bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of IL‐27 in adipocytes during inflammatory stress
Authors: Nam Heesun , Ferguson Bradley S. , Stephens Jacqueline M. , Morrison Ron F.
Published: December 2015

Objective

While it is well established that adipose tissue‐derived inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenic mechanisms linking obesity with metabolic dysfunction, the inflammatory mediators involved have not been fully elucidated. Here, we explored IL‐12 family cytokines with a focus on IL‐27 during obesity‐induced inflammation in mice and cultured adipocytes (ADs) following exposure to inflammatory stimuli.

Methods

Relative mRNA abundance of IL‐12 cytokines was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in genetically obese B6‐ob/ob mice as well as C57BL/6J mice fed a high‐fat diet and in ADs following exposure to inflammatory stimuli. Protein secretion of cytokines into culture media was assessed by ELISA, and the biological outcome of IL‐27 stimulation was assessed by RT‐PCR and immunoblotting.

Results

Heterodimeric subunits constituting IL‐27 were significantly induced in obese mice. While all IL‐12 genes were markedly induced by inflammatory stress in cultured ADs, IL‐27 protein was the only cytokine secreted into culture media in response to inflammatory stress. Cultured ADs also responded to IL‐27 stimulation with divergent outcomes that were dependent on the inflammatory milieu of target cells.

Conclusions

These findings support the premise of autocrine/paracrine mechanisms involving IL‐27 in ADs under conditions of inflammatory stress that may link obesity with inflammatory diseases.
Enhancement of dye sensitized solar cell efficiency via incorporation of upconverting phosphor nanoparticles as spectral converters
Authors: Chander Nikhil , Khan Atif F. , Komarala Vamsi K. , Chawla Santa , Dutta Viresh
Published: December 2015

Upconverting NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+/NaYF4 core‐shell (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by thermal decomposition of lanthanide trifluoroacetate precursors and mixed with TiO2 NPs to fabricate dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The CS geometry effectively prevents the capture of electrons because of the surface states and improves photo‐emission. The as‐synthesized CS NPs show upconversion (UC) luminescence, converting near infrared (NIR) light into visible light (450–700 nm), making the photon absorption by the ruthenium‐based dyes (which have little or no absorption in the NIR region) possible. The champion DSSCs fabricated using CS UC NPs (average size = 25 nm) show enhancements of ~12.5% (sensitized with black/N749 dye) and of ~5.5% (sensitized with N719 dye) in overall power conversion efficiency under AM 1.5G illumination. This variation in the enhancement of the DSSC efficiencies for black and N719 dyes is attributed to the difference in the extinction coefficient and the absorption wavelength range of dyes. Incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency measurements also evidently showed the photocurrent enhancement in the NIR region of the spectrum because of the UC effect. The results prove that the augmentation in efficiency is primarily due to NIR to visible spectrum modification by the fluorescent UC NPs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of major SSTA modes to the climate variability of tropical cyclone genesis frequency over the western North Pacific
Authors: Yu Jinhua , Chen Cheng , Li Tim , Zhao Xiaotong , Xue Huaxing , Sun Qiying
Published: December 2015

The Generalized Equilibrium Feedback Analysis method was used to isolate the contributions of major sea‐surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) modes over three oceanic basins to the climate variability of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis number (TCGN) in the peak TC season over the western North Pacific (WNP) between 1970 and 2012. The results show that TCGN variation has a statistically significant response to the first SST mode over the tropical North Pacific (TNP1), Indian Ocean (IOBM) and North Atlantic (NA1). The dominant SSTA modes in the three basins contribute 16.6, 12.1 and 13.6% of total TCGN variance, respectively. Among them, TNP1 and NA1 are primarily responsible for TCGN interdecadal variability, with a contribution of 22 and 14.5% to its interdecadal variance at 96 and 93% confidence levels, respectively. TCGN interannual variability, on the other hand, is significantly influenced by IOBM and NA1 with a contribution of 17.6 and 14.3% of the total interannual variance, respectively. The maximum TCGN variability centres are located in the central WNP and South China Sea. The former is primarily associated with responses of low‐level relative vorticity to TNP1 and NA1 and the latter is closely linked to the forcing from IOBM and NA1.
Obsessive‐Compulsive Disorder: The Process of Parental Adaptation and Implications for Genetic Counseling
Authors: Andrighetti Heather , Semaka Alicia , Stewart S. Evelyn , Shuman Cheryl , Hayeems Robin , Austin Jehannine
Published: December 2015

