bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychotropic medication use among children with autism spectrum disorders within the Simons Simplex Collection: Are core features of autism spectrum disorder related?
Authors: Mire Sarah S , Nowell Kerri P , Kubiszyn Thomas , Goin-Kochel Robin P
Published: September 2013

Psychotropic medication use and its relationship to autism spectrum core features were examined in a well-characterized but nonstratified North American sample ( N = 1605) of children/adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders utilizing the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised, from the multisite Simons Simplex Collection. Analyses included (a) prevalence of psychotropic use (overall, and by classes), (b) correlations between prevalence of use and autism spectrum core features, age, and cognitive functioning, and (c) logistic regression to identify whether these factors were predictive of psychotropic use. Results indicated 41.7% ever used one or more classes of psychotropic medications, with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medications used most. Small but significant correlations between psychotropic medication use and (a) social impairment ( p < .001) and (b) repetitive behaviors ( p < .001) were found. Overall, however, autism spectrum disorder core features are weakly related to medication use. Older children used more psychotropics ( p < .001), and higher cognitive functioning was associated with less overall psychotropic use ( p < .001). Logistic regression indicated that use of psychotropics was predicted by repetitive behaviors (both clinician-observed and parent-reported), age, and cognitive ability level. Limitations inherent to the Simons Simplex Collection sample, methodology, and the correlational analyses are discussed. Directions for future research include investigation of factors more influential than core symptoms on psychotropic treatment (e.g. parent perceptions, comorbid symptoms).
On the historical narrative in the classroom and its measure of interest
Authors: Vansover Yaron
Published: September 2013

This article examines the narrative structure used by Israeli history teachers in their lessons. The investigation makes use of the analytical tools of narratology, employing the constitutive narratological distinction between fabula and szujet. It becomes clear that the narrative structure which teachers of history commonly use impedes their ability to prepare lessons which interest their pupils. The article proposes that history teachers adopt a different narrative structure, which may captivate their pupils and arouse greater interest in learning history.
Philosophy, philosophy of education, and economic realities
Authors: White John
Published: September 2013

In 2009 Harvey Siegel edited The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Education. This article develops a theme, prompted by reflection on several essays in that volume, about the nature of philosophy of education and its relation to philosophy. Siegel’s view that philosophy of education is a branch of philosophy is put to the test, largely via a comparison between philosophy of education and aesthetics. At the other end of the spectrum, Philip Kitcher, another contributor, is attracted to Dewey’s view that philosophy is ‘the general theory of education’. Like Kitcher’s piece, this article does not see philosophy of education as a specialism within philosophy. It warms to Martha Nussbaum’s and Randall Curren’s more practically orientated pieces, as well as to Kitcher’s disturbing analysis of the shift of capital towards East Asia, and the poor prospects many countries have for a humane, democratic society and education system, as their efforts are directed towards economic survival. The last section takes up Kitcher’s suggestion that philosophy of education should bend its efforts to seeing what might be done to raise those prospects.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Medical Complications and 30-Day End points After Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Wang Jun , Si Yanfang , Li Sheng , Cao Xiangyu , Liu Xinfeng , Du Zhihua , Ge Aili , Zhang Alan , Li Baomin
Published: September 2013

With the extensive use of carotid artery stenting (CAS) surgeries, scholars are paying more attention to the safety and efficiency of CAS. Our study aims to analyze the clinical efficiency, safety, and technical feasibility of CAS surgery in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis. A total of 379 cases of CAS were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The outcomes were summarized according to decrease in stenosis extent, incidence of early complications after procedure, 30-day end point events, and the follow-up data. Logistic regression was employed to analyze the correlations between risk factors and complications within 30 days and 30-day end points of stroke, myocardial infarctions (MIs), and mortality. The average extent of stenosis reduced from preoperative (81% ± 17%) to postoperative (26% ± 17%). In all, 53 patients had 72 medical complications, including 6 (1.58%) cerebral hemorrhage, 7 (1.85%) cerebral infarction, 5 (1.32%) transient ischemic attack (TIA), 5 (1.32%) heart failure, 10 (2.63%) symptomatic hypertension, 21 (5.54%) symptomatic hypotension, 10 (2.63%) symptomatic bradycardia, and 8 other complications; 15 patients had at least 2 complications. Advanced age, diabetes, and heart failure were associated with the high incidence of early complications ( P < .05). Asymptomatic stenosis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.131-1.131, P = .0426) and diabetes (OR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.340-8.574, P = .0099) were correlated with the incidence of 30-day end point events. Diabetes and symptomatic stenosis are independent risk factors for 30-day end point events of CAS. Advanced age, hypertension, and vascular unstable plaque will increase the risk of postoperative complications.
Neutralizing Their Involvement
Authors: Copley Lauren
Published: September 2013

