm (range: 1.19–5.70 mm). Analysis failed to reveal a statistically significant difference between defect width at sites with (2.64 ± 0.82 mm) and sites without (2.76 ± 0.70 mm) a neighboring tooth. Multilevel regression analysis revealed narrow defect angles to be related to deep infrabony defects, whereas width of the interdental space and distal location were related to wide defects.Conclusion:  Defect angle depended on defect depth and defect width was not different at sites with or without a neighboring tooth. Even in severe periodontitis, infrabony defects are found only at a minority of teeth.
Genital Sensation and Sexual Function in Women Bicyclists and Runners: Are Your Feet Safer Than Your Seat?
Authors: Guess Marsha K. , Connell Kathleen , Schrader Steven , Reutman Susan , Wang Andrea , LaCombe Julie , Toennis Christine , Lowe Brian , Melman Arnold , Mikhail Magdy 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Bicycling is associated with neurological impairment and impotence in men. Similar deficits have not been confirmed in women.

Aim
To evaluate the effects of bicycling on genital sensation and sexual function in women.

Methods
Healthy, premenopausal, competitive women bicyclists and runners (controls) were compared.

Main Outcome Measures
(1) Genital vibratory thresholds (VTs) were determined using the Medoc Vibratory Sensation Analyzer 3000. (2) Sexual function and sexually related distress were assessed by the Dennerstein Personal Experience Questionnaire (SPEQ) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS).

Results
Forty-eight bicyclists and 22 controls were enrolled. The median age was 33 years. The bicyclists were older, had higher body mass indices (BMIs), were more diverse in their sexual orientation, and were more likely to have a current partner. Bicyclists rode an average of 28.3 ± 19.7 miles/day (range 4–100), 3.8 ± 1.5 days/week, for an average of 2.1 ± 1.8 hours/ride. The mean number of years riding was 7.9 ± 7.1 years (range 0.5–30). Controls ran an average of 4.65 ± 2.1 miles/day (range 1.5–8) and 5.0 ± 1.2 days/week. On bivariate analysis, bicyclists had significantly higher VTs than runners, indicating worse neurological function at all sites (P &lt; 0.05). Multivariate analysis found significant correlations between higher VTs and bicycling at the left and right perineum, posterior vagina, left and right labia. Increasing VTs at the clitoris, anterior vagina, and urethra were associated with age. In bicyclists, there were no correlations between VTs and miles biked per week, duration of riding, or BMI. Composite SPEQ scores indicated normal sexual function in all sexually active subjects. Neither group suffered from sexually related distress.

Conclusion
There is an association between bicycling and decreased genital sensation in competitive women bicyclists. Negative effects on sexual function and quality of life were not apparent in our young, healthy premenopausal cohort.
A Prospective Study Examining the Anatomic Distribution of Nerve Density in the Human Vagina
Authors: Pauls Rachel , Mutema George , Segal Jeffrey , Silva W. Andre , Kleeman Steven , Dryfhout Vicki , Karram Mickey 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Women possess sufficient vaginal innervation such that tactile stimulation of the vagina can lead to orgasm. However, there are few anatomic studies that have characterized the distribution of nerves throughout the human vagina.

Aim
The aim of this prospective study was to better characterize the anatomic distribution of nerves in the adult human vagina. A secondary aim was to assess whether vaginal innervation correlates with the subject’s demographic information and sexual function.

Methods
Full-thickness biopsies of anterior and posterior vagina (proximal and distal), cuff, and cervix were taken during surgery in a standardized manner. Specimens were prepared with hematoxylin and eosin, and S100 protein immunoperoxidase. The total number of nerves in each specimen was quantified. Enrolled patients completed a validated sexual function questionnaire (Female Sexual Function Index, FSFI) preoperatively.

Main Outcome Measures
A description of vaginal innervation by location and an assessment of vaginal innervation in association with the subject’s demographic information and sexual function.

Results
Twenty-one patients completed this study, yielding 110 biopsy specimens. Vaginal innervation was somewhat regular, with no site consistently demonstrating the highest nerve density. Nerves were located throughout the vagina, including apex and cervix. No significant differences were noted in vaginal innervation based on various demographic factors, including age, vaginal maturation index, stage of prolapse, number of vaginal deliveries, or previous hysterectomy. There were no correlations between vaginal nerve quantity and FSFI domain and overall scores. Fifty-seven percent of the subjects had female sexual dysfunction; when compared to those without dysfunction, there were no significant differences in total or site-specific nerves.

Conclusions
In a prospective study, vaginal nerves were located regularly throughout the anterior and posterior vagina, proximally and distally, including apex and cervix. There was no vaginal location with increased nerve density. Vaginal innervation was not associated with demographic information or sexual function.