bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of KCC2 accounts for the differential GABA responses between relay and intrinsic neurons in the early postnatal rat olfactory bulb
Authors: Wang Cong , Ohno Koji , Furukawa Tomonori , Ueki Takatoshi , Ikeda Masahiko , Fukuda Atsuo , Sato Kohji 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe rat olfactory bulb is anatomically immature at birth, and considerable neurogenesis and synaptogenesis are known to take place postnatally. In addition, significant physiological changes have also been reported in this period. For example, granule cell‐mediated inhibition following electrical stimulations to the lateral olfactory tract is robust during the first postnatal week, and then decreases abruptly after the second week. However, the mechanism underlying this enhanced inhibition remains to be elucidated. To know the cause of this phenomenon, we investigated the expression patterns of cation‐Cl– co‐transporters (KCC1, KCC2 and NKCC1) mRNAs, which are responsible for the regulation of [Cl–]i. In addition, responses to γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) were measured by gramicidin‐perforated patch‐clamp recordings and Ca2+ imaging using fura‐2. We found that in the early postnatal period, mitral cells expressing KCC2 mRNA were inhibited by GABA, while granule cells lacking KCC2 mRNA expression were depolarized or excited by GABA. These results indicate that transient GABA‐mediated excitation on granule cells might be the main cause of the enhanced inhibition on mitral cells, and suggest that these differential GABA responses between relay and intrinsic neurons play pivotal roles in the early postnatal rat olfactory bulb.
mGluRs induce a long‐term depression in the ventral tegmental area that involves a switch of the subunit composition of AMPA receptors
Authors: Bellone Camilla , Lüscher Christian 
Published: March 2005

AbstractExcitatory glutamatergic synapses on dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) undergo long‐lasting changes during conditioning of natural rewards and in response to drug exposure. It has been suggested that the ensuing context‐dependent behavioural changes are associated with an increased efficacy of synaptic afferents determined by the balance of long‐term potentiation (LTP) and long‐term depression (LTD). However, the molecular nature of the forms of LTP/LTD involved remains elusive. Here, using acute rat brain slices, we describe a form of long‐term depression (LTD) that was engaged by synaptic activity or exogenous agonists activating group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) and was sensitive to mGluR1 antagonists. Prior to mGluR‐LTD, AMPAR mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) showed strong rectification at positive potentials and were sensitive to Joro spider toxin (JST), a selective blocker of GluR2‐lacking AMPARs. After mGluR‐LTD, AMPAR EPSCs had linear current‐voltage relations and became insensitive to JST. We conclude that activation of mGluR1s triggers a redistribution exchanging native receptors for GluR2 containing AMPARs, ultimately causing LTD that may oppose pathological neuroadaptation.
Involvement of rostral prefrontal cortex in selection between stimulus‐oriented and stimulus‐independent thought
Authors: Gilbert Sam J. , Frith Christopher D. , Burgess Paul W. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWe used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate brain activity while healthy subjects performed three different tasks, each of which alternated between: (i) phases relying on stimulus‐oriented thought (i.e. cognitive processes provoked by incoming sensory information); and (ii) phases relying on stimulus‐independent thought (i.e. cognitive processes that were not related to any information in the immediate sensory environment). Within each task, the two phases were matched as closely as possible. In all three tasks, lateral rostral prefrontal cortex was transiently activated by a switch between stimulus‐oriented and stimulus‐independent thought (regardless of the direction of the switch). Medial rostral prefrontal cortex consistently exhibited sustained activity for stimulus‐oriented vs. stimulus‐independent thought. These results suggest the involvement of rostral prefrontal cortex in selection between stimulus‐oriented and stimulus‐independent cognitive processes.
The pharmacokinetics of 400 µg of oral desmopressin in elderly patients with nocturia, and the correlation between the absorption of desmopressin and clinical effect
Authors: Hvistendahl Gitte M. , Riis Anders , Nørgaard Jens P. , Djurhuus Jens C. 