This article seeks to extend the sex trafficking literature by addressing the knowledge gap surrounding sex traffickers. In addition, this analysis broadens Antonopoulos and Winterdyk’s (2005) analysis by contending that sex traffickers in various sociohistorical contexts use neutralizations based on the intersectional vulnerabilities of their victims. An examination of the sociocultural influences on traffickers’ use of techniques of neutralization contributes to a deeper understanding of sex trafficking and its cultural and social bases. This is essential to combating the practice as effective countermeasures must address the motivations, cultural constructions, and exploitation of intersectional identities that support sex trafficking.
Identification and functional characterization of a new IL-1 family member, IL-1Fm2, in most evolutionarily advanced fish
Authors: Angosto Diego , Montero Jana , López-Muñoz Azucena , Alcaraz-Pérez Francisca , Bird Steve , Sarropoulou Elena , Abellán Emilia , Meseguer José , Sepulcre María P , Mulero Victoriano
Published: September 2013

The IL-1 family consists of 11 members that play an important role as key mediators in inflammation and immunity. Here, we report the identification of a new member of the IL-1 family (IL-1Fm2) that is present in species belonging to the most evolutionarily advanced group of teleost fish (Series Percomorpha), including Perciformes, Beloniformes, Gasterosteiformes, Cyprinodontiformes and Pleuronectiformes. However, IL-1Fm2 seems to be absent in Tetraodontiformes, which also belong to the Percomorpha. The expression pattern of gilthead seabream IL-1Fm2 revealed that although it was hardly induced by PAMPs, the combination of PAMPs and recombinant IL-1Fm2 synergistically induced its expression in macrophages and granulocytes. In addition, recombinant IL-1Fm2 was able to activate the respiratory burst of seabream phagocytes and to synergistically induce the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-10 when combined with PAMPs. Finally, although gilthead seabream IL-1Fm2 did not show a conserved caspase-1 processing site, macrophages processed IL-1Fm2 before being released. However, both pan-caspase and caspase-1 inhibitors failed to inhibit the processing and release of IL-1Fm2. These results demonstrate an important role of IL-1Fm2 in the regulation of fish immune responses, shed light on the evolution of the IL-1 family in vertebrates and point to the complexity of this cytokine family.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis
Authors: Brocklebank Adam , Maraj Hemant
Published: September 2013

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common condition that will, at some point, affect three-quarters of all women of reproductive age. It is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast. There are a number of situations that make candidiasis more likely, including pregnancy, diabetes, immunosuppression and use of antibiotics. Although many women self-medicate for mild flare-ups, they may seek the help of their GP if symptoms are severe or recurrent. This article aims to review the current evidence in investigating and managing vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Facial pain: trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: O’Neill Francis , Rajlawat Bijaya
Published: September 2013

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a debilitating condition characterised by attacks of sharp, shooting, severe pain in the orofacial region. It can be triggered by activities of daily living such as eating, speaking, washing the face, shaving and brushing teeth. It therefore has a significant impact on a patient’s social interaction, mood and well-being. Other causes for facial pain need to be effectively excluded prior to establishing a diagnosis of TN. It is important to establish a diagnosis promptly. Often patients can see many practitioners including their general dental practitioner, GP and various secondary referral practitioners before a diagnosis is made. This can add significantly to distress and delays treatment. This article describes the clinical features of TN, differential diagnosis, initial management options and presents guidance on referral to secondary care.
The efficacy and safety of daclizumab and its potential role in the treatment of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Milo Ron
Published: September 2013

Daclizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody of the immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) isotype that binds to the α-subunit (CD25) of the high-affinity interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor expressed on activated T cells and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells. Based on the assumption that it would block the activation and expansion of autoreactive T cells that are central to the immune pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), daclizumab was tested in several small open-label clinical trials in MS and demonstrated a profound inhibition of inflammatory disease activity. Surprisingly, accompanying mechanistic studies revealed that the most important biological effect of daclizumab was rather a dramatic expansion and activation of immunoregulatory CD56bright natural-killer (NK) cells that correlated with treatment response, while there was no or only minor effect on peripheral T-cell activation and function. These CD56bright NK cells were able to gain access to the central nervous system in MS and kill autologous activated T cells. Additional and relatively large phase IIb clinical trials showed that daclizumab, as add-on or monotherapy in relapsing–remitting (RR) MS, was highly effective in reducing relapse rate, disability progression, and the number and volume of gadolinium-enhancing, T1 and T2 lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and reproduced the expansion of CD56bright NK cells as a biomarker for daclizumab activity. Daclizumab is generally very well tolerated and has shown a favorable adverse event (AE) profile in transplant recipients. However, several potentially serious and newly emerging AEs (mainly infections, skin reactions, elevated liver function tests and autoimmune phenomena in several body organs) may require strict safety monitoring programs in future clinical practice and place daclizumab together with other new and highly effective MS drugs as a second-line therapy. Ongoing phase III clinical trials in RRMS are expected to provide definite information on the efficacy and safety of daclizumab and to determine its place in the fast-growing armamentarium of MS therapies.
Is Efficiency Overrated?
Authors: Sandstrom Gillian M. , Dunn Elizabeth W.
Published: September 2013

