bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Location of spina bifida occulta and ultrasonographic bladder abnormalities predict the outcome of treatment for primary nocturnal enuresis in children
Authors: Miyazato Minoru , Sugaya Kimio , Nishijima Saori , Owan Tomoko , Ogawa Yoshihide 
Published: December 2006

Objective:  We examined whether the existence of spina bifida occulta or ultrasonographic bladder abnormalities was related to the outcome of treatment for primary nocturnal enuresis in children.Methods:  Between April 1996 and September 2005, a total of 77 subjects (53 boys and 24 girls, aged 5–18 years; mean age, 9.9 years) with primary nocturnal enuresis were studied. Plain X‐ray films of the spine and ultrasonographic bladder measurements (bladder wall thickness, bladder neck descent and bladder neck opening) were obtained and the correlations with the outcome of treatment using imipramine hydrochloride were assessed.Results:  On plain X‐ray films of the spine, spina bifida occulta (lumbar vertebrae in three, lumbosacral vertebrae in 19 and sacral vertebrae in 31) was recognized in 53 children (69%). Ultrasonographic bladder abnormalities were recognized in 40 children (52%). Children with lumbar and lumbosacral spina bifida occulta showed a higher rate of concomitant ultrasonographic bladder abnormalities (P = 0.006) and had a poorer response to treatment (P = 0.041) compared with the children who had sacral spina bifida occulta. Children with ultrasonographic bladder abnormalities had a worse response to treatment (P = 0.005) compared to the children without bladder abnormalities.Conclusions:  The presence of lumbar spina bifida occulta and ultrasonographic bladder abnormalities was related to the outcome of treatment for primary nocturnal enuresis in children, suggesting that spinal radiography and vesical ultrasonography may be useful predictive tests.
Plasma and dietary vitamin E in relation to insulin secretion and sensitivity
Authors: Costacou T. , Ma B. , King I. B. , Mayer‐Davis E. J. 
Published: December 2006

Aim:  In the Insulin Resistance and Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS), we have previously shown a protective effect of plasma α‐tocopherol concentration against diabetes incidence among persons not taking vitamin E supplements. The biologic mechanism for such a protective effect could involve improvement in either insulin sensitivity (SI), insulin secretion or both. Thus, we examined vitamin E in relation to insulin secretion and SI among persons not taking vitamin E supplements.Methods:  This analysis included 457 adults aged 40–69 years without a previous diabetes diagnosis or vitamin E supplement use at baseline and seen at the 5‐year follow‐up examination. Baseline nutrient intake was estimated from a validated 1‐year food frequency questionnaire; plasma levels of α‐tocopherol were also assessed. At follow up, a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test determined SI, acute insulin response to glucose (AIR), and the disposition index (DI) was calculated as the sum of the log‐transformed AIR and SI to reflect pancreatic compensation for insulin resistance.Results:  In multivariable regression analyses, no relationship was observed for vitamin E intake and either SI, AIR or DI. However, plasma α‐tocopherol concentration was positively associated with log‐transformed SI (β= 0.27 ± 0.09, p < 0.01) and DI (β= 0.41 ± 0.14, p < 0.01), but not with log‐transformed AIR.Conclusions:  Plasma concentration of α‐tocopherol may improve SI and pancreatic compensation for insulin resistance, although it does not seem to be related to acute insulin response.
Albumin‐bound basal insulin analogues (insulin detemir and NN344): comparable time‐action profiles but less variability than insulin glargine in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Klein O. , Lynge J. , Endahl L. , Damholt B. , Nosek L. , Heise T. 