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) has primarily pediatric onset and well‐documented unique impacts on family functioning. Limited research has assessed the understanding that parents of children with OCD have of the etiology of the condition, and there are no data regarding potential applications of genetic counseling for this population. We recruited 13 parents of 13 children diagnosed with OCD from the OCD Registry at British Columbia Children's Hospital, and conducted qualitative semi‐structured telephone interviews to explore participants’ experiences with their child's OCD, causal attributions of OCD, and perceptions of two genetic counseling vignettes. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using elements of grounded theory qualitative methodology. Analysis revealed key components and contextual elements of the process through which parents adapt to their child's OCD. This adaptation process involved conceptualizing the meaning of OCD, navigating its impact on family dynamics, and developing effective illness management strategies. Adaptation took place against a backdrop of stigmatization and was shaped by participants’ family history of mental illness and their child's specific manifestations of OCD. Parents perceived genetic counseling, as described in the vignettes, as being empowering, alleviating guilt and blame, and positively impacting treatment orientation. These data provide insight into the process of parental adaptation to pediatric OCD, and suggest that genetic counseling services for families affected by OCD may help facilitate adaptation to this illness.
Impact of the mass media OBERTAMENT campaign on the levels of stigma among the population of Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Rubio-Valera M. , Fernández A. , Evans-Lacko S. , Luciano J.V. , Thornicroft G. , Aznar-Lou I. , Serrano-Blanco A.
Published: December 2015

Reducing public stigma could improve patients’ access to care, recovery and social integration. The aim of the study was to evaluate a mass media intervention, which aimed to reduce the mental health, related stigma among the general population in Catalonia (Spain). We conducted a cross-sectional population-based survey of a representative sample of the Catalan non-institutionalized adult population (n = 1019). We assessed campaign awareness, attitudes to people with mental illness (CAMI) and intended behaviour (RIBS). To evaluate the association between campaign awareness and stigma, multivariable regression models were used. Over 20% of respondents recognized the campaign when prompted, and 11% when unprompted. Campaign aware individuals had better attitudes on the benevolence subscale of the CAMI than unaware individuals (P = 0.009). No significant differences in authoritarianism and support for community mental health care attitudes subscales were observed. The campaign aware group had better intended behaviour than the unaware group (P < 0.01). The OBERTAMENT anti-stigma campaign had a positive impact to improve the attitudes and intended behaviour towards people with mental illness of the Catalan population. The impact on stigma was limited to attitudes related to benevolence. A wider range of anti-stigma messages could produce a stronger impact on attitudes and intended behaviour.
Identification of an allosteric binding site for RORγt inhibition
Authors: Scheepstra Marcel , Leysen Seppe , van Almen Geert C. , Miller J. Richard , Piesvaux Jennifer , Kutilek Victoria , van Eenennaam Hans , Zhang Hongjun , Barr Kenneth , Nagpal Sunil , Soisson Stephen M. , Kornienko Maria , Wiley Kristen , Elsen Nathaniel , Sharma Sujata , Correll Craig C. , Trotter B. Wesley , van der Stelt Mario , Oubrie Arthur , Ottmann Christian , Parthasarathy Gopal , Brunsveld Luc
Published: December 2015