When we buy our daily cup of coffee, sometimes we engage in a social interaction with the barista, and sometimes we are in a rush. Every day we have opportunities to transform potentially impersonal, instrumental exchanges into genuine social interactions, and the happiness literature suggests that we may reap benefits by doing so; in other words, treating a service provider like we would an acquaintance (i.e., weak tie) might make us happier. In the current study, people who had a social interaction with a barista (i.e., smiled, made eye contact, and had a brief conversation) experienced more positive affect than people who were as efficient as possible. Further, we found initial evidence that these effects were mediated by feelings of belonging. These results suggest that, although people are often reluctant to have a genuine social interaction with a stranger, they are happier when they treat a stranger like a weak tie.
Self-Control and Forgiveness
Authors: Burnette Jeni L. , Davisson Erin K. , Finkel Eli J. , Van Tongeren Daryl R. , Hui Chin Ming , Hoyle Rick H.
Published: September 2013

In the 12 years since scholars first investigated the link between self-control and forgiveness (Finkel & Campbell, 2001), the literature investigating this relation has grown rapidly. The present article reports a meta-analytic review of this link across 40 independent samples and 5,105 independent observations. In addition, it investigates an array of potential moderators. Results revealed that the overall link between self-control and forgiveness is statistically robust and small to moderate in magnitude ( r = .18). Consistent with the prevailing theoretical models, this link is stronger when forgiveness is assessed in terms of low vengeance (resisting retaliation: r = .31) rather than in terms of high benevolence (fostering prosociality: r = .16). Discussion focuses on the potentially crucial role of forgiveness, especially vengeance inhibition, in linking self-control to relationship well-being.
Expanding the Self Brick by Brick
Authors: Mattingly Brent A. , Lewandowski Gary W.
Published: September 2013

We conducted three studies to examine whether novel and interesting experiences can expand individuals’ self-concepts. In Studies 1 and 2, participants completed measures of experienced self-expansion and self-concept size. Results indicated that participants who had more novel and interesting experiences tended to have larger self-concepts. In Study 3, we employed an embodied cognition manipulation of self-expansion and again measured self-concept size. Results indicated that participants who pulled (vs. pointed to) objects labeled with novel and interesting (vs. nonnovel and uninteresting) activities toward themselves reported larger self-concepts. Additionally, those who pulled novel and interesting (vs. nonnovel and uninteresting) activities reported a larger self-concept. These studies provide the first empirical evidence that nonrelational novel and interesting experiences result in self-concept growth.
Ethnic museum public relations: Cultural diplomacy and cultural intermediaries in the digital age
Authors: Johnson Melissa A. , Sink William
Published: September 2013

This article introduces the concept of ethnic public relations to the literature. Exemplars are current US controversies over ethnic museums, one form of ethnic organization that the authors emphasize in this article. The authors recommend a research agenda encompassing three areas. The first focuses on ethnic public relations practitioners and cultural intermediary, cultural diplomacy and public diplomacy roles. The second discusses ethnic public relations as a societal institution. The third illustrates how ethnic public relations faces particular challenges and opportunities in reaching publics, especially via digital communication.
Sitagliptin ameliorates the progression of atherosclerosis via down regulation of the inflammatory and oxidative pathways
Authors: Majeed Sahar A , Hadi Najah R , Al Mudhafar Ahmed M , Al-Janabi Hussein A
Published: September 2013

Back ground:

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of death. The most common risk factors are hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and other factors like chronic infection and inflammation.

Objective:

This study was undertaken to assess the effect of sitagliptin on atherosclerosis via interfering with inflammatory and oxidative pathways.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 18 local domestic male rabbits were included in this study. The animals were randomly divided into three groups (6 rabbits in each group): Group I normal were fed with chow (oxiod) diet for 12 weeks. Group II were fed with 1% cholesterol enriched diet for 12 weeks. Group III rabbits fed with cholesterol enriched diet for 6 weeks, and then continued on cholesterol enriched diet and treated with sitagliptin 125 mg/kg/day orally for the next 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the start of the study, at 6 weeks of the study and then at the end of treatment to measure serum lipids profile, hsCRP and TNFα. At end of the study, the aorta was removed for measurement of MDA, glutathione and, aortic intima-media thickness.

Results:

Sitagliptin results in a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in serum level of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and TNFα with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum HDL level. There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in aortic MDA, in comparison to the untreated control group. Furthermore, sitagliptin causes significant increment (p < 0.05) in aortic GSH in comparison to induced untreated group. Regarding histopathological results, sitagliptin results in a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in atherosclerotic lesions in comparison to the induced untreated group and significant reduction in aortic intima-media thickness (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Sitagliptin reduced atherosclerosis progression in hyperlipidemic rabbit via its effect on lipid parameters and interfering with inflammatory and oxidative stress.
Placental blood transfusion in newborn babies reaches a plateau after 140 s: Further analysis of longitudinal survey of weight change
Authors: Law Graham R , Cattle Brian , Farrar Diane , Scott Eleanor M , Gilthorpe Mark S
Published: September 2013

Objective:

With the introduction of active management of the third stage of labour in the 1960s, it became usual practice to clamp and cut the umbilical cord immediately following birth. The timing of this cord clamping is controversial, as blood may beneficially be transferred to the baby if clamping of the cord is delayed slightly. There is no agreement, however, on how long the delay should be before clamping the cord. This study aimed to establish when blood ceased to flow in the umbilical cord to determine how long to delay clamping of the umbilical cord following delivery of the term newborn to maximise placental transfusion.

