bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ascending visceral regulation of cortical affective information processing
Authors: Berntson Gary G. , Sarter Martin , Cacioppo John T. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractOver a century ago, William James proposed that strong emotions represent the perceptual consequences of somato‐visceral feedback. Although the strong form of this conception is no longer viable, considerable evidence has accumulated indicating a range of visceral influences on higher neurobehavioural processes. This literature has only recently begun to consolidate, because earlier reports generally remained at the demonstration level, and pathways and mechanisms for such influences were uncertain. Recently, specific effects of visceral feedback have become apparent on cortical activity, cerebral auditory‐evoked responses, anxiety, memory and behavioural aspects of immunological sickness. Moreover, considerable progress has been made recently in determining the specific neural pathways and systems underlying these actions, especially the role of noradrenergic projections from the nucleus of the tractus solitarius and the locus coeruleus to the amygdala in memory processes, and to the basal forebrain in the processing of anxiety‐related information. The present paper highlights selected recent findings in this area, and outlines relevant structures and pathways involved in the ascending visceral influence on higher neurobehavioural processes.
Increasing local levels of neuregulin (glial growth factor‐2) by direct infusion into areas of demyelination does not alter remyelination in the rat CNS
Authors: Penderis Jacques , Woodruff Rachel H. , Lakatos Andras , Li Wen‐Wu , Dunning Mark D. , Zhao Chao , Marchionni Mark , Franklin Robin J. M. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractGlial growth factor‐2 (GGF‐2) is a neuronally derived isoform of neuregulin shown in vitro to promote proliferation and survival of oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the CNS. Enhanced remyelination has been demonstrated in vivo following systemic delivery of human recombinant GGF‐2 (rhGGF‐2) in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, it is uncertain whether this is the result of direct effects of rhGGF‐2 on cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage or due to modulation of the immune or inflammatory response. If this enhanced remyelination was due to direct effects of rhGGF‐2 on cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage then one would expect rhGGF‐2 to induce a similar proremyelinating response in nonimmune, gliotoxin models of demyelination. Using a gliotoxin model of demyelination we were therefore able to ascertain the in vivo effect of rhGGF‐2 following local CNS delivery in a model that is not confounded by the concurrent presence of an immune‐mediated process. No significant alteration in the rate or character of remyelination was evident following local delivery as compared to controls, and indeed nor following systemic delivery in the gliotoxin model. The results of this study therefore indicate that both direct infusion and systemic delivery of rhGGF‐2 do not alter remyelination in a nonimmune, gliotoxin model of demyelination. This suggests that the proremyelinating effects of systemically delivered rhGGF‐2 in EAE are unlikely to be due to direct effects on the oligodendrocyte lineage, but may be mediated by rhGGF‐2 inducing an environment more favourable to remyelination, possibly through modulation of the immune response.
Mice with astrocyte‐directed inactivation of connexin43 exhibit increased exploratory behaviour, impaired motor capacities, and changes in brain acetylcholine levels
Authors: Frisch Christian , Theis Martin , De Souza Silva Maria A. , Dere Ekrem , Söhl Goran , Teubner Barbara , Namestkova Katerina , Willecke KIaus , Huston Joseph P. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractGap junctions mediate communication between many cell types in the brain. Gap junction channels are composed of membrane‐spanning connexin (Cx) proteins, allowing the cell‐to‐cell passage of small ions and metabolites. Cx43 is the main constituent of the brain‐spanning astrocytic gap junctional network, controlling activity‐related changes in ion and glutamate concentrations as well as metabolic processes. In astrocytes, deletion of Cx43‐coding DNA led to attenuated gap junctional coupling and impaired propagation of calcium waves, known to influence neuronal activity. Investigation of the role of Cx43 in behaviour has been impossible so far, due to postnatal lethality of its general deletion. Recently, we have shown that deletion of Cx30, which is also expressed by astrocytes, affects exploration, emotionality, and neurochemistry in the mouse. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the astrocyte‐directed inactivation of Cx43 on mouse behaviour and brain neurochemistry. Deletion of Cx43 in astrocytes increased exploratory activity without influencing habituation. In the open field, but not in the elevated plus‐maze, an anxiolytic‐like effect was observed. Rotarod performance was initially impaired, but reached control level after further training. In the water maze, Cx43 deficient mice showed a steeper learning course, although final performance was similar between groups. Cx43 inactivation in astrocytes increased acetylcholine content in the frontal cortex of water maze‐trained animals. Results are discussed in terms of altered communication between astrocytes and neurons, possible compensation processes, and differential effects of Cx30‐ and astrocyte‐specific Cx43 deletion.