RORγt is critical for the differentiation and proliferation of Th17 cells associated with several chronic autoimmune diseases. We report the discovery of a novel allosteric binding site on the nuclear receptor RORγt. Co-crystallization of the ligand binding domain (LBD) of RORγt with a series of small-molecule antagonists demonstrates occupancy of a previously unreported allosteric binding pocket. Binding at this non-canonical site induces an unprecedented conformational reorientation of helix 12 in the RORγt LBD, which blocks cofactor binding. The functional consequence of this allosteric ligand-mediated conformation is inhibition of function as evidenced by both biochemical and cellular studies. RORγt function is thus antagonized in a manner molecularly distinct from that of previously described orthosteric RORγt ligands. This brings forward an approach to target RORγt for the treatment of Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases. The elucidation of an unprecedented modality of pharmacological antagonism establishes a mechanism for modulation of nuclear receptors.
Ontogeny of the maxilla in Neanderthals and their ancestors
Authors: Lacruz Rodrigo S. , Bromage Timothy G. , O’Higgins Paul , Arsuaga Juan-Luis , Stringer Chris , Godinho Ricardo Miguel , Warshaw Johanna , Martínez Ignacio , Gracia-Tellez Ana , de Castro José María Bermúdez , Carbonell Eudald
Published: December 2015

Neanderthals had large and projecting (prognathic) faces similar to those of their putative ancestors from Sima de los Huesos (SH) and different from the retracted modern human face. When such differences arose during development and the morphogenetic modifications involved are unknown. We show that maxillary growth remodelling (bone formation and resorption) of the Devil’s Tower (Gibraltar 2) and La Quina 18 Neanderthals and four SH hominins, all sub-adults, show extensive bone deposition, whereas in modern humans extensive osteoclastic bone resorption is found in the same regions. This morphogenetic difference is evident by ∼5 years of age. Modern human faces are distinct from those of the Neanderthal and SH fossils in part because their postnatal growth processes differ markedly. The growth remodelling identified in these fossil hominins is shared withAustralopithecus and earlyHomobut not with modern humans suggesting that the modern human face is developmentally derived.
Near-global freshwater-specific environmental variables for biodiversity analyses in 1 km resolution
Authors: Domisch Sami , Amatulli Giuseppe , Jetz Walter
Published: December 2015

The lack of freshwater-specific environmental information at sufficiently fine spatial grain hampers broad-scale analyses in aquatic biology, biogeography, conservation, and ecology. Here we present a near-global, spatially continuous, and freshwater-specific set of environmental variables in a standardized 1 km grid. We delineate the sub-catchment for each grid cell along the HydroSHEDS river network and summarize the upstream climate, topography, land cover, surface geology and soil to each grid cell using various metrics (average, minimum, maximum, range, sum, inverse distance-weighted average and sum). All variables were subsequently averaged across single lakes and reservoirs of the Global lakes and Wetlands Database that are connected to the river network. Monthly climate variables were summarized into 19 long-term climatic variables following the ‘bioclim’ framework. This new set of variables provides a basis for spatial ecological and biodiversity analyses in freshwater ecosystems at near global extent, yet fine spatial grain. To facilitate the generation of freshwater variables for custom study areas and spatial grains, we provide the ‘r.stream.watersheds’ and ‘r.stream.variables’ add-ons for the GRASS GIS software.
Genomic amplification upregulates estrogen-related receptor alpha and its depletion inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma tumors in vivo
Authors: Tiwari Ankana , Swamy Shivananda , Gopinath Kodaganur S. , Kumar Arun
Published: December 2015