Methods:

This observational study collected longitudinal weight measurements set in a hospital labour ward. A total of 26 mothers at term and their singleton babies participated in the study. In this reanalysis, the velocity of weight change over the first minutes of life determined by functional data analysis was estimated.

Results:

We found that the flow velocity in the umbilical cord was on average 0 at 125 s after placing the baby on the scales, which was typically 140 s after birth.

Conclusions:

To maximise placental transfusion, cord clamping should be delayed for at least 140 s following birth of the baby.
Unmasking Class
Authors: Radmacher Kimberley , Azmitia Margarita
Published: September 2013

This study examined class identity negotiation among upwardly mobile poor and working-class emerging adults. Twenty-one ethnically diverse emerging adults narrated class-related experiences during interviews about their transition to college. Narratives were coded for (1) the strategies emerging adults used to make sense of their class experiences and (2) the events that prompted their class identity negotiation. Participants used class identity management strategies that reflected dissociation or resistance. Cross-class interactions that involved recognition of financial and behavioral disparities between themselves and their professional class peers were more likely to trigger both dissociation and resistance strategies. In contrast, noncomparative class-related experiences (e.g., parent loss of job) and same-class interactions were more likely to elicit dissociation strategies. These findings highlight the struggle and feelings of ambivalence that upwardly mobile emerging adults face as they manage the stigma and discrimination associated with their class background and protect their self-esteem.
Brand-related, Consumer to Consumer, Communication via Social Media
Authors: Kapoor Payal S. , Jayasimha K.R. , Sadh Ashish
Published: September 2013

Social media has a lot to offer to the marketers in the form of a ‘web of brand-related-conversations’. With the popularity of social media, users indulge in ‘eword-of-mouth’ (eWOM) behaviour while interacting with other users of social media, thereby diffusing the brand-related discussions to a much larger audience. Consumers have compelling stories to share about their brand experiences, seek recommendations and exchange product information with other users of social media. This research brings to the fore factors that can, at outset, induce eWOM behaviour in the form of motivation and social relational properties. Drivers or motives of eWOM behaviour on social media are unique and at the same time nurturing relationships and networking is one of the fundamental functionality users of social media derive. Therefore, both of these factors ought to play a crucial role in comprehending the underlying eWOM behaviour. Researchers have empirically found eWOM on social media to be capable of influencing, both, consumption-related behaviour and brand equity. Even marketers, with the help of technology, are closely monitoring eWOM to capture consumer sentiments and insights. Unlike traditional WOM, which mostly originated from known and trustworthy sources, eWOM may originate from sources where no significant prior relationship exists. Therefore, the influence of eWOM towards consumption-related behaviours is likely to be moderated by credibility perceptions consumers derive from both, the source of the eWOM and the message itself. Hence to understand the phenomenon better, this is a conceptual article based on extensive review of relevant literature that attempts to understand the precursors that lead to eWOM behaviour on social media and the role of credibility. The study suggests a conceptual model along with testable propositions.
Temporal Trends, Clinical Characteristics, and Outcomes of Histoplasmosis in a Tertiary Care Center in Kentucky, 2000 to 2009
Authors: Myint Thein , Al-Hasan Majdi N. , Ribes Julie A. , Murphy Brian S. , Greenberg Richard N.
Published: September 2013

The impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the epidemiology of AIDS-associated histoplasmosis in the past decade is poorly defined. Among 100 patients with histoplasmosis in an endemic region between 2000 and 2009, 42 patients were immunocompetent, 32 were infected with HIV, and 26 were non-HIV-immunocompromised patients. The percentage with HIV decreased 67% in 2000-2001 to 18% in 2008-2009 ( P = .004), while the proportion of non-HIV immunocompromised patients increased, 8% to 41% ( P = .14). Histoplasma antigen was the most sensitive test (73%), whereas potassium hydroxide examination of clinical specimens was the least sensitive test (33%) in all 3 groups. Bronchoalveloar fluid culture (74%) had the highest yield among the cultures. The relapse rate was higher in HIV-infected patients compared to the other 2 groups ( P = .04). The epidemiology of histoplasmosis in our endemic area has changed during the era of HAART. Organ transplantation and increasing use of immunosuppressive agents for chronic inflammatory conditions in non-HIV patients now account for most of the cases of histoplasmosis.
The Impact of Education
Authors: Mapes-Gonnella Tia
Published: September 2013

