Functional brain plasticity following childhood maltreatment: A longitudinal fMRI investigation of autobiographical memory processing.

Altered autobiographical memory (ABM) processing characterizes some individuals with experiences of childhood maltreatment. This fMRI study of ABM processing evaluated potential developmental plasticity in neural functioning following maltreatment. Adolescents with (N = 19; MT group) and without (N = 18; Non-MT group) documented childhood maltreatment recalled specific ABMs in response to emotionally valenced cue words during fMRI at baseline (age 12.71 ± 1.48) and follow-up (14.88 ± 1.53 years). Psychological assessments were collected at both timepoints. Longitudinal analyses were carried out with BOLD signal changes during ABM recall and psychopathology to investigate change over time. In both groups there was relative stability of the ABM brain network, with some developmental maturational changes observed in cortical midline structures (ventromedial PFC (vmPFC), posterior cingulate cortex (pCC), and retrosplenial cortex (rSC). Significantly increased activation of the right rSC was observed only in the MT group, which was associated with improved psychological functioning. Baseline group differences in relation to hippocampal functioning, were not detected at follow-up. This study provides preliminary empirical evidence of functional developmental plasticity in children with documented maltreatment experience using fMRI. This suggests that altered patterns of brain function, associated with maltreatment experience, are not fixed and may reflect the potential to track a neural basis of resilience.

Harms from a partner's drinking: an international study on adverse effects and reduced quality of life for women.

BACKGROUND: Partners of heavy drinking individuals can be detrimentally affected as a result of their partner's drinking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify the proportion of heterosexual intimate partner relationships with a heavy drinking male that resulted in reported alcohol-related harm and to investigate the impact of this on well-being in 9 countries. METHODS: This study used survey data from the Gender and Alcohol's Harm to Others (GENAHTO) Project on Alcohol's Harm to Others in 9 countries (10,613 female respondents, 7,091 with intimate live-in partners). Respondents were asked if their partners drinking had negatively affected them as well as questions on depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with life. RESULTS: The proportion of partnered respondents that reported having a harmful heavy drinking partner varied across countries, from 4% in Nigeria and the US to 33% in Vietnam. The most consistent correlate of experiencing harm was being oneself a heavy episodic drinker, most likely as a proxy measure for the acceptability of alcohol consumption in social circles. Women with a harmful heavy drinking partner reported significantly lower mean satisfaction with life than those with a partner that did not drink heavily. CONCLUSIONS: Harms to women from heavy drinking intimate partners appear across a range of subgroups and impact on a wide range of women, at least demographically speaking. Women living with a heavy drinking spouse experience higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms and lower satisfaction with life.

Size and shape of the posterior neck muscles measured by ultrasound imaging: normal values in males and females of different ages.

Measurements of muscle strength or size are valuable indicators of muscle status in health and disease. When force cannot be measured directly, due to a particular muscle being one of a functional group or because of pain, size measurements may be the only option. For such data to be useful, normal values for age and gender are necessary. Procedures for scanning and measuring semispinalis capitis and the deep posterior neck muscles (semispinalis cervicis, multifidus and rotatores) using ultrasound imaging are described and normal data provided on size, shape and symmetry of these muscles from a sample of 99 healthy subjects (46 males aged 20-72 years and 53 females aged 18-70 years). Significant gender differences were found (P<0.001) but muscle size did not alter significantly with age. Between-side symmetry can be used to assess abnormality of the deep neck muscle group but not semispinalis capitis. A regression equation is provided for predicting the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the deep neck muscles from spinous process length in males. Clinically, linear measurements can be used to predict the neck muscle CSAs (r=0.66-0.84, P<0.001). The method described for assessing the neck muscles is a potentially valuable tool in clinical practice.

Ultrasound imaging of lumbar multifidus muscle: normal reference ranges for measurements and practical guidance on the technique.