Published: March 2005

OBJECTIVETo investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of oral desmopressin in elderly patients with nocturia, and to analyse any possible correlation between the absorption and clinical effect.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 32 patients were screened to determine the baseline number of nocturnal voids and the nocturia index; of these, 24 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were enrolled for a pharmacokinetic evaluation of oral desmopressin 400 µg. A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover‐effect evaluation period was then used to test the association between the absorption of desmopressin and pharmacodynamic effect. Serial plasma samples were collected for 8 h for a pharmacokinetic analysis of desmopressin. The pharmacodynamics after an equivalent oral dose before bedtime were assessed by measuring changes in the number of nocturnal voids, time to first nocturnal void and nocturnal diuresis, from placebo to active treatment.RESULTSThere was a linear relationship between plasma desmopressin at 2 h after dosing and the area under the plasma concentration curve from 0 to infinity (Pearson's ρ 0.923, P < 0.001). Women had a significantly higher plasma desmopressin concentration than men (P = 0.0012) and more adverse events. There was no correlation between plasma desmopressin at 2 h after dosing and the within‐patient response in any of the effect variables. Generally, the number of nocturnal voids and nocturnal diuresis were half that with placebo. The time to the first nocturnal void was almost doubled compared with placebo.CONCLUSIONSThere seems to be a relationship between gender, plasma level of desmopressin and the incidence of adverse events. Plasma desmopressin at 2 h after dosing cannot be used to predict the pharmacodynamic response, although desmopressin lowers the nocturnal diuresis and the number of nocturnal voids.
Nocturia, depression and antidepressant medication
Authors: Asplund Ragnar , Johansson Susanne , Henriksson Svante , Isacsson Göran 
Published: March 2005

OBJECTIVETo assess the possible relationship between treatment with selective serotonin‐reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the occurrence of nocturia.SUBJECTS AND METHODSAn unselected group of adult men and women, living in the city of Östersund, Sweden, were sent a postal questionnaire containing questions on somatic and mental health, sleep, sleepiness and nocturia. For depression diagnostics, the Major Depression Inventory (MDI) was used. Prescription data on antidepressant drugs were extracted from a register in the county of Jämtland, Sweden.RESULTSThe questionnaire was completed by 1375 subjects, of whom 609 (44%) were men; the response rate was 69%. Prescription data were available for all respondents. The mean (sd) age of the men and women participating were 48.0 (18.2) and 50.1 (19.1) years, respectively. Two or more nocturnal micturition episodes were reported in 15.6% of the men and 16.5% of the women. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, independent correlates for two or more nocturnal voids vs no more than one were: age 45–59 years vs <45 (odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval 1.9–4.7); age 60–74 vs <45 (6.0; 3.7–9.8); age > 75 vs <45 (13.4; 7.9–22.6); major depression, yes vs no (4.6; 2.8–7.5); and being on treatment with SSRI, yes vs no (2.2; 1.1–4.5). Gender was deleted by the logistic regression model.CONCLUSIONMajor depression has previously been found to be associated with increased nocturnal micturition. In the present study, twice as many men and women treated with SSRIs as those not so treated had two or more nocturnal voids, after adjusting for major depression and age. The implication for the risk of fall injuries is discussed.
Day‐case sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence: feasibility and safety
Authors: Giri Subhasis K. , Drumm John , Saunders Jean A. , McDonald Jane , Flood Hugh D. 
