bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depression of GABAergic input to identified hippocampal neurons by group III metabotropic glutamate receptors in the rat
Authors: Kogo Naoki , Dalezios Yannis , Capogna Marco , Ferraguti Francesco , Shigemoto Ryuichi , Somogyi Peter 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe release of GABA in synapses is modulated by presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). We tested whether GABA release to identified hippocampal neurons is influenced by group III mGluR activation using the agonist L‐(+)‐2‐amino‐4‐phosphonobutyric acid (L‐AP4) on inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) evoked in CA1 interneurons and pyramidal cells. In interneurons, characterized with biocytin and immunolabelling for somatostatin, evoked IPSCs were depressed by 50 µm L‐AP4 (activating mGluR4 and 8) to 68 ± 6% of control, but they were rarely depressed in pyramidal cells (96 ± 4% of control). At 300–500 µm concentration (activating mGluR4, 7 and 8), L‐AP4 depressed IPSCs in both interneurons (to 70 ± 6%) and pyramidal cells (to 67 ± 4%). The change in trial‐to‐trial variability and in paired‐pulse depression indicated a presynaptic action. In interneurons, the degree of IPSC depression was variable (to 9–87%), and a third of IPSCs were not affected by L‐AP4. The L‐AP4‐evoked IPSC depression was blocked by LY341495. The depression of IPSCs was similar in O‐LM cells and other interneurons. The lack of cell‐type selectivity and the similar efficacy of different concentrations of L‐AP4 suggest that several group III mGluRs are involved in the depression of IPSCs. Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry confirmed that mGluR4, mGluR7a and mGluR8a occur in the presynaptic active zone of GABAergic terminals on interneurons, but not on those innervating pyramidal cells. The high variability of L‐AP4‐evoked IPSC suppression is in line with the selective expression of presynaptic mGluRs by several distinct types of GABAergic neuron innervating each interneuron type.
GABAergic modulation of DC stimulation‐induced motor cortex excitability shifts in humans
Authors: Nitsche Michael A. , Liebetanz David , Schlitterlau Anett , Henschke Undine , Fricke Kristina , Frommann Kai , Lang Nicolas , Henning Stefan , Paulus Walter , Tergau Frithjof 
Published: May 2004

AbstractWeak transcranial DC stimulation (tDCS) of the human motor cortex results in excitability shifts during and after the end of stimulation, which are most probably localized intracortically. Anodal stimulation enhances excitability, whereas cathodal stimulation reduces it. Although the after‐effects of tDCS are NMDA receptor‐dependent, nothing is known about the involvement of additional receptors. Here we show that pharmacological strengthening of GABAergic inhibition modulates selectively the after‐effects elicited by anodal tDCS. Administration of the GABAA receptor agonist lorazepam resulted in a delayed, but then enhanced and prolonged anodal tDCS‐induced excitability elevation. The initial absence of an excitability enhancement under lorazepam is most probably caused by a loss of the anodal tDCS‐generated intracortical diminution of inhibition and enhancement of facilitation, which occurs without pharmacological intervention. The reasons for the late‐occurring excitability enhancement remain unclear. Because intracortical inhibition and facilitation are not changed in this phase compared with pre‐tDCS values, excitability changes originating from remote cortical or subcortical areas could be involved.
Ceftriaxone‐associated biliary sludge and pseudocholelithiasis during childhood: A prospective study
Authors: Bor Ozcan , Dinleyici Ener Cagri , Kebapci Mahmut , Aydogdu Sultan Durmus 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Background
: Cholelithiasis is a rare condition seen during childhood. The aim of this study was to determine frequency of biliary sludge and cholelithiasis with ceftriaxone therapy.
Methods
: Thirty‐eight children aged between 1 month and 17 years were evaluated with ultrasonographic examination at the initiation of the ceftriaxone therapy and 10th day of therapy, consecutively. If biliary sludge or cholelithiasis were demonstrated, scans were repeated monthly until pathology disappeared.
Results
: Abnormal gallbladder sonograms were demonstrated in 36.8% (n = 14) of patients at the 10th day of therapy. Cholelithiasis was detected in 28.9% (n = 11) of patients and biliary sludge was detected in 7.9% (n = 3). Two children still had cholelithiasis at the 30th day after therapy and one had cholelithiasis after the 60th day. The 9‐year‐old girl who still had cholelithiasis after 60 days of therapy also had nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain at 7 days after cessation of therapy. Her 90th day sonographic examination was normal.
Conclusion
: Reversible biliary sludge or pseudocholelithiasis due to ceftriaxone treatment is not a rare condition. Therefore it is benign, spontaneously resolved and clinical signs are usually absent.
Endothelins and their inhibition in the human skin microcirculation: ET[1−31], a new vasoconstrictor peptide
Authors: Leslie Stephen J. , Rahman Mamun Q. , Denvir Martin A. , Newby David E. , Webb David J. 
Published: May 2004