This cross-sectional, prospective study aimed to produce normal reference data for measurements of the lumbar multifidus muscle. A total of 120 subjects, 68 females (aged 20-64 years) and 52 males (20-69 years) were studied. Bilateral transverse ultrasound images were made of multifidus at the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae (L4 & L5). Cross-sectional area (CSA, cm(2)) and linear dimensions (AP, anteroposterior; Lat, lateral) were measured and the latter expressed as a ratio (AP/Lat) to reflect shape. Relationships between CSA and anthropometric measures were examined. Multifidus CSA was larger in males (P<0.001) and age had no effect. The CSA was larger at L5 than L4 (P<0.001) and highly correlated between the two levels (males r=0.82, females 0.80). Differences in muscle shape were observed for gender, age and vertebral level. Between-side symmetry was high for size but not shape (CSA <10% difference). Linear measurements multiplied (APxLat) correlated highly with CSA (all groups r0.94, P<0.0001). The AP dimension was also acceptably predictive of CSA at L4 (r0.79). There were no clinically useful correlations between CSA and anthropometric measures. These findings provide normal references ranges for objective assessment of lumbar multifidus. This paper also addresses specific practical issues when scanning multifidus.

Phenytoin-salicylate interaction.

Ten healthy adult subjects took a single daily dose of phenytoin for 9 days to achieve a steady-state serum phenytoin concentration in the therapeutic range. While continuing on phenytoin, subjects took increasing doses of salicylate in a step-wise fashion, each dose (325, 650, and 975 mg) given every 4 hr for 48 hr. Serum (total) and salivary (free) phenytoin concentrations and serum salicylate concentrations were measured before and after each dose level of salicylate. Protein binding displacement of phenytoin by salicylate occurred only at the highest salicylate dose. Serum phenytoin control levels fell from 13.5 +/- 1.2 to 10.3 +/- 0.8 micrograms/ml (p less than 0.01), salivary phenytoin levels rose from 0.97 +/- 0.09 to 1.13 +/- 0.12 micrograms/ml (p less than 0.05), and phenytoin free fraction (salivary/serum ratio) increased from 7.14 +/- 0.34% to 10.66 +/- 0.57% (p less than 0.01) in the highest salicylate dose periods. There was no difference in these parameters during low-dose or intermediate-dose salicylate therapy. Linear-regression analysis failed to show a relationship between serum salicylate concentration and serum or salivary phenytoin concentration. Although high-dose salicylate induced protein binding displacement of phenytoin, it is unlikely that this is of clinical importance since the rise (16%) in the free (salivary) phenytoin concentration was small. Serum total phenytoin concentration may fall during salicylate therapy but the dose of phenytoin should not be altered unless there are overt signs of toxicity.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of some 3-substituted octahydropyrido(2,1-c)(1,4)oxazines.

3-Phenyloctahydropyrido[2,1-c][1,4]oxazine hydrochloride and the 10R and 10S diastereomers have been synthesized from (+/-)-, (+)-, and (-)-2-piperidinemethanol. Treatment of 2-piperidinemethanol with alpha-bromoacetophenone gave 3-hydroxy-3-phenyloctahydropyrido[2,1-c][1,4]oxazine which was readily converted to the 3-phenyl derivative by catalytic hydrogenolysis. These compounds were shown to possess a depressant action on the CNS which was quantitated in terms of reduction of locomotor activity in mice. Qualitative differences were noted in the central effects of the 3-phenyl compound and its hemiketal derivative. Further, qualitative differences in the effects of the diastereomers of the 3-phenyl compound on locomotor activity of mice were also noted. The results of this study suggest that the octahydropyrido[2,1-c]1,4]oxazine system may provide a useful molecular framework for the construction of agents exhibiting pharmacologically useful actions in the CNS.

Diuretic activity of Mannich base derivatives of ethacrynic acid and certain ethacrynic acid analogues.

Various Mannich base derivatives of selected phenoxyacetic acid type diuretics were synthesized and their diuretic potency was evaluated in dogs. It is concluded that the Mannich bases possess little, if any, diuretic activity of their own. Those Mannich bases that do possess diuretic activity undoubtedly do so as a consequence of an elimination reaction (a retro-Michael type reaction) which yields the corresponding pharmacologically active alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone.