Published: March 2005

OBJECTIVETo prospectively assess the feasibility for discharge 10 h after a porcine dermal pubovaginal sling procedure (PVS), to examine the surgical factors (postoperative complications) affecting discharge, and to measure the short‐term cure rate for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween June 2003 and December 2003, 40 consecutive patients with SUI and scheduled for treatment using a porcine dermal sling were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were admitted with a planned overnight stay and returned to the ward with no urinary catheter. Outcome measures were bladder emptying efficiency (EE) at 10 h after surgery, time intervals to the first three spontaneous voids, EE of the first three voids, time required to achieve an EE of ≥ 75%, a visual analogue scale pain score, perioperative complications, and short‐term cure rate of SUI. Patients were considered suitable for discharge from hospital when the EE was ≥ 75% or when they were self‐catheterizing confidently with adequate pain control and no significant complication. All patients were followed for 6 months.RESULTSThe median EE at 10 h was 61%; 16 patients (40%) achieved efficient emptying and were suitable for discharge 10 h after surgery. The median intervals to the first three spontaneous voids were 7, 10 and 17 h, and the median EEs for the first three voids 46%, 61% and 75%. The median visual analogue scale pain score was 3.5. Patients with intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) were significantly less likely to achieve efficient emptying at 10 h (39% vs 70%). Overall SUI was cured or improved in 90% of patients at the 6‐month follow‐up.CONCLUSIONSIn the present study only 40% of patients were suitable for day‐case sling surgery. Early bladder emptying inefficiency was the main limiting factor. Exclusion of patients with ISD and possibly decreasing the EE threshold to 50% would improve the discharge rate. The short‐term results of this PVS are similar to those obtained with the autologous fascial sling.
A stereological analysis of fibrosis and inflammatory reaction induced by four different synthetic slings
Authors: Thiel Marcelo , Rodrigues Palma Paulo C. , Riccetto Cássio L.Z. , Dambros Miriam , Netto Nelson R. 
Published: March 2005

OBJECTIVESTo analyse quantitatively, using stereological methods, the density of the collagen fibres induced by four types of sling materials, and verify by a histopathological analysis the corresponding inflammatory reaction, as fibrosis secondary to sling implantation is considered responsible for restoring urethral support and re‐establishing continence in women with stress urinary incontinence, and new synthetic materials that promote adequate fibrosis with the least intensity and duration have been proposed to substitute the aponeurotic sling.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study comprised 70 isogenic white Wistar rats divided into three groups: group A (30 rats) had 8 × 4 mm strips of silicone and porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) implanted in the abdominal subcutaneous tissues; group B (30 rats) had 8 × 4 mm strips of polycaprolactone and polylactic acid copolymers and monofilament polypropylene (PLP) implanted the abdominal subcutaneous layer; while a control group of 10 rats had dissection and suturing with 5/0 Nylon in the abdominal subcutaneous layer, as used to fix the strips in the other rats. Picro‐Sirius staining was used to assess collagen fibres, and haematoxylin‐eosin for the histopathological study. At 7, 30 and 90 days after surgery, 10 rats from each group were killed and assessed.RESULTSAfter 7 days all the materials induced a moderate inflammatory reaction that did not differ from that in the control group. At 30 days there was no difference between the control and polycaprolactone and polylactic acid copolymers, having the least inflammatory reaction. PLP and silicone produced a moderate inflammatory reaction, while the porcine SIS induced a more intense reaction. At 90 days there was a more intense inflammatory reaction in polycaprolactone and polylactic acid copolymers than before but it was less than with PLP and silicone, which again were no different. During this period the inflammatory reaction induced by SIS was greater. The stereological analysis indicated that collagen fibres induced by polycaprolactone and polylactic acid copolymers and PLP were less dense (61% and 65%, respectively), and significantly less than with silicone (85%) and SIS (86%).CONCLUSIONPLP was the best nonabsorbable material as it induced a less intense inflammatory reaction than the other tested materials. As porcine SIS was completely absorbed the intense fibrosis induced is useful, as it is exclusively responsible for the urethral support later after surgery.
Comparison of laparoscopic and open donor nephrectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Simforoosh Nasser , Basiri Abbas , Tabibi Ali , Shakhssalim Nasser , Hosseini Moghaddam Seyed M.M. 
