bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specificity of the CAARS in Discriminating ADHD Symptoms in Adults From Other Axis I Symptoms
Authors: Stewart Annie , Liljequist Laura
Published: October 2012

Objective: In this study, we examined the sensitivity and specificity of the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale–Self-Report: Long Version (CAARS) in 113 adult clinical archival records. Method: Forty-five clients had requested evaluation for ADHD, suggesting problems with attention, and 68 requested other services. To examine the CAARS’ ability to differentiate ADHD symptoms from other Axis I symptoms, it was compared with the Personality Assessment Inventory. Results: The two groups differed significantly on the weighted linear combination of the eight subscales of the CAARS, Wilks’s Lambda = .565, F(7, 105) = 11.56, p < .0001, with higher mean scores found among those requesting evaluation of ADHD. z-tests revealed the eight CAARS subscales were more highly correlated with each other, based on the average intercorrelation, than the nine selected clinical scales of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Somatic Complaints [SOM], Mania [MAN], Paranoia [PAR], Schizophrenia [SCZ], Anxiety [ANX], Anxiety-Related Disorders [ARD], Depression [DEP], Borderline Features [BOR], and Antisocial Features [ANT]). Some unexpectedly high correlations were found between the CAARS and PAI clinical scales (MAN and SCZ). Conclusion: The results of the present study were mixed, with some analyses yielding positive results with respect to the CAARS’ sensitivity and others suggesting poor specificity.
Language Impairments in Children With ADHD and in Children With Reading Disorder
Authors: Helland Wenche Andersen , Posserud Maj-Britt , Helland Turid , Heimann Mikael , Lundervold Astri J.
Published: October 2012

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate language impairments (LI) in a nonclinical sample of children with ADHD, reading disorder (RD), and ADHD + RD, and to explore whether these groups could be differentiated from each other and a control group regarding different aspects of language. Method: The groups were derived from a population-based sample of 5,672 children, 7 to 9 years. Language problems and the groups were defined from parent/teacher reports. Results: LI was identified in the majority within the ADHD + RD group and in >40% of the ADHD and RD group. More phonological and expressive language problems were seen in the RD than the ADHD group, while receptive language problems were more prominent in ADHD. More pragmatic problems were identified in the ADHD group. Conclusion: The present results support findings from clinical samples pointing to a considerable rate of LI both in children with ADHD and in children with RD.
Circles of Care
Authors: Hanson Laura C. , Armstrong Tonya D. , Green Melissa A. , Hayes Michelle , Peacock Stacie , Elliot-Bynum Sharon , Goldmon Moses V. , Corbie-Smith Giselle , Earp Jo Anne
Published: October 2012

Peer support interventions extend care and health information to underserved populations yet rarely address serious illness. Investigators from a well-defined academic–community partnership developed and evaluated a peer support intervention for African Americans facing advanced cancer. Evaluation methods used the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Investigators initially recruited and trained 24 lay health advisors who shared information or support with 210 individuals. However, lay advisors reported barriers of medical privacy and lack of confidence working alone with people with cancer. Training was modified to match the support team model for peer support; training reached 193 volunteers, 104 of whom formed support teams for 47 persons with serious illness. Support teams were adopted by 23 community organizations, including 11 African American churches. Volunteers in teams felt prepared to implement many aspects of supportive care such as practical support (32%) or help with cancer or palliative care resources (43%). People with serious illness requested help with practical, emotional, spiritual, and quality of life needs; however, they rarely wanted advocacy (3%) or cancer or palliative care resources (5%) from support teams. Volunteers had difficulty limiting outreach to people with advanced cancer due to medical privacy concerns and awareness that others could benefit. Support teams are a promising model of peer support for African Americans facing advanced cancer and serious illness, with reach, adoption, and implementation superior to the lay advisor model. This formative initial evaluation provides evidence for feasibility and acceptance. Further research should examine the efficacy and potential for maintenance of this intervention.
Can a Website-Delivered Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Intervention Be Acceptable, Usable, and Effective for Older People?
Authors: Ammann Rahel , Vandelanotte Corneel , de Vries Hein , Mummery W. Kerry
Published: October 2012

Despite the numerous health benefits, population physical activity levels are low and declining with age. A continued increase of Internet access allows for website-delivered interventions to be implemented across age-groups, though older people have typically not been considered for this type of intervention. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate a website-delivered computer-tailored physical activity intervention, with a specific focus on differences in tailored advice acceptability, website usability, and physical activity change between three age-groups. To mimic “real-life” conditions, the intervention, which provided personalized physical activity feedback delivered via the Internet, was implemented and evaluated without any personal contact for the entire duration of the study. Data were collected online at baseline, 1-week, and 1-month follow-up and analyzed for three age-groups (≤44, 45-59, and ≥60 years) using linear mixed models. Overall, 803 adults received the intervention and 288 completed all measures. The oldest age-group increased physical activity more than the other two groups, spent the most time on the website, though had significantly lower perceived Internet self-confidence scores when compared with the youngest age-group. No differences were found in terms of website usability and tailored advice acceptability. These results suggest that website-delivered physical activity interventions can be suitable and effective for older aged adults.
Parameters of a national biography
Authors: Berenskoetter Felix
Published: October 2012