Sonography has made substantial technological improvements over the years, removing many of the barriers to its application in evaluation of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system. Sonography offers the advantages of a dynamic, real-time evaluation that routinely incorporates patient movement, evaluation of MSK structures in symptomatic positions with real-time feedback from patients, and a patient-friendly, noninvasive imaging modality. However, educational standards and efficacy of musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) have demonstrated as much variance as published reports of MSUS accuracy and interobserver agreement. This review focuses on the available literature on MSUS utilization and training and the need for development of international standards and protocols that will serve to improve clinical application and interpretation as well as the quality of research, improving reliability and reproducibility of data.
T cells expressing CD123-specific chimeric antigen receptors exhibit specific cytolytic effector functions and antitumor effects against human acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Mardiros Armen , Dos Santos Cedric , McDonald Tinisha , Brown Christine E. , Wang Xiuli , Budde L. Elizabeth , Hoffman Lauren , Aguilar Brenda , Chang Wen-Chung , Bretzlaff William , Chang Brenda , Jonnalagadda Mahesh , Starr Renate , Ostberg Julie R. , Jensen Michael C. , Bhatia Ravi , Forman Stephen J.
Published: September 2013

Key Points

CD123 CAR T cells specifically target CD123+ AML cells. AML patient-derived T cells can be genetically modified to lyse autologous tumor cells.
Antithrombotic actions of statins involve PECAM-1 signaling
Authors: Moraes Leonardo A. , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel , Sasikumar Parvathy , Ali Marfoua S. , Kriek Neline , Sage Tanya , Gibbins Jonathan M.
Published: September 2013

Key Points

The inhibitory effect of platelet function by statins results, at least in part, in action on PECAM-1. Statins modulate Lyn activation and PECAM-1 tyrosine phosphorylation, resulting in the inhibition of downstream PI3K–dependent signaling.
Host programmed death ligand 1 is dominant over programmed death ligand 2 expression in regulating graft-versus-host disease lethality
Authors: Saha Asim , Aoyama Kazutoshi , Taylor Patricia A. , Koehn Brent H. , Veenstra Rachelle G. , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Munn David H. , Murphy William J. , Azuma Miyuki , Yagita Hideo , Fife Brian T. , Sayegh Mohammed H. , Najafian Nader , Socie Gerard , Ahmed Rafi , Freeman Gordon J. , Sharpe Arlene H. , Blazar Bruce R.
Published: September 2013

Key Points

PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression were upregulated during GVHD, whereas PD-1/PD-L1 was more critical than PD-1/PD-L2 in downregulating GVHD. Our data provide new insight into the differential roles of host PD-L1 and PD-L2 and associated mechanisms in controlling GVHD.
Platelet-derived ERp57 mediates platelet incorporation into a growing thrombus by regulation of the αIIbβ3 integrin
Authors: Wang Lu , Wu Yi , Zhou Junsong , Ahmad Syed S. , Mutus Bulent , Garbi Natalio , Hämmerling Günter , Liu Junling , Essex David W.
Published: September 2013

Key Points

Platelet-derived ERp57 plays an important role in physiologic platelet function and thrombosis. ERp57 directly interacts with αIIbβ3 in regulating its function.
Transcriptome profiling reveals links between ParS/ParR, MexEF-OprN, and quorum sensing in the regulation of adaptation and virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Wang Dongping , Seeve Candace , Pierson Leland S , Pierson Elizabeth A
Published: September 2013

Background

The ParS/ParR two component regulatory system plays critical roles for multidrug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was demonstrated that in the presence of antimicrobials, ParR enhances bacterial survival by distinct mechanisms including activation of the mexXY efflux genes, enhancement of lipopolysaccharide modification through the arn operon, and reduction of the expression of oprD porin.

Results

In this study, we report on transcriptomic analyses of P. aeruginosa PAO1 wild type and parS and parR mutants growing in a defined minimal medium. Our transcriptomic analysis provides the first estimates of transcript abundance for the 5570 coding genes in P. aeruginosa PAO1. Comparative transcriptomics of P. aeruginosa PAO1 and par mutants identified a total of 464 genes regulated by ParS and ParR. Results also showed that mutations in the parS/parR system abolished expression of the mexEF-oprN operon by down-regulating the regulatory gene mexS. In addition to the known effects on drug resistance genes, transcript abundances of the quorum sensing genes (rhlIR and pqsABCDE-phnAB) were higher in both parS and parR mutants. In accordance with these results, a significant portion of the ParS/ParR regulated genes belonged to the MexEF-OprN and quorum sensing regulons. Deletion of the par genes also led to increased phenazine production and swarming motility, consistent with the up-regulation of the phenazine and rhamnolipid biosynthetic genes, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results link the ParS/ParR two component signal transduction system to MexEF-OprN and quorum sensing systems in P. aeruginosa. These results expand our understanding of the roles of the ParS/ParR system in the regulation of gene expression in P. aeruginosa, especially in the absence of antimicrobials.
Breastfeeding and pain relief in full-term neonates during immunization injections: a clinical randomized trial
Authors: Modarres Maryam , Jazayeri Azam , Rahnama Parvin , Montazeri Ali
Published: September 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of breastfeeding on pain relief in full-term neonates during injection of hepatitis B vaccine.