Aims  Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1[1−21]) is an extremely potent vasoconstrictor in the human skin microcirculation and is generated from larger precursor peptides. The aims of the present study were to assess the vasoactive effects of these precursors as well as endothelin blockade in the human skin microcirculation, in vivo.Methods  Six healthy volunteers received intradermal injections of a range of doses of big ET‐1[1−38], ET‐1[1−31], ET‐1[1−21], BQ‐123 (ETA receptor antagonist), BQ‐788 (ETB receptor antagonist), phosphoramidon [endothelin converting enzyme (ECE) inhibitor] or saline control (0.9%). Skin blood flow (SBF) was measured using standard laser Doppler flowmetry.Results  Big ET‐1[1−38], ET‐1[1−31] and ET‐1[1−21] reduced SBF when compared with saline control (P < 0.01 for all). Big ET‐1[1−38] and ET‐1[1−31] were less potent than ET‐1[1−21] as defined by skin vasoconstriction. Phosphoramidon, BQ‐123 and BQ‐788, given alone, all caused vasodilatation in the human skin microcirculation (P < 0.01 for all).Conclusions  In the human skin microcirculation, big ET‐1[1−38] and ET‐1[1−31] are less potent vasoconstrictors than ET‐1[1−21]. The effects of big ET‐1[1−38] and phosphoramidon suggest the presence of endogenous ECE activity in the skin. In contrast to skeletal muscle resistance vessels, ET‐1[1−21] contributes to the maintenance of skin microvascular tone through both ETA and ETB receptor‐mediated vasoconstriction.
Leflunomide in active rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study in daily practice
Authors: Van Roon E. N. , Jansen T. L. TH. A. , Mourad L. , Houtman P. M. , Bruyn G. A. W. , Griep E. N. , Wilffert B. , Tobi H. , Brouwers J. R. B. J. 
Published: May 2004

AimsWe prospectively studied the efficacy, incidence of adverse drug reactions and withdrawal from leflunomide in an outpatient population with rheumatoid arthritis in a setting of care‐as‐usual.MethodsIn this prospective case series study, from outpatient medical records a standard dataset was collected including patient and disease characteristics, data on leflunomide use and adverse drug reactions.ResultsDuring the study period 136 rheumatoid arthritis patients started leflunomide. Median (range) follow‐up duration was 317 (11–911) days. Sixty‐five percent of patients experienced at least one adverse drug reaction related to leflunomide. During follow‐up 76 patients (56%) withdrew from leflunomide treatment, mainly because of adverse drug reactions (29%) or lack of efficacy (13%). The overall incidence density for withdrawal from leflunomide was 56.2 per 100 patient‐years. Complete data for calculating efficacy using a validated disease activity score on 28 joints (DAS28) was available for 48, 36, and 35% of patients at 2, 6, and 12 months follow‐up, respectively. Within a 12‐month period after start of leflunomide treatment 76% of the evaluable patients were classified as moderate or good responders according to the DAS28 response criteria.ConclusionsIn the setting of care‐as‐usual, rheumatoid arthritis patients starting leflunomide frequently experienced adverse drug reactions. More than half of the patients withdrew from leflunomide treatment within a year after start of leflunomide treatment, mainly because of adverse drug reactions.
Relationship between Type A and B personality and debrisoquine hydroxylation capacity
Authors: Gan S. H. , Ismail R. , Wan Adnan W. A. , Zulmi W. , Kumaraswamy N. , Larmie E. T. 
Published: May 2004