This article is concerned with the ontology of political community, specifically the nation-state, as a bounded entity in time and space. Juxtaposed against the reading of it as an autonomous (realism) or permeated (liberalism) unit, or as constituted through Othering (social constructivism), the article conceptualizes the nation-state as a bounded community constituted by a biographical narrative which gives meaning to its collective spatio-temporal situatedness. Taking a phenomenological approach, the article offers a systematic discussion of the parameters of such a narrative. It highlights the relevance of an experienced space, giving meaning to the past, and an envisioned space, giving meaning to the future, delineated through horizons of experience and of possibility, respectively. In this reading, politics is found in the creative and contested attempts to link these dimensions to a coherent narrative on both the domestic and international level.
Outcome of HCV Genotype 1 Treatment in HIV-Coinfected Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Oppenheimer Ana Paula , Johnson James , Núñez Marina
Published: October 2012

Chronic renal insufficiency is a barrier for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and yet virus clearance is desirable prior to kidney transplantation. Several reports document success of kidney transplantation in the setting of HIV infection. We analyzed the treatment outcome of patients with HIV and HCV genotype 1 infections and chronic kidney disease, who received pegylated interferon with or without ribavirin in our center. Of the 7 patients, 2 achieved sustained virological response. None of the responders had end-stage renal disease, suggesting that HCV treatment is most likely to be successful in earlier stages of renal disease.
Real-Life Outcomes of Maraviroc-Based Regimens in HIV-1-Infected Individuals
Authors: Babiker Zahir Osman Eltahir , Douthwaite Sam Thomas , Collier Lucy Elizabeth , Pennell Ashley , Uriel Alison J. , Wilkins Edmund
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

The use of maraviroc in our unit was reviewed with regard to efficacy and safety and also reviewed with regard to how our experience reflects the data presented in clinical trials.

Methods:

We utilized the pharmacy dispensary system to identify any patient dispensed maraviroc and conducted a case note review.

Results:

We identified 27 patients who have been prescribed maraviroc as part of their antiretroviral treatment. In all, 81% were men and 81% were white British. There were 26 treatment-experienced patients and 1 treatment-naive patient. At the time of switching to maraviroc, 17 patients had detectable HIV viral loads and 10 had HIV RNA levels <40 copies/mL. At completion, 6 undetectable patients maintained undetectability and 10 viremically detectable patients achieved viral suppression. Maraviroc was discontinued in 18.5% of patients and the only adverse drug reaction reported was a rash.

Conclusions:

The experience of using maraviroc by our study participants shows similarity in terms of efficacy and safety to the MERIT and MOTIVATE clinical trials.
Brief Transvertebral Electrical Stimulation of the Spinal Cord Improves the Specificity of Femoral Nerve Reinnervation
Authors: Franz Colin K. , Singh Bhagat , Martinez Jose A. , Zochodne Douglas W. , Midha Rajiv
Published: October 2012

Background. Functional outcomes are generally poor following peripheral nerve injury (PNI). The reason is multifactorial but includes the misdirection of regenerating axons to inappropriate end organs. It has been shown that brief electrical stimulation (Estim) of nerves has the potential to improve the accuracy and rate of peripheral axon regeneration. Objective. The present study explores a novel percutaneous transvertebral approach to Estim, which was tested in the mouse femoral nerve model. Methods. Inspired by the protocol of Gordon and colleagues (ie, 20 Hz, for 1 hour), we applied Estim to the cervicothoracic spinal cord (SC-Estim) to remotely activate lumbar motor neurons following transection and repair of the femoral nerve. Fluorescent dyes were applied to the distal nerve to label reinnervating cells. Sections of nerve were taken to quantify the numbers of reinnervating axons as well as to stain for a known femoral axon guidance molecule—polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM). Results. In comparison to sham treatment, SC-Estim led to significantly greater expression of PSA-NCAM as well as improved the specificity of motor reinnervation. Interestingly, although SC-Estim did not alter the number of early reinnervating (ie, pioneer) axons, there was a reduction in the number of retrogradely labeled neurons at 2 weeks postrepair. However, by 6 weeks postrepair, there was no difference in the number of neurons that had reinnervated the femoral nerve. Conclusions. The present findings support the development of SC-Estim as a novel approach to enhance the specificity of reinnervation and potentially improve functional outcomes following PNI.
Functional Recovery Following Stroke
Authors: Simpson Lisa A. , Eng Janice J.
Published: October 2012