Down‐regulation of CYP1A2 induction during the maturation of mouse cerebellar granule cells in culture: role of nitric oxide accumulation
Authors: Mulero‐Navarro Sonia , Santiago‐Josefat Belen , Pozo‐Guisado Eulalia , Merino Jaime M. , Fernandez‐Salguero Pedro M. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) is responsible for cytochrome P450 (CYP450) loss during isolation and cytokine treatment of primary rat hepatocytes. As P450s mediate the metabolism of toxic chemicals, their inhibition could compromise the cells competence to eliminate toxins, a condition potentially relevant in neurological diseases involving constitutive activation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and NO over‐production. Here, we have investigated the correlation between NO accumulation and CYP1A2 down‐regulation during maturation of mouse cerebellar granule cells (CGC). As neurons matured in culture, the inducible levels of CYP1A2 protein and catalytic activity decreased to almost undetectable values. In parallel, a significant increase in NO concentration was observed. Neuronal NOS remained constitutively active during maturation, thus contributing to NO accumulation. The NOS inhibitor l‐NAME, restored CYP1A2 catalytic activity up to 9 days in vitro, supporting a role for NO in the inhibition process. Maturation was also followed by increased NMDA receptor activity and intracellular Ca2+ concentration. We suggest that maintained NOS activity during CGC maturation could lead to NO accumulation and to decreased CYP1A2 inducibility. Increased NMDA receptor activity and Ca2+ entry could contribute to this process. Thus, neurodegeneration could diminish the induction of specific P450s and impair the metabolism of foreign and/or endogenous chemicals in the CNS.
Histaminergic facilitation of electrocorticographic activation: role of basal forebrain, thalamus, and neocortex
Authors: Dringenberg Hans C. , Kuo Min‐Ching 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe neuromodulator histamine plays an important role in the regulation of behavioural state and the neocortical electrocorticogram (ECoG). With the present experiments, we characterized the anatomical targets that mediate the cortical‐activating effects of histamine. Urethane‐anaesthetized rats displayed continuous large‐amplitude, low‐frequency oscillations with a maximal spectral power in the delta (0.5–3.9 Hz) frequency band. Electrical (100 Hz) stimulation of the pontine‐tegmentum suppressed slow, large‐amplitude oscillations and induced ECoG activation. Application of histamine (1 mm) into the basal forebrain cholinergic complex by reverse microdialysis enhanced ECoG activation elicited by tegmental stimulation without changing resting ECoG activity. Ventrolateral or central thalamic application of histamine had no effect on resting ECoG activity, and ventrolateral thalamic application produced only a slight enhancement of brainstem‐induced activation. Neocortical application of histamine in close proximity (< 500 µm) to the recording electrode reduced low‐frequency delta power in the resting ECoG without affecting stimulation‐induced ECoG activation. These data suggest that, under the present experimental conditions, histamine facilitates ECoG activation primarily by potentiating the excitatory influence of brainstem fibers at the level of the basal forebrain. Histamine release in some parts of the thalamus results in a minor enhancement of ECoG activation, and cortical histamine release produces a small but consistent suppression of slow delta oscillations in the resting ECoG. These concurrent subcortical and cortical actions probably permit histamine to effectively modulate cortical activation and excitability across different behavioural states.
Pneumococcal necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Prakash P. K. , Biswas M. , ElBouri K. , Braithwaite P. A. , Hanna F. W. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractNecrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare and often fatal soft‐tissue infection involving the superficial fascial layers of the extremities, abdomen or perineum. Progression to septic shock can occur very rapidly with its associated high morbidity and mortality. NF is usually caused by beta haemolytic streptococci; less often a poly‐microbial isolate is the cause. It typically occurs in patients with some degree of immune dysfunction. We present a case of severe pneumococcal necrotizing fasciitis in an obese patient with Type 2 diabetes. There was no history of trauma or evidence of diabetes‐related complications. The initial presentation was with features of septic arthritis of the left knee, which subsequently progressed to NF. Differentiation from cellulitis is often difficult in the early stages. Invasive pneumococcal infections are extremely rare, with only a few reported in the literature. Moreover, our case highlights the need to consider other differential diagnoses (and to look out for complications) in patients with diabetes, especially if there is little clinical response to the initial treatment.