The ESRRA gene encodes a transcription factor and regulates several genes, such as WNT11 and OPN, involved in tumorigenesis. It is upregulated in several cancers, including OSCC. We have previously shown that the tumor suppressor miR-125a targets ESRRA and its downregulation causes upregulation of ESRRA in OSCC. Upregulation of ESRRA in the absence of downregulation of miR-125a in a subset of OSCC samples suggests the involvement of an alternative mechanism. Using TaqMan® copy number assay, here we report for the first time that the genomic amplification of ESRRA causes its upregulation in a subset of OSCC samples. Ectopic overexpression of ESRRA led to accelerated cell proliferation, anchorage-independent cell growth and invasion and inhibited apoptosis. Whereas, knockdown of ESRRA expression by siRNA led to reduced cell proliferation, anchorage-independent cell growth and invasion and accelerated apoptosis. Furthermore, the delivery of a synthetic biostable ESRRA siRNA to OSCC cells resulted in regression of xenografts in nude mice. Thus, the genomic amplification of ESRRA is another novel mechanism for its upregulation in OSCC. Based on our in vitro and in vivo experiments, we suggest that targeting ESRRA by siRNA could be a novel therapeutic strategy for OSCC and other cancers.
Ice-templated synthesis of multifunctional three dimensional graphene/noble metal nanocomposites and their mechanical, electrical, catalytic and electromagnetic shielding properties
Authors: Sahoo P. K. , Aepuru Radhamanohar , Panda Himanshu Sekhar , Bahadur D.
Published: December 2015

In-situ homogeneous dispersion of noble metals in three-dimensional graphene sheets is a key tactic for producing macroscopic architecture, which is desirable for practical applications, such as electromagnetic interference shielding and catalyst. We report a one-step greener approach for developing porous architecture of 3D-graphene/noble metal (Pt and Ag) nanocomposite monoliths. The resulting graphene/noble metal nanocomposites exhibit a combination of ultralow density, excellent elasticity and good electrical conductivity. Moreover, in order to illuminate the advantages of the 3D-graphene/noble metal nanocomposites, their electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and electrocatalytic performance are further investigated. The as-synthesized 3D-graphene/noble metal nanocomposites exhibit excellent EMI shielding effectiveness when compared to bare graphene; the effectiveness has an average of 28 dB in the 8.2–12.4 GHz X-band range. In the electro-oxidation of methanol, the 3D-graphene/Pt nanocomposite also exhibits significantly enhanced electrocatalytic performance and stability than compared to reduced graphene oxide/Pt and commercial Pt/C.
Functional properties of resting state networks in healthy full-term newborns
Authors: De Asis-Cruz Josepheen , Bouyssi-Kobar Marine , Evangelou Iordanis , Vezina Gilbert , Limperopoulos Catherine
Published: December 2015

Objective, early and non-invasive assessment of brain function in high-risk newborns is critical to initiate timely interventions and to minimize long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities. A prerequisite to identifying deviations from normal, however, is the availability of baseline measures of brain function derived from healthy, full-term newborns. Recent advances in functional MRI combined with graph theoretic techniques may provide important, currently unavailable, quantitative markers of normal neurodevelopment. In the current study, we describe important properties of resting state networks in 60 healthy, full-term, unsedated newborns. The neonate brain exhibited an efficient and economical small world topology: densely connected nearby regions, sparse, but well integrated, distant connections, a small world index greater than 1 and global/local efficiency greater than network cost. These networks showed a heavy-tailed degree distribution, suggesting the presence of regions that are more richly connected to others (‘hubs’). These hubs, identified using degree and betweenness centrality measures, show a more mature hub organization than previously reported. Targeted attacks on hubs show that neonate networks are more resilient than simulated scale-free networks. Networks fragmented faster and global efficiency decreased faster when betweenness, as opposed to degree, hubs were attacked suggesting a more influential role of betweenness hub in the neonate network.
Effective directional self-gathering of drops on spine of cactus with splayed capillary arrays
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Xue Yan , Chen Yuan , Zheng Yongmei
Published: December 2015