Published: March 2005

Authors from Iran compare various outcomes between laparoscopic and open donor nephrectomy in kidney transplantation; they carried out a large comparative trial, and found that laparoscopic donor nephrectomy gave better donor satisfaction and morbidity, with equivalent graft outcome.OBJECTIVETo compare the graft survival, donor and recipient outcome, donor satisfaction, and complications of laparoscopic (LDN) and open donor nephrectomy (ODN) in kidney transplantation.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a randomized controlled trial, 100 cases each of LDN and ODN were compared. We modified the standard LDN procedure to make it less expensive.RESULTSThe mean (sd) operative duration was 152.2 (33.9) min for ODN and 270.8 (58.5) min for LDN, and the mean duration of kidney warm ischaemia was 1.87 min for ODN and 8.7 min for LDN. Only one LDN required conversion to ODN because of bleeding. The mean follow‐up in the LDN and ODN groups was not significantly different (406.1 vs 403.8 days). The mean (sd) score for donor satisfaction was 17.3 (3.5) for ODN and 19.6 (1.0) for LDN. The rate of ureteric complications was 2% for ODN and none for LDN. As determined by serum creatinine levels at 3, 21–30, 90, 180 and 365 days after surgery, graft function was not significantly different between ODN and LDN. Long‐term graft survival was 93.8% for LDN and 92.7% for ODN.CONCLUSIONSCompared to ODN, LDN was associated with greater donor satisfaction, less morbidity and equivalent graft outcome.
How accurate is weight estimation in the emergency department?
Authors: Menon Shyaman , Kelly Anne‐Maree 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjective:  To determine the accuracy of medical staff, nursing staff and patients for estimating weight in an ED population.Methods:  This is a prospective, observational study. Medical staff, nursing staff and patients were asked to estimate patient weight that was then measured. The main outcome was average per cent error in weight estimation for each group.Results:  Average per cent error in estimates was 3.9% for patients (95% CI 3.6–4.1%), 7.7% (95% CI 7.2–8.2%) for nurses and 11% (95% CI 10.2–11.7%) for physicians. Ninety‐one per cent of patients (95% CI 90–93%), 78% of nurses (95% CI 75–80%) and 59% of physicians (95% CI 56–63%) made weight estimates accurate to within 10% of actual weight.Conclusion:  Patients are generally accurate in estimating their true weight and health care workers showed only moderate accuracy. Where possible, drug dose calculations should be based on measured weight and if this is not possible, patient estimate of weight should be sought. Health care worker estimation should be used only when this is not possible.
Challenges in arranging interhospital transfers from a small regional hospital: An observational study
Authors: Craig Simon S 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjective:  To describe the process of interhospital transfer from a small regional hospital ED.Methods:  Prospective observational case series of patients transferred from the ED of West Gippsland Hospital (WGH), Victoria from February to August 2003. Outcome measures were expressed as the number of phone calls required to facilitate interhospital transfer, the time taken for a proposed transfer to be accepted and the total time a transferred patient spent in the ED.Results:  Eighty‐one of 129 transferred patients had all data available. Those with missing data had similar ED length of stays, and were of similar age and acuity to those with complete data available. Mean (95% CI) values for the study population were number of phone calls: 4.7 (95% CI 3.96–5.43); time to transfer acceptance: 56.7 min (95% CI 19.1–94.8 min); and total time in ED: 307 min (95% CI 32.9–372.6 min). Men (P = 0.01), older patients (P = 0.02) and those for whom a centralized referral service were consulted (P = 0.006) were more likely to require four or more phone calls to facilitate transfer. The time until a transfer was accepted was more likely to be longer than an hour for patients who were transferred to critical care areas (P = 0.02) and those for whom a centralized referral service was consulted (P = 0.002). Patients referred to another ED spent less time in WGH ED than other transferred patients.Conclusion:  There is wide variation in the time taken and the number of phone calls to arrange an interhospital transfer, with some patient groups requiring more effort to organize a transfer.