Comparison of the diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus, WHO‐1985, ADA‐1997 and WHO‐1999 in the adult population of Asturias (Spain)
Authors: Botas P. , Delgado E. , Castaño G. , Díaz de Greñu C. , Prieto J. , Díaz‐Cadórniga F. J. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractAims  To estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus with three diagnostic criteria (WHO‐1985 and 1999 and ADA‐1997), evaluate their concordance and analyse the sensitivity and specificity of the different screening strategies for diabetes.Methods  A cross‐sectional population study with two‐step sampling. One thousand and 34 people were selected randomly. A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed and venous blood samples were obtained fasting and at 2 h.Results  The prevalence of known Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM‐2) is 4%[95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8, 5.1]. By WHO‐1985 criteria the prevalence of unknown DM‐2 is 5.9% (4.5, 7.4); by ADA‐1997 criteria 3.5% (2.5, 4.6) and by WHO‐1999 criteria 7.3% (5.8, 8.8). Diagnostic overlap and statistical concordance (coefficient K) are WHO‐1985/ADA‐1997 29.3%, K = 0.42; WHO‐1985/WHO‐1999 80%, K = 0.88; ADA‐1997/WHO‐1999 48%, K = 0.63. If only fasting glucose was used (following ADA‐1997), 36.3% of those with diabetes (2‐h glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/l) would be diagnosed. If OGTT was performed (i) in those with a fasting glucose between 6.1 mmol/l and 6.9 mmol/l (9.8% of the population) we would diagnose 66.6%, and (ii) in all those between 5.7 mmol/l and 6.9 mmol/l (18.9% of the population) 81.8% would be diagnosed.Conclusions  The ADA criteria decrease the prevalence of DM in the adult population of Asturias by 2.4% and concordance with the classical criteria (WHO‐1985) was only 29.3%. Using fasting glucose only (ADA‐1997) diagnoses 36.3% of those with diabetes. The recent recommendations of the WHO‐1999 increases this to 66.6%. To improve the diagnostic strategy for diabetes and detect up to 81.8% of patients, we propose the use of OGTT for all those with a fasting glucose between 5.7 mmol/l and 6.9 mmol/l.
Brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity measured automatically by oscillometric method is elevated in diabetic patients with incipient nephropathy
Authors: Yokoyama H. , Hirasawa K. , Aoki T. , Ishiyama M. , Koyama K. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractAims  To examine whether brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), a possible early marker of atherosclerotic vascular damage, is associated with albuminuria in patients with Type 2 diabetes.Methods  BaPWV was measured by automatic oscillometric method in 346 Type 2 diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria (a mean level of three times measurements of albumin‐to‐creatinine (ACR) < 30 µg/mg creatinine; n = 200), incipient nephropathy (a mean level of ACR ≥ 30 and < 300 µg/mg creatinine; n = 119), and clinical nephropathy (a mean level of ACR ≥ 300 µg/mg creatinine; n = 27), and without peripheral vascular disease.Results  BaPWV (cm/s) was significantly higher in patients with incipient nephropathy (1722 ± 382) and clinical nephropathy (1763 ± 322) than in patients with normoalbuminuria (1559 ± 343, P < 0.0001, respectively). By univariate analysis it correlated significantly with age (r = 0.44, P < 0.0001), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.55, P < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.42, P < 0.0001), albuminuria (r = 0.24, P < 0.0001) and HbA1C (r = 0.11, P < 0.05). Albuminuria revealed an independent significant association with baPWV (P < 0.01) after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, BMI, HbA1C, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Multiple regression analysis showed age, diastolic blood pressure and albuminuria were independently associated with baPWV (adjusted R2 = 0.42, P < 0.0001).Conclusions  The results might indicate a possible link between the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy. Future studies are needed to clarify the usefulness and its predictable value.