Methods

This was a randomized clinical trial. A sample of full-term neonates was randomly allocated into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. Neonates in the experimental group were breastfed two minutes before, during, and after the hepatitis B immunization and the control group were held in mothers’ arms but not fed. Pain was assessed using the Douleur Aiguë du Nouveau-né (DAN) scale measuring facial expressions, limb movements and vocal expressions. The assessments were carried out after hepatitis B immunization.

Results

One hundred thirty healthy full-term neonates were studied (65 in the experimental group and 65 in the control group). Gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score and gender did not differ between the two groups. The mean total pain score as measured by the DAN scale was 3.52 (SD = 1.37) for the experimental group and it was 6.78 (SD = 1.69) for the controls indicating a significant lower pain score for the experimental group (P<0.001). Also, there were significant differences for the three measures of DAN scale that are facial expressions, limb movements and vocal expression, between the two study groups (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The findings confirm that breastfeeding reduces pain and is effective way for pain relief during hepatitis B vaccine injection.

Trial registration

IRCT201104166206N1
Food products qualifying for and carrying front-of-pack symbols: a cross-sectional study examining a manufacturer led and a non-profit organization led program
Authors: Emrich Teri E , Cohen Joanna E , Lou Wendy Y , L’Abbé Mary R
Published: September 2013

Background

Concern has been raised that the coexistence of multiple front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition rating systems in a marketplace may mislead consumers into believing that a specific food with a FOP is ‘healthier’ than foods without the symbol. Eleven summary indicator FOP systems are in use in Canada, including one non-profit developed system, the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Health Check™, and ten manufacturer-developed systems, like Kraft’s Sensible Solutions™. This study evaluated FOP’s potential to mislead consumers by comparing the number of products qualifying to carry a given FOP symbol to the number of products that actually carry the symbol.

Methods

The nutritional criteria for the Health Check™ and the Sensible Solutions™ systems were applied to a 2010–2011 Canadian national database of packaged food products. The proportion of foods qualifying for a given FOP system was compared to the proportion carrying the symbol using McNemar’s test.

Results

Criteria were available to categorize 7503 and 3009 of the 10,487 foods in the database under Health Check™ and Sensible Solutions™, respectively. Overall 45% of the foods belonging to a Health Check™ category qualified for Health Check’s™ symbol, while only 7.5% of the foods carried the symbol. Up to 79.1% of the foods belonging to a Sensible Solutions™, category qualified for Sensible Solutions’s™ symbol while only 4.1% of the foods carried the symbol. The level of agreement between products qualifying for and carrying FOP systems was poor to moderate in the majority of food categories for both systems. More than 75% of the products in 24 of the 85 Health Check™ subcategories and 9 of 11 Sensible Solution™ categories/subcategories qualified for their respective symbols based on their nutritional composition.

Conclusions

FOP systems as they are currently applied are not, in most instances, a useful guide to identifying healthier food products in the supermarket as many more products qualify for these systems than the number of products actually displaying these symbols on FOP, and the level of agreement between qualifying and carrying products is poor to moderate. The adoption of a single, standardized FOP system would assure consumers that all products meeting certain nutritional standards are designated by the symbol.
Diabetic retinopathy risk prediction for fundus examination using sparse learning: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Oh Ein , Yoo Tae Keun , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: September 2013

Background

Blindness due to diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the major disability in diabetic patients. Although early management has shown to prevent vision loss, diabetic patients have a low rate of routine ophthalmologic examination. Hence, we developed and validated sparse learning models with the aim of identifying the risk of DR in diabetic patients.

Methods

Health records from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) V-1 were used. The prediction models for DR were constructed using data from 327 diabetic patients, and were validated internally on 163 patients in the KNHANES V-1. External validation was performed using 562 diabetic patients in the KNHANES V-2. The learning models, including ridge, elastic net, and LASSO, were compared to the traditional indicators of DR.

Results

Considering the Bayesian information criterion, LASSO predicted DR most efficiently. In the internal and external validation, LASSO was significantly superior to the traditional indicators by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic. LASSO showed an AUC of 0.81 and an accuracy of 73.6% in the internal validation, and an AUC of 0.82 and an accuracy of 75.2% in the external validation.