We report that the fast droplet transport without additional energy expenditure can be achieved on the spine of cactus (Gymnocalycium baldianum) with the assistance of its special surface structure: the cactus spine exhibits a cone-like structure covered with tilted scales. A single scale and the spine surface under it cooperatively construct a splayed capillary tube. The arrays of capillary tube formed by the overlapping scales build up the out layer of the spine. The serial drops would be driven by the asymmetric structure resulted from tilt-up scales-by-scales on the cone-shaped spine and move directionally toward the bottom from top of spine, by means of the Laplace pressure in differences. In addition, after the past of the first droplet, thin liquid film of drop is trapped in the splayed capillary micro-tube on the surface of spine, which greatly reduces the friction of subsequential droplet transport in efficiency. This finding provides a new biological model which could be used to transport droplet spontaneously and directionally. Also this work offers a way to reduce the surface adhesion by constructing liquid film on the surface, which has great significance in prompting droplet transport efficiency.
Iron-overload injury and cardiomyopathy in acquired and genetic models is attenuated by resveratrol therapy
Authors: Das Subhash K. , Wang Wang , Zhabyeyev Pavel , Basu Ratnadeep , McLean Brent , Fan Dong , Parajuli Nirmal , DesAulniers Jessica , Patel Vaibhav B. , Hajjar Roger J. , Dyck Jason R. B. , Kassiri Zamaneh , Oudit Gavin Y.
Published: December 2015

Iron-overload cardiomyopathy is a prevalent cause of heart failure on a world-wide basis and is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with secondary iron-overload and genetic hemochromatosis. We investigated the therapeutic effects of resveratrol in acquired and genetic models of iron-overload cardiomyopathy. Murine iron-overload models showed cardiac iron-overload, increased oxidative stress, altered Ca2+ homeostasis and myocardial fibrosis resulting in heart disease. Iron-overload increased nuclear and acetylated levels of FOXO1 with corresponding inverse changes in SIRT1 levels in the heart corrected by resveratrol therapy. Resveratrol, reduced the pathological remodeling and improved cardiac function in murine models of acquired and genetic iron-overload at varying stages of iron-overload. Echocardiography and hemodynamic analysis revealed a complete normalization of iron-overload mediated diastolic and systolic dysfunction in response to resveratrol therapy. Myocardial SERCA2a levels were reduced in iron-overloaded hearts and resveratrol therapy restored SERCA2a levels and corrected altered Ca2+ homeostasis. Iron-mediated pro-oxidant and pro-fibrotic effects in human and murine cardiomyocytes and cardiofibroblasts were suppressed by resveratrol which correlated with reduction in iron-induced myocardial oxidative stress and myocardial fibrosis. Resveratrol represents a clinically and economically feasible therapeutic intervention to reduce the global burden from iron-overload cardiomyopathy at early and chronic stages of iron-overload.
Analytical framework and methodologies for analysing farm-level vulnerability.
Authors: Singh N. P. , Byjesh K. , Bantilan C. , Rao V. U. M. , Nedumaran S. , Venkateswarulu B. , Niranjan F. , Jayatilaka W. , Deb U. K. , Ha P. Q. , Suddhiyam P.
Published: December 2015

A comprehensive and well-thought-out framework of analysis is a pre-requisite in analysing pathways in improving resilience to climate change. This chapter discusses the analytical framework that includes macro data analysis, modelling, social analysis, etc., with an inclusive Q2 approach. All information gathered is from primary data collected through questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions and personal interviews. The analytics adopted include: climatic analysis; vulnerability analysis; farmers' perceptional analysis and matching perceptions with reality; social analysis including gender and social networks; and regional assessment of climate change impacts on agriculture using an integrated modelling approach.
What's in store for Asia: making sense of changes in climate trends.
Authors: Singh N. P. , Byjesh K. , Bantilan C. , Rao V. U. M. , Venkateswarulu B. , Niranjan F. , Jayatilaka W. , Deb U. K. , Ha P. Q. , Suddhiyam P.
Published: December 2015

This chapter provides a comparative meta-analysis of several global studies on long-term climatic trends, extreme events and their consequences on the important countries in Asia and Africa. Here we argue that climate-related losses are of greater magnitude than, and inventoried less than, the losses due to climatic extremes and natural disasters. It tries to answer questions such as what do the data indicate for the regions? Comparative assessment and regional trends are reported for: (i) the semi-arid tropics of India; (ii) the Mekong river region and north-east region of Vietnam; (iii) the semi-arid north-east region of Thailand; (iv) the drought and flood plains of Bangladesh; and (v) the dry regions of Sri Lanka.
The size distribution of inhabited planets
Authors: Simpson Fergus
Published: December 2015