Background and purpose. Augmenting changes in recovery is core to the rehabilitation process following a stroke. Hence it is essential that outcome measures are able to detect change as it occurs, a property known as responsiveness. This article critically reviewed the responsiveness of functional outcome measures following stroke, specifically examining tools that captured upper-extremity (UE) functional recovery. Methods. A systematic search of the literature was undertaken to identify articles providing responsiveness data for 3 types of change (observed, detectable, and important). Results. Data from 68 articles for 14 UE functional outcome measures were retrieved. Larger percentage changes were required to be considered important when obtained through anchor-based methods (eg, based on patient opinion or comparative measure) compared with distribution methods (eg, statistical estimates). Larger percentage changes were required to surpass the measurement error for patient-perceived functional measures (eg, Motor Activity Log) compared with laboratory-based performance measures (eg, Action Research Arm Test). The majority of rehabilitation interventions have similar effect sizes on patient-perceived UE function and laboratory-based UE function. Conclusions. The magnitude of important change or change that surpasses measurement error can vary substantially depending on the method of calculation. Rehabilitation treatments can affect patient perceptions of functional change as effectively as laboratory-based functional measures; however, larger sample sizes may be required to account for the larger measurement error associated with patient-perceived functional measures.
Longitudinal Plasticity Across the Neural Axis in Acute Stroke
Authors: Huynh William , Vucic Steve , Krishnan Arun V. , Lin Cindy S.-Y. , Hornberger Michael , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: October 2012

Background. With the advent of novel brain stimulation techniques aimed at improving functional outcome, understanding poststroke plasticity becomes critical for the appropriate selection of patients and optimal timing to introduce neuromodulatory interventions. Objective. To better define the temporal evolution of central and peripheral neuroplastic changes in the first 3 months after stroke and their clinical implications. Methods. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, peripheral nerve excitability, and clinical assessments were undertaken longitudinally in 31 acute stroke patients, comprising a total of 384 clinical studies. Results. During the hyperacute phase (<7 days), short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) was significantly reduced in lesioned (4.3% ± 1.3%) and contralesional hemispheres (3.6% ± 1.9%) compared with controls (11.4% ± 1.3%, P = .001). There were also significant alterations in accommodative properties of motor axons in the affected limb. At follow-up, SICI remained suppressed in both hemispheres in the context of significant clinical improvement. Conclusion. Simultaneous assessment of central and peripheral motor pathways has identified bilateral plastic changes that develop throughout the neural axis in acute stroke patients. It is proposed that these changes represent an adaptive response and that the persistent bihemispheric reduction in SICI may act to promote stroke recovery through cortical reorganization.
A modified variance-based importance measure and its solution by state dependent parameter
Authors: Ruan Wenbin , Lu Zhenzhou , Tian Longfei
Published: October 2012

To overcome the disadvantage of traditional variance-based importance measures, i.e. the effects of different realizations of input variables on output response may mutually counteract each other, a modified variance-based importance measure is presented for importance analysis of the input variables. The proposed measure analyses the importance of the input variables comprehensively in terms of the expectation and variance of the output response. Compared with the traditional variance-based importance analysis method, the modified importance measure indices not only reflect the old one, but also provide a very useful supplement for it. Furthermore, combined with the advantages of the state dependent parameter model, a solution to the proposed measure indices is provided. Several examples are introduced to show that the modified importance measure is more comprehensive and reasonable, and the solution based on the state dependent parameter method can improve computational efficiency considerably with acceptable precision.
Creating a Digital Ecosystem for the Gifted Education Classroom
Authors: Besnoy Kevin D. , Dantzler John A. , Siders James A.
Published: October 2012

To date, there is a paucity of empirical research documenting the essential environmental conditions that must exist before teachers of the gifted will integrate technology into their instruction. To establish baseline data documenting the frequency with which teachers of the gifted use technology for instructional purposes and to build theory describing the critical environmental conditions that support technology integration, researchers administered the Perceptions of Computers and Technology (PCT) survey to 255 teachers of the gifted. This survey measured teachers’ self-reported use of technology and other factors that contributed to computer integration. Results suggested five conditions (general school support, infrastructure, professional development, teacher attitude, and teacher personal use) are necessary for teachers of the gifted to create a classroom digital ecosystem. In this model, personal use accounted for the greatest amount of unique variability. Conclusions are drawn, new lines of inquiry are posed, and implications are discussed.
An Evaluation of Test Speededness in an Assessment for Third-Grade Gifted Students
Authors: Hailey Emily , Callahan Carolyn M. , Azano Amy , Moon Tonya R.
Published: October 2012

Reliability and validity are integral concepts in assessment design. Test speededness, the influence of time constraints on test taker performance, is often an overlooked threat to reliability and validity, especially in classroom-based testing. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of test speededness of classroom-based assessments that have been developed and tested for a curricular reading intervention study with third-grade gifted students. The degree of speededness for the assessments was calculated using a mixture Rasch model. The results indicate that a large proportion of students were influenced by test speededness for both posttests in both treatment groups. The implications of these results are discussed.
Policy Matters
Authors: McBee Matthew T. , Shaunessy Elizabeth , Matthews Michael S.
Published: October 2012