3-Aryl- and 3-hydroxy-3-aryloctahydropyrido[2,1-c][1,4]oxazines. Synthesis, stereochemistry, and central nervous system pharmacological actions.

A series of substituted 3-aryl- and hydroxy-3-aryloctahydropyrido[2,1-c][1,4]oxazines has been synthesized for purposes of investigating potentially useful CNS pharmacological actions of this novel heterocyclic system. The preferred conformation of the bicyclic system of the parent compounds, 1 and 2, has been shown to be trans with equatorial orientation of the 3-phenyl substituent in each compound. The various substituted aryl analogues of this series are depressants of motor activity in mice, and certain analogues exhibit significant anticonvulsant and appetite suppressant activity in test animals.

Acute effects of alkylating agents on canine renal function. 1. [4-(2-Bromoalkanoyl)phenoxy]acetic acids.

A group of [4-(2-bromoalkanoyl)phenoxy]acetic acids was studied to determine if there was an association between the alkylating ability and the diuretic activity of its members. Acute studies in dogs revealed that there is not a consistent correlation in the alkylating potential of these alpha-bromo ketones and their ability to induce a diuretic response. In addition, pretreatment of dogs with the various alpha-bromo ketones did not alter the diuretic activity normally observed with ethacrynic acid (EA). The role of chemical-induced renal tissue alkylation in the initiation of a diuresis or a nephrotoxic response is discussed.

Acute effects of alkylating agents on canine renal function: specifically designed synthetic maleimides.

Maleimidohippurates and maleimidobenzoates were synthesized that possess a carboxy group for active uptake into renal proximal tubular cells and a reactive maleimide moiety to covalently bond with proximal tubular components. The reactivity of the maleimide moiety in each series was progressively reduced by substitution of methyl groups in place of the vinyl hydrogens. In contrast to N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), the resulting maleimidohippurates and maleimidobenzoates did not possess significant diuretic activity in the dog following renal arterial administration. However, as predicted, the nephrotoxicity of the maleimidohippurates paralleled their in vitro alkylating ability and was quite specifically located in the proximal portion of the canine renal tubule.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of enaminones. 3. Investigations on 4'-, 3'-, and 2'-substituted and polysubstituted anilino compounds, sodium channel binding studies, and toxicity evaluations.

In a continuing evaluation of the aniline-substituted enaminones, the synthesis of additional para-substituted analogs has been made in an attempt to further quantify the electronic (sigma) and lipophilic (pi) requirements for anticonvulsant activity in this series. In addition, meta- and ortho-substituted and polysubstituted compounds have been synthesized and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. In the para-substituted series, 4-cyano analogs (32 and 33) (+ sigma, - pi), which were highly active via intraperitoneal (ip) injection in mice, were inactive on oral (po) administration in rats. The para-substituted trifluoromethoxy (+ sigma, + pi) analog (8) had significant potency by both routes. Meta substitution limited the activity due to steric factors. Bromo and iodo substituents produced active para-substituted analogs (5 and 17) but were inactive when substituted in the meta position (37 and 41, respectively). Ortho substitution provided no clear relationship due to nonparametric deviations. Neither 1, the prototype enaminone, nor 2, the putative metabolite, produced significant nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity. Sodium channel binding of 1 and 8 indicated that 8 displayed relatively potent sodium channel binding but 1 showed weaker effects with IC50 values of 489 and 170 microM respectively against [3H]batrachotoxinin A 20 alpha-benzoate ([3H]BTX-B).

A new microcellular cytotoxicity test based on calcein AM release.