Earth-like planets are expected to provide the greatest opportunity for the detection of life beyond the Solar system. However, our planet cannot be considered a fair sample, especially if intelligent life exists elsewhere. Just as a person's country of origin is a biased sample among countries, so too their planet of origin may be a biased sample among planets. The magnitude of this effect can be substantial: over 98 per cent of the world's population live in a country larger than the median. In the context of a simple model where the mean population density is invariant to planet size, we infer that a given inhabited planet (such as our nearest neighbour) has a radius r < 1.2r⊕ (95 per cent confidence bound). We show that this result is likely to hold not only for planets hosting advanced life, but also for those which harbour primitive life forms. Further, inferences may be drawn for any variable which influences population size. For example, since population density is widely observed to decline with increasing body mass, we conclude that most intelligent species are expected to exceed 300 kg.
New detections of Galactic molecular absorption systems toward ALMA calibrator sources
Authors: Ando Ryo , Kohno Kotaro , Tamura Yoichi , Izumi Takuma , Umehata Hideki , Nagai Hiroshi
Published: December 2015

We report on Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) detections of molecular absorption lines in Bands 3, 6, and 7 toward four radio-loud quasars, which were observed as the bandpass and complex gain calibrators. The absorption systems, three of which are newly detected, are found to be Galactic origin. Moreover, HCO absorption lines toward two objects are detected, which almost doubles the number of HCO absorption samples in the Galactic diffuse medium. In addition, high HCO-to-H13CO+ column density ratios are found, suggesting that the interstellar media (ISM) observed toward the two calibrators are in photodissociation regions, which observationally illustrates the chemistry of diffuse ISM driven by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These results demonstrate that calibrators in the ALMA Archive are potential sources for the quest for new absorption systems and for detailed investigation of the nature of the ISM.
Effects of a Novel Peritoneal Dialysis: The Open Versus Laparoscopic Preperitoneal Tunneling Technique
Authors: Bircan Huseyin Yuce , Kulah Eyyup
Published: December 2015

The key to achieving adequate continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is that a functioning catheter should enable unrestricted inflow and outflow of the dialysate liquid from the peritoneal cavity with an intact peritoneal membrane. Despite its advantages, complications, such as outflow obstruction, catheter‐related infection, and dialysate leakage are still problematic. Various laparoscopic techniques for catheter placement have been investigated. The main purpose of this study was to compare the laparoscopic and open surgical peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion techniques in a retrospective manner according to catheter survival, complications and the safety of both techniques. The study included end stage renal disease patients in our hospital in whom a PD catheter was placed between 2007 and 2014. Patients were divided into two groups: the open technique (OT) group and the laparoscopic preperitoneal tunneling approach (LA) group. Extracted data included patient demographics, operative data, catheter‐related complications and follow‐up data. Sixty‐nine patients were enrolled into the study. CAPD catheters were placed into 35 patients via LA and 34 via OT. We found that the LA group patients had better survival rates compared with the OT group, especially the long‐term survivals. All of the CAPD‐related complications, (peritonitis, malposition, outflow obstruction, leakage) were lower in the LA group. However, the peritonitis, malposition and groin hernia rates were also statistically significantly lower in the LA group. When compared with the published data, we recommend laparoscopic CAPD catheter placement with a preperitoneal tunneling technique. The technique is safe and offers a better outcome.
Assessing elements of a family approach to reduce adolescent drinking frequency: parent–adolescent relationship, knowledge management and keeping secrets
Authors: McCann Mark , Perra Oliver , McLaughlin Aisling , McCartan Claire , Higgins Kathryn
Published: December 2015

Aims

To estimate (1) the associations between parent–adolescent relationship, parental knowledge and subsequent adolescent drinking frequency and (2) the influence of alcohol use on parental knowledge.

Design

Path analysis of school based cohort study with annual surveys.