Policies delegating control of educational policy to the local level are widespread, yet there has been little examination of the effects of such distributed decision making in the area of advanced education programming. We used propensity score matching to examine the effectiveness of locally developed policies for identifying intellectually gifted children identifying themselves as Black or from low-socioeconomic backgrounds across one large U.S. state (Florida) that has a state-level gifted education mandate. Ongoing underrepresentation of traditionally marginalized groups in gifted education was evident, even among districts with policies specifically designed to ameliorate disproportional representation. However, the presence of such a policy reduced the degree of underrepresentation.
Lateral Simultaneous Reaming Technique With Femoral Head Allograft Implantation for Tibiocalcaneal Arthrodesis
Authors: Rigby Ryan B. , Cottom James M.
Published: October 2012

Femoral head allograft is an accepted alternative for significant bone loss in severe hindfoot reconstruction. This is primarily because the size and shape of the graft provides not only structural support but additionally prevents significant loss of limb length. We present a case using a technique from a directly lateral approach and simultaneous preparation of the tibia and calcaneus for tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis. Acetabular resurfacing reamers were used to prepare the joint for grafting as well as sculpt the graft itself for near press fit between the tibia and calcaneus. Fixation with a lateral locking plate avoids the unnecessary decompression reaming of the graft core itself, ultimately sparing the valuable poles of the graft for increased likelihood of incorporation.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV, Case Study
Individual Preference and Bargaining Behavior in Families’ Buying Decisions of Restaurant Service
Authors: Adhikari Atanu , Rao A. K.
Published: October 2012

A study of how couples choose a restaurant finds a two-step process, in which each partner determines an individual utility for a particular restaurant’s attributes and then the two partners negotiate a joint family utility for those attributes. To examine this negotiation process, the study used discrete choice analysis among sixty-eight families in a major metropolitan area in southern India. Each partner was separately presented a set of “restaurant” choices based on seven restaurant attributes with numerous different levels. Once that choice was made individually, the couples were then invited to choose “restaurants” jointly, again using the seven attributes. The study found that part of the negotiation involves each partner’s divergent mental budget for family entertainment, as compared with a separate individual entertainment budget. In finalizing the negotiation, the two partners seek to maximize their utility on attributes that are personally important as they achieve a joint decision. Spouses who each have an external income source tended to have matched bargaining power, while the negotiation patterns for families with one breadwinner were more variable.
“Are We Talking About the Same Person Here?”
Authors: Leising Daniel , Ostrovski Olga , Zimmermann Johannes
Published: October 2012

We investigated how interrater agreement in personality judgment is affected by the perceivers’ affection or dislike regarding the targets. A total of 209 perceivers judged the personalities of 15 targets by means of 30 adjectives. The targets were public figures (e.g., the Pope), which enabled gathering a large number of ratings by perceivers differing in liking. Shared liking was associated with strong increases, and large liking differences were associated with strong decreases, in profile correlations. Shared antipathy was also associated with lower agreement. The greater agreement between judgments of liked targets was largely due to the perceivers characterizing targets positively, whereas judgments of disliked targets were not affected by (shared) negativity to the same extent. The perceivers’ attitudes toward the targets constitute an important factor in person perception and need to be taken into account more systematically in research studies.
Primary Care Providers’ Attitudes and Beliefs About Patients’ Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use for Asthma Self-Management
Authors: Topaz Maxim , Johnson Ahmaad , Pinilla Ruth , Rand Cynthia , George Maureen
Published: October 2012

Background: Asthma is a major cause of health resource utilization, poor quality of life and disability. However, adherence to asthma treatments remains relatively poor, partially because patients often prefer to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) instead of conventional therapies. Moreover, individuals with asthma are reluctant to disclose CAM use with their providers. It was suggested that providers’ negative attitude towards CAM is one barrier to creating an open dialogue. Purpose: The aim of this exploratory study was to identify primary care providers’ attitudes and beliefs about their asthma patients’ CAM use. Methods: Providers who referred patients into a research study about asthma self-management, including CAM, completed three surveys: the revised Integrative Medicine Attitude Questionnaire (r-IMAQ) ; the 10-item CAM Health Belief Questionnaire (CHBQ); and the 30-item Morehouse College Survey of CAM Practices (MCSCAMP). Results: Of the 21 referring providers, 14 physicians and 2 nurse practitioners were enrolled. Seven were male (44%); 13 White (81%), 2 Asian (13%), 1 Black (6%); mean age was 45.7. All providers endorsed the majority of r-IMAQ items and an additional CHBQ item. The MCSCAMP found fitness and nutritional approaches to be the most common health practice (94%), followed by counseling (56%), and prayer/spiritual healing (50%). Conclusions: The results of this exploratory study suggest that providers have positive opinions about CAM, uniformly endorsing items related to spirituality, the importance of patient-provider partnerships and patients’ beliefs. However, there was relatively low personal use of CAM by providers.
EVA: Exome Variation Analyzer, an efficient and versatile tool for filtering strategies in medical genomics
Authors: Coutant Sophie , Cabot Chloé , Lefebvre Arnaud , Léonard Martine , Prieur-Gaston Elise , Campion Dominique , Lecroq Thierry , Dauchel Hélène
Published: October 2012