We present a microtest for cell-mediated immunity, based on the use of the Tarasaki tray and calcein AM vital dye. The number of target cells needed has been reduced to 500 per test with a corresponding tenfold reduction in the number of effector cells needed. Results were read at the rate of 1 second per test using a fluorimeter attached to a microscope. Each reaction was also confirmed visually with the use of ethidium bromide as a counterstain for dead cells. The calcein AM dye used to stain the living cells was shown to have a low spontaneous leakage rate--less than 15% in 4 hours at 37 degrees C. Dilutions of targets stained by calcein AM had a linear relationship with measured fluorescence values. NK cells, LAKs, and CTLs were readily detectable by this microtest. Quantitation of killing and kinetic analysis was readily performed with this test system. A significant positive correlation to 51Cr-release results was found. We conclude that the microtest should find wide application in studies of cell-mediated immunity.

Extraintestinal and systemic manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease.

Extraintestinal and systemic manifestations occur commonly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, specifically ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and affect most all organ systems of the body. The occurrence of such widespread manifestations strongly suggests that these disorders are systemic in nature and may have a common mechanism. Extraintestinal manifestations may be incidental findings that cause no symptoms, but more commonly complicate the management of the underlying inflammatory bowel disease, being a source of considerable morbidity and mortality. Some extraintestinal manifestations not only correlate with a specific disease state but also with the location, extent, and degree of activity and disease. Most extraintestinal manifestations found in patients with inflammatory bowel disease involving the small intestine appear to correlate with some underlying pathophysiologic mechanism.

Nephrotoxicity following acute administration of N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide in rats.

The acute renal effects of the fungicide N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS) were studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats. NDPS (50 mg/kg, i.p.) increased urine volume and decreased food intake and body weight at 24 h but not 48 h. No change in urine content or the accumulation by renal cortical slices of the organic anion p-aminohippurate (PAH) or the organic cation tetraethylammonium (TEA) was observed with 50 mg/kg NDPS when compared to control animals. Rats receiving 100 or 200 mg/kg NDPS (i.p.) exhibited increased urine volume, proteinuria, glucosuria, decreased food intake and body weight, increased BUN and decreased accumulation of PAH and TEA at both 24 h and 48 h. These effects were generally more pronounced at the 200 mg/kg dose level. Pair-fed control experiments demonstrated that renal effects were NDPS-induced and not related to daily food consumption. NO change in water intake was observed with any dose of NDPS used. The results demonstrate that NDPS alters renal function in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, NDPS (50 mg/kg) is capable of producing diuresis without apparent nephrotoxicity while doses of 100 mg/kg or more produce diuresis and nephrotoxicity.

Effect of N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxysuccinimide on renal function and hemodynamics in the anesthetized rat.

The experimental agricultural fungicide N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS) is a nephrotoxicant in the Fischer 344 rat. NDPS induces nephrotoxicity via metabolic bioactivation to one or more metabolites. Both N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxysuccinimide (NDHS) and N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxysuccinamic acid (NDHSA), oxidative metabolites of NDPS, are more potent nephrotoxicants than the parent compound. Preliminary studies in our laboratory indicate that altered renal hemodynamics may contribute to the mechanism of NDPS-induced nephrotoxicity. However, it is not known if NDPS affects renal hemodynamics prior to or after altering tubular function. In this study, male Fischer 344 rats (275-300 g) were anesthetized with urethane (1.5 g/kg, i.p.) and prepared for renal function experiments. Renal blood flow (RBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urine flow rate (V) and fraction of GFR excreted as urine (V/GFR) were determined during eight 30 min intervals following NDHS (0.2 or 0.4 mmol/kg, i.p.) or vehicle (sesame oil, 2.5 ml/kg, i.p.) treatment. NDHS (0.2 or 0.4 mmol/kg) decreased GFR while urine flow rate and V/GFR were increased compared to vehicle-treated controls. These alterations in renal function were evident by 2 h post NDHS (0.4 mmol/kg) and by 3 h post-NDHS (0.2 mmol/kg) treatment. RBF of rats receiving NDHS (0.2 or 0.4 mmol/kg) tended to decrease post-NDHS treatment; however, this decrease was not significant. Results of this study indicate that NDHS (0.2 or 0.4 mmol/kg) initially alters renal function by reducing the tubular reabsorption of glomerular filtrate prior to a reduction of GFR and RBF.