Setting

Post‐primary schools from urban and intermediate/rural areas in Northern Ireland.

Participants

A total of 4937 post‐primary school students aged approximately 11 years in 2000 followed until approximately age 16 years in 2005.

Measurements

Pupil‐reported measures of: frequency of alcohol use; parent–child relationship quality; subdimensions of parental monitoring: parental control, parental solicitation, child disclosure and child secrecy.

Findings

Higher levels of parental control [ordinal logistic odds ratio (OR) = 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.78, 0.95] and lower levels of child secrecy (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.75, 0.92) were associated subsequently with less frequent alcohol use. Parental solicitation and parent–child relationship quality were not associated with drinking frequency. Weekly alcohol drinking was associated with higher subsequent secrecy (beta −0.42, 95% CI = –0.53, −0.32) and lower parental control (beta −0.15, 95% CI = –0.26, −0.04). Secrecy was more strongly predictive of alcohol use at younger compared with older ages (P = 0.02), and alcohol use was associated less strongly with parental control among families with poorer relationships (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Adolescent alcohol use appears to increase as parental control decreases and child secrecy increases. Greater parental control is associated with less frequent adolescent drinking subsequently, while parent–child attachment and parental solicitation have little influence on alcohol use.
Meta‐analysis on the effectiveness of alcohol screening with brief interventions for patients in emergency care settings
Authors: Schmidt Christiane Sybille , Schulte Bernd , Seo Ha‐Na , Kuhn Silke , O'Donnell Amy , Kriston Levente , Verthein Uwe , Reimer Jens
Published: December 2015

Background and Aims

Despite ambiguous evidence for the effectiveness of alcohol screening with brief interventions (BI) in emergency departments (ED), ambition for their widespread implementation continues to grow. To clarify whether such an application of BI is justifiable, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis on studies testing the impact of BI on alcohol consumption.

Methods

We included peer‐reviewed, randomized controlled studies investigating the effects of BI on alcohol consumption in injured and/or intoxicated patients, published January 2002–September 2015. Changes from baseline in consumption quantity, intensity and number of heavy drinking episodes were assessed at 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up, resulting in nine separate random‐effects meta‐analyses of standardized mean differences (SMD). Moderation effects of intervention mode, length, type of interventionist, intensity of control intervention and study quality were assessed using subgroup comparisons and meta‐regression.

Results

We considered 33 publications (28 separate studies) including 14 456 patients. Six of nine comparisons revealed small significant effects in favour of BI, with the highest SMD at 0.19 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.08–0.31]. No significant moderators could be identified, and statistical heterogeneity (I2) was below 40%.

Conclusions

In a large meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials in emergency care settings, there was evidence for very small effects of brief interventions on alcohol consumption reductions. More intensive interventions showed no benefit over shorter approaches. Non‐face‐to‐face interventions appear to be comparably effective, but this finding remains tentative due to the low number of non‐face‐to‐face studies.
A Lack of Insight: An Experimental Analysis of R&D Managers’ Decision Making in Innovation Portfolio Management
Authors: Behrens Judith
Published: December 2015

This study analyses the decision to exploit an innovation project and investigates differences in individuals’ evaluations of project attributes in the context of innovation project portfolio management. A conjoint field experiment was used to collect data on exploitation decisions made by 126 research and development (R&D) managers to test how managers evaluate specific project attributes in the context of innovation project portfolio management. I analyse the relative power and popularity of profitability, strategy, uncertainty and social dimensions of the portfolio while R&D managers exploit an innovation project. Moreover, using social judgement theory, I analyse actual exploitation processes (i.e., the innovation attributes an R&D manager considers while he or she is making an exploitation decision) and self‐reported decision‐making attributes (i.e., managers’ self‐reported data). The data underline that R&D managers value specific project attributes more and others less, and therefore find disparities in innovation project portfolio decision making. Based on this study's results, decision makers are better able to reflect and understand the influence of specific project attributes. Therefore, they should investigate established decision‐making processes which can help them to improve portfolio performance.
Memantine for Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine Without Aura: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Noruzzadeh Rezvan , Modabbernia Amirhossein , Aghamollaii Vajiheh , Ghaffarpour Majid , Harirchian Mohammad Hossein , Salahi Sarvenaz , Nikbakht Nikta , Noruzi Nahid , Tafakhori Abbas
Published: December 2015

Background

Uncontrolled studies in human have suggested that memantine might be a suitable option for migraine prophylaxis.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and tolerability of memantine for migraine prophylaxis.