Background

Whole exome sequencing (WES) has become the strategy of choice to identify a coding allelic variant for a rare human monogenic disorder. This approach is a revolution in medical genetics history, impacting both fundamental research, and diagnostic methods leading to personalized medicine. A plethora of efficient algorithms has been developed to ensure the variant discovery. They generally lead to ~20,000 variations that have to be narrow down to find the potential pathogenic allelic variant(s) and the affected gene(s). For this purpose, commonly adopted procedures which implicate various filtering strategies have emerged: exclusion of common variations, type of the allelics variants, pathogenicity effect prediction, modes of inheritance and multiple individuals for exome comparison. To deal with the expansion of WES in medical genomics individual laboratories, new convivial and versatile software tools have to implement these filtering steps. Non-programmer biologists have to be autonomous combining themselves different filtering criteria and conduct a personal strategy depending on their assumptions and study design.

Results

We describe EVA (Exome Variation Analyzer), a user-friendly web-interfaced software dedicated to the filtering strategies for medical WES. Thanks to different modules, EVA (i) integrates and stores annotated exome variation data as strictly confidential to the project owner, (ii) allows to combine the main filters dealing with common variations, molecular types, inheritance mode and multiple samples, (iii) offers the browsing of annotated data and filtered results in various interactive tables, graphical visualizations and statistical charts, (iv) and finally offers export files and cross-links to external useful databases and softwares for further prioritization of the small subset of sorted candidate variations and genes. We report a demonstrative case study that allowed to identify a new candidate gene related to a rare form of Alzheimer disease.

Conclusions

EVA is developed to be a user-friendly, versatile, and efficient-filtering assisting software for WES. It constitutes a platform for data storage and for drastic screening of clinical relevant genetics variations by non-programmer geneticists. Thereby, it provides a response to new needs at the expanding era of medical genomics investigated by WES for both fundamental research and clinical diagnostics.
Important role of CCR2 in a murine model of coronary vasculitis
Authors: Martinez Hernan G , Quinones Marlon P , Jimenez Fabio , Estrada Carlos , Clark Kassandra M , Suzuki Kazuo , Miura Noriko , Ohno Naohito , Ahuja Sunil K , Ahuja Seema S
Published: October 2012

Background

Chemokines and their receptors play a role in the innate immune response as well as in the disruption of the balance between pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Treg), underlying the pathogenesis of coronary vasculitis in Kawasaki disease (KD).

Results

Here we show that genetic inactivation of chemokine receptor (CCR)-2 is protective against the induction of aortic and coronary vasculitis following injection of Candida albicans water-soluble cell wall extracts (CAWS). Mechanistically, both T and B cells were required for the induction of vasculitis, a role that was directly modulated by CCR2. CAWS administration promoted mobilization of CCR2-dependent inflammatory monocytes (iMo) from the bone marrow (BM) to the periphery as well as production of IL-6. IL-6 was likely to contribute to the depletion of Treg and expansion of Th17 cells in CAWS-injected Ccr2

+/+
mice, processes that were ameliorated following the genetic inactivation of CCR2.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings provide novel insights into the role of CCR2 in the pathogenesis of vasculitis as seen in KD and highlight novel therapeutic targets, specifically for individuals resistant to first-line treatments.
Lipopolysaccharide promotes lipid accumulation in human adventitial fibroblasts via TLR4-NF-κB pathway
Authors: Wang Jun , Si Yanfang , Wu Chen , Sun Lu , Ma Yudong , Ge Aili , Li Baomin
Published: October 2012

Background

Atherosclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the arteries and is thought to be one of the most common causes of death globally. In recent years, the functions of adventitial fibroblasts in the development of atherosclerosis and tissue repair have gained increased interests. LPS can increase the morbidity and mortality of atherosclerosis-associated cardiovascular disease. Although LPS increases neointimal via TLR4 activation has been reported, how LPS augments atherogenesis through acting on adventitial fibroblasts is still unknown. Here we explored lipid deposition within adventitial fibroblasts mediated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to imitate inflammatory conditions.

Results

In our study, LPS enhanced lipid deposition by the up-regulated expression of adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) as the silencing of ADRP abrogated lipid deposition in LPS-activated adventitial fibroblasts. In addition, pre-treatment with anti-Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antibody diminished the LPS-induced lipid deposition and ADRP expression. Moreover, LPS induced translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which could markedly up-regulate lipid deposition as pre-treatment with the NF-κB inhibitor, PDTC, significantly reduced lipid droplets. In addition, the lowering lipid accumulation was accompanied with the decreased ADRP expression. Furthermore, LPS-induced adventitial fibroblasts secreted more monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), compared with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1).