Socio‐economic inequalities in diabetes complications, control, attitudes and health service use: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bachmann M. O. , Eachus J. , Hopper C. D. , Davey Smith G. , Propper C. , Pearson N. J. , Williams S. , Tallon D. , Frankel S. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractAims  To investigate socio‐economic inequalities in diabetes complications, and to examine factors that may explain these differences.Methods  Cross‐sectional questionnaire survey of 770 individuals with diabetes among 40 general practices in Avon and Somerset. General practice, optometrist and eye hospital records over time (median 7 years) were analysed. Slope indices of inequality, odds ratios and incidence rate ratios were calculated to estimate the magnitude of inequality between the most and least educated, and the highest and lowest earning patients, adjusted for age, sex and type of diabetes, and clustering of outcomes within practices.Results  The least educated patients were more likely than the most educated patients to have diabetic retinopathy [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.3; 95% confidence interval 0.8, 23.7] and heart disease (adjusted OR 3.6; 1.1, 11.8), had higher HbA1c levels (adjusted slope index of inequality 0.9; 0.3, 1.5), felt that diabetes more adversely affected their social and personal lives (adjusted slope index of inequality 0.8; 0.5, 1.1 Diabetes Care Profile units), were more likely to be recorded as non‐compliant by their health professionals, and had lower rates of hospital attendance (adjusted rate ratio 0.43; 0.26, 0.71). However, they did not see themselves as less compliant, and had higher general practice attendance rates (adjusted rate ratio 1.5; 1.1, 2.2).Conclusions  Less educated and lower earning individuals with diabetes bear a larger burden of morbidity but use hospital care less. Health service resource allocation should reflect the distribution of chronic illness.
Comparison of repaglinide vs. gliclazide in combination with bedtime NPH insulin in patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral hypoglycaemic agents
Authors: Furlong N. J. , Hulme S. A. , O'Brien S. V. , Hardy K. J. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractAims  This open‐label randomized controlled clinical trial compared the effect on glycaemic control and weight gain of repaglinide vs. gliclazide combined with bedtime NPH insulin in patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral hypoglycaemic therapy [HbA1c > 7.0% (DCCT aligned assay, normal range 4.6–6.2%)].Methods  Eighty subjects with Type 2 diabetes were randomized to 13 weeks’ open‐label treatment with repaglinide 4 mg t.i.d. or gliclazide 160 mg b.i.d. in combination with bedtime NPH insulin (initial dose 0.5 units/kg). The fasting blood glucose (FBG) target was ≤ 6.0 mmol/l.Results  Baseline characteristics were similar for age, sex, weight, BMI, FBG and HbA1c. Glycaemic control improved similarly in both groups—insulin/gliclazide by (mean) 1.0%, from 9.2 to 8.2% (P = 0.001) and by 0.9%, from 9.4 to 8.5% in the insulin/repaglinide group (P = 0.005) (P = 0.83 between groups). Weight gain averaged (mean ± sem) 4.1 ± 0.5 and 3.4 ± 0.4 kg in the insulin/gliclazide and insulin/repaglinide groups, respectively (P < 0.0001 for both groups from baseline) (P = 0.29 between groups). The mean number of hypoglycaemic episodes experienced per patient was 2.95 ± 0.82 (insulin/gliclazide) and 2.3 ± 0.52 (insulin/repaglinide) (P = 0.81 between groups). Both treatments were associated with significant improvements in Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction [Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire‐potential range 0 (min) to 36 (max)]; in the insulin/gliclazide group, by 4.9 ± 1.1 points to 33.3 ± 0.6 (P < 0.0001) and by 3.0 ± 0.9 points to 34.6 ± 0.4 (P = 0.0006) in the insulin/repaglinide group (P = 0.29 between groups).Conclusions  Over 13 weeks, both repaglinide and gliclazide, when combined with bedtime NPH insulin produce similar significant improvements in glycaemic control (−1%) and similar weight gain.