Published: December 2006

Aim:  This study compared the time‐action profiles of the novel albumin‐bound basal insulin analogue NN344 with those of insulin detemir and insulin glargine in individuals with type 2 diabetes.Methods:  Twenty‐seven insulin‐treated men with type 2 diabetes [body mass index 30.8 ± 2.6 kg/m2 (mean ± s.d.), haemoglobin A1c 7.6 ± 1.1%] were enrolled in this randomized, double‐blind trial and participated in six euglycaemic glucose clamp experiments [target blood glucose (BG) 5 mmol/l] each. Participants received NN344 in three experiments at a dose of 0.8, 1.6 and 2.8 dosing units (DU) (1 DU corresponds to 6 nmol NN344) per kilogram of body weight. In the other three experiments, the participants received 0.4, 0.8 and 1.4 U/kg of either insulin detemir or insulin glargine. The insulin preparations were characterized with regards to their effects on glucose infusion rates (GIRs) (in particular duration of action and within‐subject and between‐subject variabilities), BG, C‐peptide, free fatty acids (FFA), endogenous glucose production (EGP) and peripheral glucose uptake (PGU) over 24 h post‐dose.Results:  The mean GIR profiles for all three preparations were similar in shape/flatness and showed increasing effect (area under the curve for GIR: AUC–GIRtotal) with increasing dose [low dose: 647 ± 580, 882 ± 634, 571 ± 647 mg/kg (insulin detemir vs. NN344 vs. insulin glargine]; medium dose: 1203 ± 816, 1720 ± 1109, 1393 ± 1203 mg/kg and high dose: 2171 ± 1344, 3119 ± 1549, 2952 ± 2028 mg/kg; p = 0.48]. The duration of action increased with rising doses of all insulin preparations, without major differences between treatments. BG remained below 7 mmol/l in nearly all the experiments. Within‐subject variability was lower for the albumin‐bound insulin analogues, insulin detemir and NN344, than for insulin glargine (p < 0.0001). Between‐subject variability did not differ between treatments, nor did the effects on BG, C‐peptide, FFA, EGP or PGU.Conclusions:  In individuals with type 2 diabetes, the time‐action profiles and the duration of action of the albumin‐bound insulin analogues, insulin detemir and NN344, were comparable with those of insulin glargine, whereas within‐subject variability in the metabolic effect was significantly lower. Therefore, insulin detemir and NN344 seem to be as well suited as insulin glargine for once‐daily administration in type 2 diabetes. The better predictability may be an important characteristic of the albumin‐bound analogues as insulin detemir has already been shown to improve hypoglycaemia.
Assessing the body mass index of patients might help to predict blood loss during radical retropubic prostatectomy in Korean men
Authors: Chang In Ho , Byun Seok‐Soo , Hong Sung Kyu , Lee Sang Eun 
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVETo examine the intraoperative blood loss and patient characteristics in patients treated with radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), to determine the independent risk factors that predict increased blood loss and transfusion requirements in Korean men.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively analysed the records of 264 consecutive patients who had RRP; all medical records were reviewed for various factors before RRP, including prostate volume and body mass index (BMI), and during RRP, e.g. operative duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), calculated blood loss (CBL) and neurovascular bundle preservation. We evaluated differences in clinical characteristics and intraoperative factors in patients categorised by BMI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between preoperative independent variables and endpoints related to a high CBL.RESULTSThe mean EBL was lower than the CBL (387.3 vs 716.9 mL). When the group of men was stratified by BMI, although the difference in mean EBL (P = 0.160) and transfusion rate (P = 0.511) among normal, overweight and obese categories were not statistically significant, the difference in mean CBL (P = 0.011) and operative duration (P = 0.022) was statistically significantly higher in overweight and obese men. Patients who had their neurovascular bundles preserved had no statistically differences in CBL, EBL and operative duration from those with did not. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMI was the only preoperative variable that predicted a high CBL.CONCLUSIONSThe EBL was underestimated by the CBL, and the BMI was the only predictor before RRP of blood loss during RRP in these Korean men.
Laparoscopic augmentation cystoplasty: a comparison between native ileum and small intestinal submucosa in the porcine model
Authors: Wang David S. , Anderson David A. , Fretz Peter C. , Nguyen Thai T. , Winfield Howard N. 