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that LPS promotes lipid accumulation via the up-regulation of ADRP expression through TLR4 activated downstream of NF-κB in adventitial fibroblasts. Increased levels of MCP-1 released from LPS-activated adventitial fibroblasts and lipid accumulation may accelerate monocytes recruitment and lipid-laden macrophage foam cells formation. Here, our study provides a new explanation as to how bacterial infection contributes to the pathological process of atherosclerosis.
Functional changes in adipose tissue in a randomised controlled trial of physical activity
Authors: Sjögren Per , Sierra-Johnson Justo , Kallings Lena V , Cederholm Tommy , Kolak Maria , Halldin Mats , Brismar Kerstin , de Faire Ulf , Hellénius Mai-Lis , Fisher Rachel M
Published: October 2012

Background

A sedentary lifestyle predisposes to cardiometabolic diseases. Lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity improve a range of cardiometabolic risk factors. The objective of this study was to examine whether functional changes in adipose tissue were related to these improvements.

Methods

Seventy-three sedentary, overweight (mean BMI 29.9 ± 3.2 kg/m2) and abdominally obese, but otherwise healthy men and women (67.6 ± 0.5 years) from a randomised controlled trial of physical activity on prescription over a 6-month period were included (control n = 43, intervention n = 30). Detailed examinations were carried out at baseline and at follow-up, including fasting blood samples, a comprehensive questionnaire and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies for fatty acid composition analysis (n = 73) and quantification of mRNA expression levels of 13 candidate genes (n = 51), including adiponectin, leptin and inflammatory cytokines.

Results

At follow-up, the intervention group had a greater increase in exercise time (+137 min/week) and a greater decrease in body fat mass (−1.5 kg) compared to the control subjects (changes of 0 min/week and −0.5 kg respectively). Circulating concentrations of adiponectin were unchanged, but those of leptin decreased significantly more in the intervention group (−1.8 vs −1.1 ng/mL for intervention vs control,P < 0.05). The w6-polyunsaturated fatty acid content, in particular linoleic acid (18:2w6), of adipose tissue increased significantly more in the intervention group, but the magnitude of the change was small (+0.17 vs +0.02 percentage points for intervention vs control,P < 0.05). Surprisingly leptin mRNA levels in adipose tissue increased in the intervention group (+107% intervention vs −20% control,P < 0.05), but changes in expression of the remaining genes did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions

After a 6-month period of increased physical activity in overweight elderly individuals, circulating leptin concentrations decreased despite increased levels of leptin mRNA in adipose tissue. Otherwise, only minor changes occurred in adipose tissue, although several improvements in metabolic parameters accompanied the modest increase in physical activity.
Fixed points for G-contractions on uniform spaces endowed with a graph
Authors: Aghanians Aris , Fallahi Kamal , Nourouzi Kourosh
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we generalize some main results of (Jachymski in Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 136:1359-1373, 2008) from metric to uniform spaces endowed with an ℰ-distance and a graph using a new type of contractions by employing a class of nondecreasing functions.

MSC:47H10, 05C40.
Autophagy in periodontitis patients and gingival fibroblasts: unraveling the link between chronic diseases and inflammation
Authors: Bullon Pedro , Cordero Mario David , Quiles José Luis , Ramirez-Tortosa Maria del Carmen , Gonzalez-Alonso Adrian , Alfonsi Simona , García-Marín Rocio , de Miguel Manuel , Battino Maurizio
Published: October 2012

Background

Periodontitis, the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disease, has been related to cardiovascular diseases. Autophagy provides a mechanism for the turnover of cellular organelles and proteins through a lysosome-dependent degradation pathway. The aim of this research was to study the role of autophagy in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with periodontitis and gingival fibroblasts treated with a lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Autophagy-dependent mechanisms have been proposed in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders and in other diseases related to periodontitis, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Thus it is important to study the role of autophagy in the pathophysiology of periodontitis.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with periodontitis (n = 38) and without periodontitis (n = 20) were used to study autophagy. To investigate the mechanism of autophagy, we evaluated the influence of a lipopolysaccharide from P. gingivalis in human gingival fibroblasts, and autophagy was monitored morphologically and biochemically. Autophagosomes were observed by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy.

Results

We found increased levels of autophagy gene expression and high levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with periodontitis compared with controls. A significantly positive correlation between both was observed. In human gingival fibroblasts treated with lipopolysaccharide from P. gingivalis, there was an increase of protein and transcript of autophagy-related protein 12 (ATG12) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha LC3. A reduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species induced a decrease in autophagy whereas inhibition of autophagy in infected cells increased apoptosis, showing the protective role of autophagy.