AimA person with Type A personality is an ‘aggressor’ compared with the rarely harried Type B. Although debrisoquine hydroxylase (CYP2D6) capacity has been associated with personality, no study has specifically investigated its association with personality Type A and B. Therefore the aim of this research was to study the impact of CYP2D6 on Type A and B personality.MethodsType A and B personality questionnaires were administered to 48 healthy patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. After obtaining informed consent, patients were genotyped for the various CYP2D6 alleles by allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction. Based on the genotypes, patients were grouped as extensive metabolizer (EM)1 (normal) (CYP2D6*1/*1), EM2 (intermediate) (CYP2D6*1/*4, CYP2D6*1/*5, CYP2D6*1/*9 and CYP2D6*1/*10) and EM3 (slow) (CYP2D6*4/*10, CYP2D6*5/*10, CYP2D6*10/*10 and CYP2D6*10/*17). χ2 was used to determine the relationship between the groups and personality types.ResultsThe percentages of patients who were of the EM1, EM2 and EM3 groups were 20.8%, 52.1% and 27.1%, respectively. There was a significant difference (P = 0.032) between the three groups in terms of personality type, in which EM1 showed a tendency to be of personality Type A while EM2 and EM3 tended to be of personality Type B.ConclusionThe study suggests that there is a relationship between CYP2D6 activity and Type A and B personality.
Bisphosphonate use and subsequent prescription of acid suppressants
Authors: Roughead E. E. , McGeechan K. , Sayer G. P. 
Published: May 2004

AimTo determine the extent of prescribing of acid suppression agents associated with initiation of bisphosphonate therapy.MethodsThis was a case control study, performed within the General Practice Network, Australia. The main outcome measure was re‐attendance within six weeks from index bisphosphonate prescription for acid supression agents.ResultsOf the bisphosphonate cases, 2.9%[95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8, 3.9] returned within 6 weeks for a prescription for proton pump inhibitor, histamine 2 receptor antagonist or antacid, compared with 0.9% of control patients (95% CI 0.5, 1.2). However, the bisphosphonate cases had significantly higher rates of previous use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents. After controlling for previous nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use, the increased use of acid suppression agents was statistically significant, the odds ratio = 3.21 (95% CI 2.02, 5.11).ConclusionBisphosphonate use appears to be associated with increased use of acid suppressant agents within 6 weeks of first supply.
Population pharmacokinetics of total and unbound plasma cisplatin in adult patients
Authors: Urien Sail , Lokiec François 
Published: May 2004

AimsTo investigate the pharmacokinetics of unbound (ultrafilterable) and total plasma platinum using a population approach and to identify patient characteristics that may influence the disposition of the drug.MethodsPharmacokinetic and demographic data were collected from adult patients treated with 30‐min daily infusions of cisplatin for various malignancies. Unbound and total platinum concentration‐time data were analysed using a nonlinear mixed effects model.ResultsData from 43 patients were available for analysis. A linear two‐compartment model best described total and unbound platinum plasma concentration‐time data. The mean population estimates for total and unbound drug were, respectively, 0.68 and 35.5 l h−1 for clearance and 21.1 and 23.4 l for central distribution volume (V1). Unbound clearance (CL) was dependent on body surface area (BSA) and creatinine clearance, and V1 was dependent on BSA. The elimination rate constant for plasma‐bound platinum (modelled as metabolite formation) was 0.014 h−1. The pharmacokinetic parameter, fm/Vm, a measure of the clearance of unbound platinum due to irreversible plasma binding, was related to serum protein concentration and to the inverse of dose per m2. The covariate modelling of CL, V1 and fm/Vm improved the intersubject variabilities associated with these parameters. The final pharmacokinetic models were validated using 200 bootstrap samples from the original datasets.ConclusionsThe results support the conventional dose adjustment of cisplatin based on BSA. They also support the need for a dose reduction in case of renal insufficiency.
Bridging the gap between health and education: Words are not enough
Authors: O'Keeffe MJ , McDowell M 
Published: May 2004