Conclusion

The sparse learning model using LASSO was effective in analyzing the epidemiological underlying patterns of DR. This is the first study to develop a machine learning model to predict DR risk using health records. LASSO can be an excellent choice when both discriminative power and variable selection are important in the analysis of high-dimensional electronic health records.
Association between aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 polymorphisms and the incidence of diabetic retinopathy among Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Morita Kazunori , Saruwatari Junji , Miyagawa Haruna , Uchiyashiki Yoshihiro , Oniki Kentaro , Sakata Misaki , Kajiwara Ayami , Yoshida Akira , Jinnouchi Hideaki , Nakagawa Kazuko
Published: September 2013

Background

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) detoxifies reactive aldehydes in the micro- and macrovasculature. These substrates, including methylglyoxal and 4-hydroxynonenal formed from glucose and lipids, cause protein carbonylation and mitochondrial dysfunction, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The present study aimed to confirm the association between the inactive ALDH2*2 allele and diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods

A retrospective longitudinal analysis was conducted, among 234 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (156 males and 78 females) who had no DR signs at baseline and were treated for more than half a year. The ALDH2*1/*2 alleles were determined using a real-time TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidential intervals (CIs) for the cumulative incidence of the development of DR were examined using a Cox proportional hazard model, taking drinking habits and the serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) level into consideration.

Results

The frequency of the ALDH2*2 allele was 22.3%. Fifty-two subjects cumulatively developed DR during the follow-up period of 5.5 ± 2.5 years. The ALDH2*2 allele carriers had a significantly higher incidence of DR than the non-carriers (HR: 1.92; P = 0.02). The incidence of DR was significantly higher in the drinkers with the ALDH2*2 allele than in those with the ALDH2*1/*1 genotype (HR: 2.61; P = 0.03), while the incidence of DR in the non-drinkers did not differ significantly between the ALDH2 genotype groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of DR was significantly higher in the ALDH2*2 allele carriers with a high GGT level than in the non-carriers with a high or low GGT level (HR: 2.45; P = 0.03; and HR: 2.63; P = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a significant association between the ALDH2*2 allele and the incidence of DR. These findings provide additional evidence that ALDH2 protects both microvasculature and macrovasculature against reactive aldehydes generated under conditions of sustained oxidative stress, although further investigations in larger cohorts are needed to verify the results.
Culture-adapted Plasmodium falciparum isolates from UK travellers: in vitro drug sensitivity, clonality and drug resistance markers
Authors: van Schalkwyk Donelly A , Burrow Rebekah , Henriques Gisela , Gadalla Nahla B , Beshir Khalid B , Hasford Christian , Wright Stephen G , Ding Xavier C , Chiodini Peter L , Sutherland Colin J
Published: September 2013

Background

The screening of lead compounds against in vitro parasite cultures is an essential step in the development of novel anti-malarial drugs, but currently relies on laboratory parasite lines established in vitro during the last century. This study sought to establish in continuous culture a series of recent Plasmodium falciparum isolates to represent the current parasite populations in Africa, all of which are now exposed to artemisinin combination therapy.

Methods

Pre-treatment P. falciparum isolates were obtained in EDTA, and placed into continuous culture after sampling of DNA. One post-treatment blood sample was also collected for each donor to monitor parasite clonality during clearance in vivo. IC50 estimates were obtained for 11 anti-malarial compounds for each established parasite line, clonal multiplicity measured in vivo and in vitro, and polymorphic sites implicated in parasite sensitivity to drugs were investigated at the pfmdr1, pfcrt, pfdhfr, pfdhps and pfap2mu loci before and after treatment, and in the cultured lines.

Results

Plasmodium falciparum isolates from seven malaria patients with recent travel to three West African and two East African countries were successfully established in long-term culture. One of these, HL1211, was from a patient with recrudescent parasitaemia 14 days after a full course of artemether-lumefantrine. All established culture lines were shown to be polyclonal, reflecting the in vivo isolates from which they were derived, and at least two lines reliably produce gametocytes in vitro. Two lines displayed high chloroquine IC50 estimates, and carried the CVIET haplotype at codons 72–76, whereas the remaining five lines carried the CVMNK haplotype and were sensitive in vitro. All were sensitive to the endoperoxides dihydroartemisinin and OZ277, but IC50 estimates for lumefantrine varied, with the least sensitive parasites carrying pfmdr1 alleles encoding Asn at codon 86.

Conclusions

This study describes the establishment in continuous culture, in vitro drug sensitivity testing and molecular characterization of a series of multiclonal P. falciparum isolates taken directly from UK malaria patients following recent travel to various malaria-endemic countries in Africa. These “HL” isolates are available as an open resource for studies of drug response, antigenic diversity and other aspects of parasite biology.
Effects of short-term fructooligosaccharide intake on equol production in Japanese postmenopausal women consuming soy isoflavone supplements: a pilot study
Authors: Tousen Yuko , Uehara Mariko , Abe Fumiko , Kimira Yoshifumi , Ishimi Yoshiko
Published: September 2013

Background

Recent studies suggest that some of the clinical effectiveness of soy or daidzein, which is a type of isoflavone, may be attributed to a person’s ability to produce equol from daidzein. Equol, which is a metabolite of one of the major soybean isoflavones called daidzein, is produced in the gastrointestinal tract by certain intestinal microbiota where present. Habitual dietary patterns may alter the intestinal bacterial profile, and influence the metabolism of isoflavones and the production of equol. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) have a prebiotic activity as well as being a dietary fibre. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether FOS supplementation increases equol production in equol producers and stimulates equol production in equol non-producers in Japanese postmenopausal women.