Conclusion

Results from the present study suggest that autophagy is an important and shared mechanism in other conditions related to inflammation or alterations of the immune system, such as periodontitis.
RNA polymerase I-driven reverse genetics system for enterovirus 71 and its implications for vaccine production
Authors: Meng Tao , Kiener Tanja K , Kwang Jimmy
Published: October 2012

Background

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a virus that causes from mild hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) to severe neurological complications and deaths in infants and young children. Effective antiviral agents and vaccines against EV71 are not available. However, Vero cell-based chemically inactivated EV71 vaccines could be developed soon based on the success of inactivated polio vaccine. Like poliovirus, EV71 has a positive single-stranded RNA genome of about 7400 nucleotides which contains a single open reading frame (ORF) flanked by conserved and untranslated regions at both the 5′ and 3′ ends.

Results

The universal amplification of the full length genome of EV71 regardless of its genetic diversity, and the subsequent construction of a human RNA polymerase I-driven reverse genetics (RG) system to produce pure virus stocks in Vero cell within 10 days were described. The rescued viruses were characterized by DNA sequencing, cytopathic effect (CPE) and indirect fluorescent assay (IFA) in comparison with the wild-type viruses. Moreover, the rescued viruses grew to high titers and retained the same immunogenicity as the wild-type viruses.

Conclusion

We have established a simplified method to rescue RG EV71 virus from diverse clinical isolates with detailed genetic information and to prepare virus stocks in only 10 days. This method could accelerate EV71 vaccine development.
Association between genetic mutations and the development of autoimmune thyroiditis in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon alpha
Authors: Krupińska Janina , Urbanowicz Waldemar , Kaczmarczyk Mariusz , Kulig Grzegorz , Sowińska-Przepiera Elżbieta , Andrysiak-Mamos Elżbieta , Syrenicz Anhelli
Published: October 2012

Background

Considerable progress was made by the introduction of interferon to the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. This treatment, however, is associated with the risk of developing or exacerbating autoimmune diseases, with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis being one of them. The aim of our study was to evaluate the predisposition to autoimmune thyroiditis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus during IFN-alpha therapy, depending on the presence of polymorphisms in the promoter region of CTLA-4C (−318)T gene and in exon 1 of A49G gene as well as C1858T transition of PTPN22 gene.

Methods

The study was conducted in 149 patients aged between 18 and 70 years (mean of 43.9 years), including 82 men and 67 women. Control group for the assessment of the distribution of analyzed polymorphism of genotypes consisted of 200 neonates, from whom umbilical blood was drawn for the tests. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 consisted of 114 patients without thyroid impairment before and during IFN-alpha therapy, group 2 contained 9 patients with AT with the onset prior to IFN-alpha treatment, and group 3 comprised 26 patients with AT starting after the beginning of IFN-alpha therapy.

Results

The frequency of C1858Tand C(−318)T genotypes observed in the study group did not differ significantly from control group. A significant difference, however, was found for A49G polymorphism.

Conclusions

No association was demonstrated between the occurrence of autoimmune thyroiditis with the onset during IFN-alpha therapy and the presence of polymorphisms within CTLA-4 C(−318)T gene in the promoter region and A49G in exon 1, as well as C1858T transition of PTPN22 gene.
Greenhouse gas emission reductions as a motivator of e85 purchases across market segments
Authors: Marra Adrienne E , Jensen Kimberly L , Clark Christopher D , English Burton C , Toliver Dustin K
Published: October 2012

Background

Climate change has become a concern of both policy makers and consumers. Transportation constitutes a key source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; hence, alternative transportation fuels with reduced GHG emissions are of increasing interest as a potential strategy for decreasing emissions. However, consumer views on achieving emission reductions through the use of alternative fuels have not been widely studied. Understanding consumer preferences related to alternative fuels is relevant as new fuel options become available.

Methods

This study uses a two-step cluster analysis of opinion variables to segment consumers into four market segments (Potential activists, Environmentals, Neutrals, and National interests). Cluster profiles are examined based on demographics and opinion variables related to concerns about national security, food versus fuel, perceived effects of personal actions, perceived effects of other's actions, and environmental issues. Willingness to pay (WTP) for reductions in GHG emissions through purchases of ethanol blends is estimated via conjoint analysis from a national survey.

Results

Estimates reveal that WTP varies in significance and magnitude across the four segments. In particular, the Environmentals market cluster is the only cluster consistently willing to pay a premium for emission reductions.