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVESTo determine the feasibility of laparoscopic augmentation cystoplasty (LAC) in the porcine model and to compare LAC using standard bowel vs a small intestinal submucosa (SIS) allograft.MATERIALS AND METHODSFourteen female pigs underwent LAC; six had standard ileal AC and eight AC with SIS. All the pigs had limited cystometrogram studies before surgery to determine bladder capacity. At 6 weeks after surgery the pigs were anaesthetized, the bladder capacities were re‐assessed and then the pigs were killed; the bladders were harvested and examined histologically.RESULTSIn all, 12 of 14 pigs completed the 6‐week survival period; two pigs from the SIS group died from urinary ascites secondary to anastomotic leaks at the cystoplasty site. There were no complications in the ileal augmentation group. The operative duration was similar in both groups. The bladder capacities increased significantly in both groups, although more reliably in the native ileum group. In two pigs in the SIS group there was no increase in bladder capacity.CONCLUSIONSLAC is feasible in the porcine model and results in a significant increase in bladder capacity. AC using SIS does not appear to increase bladder capacity as reliably as native ileum, and has a higher complication rate.
TELEOFUNCTIONALISM AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPLANATION
Authors: BRIDGES JASON 
Published: December 2006

Abstract:Fred Dretske's teleofunctional theory of content aims to simultaneously solve two ground‐floor philosophical puzzles about mental content: the problem of naturalism and the problem of epiphenomenalism. It is argued here that his theory fails on the latter score. Indeed, the theory insures that content can have no place in the causal explanation of action at all. The argument for this conclusion depends upon only very weak premises about the nature of causal explanation. The difficulties Dretske's theory encounters indicate the severe challenges involved in arriving at a robust naturalistic understanding of content.
Balance of blood pressure equivalents as a new quantitative scale for identifying cardiac versus vascular reactor: Comparisons with Gregg, Matyas and James’ (2002) hemodynamic profile scale
Authors: SAWADA YUKIHIRO 
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  A quantitative scale for identifying cardiac versus vascular reactor, balance of blood pressure equivalents (BE), was newly advocated and compared with a very recently advocated one, hemodynamic profile (HP), by Gregg, Matyas and James (2002). BE was defined as “(ΔQ/Q0)P0′ − (ΔR/R0)P0.” Here, P0, Q0, and R0 were mean blood pressure (P), cardiac output (Q), and total peripheral resistance (R) during baseline, and ΔQ and ΔR were the difference scores of Q and R from baseline to stress, respectively. This was named as BE because the two terms in the formula indicated changes in Q and R in their blood pressure equivalents. Comparisons of the BE and HP scales were carried out, theoretically, in a newly introduced pressor space, on orthogonality with the extent of elevation of P (ΔP); and then, practically, by using hypothetical data. In summary, it was shown that data points in the neighborhood in the pressor space can be judged as having not so different hemodynamic balance whether the BE or HP scale was used. As a merit, the BE scale seemed helpful to an intuitive understanding of the hemodynamics during stress. As a demerit, it cannot maintain the quasi‐orthogonal relationship with ΔP when Q or R changes profoundly in the face of stress.
A new method for quantifying three‐dimensional interactions between biological structures
Authors: Travençolo Bruno A. N. , Debat Claudio Martínez , Beletti Marcelo E. , Silveira José R. Sotelo , Ehrlich Ricardo , Costa Luciano da F. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIn this paper we examine a new distance‐based method for identifying and characterizing possible interactions between biological structures and objects, with respect to the initial developmental stages of Echinococcus granulosus. By adopting the surface of the foramen as the distance reference, several interesting results have been identified, including the fact that the cell nuclei tend to be organized with respect to the foramen surface as well as the stability of the spatial distribution of these nuclei along the development stages.