Objectives:  When using specific terminology for childhood developmental disorders, paediatricians make assumptions about what teachers know and believe. If these assumptions are incorrect, collaborative management may be compromised. We surveyed primary school teachers in North Brisbane regarding their beliefs about developmental disorders and their views on collaboration between medical and educational professionals.Methods:  A survey questionnaire was written specifically, and then piloted with professional colleagues and 40 teachers. Questions examined teachers’ opinions about, and personal experience with various developmental disorders. Free comments addressed barriers to collaboration with doctors, and how this might be improved. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results:  Responses were received from all of the 41 schools surveyed. Overall, completed questionnaires were obtained from 297 of 397 (75%) primary classroom teachers surveyed. Several apparent misconceptions were held, either by the majority (e.g. 70% felt dietary modification is commonly successful treatment for ADHD), or by a significant minority of teachers (e.g. 23% believed autistic spectrum disorder is not a permanent neurological condition). Responses to many questions concurred with the authors’ assumptions. Teachers reported high levels of concern about lack of training and resource support for managing special‐needs children. Over three‐quarters of teachers did not access doctors for information, relying instead on special education professionals (96%) or parents (94%). Few group differences were noted by age, sex, years teaching experience, or system (Catholic, State). Free comments identified significant barriers to the collaboration process, and suggested strategies to address these.Conclusions:  Doctors cannot assume teachers’ beliefs about developmental disorders are similar to their own. Furthermore, doctors should recognize constraints that teachers work under, and can take the initiative to improve collaboration with topic‐based as well as child‐specific information.
A randomized trial of two dexamethasone regimens to reduce side‐effects in infants treated for chronic lung disease of prematurity
Authors: Odd DE , Armstrong DL , Teele RL , Kuschel CA , Harding JE 
Published: May 2004

Objective:  Dexamethasone has been widely used to reduce the incidence of chronic lung disease in preterm infants. However side‐effects are common, and the ideal dose of dexamethasone has not been identified. We aimed to determine whether an individualized course of dexamethasone given to preterm babies at risk of chronic lung disease reduced the total dose of dexamethasone administered and reduced side‐effects compared with a standard 42‐day course.Methods:  Thirty‐three infants in a regional neonatal unit with a birthweight of ≤1250 g who required mechanical ventilation at 7 days of age were randomly assigned to a 42‐day course of dexamethasone or an individualized course tailored to their respiratory status. The primary outcome was linear growth at 36 weeks corrected gestational age.Results:  Infants in the individualized course received a 40% lower total dose of dexamethasone. However, there was no difference between the two groups in linear growth or in the incidence of any other side‐effects of treatment. There was also no difference in respiratory status or neurodevelopmental outcome.Conclusion:  The individualized course of dexamethasone used in this study reduced the total dose of dexamethasone administered but did not significantly reduce side‐effects of treatment or alter outcome in infants at risk of chronic lung disease.
Obesity and under‐nutrition in a tertiary paediatric hospital
Authors: O'Connor J , Youde LS , Allen JR , Baur LA 
Published: May 2004