Conclusions

Market opinion clusters play a significant role in WTP for emission reductions through purchases of E85. Results suggest the existence of a potential niche market consisting of consumers with strong environmental concerns who are willing to pay a premium for renewable fuels in order to reduce GHG emissions.
Designed plasmonic nanocatalysts for the reduction of eosin Y: absorption and fluorescence study
Authors: Komalam Abha , Muraleegharan Lekha Girija , Subburaj Suganthi , Suseela Suji , Babu Aswathy , George Sony
Published: October 2012

In this work, we report a one-step green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by microwave irradiation using nontoxic and biodegradable polysaccharide chitosan as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The interaction between gold nanoparticles with the amine group of chitosan was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, and the stability of the nanoparticle is ascertained by zeta potential measurements. Transmission electron microscopy photograph and dynamic light scattering measurements confirmed the average size of gold nanoparticles as 25 nm. The ability of the synthesised gold nanoparticles as a catalyst for the reduction of eosin dye in the presence of NaBH4 was monitored by means of spectrofluorometry and spectrophotometry. It is found that the NaBH4-induced reduction of eosin is enhanced in the presence of AuNPs even without a catalyst. Time-resolved fluorescence decay studies also confirmed the reduction of eosin in the presence of AuNPs.
Restoration of regulatory and effector T cell balance and B cell homeostasis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients through vitamin D supplementation
Authors: Terrier Benjamin , Derian Nicolas , Schoindre Yoland , Chaara Wahiba , Geri Guillaume , Zahr Noël , Mariampillai Kubéraka , Rosenzwajg Michelle , Carpentier Wassila , Musset Lucile , Piette Jean-Charles , Six Adrien , Klatzmann David , Saadoun David , Patrice Cacoub , Costedoat-Chalumeau Nathalie
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a T and B cell-dependent autoimmune disease characterized by the appearance of autoantibodies, a global regulatory T cells (Tregs) depletion and an increase in Th17 cells. Recent studies have shown the multifaceted immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D, notably the expansion of Tregs and the decrease of Th1 and Th17 cells. A significant correlation between higher disease activity and lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels [25(OH)D] was also shown.

Methods

In this prospective study, we evaluated the safety and the immunological effects of vitamin D supplementation (100 000 IU of cholecalciferol per week for 4 weeks, followed by 100 000 IU of cholecalciferol per month for 6 months.) in 20 SLE patients with hypovitaminosis D.

Results

Serum 25(OH)D levels dramatically increased under vitamin D supplementation from 18.7±6.7 at day 0 to 51.4±14.1 (p<0.001) at 2 months and 41.5±10.1 ng/mL (p<0.001) at 6 months. Vitamin D was well tolerated and induced a preferential increase of naïve CD4+ T cells, an increase of regulatory T cells and a decrease of effector Th1 and Th17 cells. Vitamin D also induced a decrease of memory B cells and anti-DNA antibodies. No modification of the prednisone dosage or initiation of new immunosuppressant agents was needed in all patients. We did not observe SLE flare during the 6 months follow-up period.

Conclusions

This preliminary study suggests the beneficial role of vitamin D in SLE patients and needs to be confirmed in randomized controlled trials.
Effectiveness and molecular interactions of the clinically active mTORC1 inhibitor everolimus in combination with tamoxifen or letrozole in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Martin Lesley-Ann , Pancholi Sunil , Farmer Ian , Guest Stephanie , Ribas Ricardo , Weigel Marion T , Thornhill Allan M , Ghazoui Zara , A'Hern Roger , Evans Dean B , Lane Heidi A , Johnston Stephen R , Dowsett Mitch
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Strategies to improve the efficacy of endocrine agents in breast cancer (BC) therapy and to delay the onset of resistance include concomitant targeting of the estrogen receptor alpha (ER) and the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), which regulate cell-cycle progression and are supported by recent clinical results.

Methods

BC cell lines expressing aromatase (AROM) and modeling endocrine-sensitive (MCF7-AROM1) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-dependent de novo resistant disease (BT474-AROM3) and long-term estrogen-deprived (LTED) MCF7 cells that had acquired resistance associated with HER2 overexpression were treated in vitro and as subcutaneous xenografts with everolimus (RAD001-mTORC1 inhibitor), in combination with tamoxifen or letrozole. End points included proliferation, cell-cycle arrest, cell signaling, and effects on ER-mediated transactivation.

Results

Everolimus caused a concentration-dependent decrease in proliferation in all cell lines, which was associated with reductions in S6 phosphorylation. Everolimus plus letrozole or tamoxifen enhanced the antiproliferative effect and G1-accumulation compared with monotherapy, as well as increased phosphorylation (Ser10) and nuclear accumulation of p27 and pronounced dephosphorylation of Rb. Sensitivity was greatest to everolimus in the LTED cells but was reduced by added estrogen. Increased pAKT occurred in all circumstances with everolimus and, in the BT474 and LTED cells, was associated with increased pHER3. Decreased ER transactivation suggested that the effectiveness of everolimus might be partly related to interrupting cross-talk between growth-factor signaling and ER. In MCF7-AROM1 xenografts, letrozole plus everolimus showed a trend toward enhanced tumor regression, versus the single agents. In BT474-AROM3 xenografts, everolimus alone was equally effective at reducing tumor volume as were the combination therapies.

Conclusions

The results provide mechanistic support for recent positive clinical data on the combination of everolimus and endocrine therapy, as well as data on potential routes of escape via enhanced HER2/3 signaling. This merits investigation for further improvements in treatment efficacy.