Effect of α‐asarone and a derivative on lipids, bile flow and Na+/K+‐ATPase in ethinyl estradiol‐induced cholestasis in the rat
Authors: Garduño‐Siciliano Leticia , Labarrios Fernando , Tamariz Joaquín , Moreno Mario G. , Chamorro Germán , Muriel Pablo 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAdministration of ethinyl estradiol (EE), a widely used component of oral contraceptives, has been associated with impairment of bile flow and the capacity to excrete organic anions in man and experimental animals. α‐Asarone (2,4,5‐trimethoxypropenylbenzene) and 2‐methoxy‐4‐(2‐propenyl) phenoxyacetic acid (MPPA) have shown hypolipidemic effects. In addition to these effects, we decided to evaluate the properties of these compounds on EE‐induced cholestasis. Wistar male rats were injected subcutaneously with 10 mg/kg of EE for 5 days; simultaneously, α‐asarone or MPPA were also administered and appropriate controls were performed. α‐asarone and MPPA decreased plasma and bile cholesterol. EE diminished triglycerides total, low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein and bile cholesterol. MPPA further decreased these lipid parameters. Alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme marker of cholestasis) was increased after administration of EE, but this effect was prevented significantly by α‐asarone or MPPA administration. Bile flow was importantly decreased by EE and increased by α‐asarone alone. Furthermore, α‐asarone or MPPA preserved the normal bile flow in EE‐treated rats. EE inhibited the activity of the Na+/K+‐ATPase, while both α‐asarone and MPPA preserved this enzyme activity. Na+/K+‐ATPase is involved in Na+‐coupled uptake of bile acids into hepatocytes and, therefore, ultimately is the driving force for the generation of bile flow. Therefore, the anticholestatic effects of α‐asarone and MPPA, described herein by the first time, may be due to its ability to preserve ATPase activity. This enzyme is negatively regulated by membrane cholesterol, thus the hypolipidemic effects of the compounds tested may be responsible for Na+/K+‐ATPase activity and bile flow maintenance.
Anandamide: an update
Authors: Smita K. , Sushil Kumar V. , Premendran J.S. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractEndocannabinoid system has attracted the researchers to investigate into its ever fascinating roles governing many of the physiological functions in the human body. The prime endogenous cannabinoids are arachidonoylethanolamide also called anandamide and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol. Recent pharmacological advances point out that this system of molecules are in initial stages and by updating our current knowledge, we could innovatively design molecules for suitable interventions that could be potentially beneficial to the mankind.
Preclinical and clinical pharmacology of alcohol dependence
Authors: Tambour Sophie , Quertemont Etienne 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIn recent years, advances in neuroscience led to the development of new medications to treat alcohol dependence and especially to prevent alcohol relapse after detoxification. Whereas the earliest medications against alcohol dependence were fortuitously discovered, recently developed drugs are increasingly based on alcohol's neurobiological mechanisms of action. This review discusses the most recent developments in alcohol pharmacotherapy and emphasizes the neurobiological basis of anti‐alcohol medications. There are currently three approved drugs for the treatment of alcohol dependence with quite different mechanisms of action. Disulfiram is an inhibitor of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase and acts as an alcohol‐deterrent drug. Naltrexone, an opiate antagonist, reduces alcohol craving and relapse in heavy drinking, probably via a modulation of the mesolimbic dopamine activity. Finally, acamprosate helps maintaining alcohol abstinence, probably through a normalization of the chronic alcohol‐induced hyperglutamatergic state. In addition to these approved medications, many other drugs have been suggested for preventing alcohol consumption on the basis of preclinical studies. Some of these drugs remain promising, whereas others have produced disappointing results in preliminary clinical studies. These new drugs in the field of alcohol pharmacotherapy are also discussed, together with their mechanisms of action.