Onset of and recovery from acute N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide-induced nephrotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats.

The time course for the onset of N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS)-induced nephrotoxicity was studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The ability of rats to recover from a single nephrotoxic dose (100 or 200 mg/kg) of NDPS also was examined. One hour following NDPS administration (200 mg/kg, i.p.), p-aminohippurate (PAH) accumulation by renal cortical slices was decreased 51%. Changes in renal morphology, proteinuria, hematuria, and diuresis were observed at 3 h. Renal damage at 6 h was similar to that seen at 24 h with tubular necrosis greater than that observed at 3 h and some lumina plugged with PAS+ material. Accumulation of both PAH and tetraethylammonium (TEA) by renal cortical slices was decreased; and proteinuria, hematuria, and polyuria were increased at 6 h and 24 h. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was not increased until 24 h. Renal function began to return to normal in rats receiving NDPS (100 mg/kg, i.p.) by 48 h, and functional recovery was complete by 168 h, although slight morphological changes were still evident. However, not all rats receiving NDPS (200 mg/kg, i.p.) recovered by 168 h, and some rats (3 of 7) died of renal failure between 96 h and 168 h. Widespread tubular necrosis and increased kidney weight were also present in this group at 168 h. Thus, NDPS-induced nephrotoxicity was evident by 1 h, established by 6 h and maximum between 24 h and 48 h. Recovery from NDPS-induced nephropathy was found to be dose-dependent, and incomplete in some animals at a dose of 200 mg/kg.

3,4-Dichlorophenylhydroxylamine cytotoxicity in renal cortical slices from Fischer 344 rats.

3,4-Dichlorophenylhydroxylamine (3,4-CPHA) is the N-hydroxyl metabolite of 3,4-dichloroaniline. 3,4-Dichloroaniline is a breakdown product of the herbicide Propanil. Previous work has shown that 3,4-dichloroaniline is acutely toxic to the kidney and bladder. The purpose of this study was to examine the in vitro toxicity of 3,4-dichlorophenylhydroxylamine. Renal cortical slices were prepared from male Fischer 344 rats (190-250 g) and were incubated with 0-0.5 mM 3,4-CPHA for 30-120 min under oxygen and constant shaking. 3,4-CPHA produced a concentration and time dependent alteration in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, organic ion accumulation and pyruvate stimulated gluconeogenesis. Glutathione levels were diminished within 60 min below control values by 0.1 and 0.5 mM 3,4-CPHA. A 30 min pretreatment with 0.1 mM deferoxamine did not alter 3,4-CPHA toxicity. Alterations in pyruvate stimulated gluconeogenesis and LDH leakage were comparable between vehicle and deferoxamine pretreated tissues. Other studies examined the effect of (1 mM) glutathione, 2 mM ascorbic acid and 1 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) on toxicity. Pretreatment for 30 min with vehicle or 1 mM DTT induced comparable changes in LDH leakage and pyruvate stimulated gluconeogenesis. Pretreatment for 30 min with 1 mM glutathione or 2 mM ascorbic acid reduced 3,4-CPHA toxicity. LDH leakage was not elevated as markedly in renal slices pretreated with glutathione relative to slices pretreated with vehicle. These results indicate that 3,4-CPHA toxicity is through an iron independent mechanism. 3,4-CPHA cytotoxicity was reduced by pretreatment with glutathione or ascorbic acid suggesting formation of a reactive intermediate.

Acute nephrotoxicity induced by isomeric dichloroanilines in Fischer 344 rats.