Objective:  (i) To determine the prevalence of over‐ and under‐nutrition in both inpatients and outpatients in a tertiary paediatric hospital; (ii) to compare the prevalence of over‐nutrition with that in the Australian community and (iii) to determine whether nutritional status has an impact on length of stay in hospital.Methods:  Patients aged over 12 months were proportionately sampled from medical and surgical wards and outpatient clinics. Data were collected for 245 inpatients (54% male) and 272 outpatients (55% male). Children's height, weight and body mass index (kg/m2) were measured. Overweight, obesity and under‐nutrition were defined according to international criteria. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was compared with that in the 1995 Australian National Nutrition Survey (NNS).Results:  Similar proportions of inpatients and outpatients were underweight (6%) and wasted (4%). The prevalence of overweight and obesity in inpatients (22%) was similar to the NNS but was significantly higher in outpatients (32%, P < 0.0001). In a regression model to predict inpatient length of stay, nutritional status (P = 0.004) and the interaction between age and nutritional status (P = 0.009) were significant predictors. For over‐nourished inpatients, length of stay increased significantly with age. For normally nourished and under‐nourished inpatients, length of stay was relatively constant, regardless of age.Conclusions:  There is a high prevalence of over‐nutrition in paediatric patients, and increased length of stay for older over‐nourished inpatients. These issues need to be addressed in terms of opportunities for intervention and impact on hospital resources.
Behavioral outcome including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder/hyperactivity disorder and minor neurological signs in perinatal high‐risk newborns at 4−6 years of age with relation to risk factors
Authors: Sato Masuko , Aotani Hirofumi , Hattori Ritsuko , Funato Masahisa 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Background
: Diagnostic problems with the criteria of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, 4th edn, have been identified. The aim of this study was to clarify whether the minor neurological signs test (MNT) the authors had previously reported was a predictor for the criteria of ADHD or hyperactivity disorder (HD) in perinatal risk children at 4−6 years of age and what kind of risk factors related to MNT1.
Methods
: A total of 136 children discharged from neonatal intensive care units were examined at the age of 4−6 years by a developmental neuropediatrician using both MNT and diagnostic criteria of DSM‐IV ADHD/ICD‐10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th edn) HD. SPSS base and professional were used for statistical analysis.
Results
: On comparison of diagnostic criteria between ADHD (11.0%) and HD (27.5%), the incidence in the same subjects showed significant difference. MNT scores showed significant correlation with criteria of ADHD (P < 0.01) and HD (P < 0.05). Diagnostic validity of MNT for predicting ADHD was demonstrated with 78% sensitivity and 79% specificity. High positive rates on MNT did not show a significant difference between the very low birthweight (VLBW) and non‐low birthweight (NLBW) groups. Behavioral outcome with relation to risk factors were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Apgar 5 in the NLBW group and toxemia of pregnancy and small for gestational age (SGA) in VLBW group were highly correlated with behavioral outcome.
Conclusions
: Minor neurological signs test score was a significant predictor for criteria of ADHD and HD. High incidences of positive MNT were suspected in not only VLBW children but also NLBW children and Apgar 5 in NLBW children and toxemia of pregnancy and SGA in VLBW children influenced behavioral outcome.
Water and electrolyte absorption from hypotonic oral rehydration solution in rat small intestine and colon
Authors: Nishinaka Daisuke , Kishino Fumiharu , Matsuura Akihiro 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Background
: The authors evaluated and compared the efficacy of hypotonic oral rehydration solutions (ORS), isotonic ion solutions, and distilled water to elucidate the relation between net water absorption and osmolality, or between electrolyte absorption and their ion concentrations in rat small intestine and colon.
Methods
: Water and electrolyte absorption from two hypotonic ORS (Solita‐T granules No. 2 [STG2]; sodium 60 mEq/L, osmolality 249 mOsm/L, Solita‐T granules No. 3 [STG3]; sodium 35 mEq/L, osmolality 199 mOsm/L), two isotonic ion solutions (Aqualight [AL]; sodium 30 mEq/L, osmolality 290 mOsm/L, Pocarisweat [PS]; sodium 21 mEq/L, osmolality 300 mOsm/L), and distilled water, were evaluated by an in vivo perfusion technique with the small intestine and colon of anesthetized rats.
Results
: In the small intestine and colon, two hypotonic ORS significantly promoted net water absorption much greater than did two isotonic ion solutions (P < 0.05). Net sodium absorption from two hypotonic ORS was significantly greater than that from two isotonic ion solutions (P < 0.05). Sodium absorption from all solutions was greater in the colon than in the small intestine. Distilled water did not contribute to give net water absorption in the small intestine, but in the colon, it caused almost equivalent net water absorption to that by two hypotonic ORS. The largest amount of sodium secretion from the small intestine and colon was induced by distilled water.
Conclusions
: These data indicate that low osmolality is a crucial factor to facilitate water absorption, and the electrolytes, sodium and chloride, can effectively be salvaged in the colon.
Natural immunity to Haemophilus influenzae type B in children of Ankara, Turkey
Authors: Ocaktan Esin , Özyurda Ferda , Akar Nejat 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Background
: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection has a high morbidity and mortality rate especially in children under 5 years of age. The incidence of Hib disease in Turkey is not known, and Hib vaccine is not included in the National Immunization Program. The aim of this study was to determine the natural immunity to Hib of children 6−60 months of age living in the Park Health Center region of Ankara, Turkey.
Methods
: A total of 270 children were selected by layered random sampling method, and 242 of them (89.6%) participated in the study. A questionnaire was given to the parents of the children who were included in the study and blood samples were taken from those children. Anti‐Hib IgG antibody (anti‐PRP) level was determined in the serum by using anti‐Haemophilus influenzae IgG EIA kit and anti‐PRP antibody levels of 0.15 µg/mL and over were accepted as the natural immunity.
Results
: Natural immunity was determined in 65.3% of the children. A relationship was determined statistically between the history of disease with possible Hib agent and with natural immunity.
Conclusions
: The exposure rate of children with Hib was higher than expected, even in children who were just a few months old. Our data revealed that multicentric, national studies should be done to define the burden of Hib disease before making a decision for Hib vaccine to be included in the National Immunization Program.