Boarder belly: Splenic injuries resulting from ski and snowboarding accidents
Authors: Geddes Ross , Irish Kevin 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjective:  Snowboarding has increased in popularity worldwide, with an associated increase in injuries suffered by its participants with a significant proportion of these injuries being severe. We sought to understand the risk of sustaining a splenic injury in snowboarders as compared to skiers, and whether there are noteworthy differences in their characteristics at hospital admission.Methods:  A 10‐year retrospective review was conducted on patients with splenic injury resulting from snowboarding or skiing, who were admitted to the principle ED and referral hospital servicing several busy downhill skiing areas. Population‐based injury rates were calculated for our catchment area, using data provided by the Canadian Ski Council.Results:  Controlling for gender, snowboarders were six times more likely to sustain a splenic injury than skiers (P < 0.0001). The risk of splenic injury was 21.7 times greater for male snowboarders than for female snowboarders (P = 0.002). By contrast, no gender differences were observed for skiers. Snowboarders admitted to hospital with a splenic injury were significantly younger, more likely to present with an isolated injury and to required a shorter hospital stay, as compared to skiers.Conclusion:  The risk of sustaining an injury of the spleen resulting from blunt abdominal trauma while snowboarding is significantly greater than the risk while downhill skiing. Male snowboarders have a significantly higher risk of splenic injury than female snowboarders. In the majority of cases, snowboarders sustained their injuries as a result of falls or jumps.
The status of emergency medicine in Makira Ulawa Province, Solomon Islands
Authors: Ratu Sade Kenton 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis Perspective reports on the challenges that face a solo doctor in a provincial hospital in the Solomon Islands following the civil disturbances of 1998–2003. The Health Service is seriously constrained by a paucity of funding, supplies and personnel. In spite of that, a rudimentary service can be provided and lives can be saved using simple techniques and basic resources. Further training of nurses, midwives and doctors is required. Emergency medicine, as a generalist discipline, provides a foundation to improve the delivery of care to the acutely ill and injured in these circumstances.
The retroperitoneal surface in distal caecal and proximal ascending colon carcinoma: the Cinderella surgical margin?
Authors: Bateman A C , Carr N J , Warren B F 
Published: March 2005

Background:Mesorectal margin tumour involvement is a predictor of local recurrence in rectal carcinoma and an indication for postoperative radiotherapy in suitable patients. However, the prevalence of non-peritonealised surgical margin involvement in ascending colon carcinoma is unknown.Aims:To test the hypothesis that retroperitoneal surgical margin (RSM) tumour involvement occurs in distal caecal and proximal ascending colon carcinoma.Methods/Results:One hundred right hemicolectomy specimens, removed for adenocarcinoma of the caecum or proximal ascending colon, were studied. During routine specimen dissection, at least one additional tissue block was taken to include the tumour and the RSM. The tumour distance from the RSM was recorded. RSM tumour involvement was present in seven cases (7%). Direct (non-nodal) RSM tumour involvement (five cases) only occurred in posterior or circumferential tumours.Conclusions:RSM tumour involvement occurs within a considerable number of distal caecal and proximal ascending colon carcinomas. The rate of RSM tumour involvement identified here is similar to a previously published local recurrence rate of 10% in caecal carcinoma, suggesting that RSM tumour involvement may be a predictor of recurrence in these tumours. Therefore, patients with distal caecal or proximal ascending colon carcinoma and RSM tumour involvement may benefit from postoperative radiotherapy.
Coxsackievirus B3 sequences in the myocardium of fatal cases in a cluster of acute myocarditis in Greece: Figure 1
Authors: Spanakis N , Manolis E N , Tsakris A , Tsiodras S , Panagiotopoulos T , Saroglou G , Legakis N J 
Published: March 2005

Aim:The investigation of three fatal cases during a nationwide cluster of cases of an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) associated with myocarditis and/or pericarditis in Greece in 2002.Methods:In the three women who died, necropsies were performed and tissue sections were taken for histological examination, antigen detection by immunohistochemistry and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), amplification of viral genomes by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and sequence analysis.Results:All samples showed histological signs of active myocarditis. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of the enterovirus VP1 family of proteins and IFA revealed the presence of coxsackievirus B3 antigen. Nested RT-PCR amplified enteroviral alleles of the 5′-untranslated region which were identical to each other and to the coxsackievirus B3 sequences.Conclusions:This study provides pathological evidence of enteroviral infection among fatal myocarditis cases in a nationwide URTI cluster of cases associated with myocarditis and/or pericarditis.