Methods

A soy challenge was used to assess equol-producer status prior to the start of the study in healthy postmenopausal Japanese women. The study involved 4 separate groups in randomised crossover design. First, subjects were classified as equol producers (n = 25) or non-producers (n = 18), and then they were randomly assigned to the FOS or control group. All subjects received a daily dose of 37 mg isoflavone conjugates in the capsule (21 mg aglycone form) and either FOS (5g/day) or sucrose as control, in a randomised crossover study design. Equol -production was assessed by testing the serum and urine before and after the 2-week supplementation period.

Results

The analyses were conducted on 34 subjects completed the study, 21 (61.8%) were classified as equol producers, and 13 (38.2%) as non-producers. Significant differences were observed in the interaction effect of time × equol state after 1 week of intervention (p = 0.006). However there were no effects after 2 weeks of intervention (p = 0.516). Finally, in both equol producers and non-producers, FOS supplementation did not affect the serum equol concentration or the urinary equol to daidzein concentration ratios.

Conclusions

We have reported that FOS intervention (5 g/day for 2 weeks) does not significantly modulate the capacity of intestinal microbiota to produce equol in postmenopausal Japanese women, in either equol producers or non-producers in this pilot study. Further larger investigations that explore the roles of specific intestinal microbiota in equol production will enable the establishment of dietary conditions that are required to enhance equol production.
Applications of fixed point theory to extended Nash equilibriums of nonmonetized noncooperative games on posets
Authors: Xie Linsen , Li Jinlu , Wen Ching-Feng
Published: September 2013

We say that a noncooperative game is nonmonetized if the ranges of the utilities of the players are posets. In this paper, we examine some nonmonetized noncooperative games of which both the collection of strategies and the ranges of the utilities for the players are posets. Then we carry the concept of generalized Nash equilibriums of noncooperative games defined in (Li in J. Nonlinear Anal. Forum 18:1-11, 2013; Li and Park in Br. J. Econ. Manag. Trade 4(1), 2014) to extended Nash equilibriums of nonmonetized noncooperative games. By applying some fixed point theorems in posets and by using the order-preserving property of mappings, we prove an existence theorem of extended Nash equilibriums for nonmonetized noncooperative games.

MSC:46B42, 47H10, 58J20, 91A06, 91A10.
Classical swine fever virus triggers RIG-I and MDA5-dependent signaling pathway to IRF-3 and NF-κB activation to promote secretion of interferon and inflammatory cytokines in porcine alveolar macrophages
Authors: Dong Xiao-Ying , Liu Wen-Jun , Zhao Ming-Qiu , Wang Jia-Ying , Pei Jing-Jing , Luo Yong-Wen , Ju Chun-Mei , Chen Jin-Ding
Published: September 2013

Background

Classical swine fever (CSF) caused by CSF virus (CSFV) is a highly contagious disease of pigs. The RNA helicases retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5) are differentially involved in the detection of various RNA viruses. In present study, we investigated the roles of RIG-I and MDA-5 in eliciting antiviral and inflammatory responses to CSFV shimen strain in Porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs).

Methods

CSFV Shimen strain was used as challenge virus in this study and PAMs were cultured in vitro. Interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-3 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) translocation was detected using immunofluorescent staining; RIG-I, MDA5, interferon promoter-stimulating factor 1 (IPS-1), IRF-3 and NF-κB expression was measured by Western Blotting; Interferon beta (IFN-β), IFN-α, interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) expression was tested by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and shRNA-mediated knockdown of MDA5 or RIG-I was performed.

Results

The findings suggested that the initial response to CSFV infection resulted in the higher expression of RIG-I and MDA5 leading to the activation of IPS-1, IRF-3 and NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner. Evaluation of IFN-α, IFN-β, IL-1β, IL-6 or TNF-α expressed by PAMs showed significant differences between infected and uninfected cells. CSFV infected cells induced to express high levels of IFN-α, IFN-β, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in a dose-dependent way within 24 h post-infection (hpi). At the same time, CSFV improved the nuclear translocation of IRF-3 and NF-κB. We also directly compared and assessed the roles of RIG-I and MDA5 in triggering innate immune actions during CSFV infection through shRNA-mediated knockdown of MDA5 or RIG-I. We found that, compared to the control, the production of IFN-α, IFN-β, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in response to CSFV infection was heavily reduced in RIG-I knockdown cells while it was moderately decreased in MDA5 knockdown cells. PAMs derived from knockdown of both RIG-I and MDA5 almost failed to produce IFNs and inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions

It indicates that CSFV can be recognized by both RIG-I and MDA5 to initiate the RIG-I signaling pathway to trigger innate defenses against infection.