Chlorinated anilines are widely used as chemical intermediates in the manufacture of numerous dyes, pesticides, drugs and industrial compounds. The purpose of this study was to examine the nephrotoxic potential of the six dichloroaniline (DCA) isomers in vivo and in vitro. In the in vivo studies, male Fischer 344 rats (4-8 rats/group) were administered a single, intraperitoneal injection of a DCA isomer (0.4, 0.8 or 1.0 mmol/kg) as the hydrochloride salt or given vehicle (0.9% saline, 2.5 ml/kg), and renal function monitored at 24 and 48 h. Renal effects induced by DCA were characterized by decreased urine volume, increased proteinuria, hematuria, modest elevations in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations, decreased accumulation of p-aminohippurate (PAH) by renal cortical slices, and no change or a slight decrease in kidney weight. Renal morphological changes were observed as proximal tubular necrosis with lesser effects on distal tubular cells and collecting ducts. Based on the overall effects on renal function and morphology, the decreasing order of nephrotoxic potential was found to be 3,5-DCA greater than 2,5-DCA greater than 2,4-, 2,6- and 3,4-DCA greater than 2,3-DCA. The ability for the DCA to induce nephrotoxicity correlated well with the lipophilic properties of the DCA isomers and Hammett constants (sigma) for the various chloro substitutions. In the in vitro studies, renal cortical slices from naive male Fischer 344 rats were co-incubated with a DCA isomer (0-10(-3) M) and PAH or tetraethylammonium (TEA). All DCA isomers decreased PAH and TEA accumulation at 10(-3) M DCA concentration in the media with 3,5-DCA inducing the largest decrease at this concentration. These results indicate that DCA are capable of altering renal function in vivo and in vitro and that 3,5-DCA possesses the greatest nephrotoxic potential in vivo and in vitro.

Comparative acute renal effects of three N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)carboximide fungicides: N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide, vinclozolin and iprodione.

A large number of carboximides have been synthesized, tested and, in some cases, marketed as agricultural fungicidal agents. One carboximide fungicide N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS) proved to be both highly efficacious as a fungicide and a nephrotoxin. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute nephrotoxic potential of three N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)carboximide fungicides [NDPS, vinclozolin (VCLZ) and iprodione (IPDO)] to determine if nephrotoxic potential correlated with fungicidal efficacy among this class of structurally-related agricultural agents. Male Fischer 344 rats (4 rats/group) received a single intraperitoneal injection of a fungicide (0.4 or 1.0 mmol/kg) or vehicle (sesame oil, 2.5 ml/kg), and renal function was monitored at 24 and 48 h. NDPS (0.4 or 1.0 mmol/kg)-induced renal effects were characterized by marked diuresis, increased proteinuria, elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration and kidney weights, decreased organic ion accumulation by renal cortical slices and proximal tubular necrosis. In contrast, IPDO and VCLZ (0.4 or 1.0 mmol/kg) administration resulted in only minor or no alterations in the renal function parameters studied and renal morphology. These results suggest that fungicidal efficacy does not correlate with acute nephrotoxic potential among the N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)carboximide fungicides.

N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide nephrotoxicity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

N-(3,5-Dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS) is an experimental fungicide which induces renal toxicity. The following study examined the nephrotoxicity induced by NDPS in streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. Male Fischer 344 (F344) rats were injected with 35 mg/kg STZ (i.p.) or citrate buffer. Fourteen days after STZ or citrate buffer injection, the rats (4-6 rats/group) were injected with (0.4 or 1.0 mmol/kg) NDPS or vehicle (sesame oil, 2.5 ml/kg). Kidney weight, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, morphology and renal cortical slice uptake of organic ions was quantitated 48 h after NDPS administration. A 0.4 mmol/kg dose of NDPS induced diuresis, increased kidney weight and a moderate elevation in BUN levels in the normoglycemic group. The 1.0 mmol/kg dose of NDPS produced diuresis, proteinuria, increased kidney weight and a marked increase in BUN levels in the normoglycemic group. The renal cortical slice uptake of p-aminohippurate (PAH) and tetraethylammonium (TEA) was also decreased 48 h after NDPS injection in the normoglycemic group. No alterations in kidney weight, BUN levels, morphology or renal cortical slice uptake of organic ions was observed in the diabetic animals treated with (0.4 or 1.0 mmol/kg) NDPS. The results of this study indicate that the renal toxicity of NDPS was reduced in the diabetic rat.