Discrepancies between patient and professionals recall and perception of an outpatient consultation
Authors: Parkin T. , Skinner T. C. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractAims  To explore the degree of agreement between patient and health care professional's perceptions of consultations.Methods  Immediately after 141 dietitian/nurse specialist consultations, patients and professional's completed the Health Care Climate questionnaire (HCC), Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale (MISS) and the Treatment Self‐Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ) In addition, both parties were asked about any key points or issues discussed in the consultation; any decisions that were made about their diabetes treatment today; any goals that were set as a result of today's consultation.Results  Patient and professional's scores on the HCC and MISS were not correlated (r = 0.3 and 0.16). Patient and professionals disagreed on the issues discussed 19.6% of the time, on the decisions made 20.7% of the time and goals set 44.3% of the time. More autonomy support in the consultation was associated with greater autonomous motivation for self‐care (r = 0.31; P < 0.001) more controlled motivation was associated with less agreement on issues discussed and goals set (r = −0.20; r = −0.24; P < 0.05).Conclusion  There is significant disagreement between patients and professionals perceptions and recollection of the content of consultations. Professional's communications skills need to be developed to ensure these discrepancies are minimized. Skills to provide greater autonomy support in the consultation would help to enhance this process and improve outcomes.
Plasma interleukin‐6 is associated with coagulation in poorly controlled patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Aso Y. , Okumura K. , Yoshida N. , Tayama K. , Kanda T. , Kobayashi I. , Takemura Y. , Inukai T. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractAims  We investigated the relationship between interleukin (IL)‐6 and coagulation, i.e. whether changes in the plasma IL‐6 are associated with those in coagulation markers (D dimer and fibrinogen) after glycaemic control with sulphonylurea or insulin in poorly controlled patients with Type 2 diabetes.Methods  We studied 42 patients with Type 2 diabetes, including 19 subsequently treated with sulphonylurea, 23 treated with insulin and 48 control subjects. All patients were in poor glycaemic control and were hospitalized for 3 weeks. At the beginning and end of treatment, we measured plasma concentrations of IL‐6, fibrinogen, and D dimer.Results  Plasma concentrations of IL‐6 and D dimer were significantly higher in diabetic patients than in controls (P < 0.0001 for both). In all patients with diabetes, the plasma concentration of IL‐6 decreased significantly (P < 0.001) after treatment. Changes in the plasma IL‐6 during hospitalization were positively correlated with those in plasma D dimer and fibrinogen (r = 0.664, P < 0.0001; r = 0.472, P = 0.0042, respectively). Treatment with sulphonylurea or insulin caused a similar fall in the plasma IL‐6 concentration with a concomitant decrease in the BMI and an equal improvement in glycaemia.Conclusions  In poorly controlled patients with Type 2 diabetes, plasma IL‐6 concentrations were reduced significantly even by short‐term metabolic control. As changes in the plasma concentrations of D dimer are related to plasma IL‐6, plasma IL‐6 may reflect a pro‐coagulant as well as an inflammatory state in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Gender differences in the prevalence of impaired fasting glycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance in Mauritius. Does sex matter?
Authors: Williams J. W. , Zimmet P. Z. , Shaw J. E. , De Courten M. P. , Cameron A. J. , Chitson P. , Tuomilehto J. , Alberti K. G. M. M. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractObjective  To examine gender differences in the characteristics and prevalence of various categories of glucose tolerance in a population study in Mauritius.Research design and methods  In 1998, a community‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted in Mauritius. Categories of glucose metabolism were determined in 5388 adults, with an oral glucose tolerance test given to those who did not have previously diagnosed diabetes (n = 4036). Other cardiovascular risk factors were assessed among those without known diabetes.Results  For men and women the prevalence of diabetes (22.0 vs. 21.8%, respectively) and the prevalence of coexisting impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (3.2 vs. 2.9%) were similar. However, men were twice as likely as women to have isolated IFG [5.1% (4.2–6.0) vs. 2.9% (2.3–3.5)], despite being younger, thinner and with lower plasma insulin but higher lipids. Conversely, the prevalence of isolated IGT was lower in men [9.0% (7.9–10.2) vs. 13.9% (12.6–15.1)]. Among non‐diabetic individuals, fasting glucose was higher in men than women, whereas 2‐h glucose was higher in women. In people without diabetes, women had significantly higher body mass index, beta cell function (HOMA‐B), fasting and 2‐h insulin than men and significantly lower waist‐hip ratios, waist circumference, insulin sensitivity (HOMA‐S) and triglycerides.Conclusion  In Mauritius, the distribution of impaired glucose metabolism differs by sex. The observation that IFG is more prevalent in men and IGT more prevalent in women raises important questions about their underlying aetiology and the ability of the current glucose thresholds to equally identify men and women at high‐risk of developing diabetes. IFG should be seen as a complimentary category of abnormal glucose tolerance, rather than a replacement for IGT.