Telomerase activity coevolves with body mass not lifespan
Authors: Seluanov Andrei , Chen Zhuoxun , Hine Christopher , Sasahara Tais H. C. , Ribeiro Antonio A. C. M. , Catania Kenneth C. , Presgraves Daven C. , Gorbunova Vera 
Published: December 2006

SummaryIn multicellular organisms, telomerase is required to maintain telomere length in the germline but is dispensable in the soma. Mice, for example, express telomerase in somatic and germline tissues, while humans express telomerase almost exclusively in the germline. As a result, when telomeres of human somatic cells reach a critical length the cells enter irreversible growth arrest called replicative senescence. Replicative senescence is believed to be an anticancer mechanism that limits cell proliferation. The difference between mice and humans led to the hypothesis that repression of telomerase in somatic cells has evolved as a tumor‐suppressor adaptation in large, long‐lived organisms. We tested whether regulation of telomerase activity coevolves with lifespan and body mass using comparative analysis of 15 rodent species with highly diverse lifespans and body masses. Here we show that telomerase activity does not coevolve with lifespan but instead coevolves with body mass: larger rodents repress telomerase activity in somatic cells. These results suggest that large body mass presents a greater risk of cancer than long lifespan, and large animals evolve repression of telomerase activity to mitigate that risk.
Implications for management of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in adult‐to‐adult live donor liver transplantation
Authors: Chan Albert C Y , Lo Chung Mau , Ng Kelvin Kwok Chai , Chan See Ching , Fan Sheung Tat 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackground: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection is a serious opportunistic infection especially in live donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Hepatotoxicity of antituberculous agents and hazardous drug interaction with immunosuppressants may render the graft more susceptible to injury.Aim of study: To review our experience of management of TB infection in liver transplant recipients including LDLT.Patients and methods: A total of 397 liver transplantations were performed in the University of Hong Kong Medical Centre from January 1991 to December 2004. Eight patients (2.0%) developed TB infection after transplantation (LDLT: n=6, DDLT: n=2) and their clinical courses were reviewed.Result: The mean time of developing TB infection after liver transplantation was 9 months (range 4–20 months). Anti‐TB treatment was administered for a mean duration of 12.7 months (11–18 months). None of our patients developed antituberculous drug‐induced hepatotoxicity or had unwanted drug interaction. With a mean follow‐up of 65 months (range 18–102 months), one patient died due to the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma.Conclusion: High index of suspicion for TB infection should be warranted for a history of cough and fever after liver transplantation. No notable difference was observed in the natural history and management of TB infection between LDLT and DDLT. The use of antituberculous drugs is safe in liver transplant recipients provided that liver function is closely monitored and the dosage of immunosuppressants is adjusted accordingly.
Artificial liver support with the molecular adsorbent recirculating system: activation of coagulation and bleeding complications
Authors: Bachli Esther B. , Schuepbach Reto A. , Maggiorini Marco , Stocker Reto , Müllhaupt Beat , Renner Eberhard L. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackground: Numerous, mostly uncontrolled, observations suggest that artificial liver support with the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) improves pathophysiologic sequelae and outcome of acute and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure. MARS is felt to be safe, but extracorporeal circuits may activate coagulation.Objective: To assess the frequency of and risk factors for activation of coagulation during MARS treatment.Patients/Methods: Retrospective analysis of coagulopathy/bleeding complications observed during 83 consecutive MARS sessions in 21 patients (11 men; median age 46 years; median three sessions per patient; median duration of session 8 h).Results: Nine clinically relevant episodes of coagulopathy/bleeding were observed in eight patients, forced to premature cessation of MARS in seven and ended lethal in four. Four complications occurred during the first, five during later (third to seventh) MARS sessions and two bleeders tolerated further sessions without complications. Coagulation parameters worsened significantly also during MARS sessions not associated with bleeding (P≤0.004). In univariate analysis, patient's age, vasopressor therapy, pretreatment INR, fibrin D–dimer and fibrinogen concentrations, but not severity of underlying disease (MELD, Child‐Pugh, SAPS II scores), were significantly associated with coagulopathy (P<0.05). Only patient's age, fibrin D‐dimer level and INR were retained in a multivariate model correctly classifying 98% of sessions without, but only 33% with complications.Conclusion: Coagulation is frequently activated during MARS therapy, potentially leading to bleeding complications and mortality.