Methods

This was a 12‐week randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled parallel‐group study. Sixty patients with migraine without aura were randomized using a computer‐generated list to receive memantine (10 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the difference in change from baseline in the monthly attack frequency at week 12 between the two groups (using migraine diary). Secondary efficacy measures were assessed using several clinical, functional, and psychological instruments. We performed both complete case (CC) and intention‐to‐treat analyses (ITT).

Results

Twenty‐five patients in the memantine group and 27 patients in the placebo group completed the study. Patients in the memantine group showed significantly greater reduction (mean change; 3.4; 95%CI, 2.3‐4.4) in the monthly attack frequency than the placebo group (mean change, 1.0; 95%CI, 0.3‐1.7) (mean difference [MD], 2.3; 95%CI, 1.1‐3.5, P < .001). Both CC (MD, 4.9; 95%CI, 2.6‐7.2 days), and ITT analyses (MD, 5.2; 95%CI, 2.0‐8.5) showed significantly higher reduction in the mean number of migraine days in the memantine group than the placebo group (P < .01). Patients in the memantine group experienced greater reduction in the number of work absence days, severity, and disability score than the patients in the placebo group in both ITT and CC analyses. Changes in quality of life, sleep, depression, and anxiety did not differ between the two groups. Three patients in the memantine group complained of sedation, mild vertigo and nausea, and drowsiness. In the placebo group, one patient complained of nausea and another patient discontinued treatment after 2 weeks due to vertigo.

Conclusion

Memantine might be a tolerable and efficacious option for prophylaxis in patients with migraine without aura. Tolerability, short duration required for titration, and safety profile in pregnancy might give memantine an advantage over other antimigraine medications. The study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Registration number: IRCT2013120115616N1).
Role of nasal positive end expiratory pressure valve as an alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea in Chinese patients
Authors: To Kin Wang , Chan Tat O. , Ng Susana , Ngai Jenny , Hui David SC.
Published: December 2015

Background and objective

As compliance of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is often suboptimal, a less cumbersome treatment is desirable. We explored the clinical usefulness of nasal positive end expiratory pressure (nPEEP) valves.

Methods

Symptomatic OSA patients (apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) >5/h by polysomnography (PSG) or >10/h by type III devices), who declined CPAP, were recruited. A nPEEP valve was attached to each nostril before bed. After successful acclimatization for 1 week, treatment was continued for 4 weeks. The nPEEP valves provided expiratory resistance to build up PEEP. PSG was performed at week 4.

Results

Among 196 subjects, 46 (23%) failed acclimatization and 14 (7%) withdrew. Among the 120 patients with a valid PSG, 72 (60%) and 75 (63%) had >50% reduction in mean (standard deviation) overall AHI 26 (16)/h to 18 (18)/h and mean supine AHI 31 (19)/h to 11(16)/h, respectively, P < 0.001. Compared with responders, patients with <50% reduction in AHI had a higher mean overall AHI (30/h vs 23/h, P = 0.03), higher mean supine AHI (35/h vs 26/h, P = 0.04), more severe mean oxygen desaturation nadir (76.7% vs 82.7%, P < 0.01) and longer mean period of desaturation <90% SaO2 (7.7 vs 2.4, P = 0.02). Breathing discomfort and dry mouth were the most common side effects. Compared with a dental device, there was a larger mean reduction in supine AHI using nPEEP (29 (14)/h vs 16 (17)/h).

Conclusion

nPEEP valves were useful in selected patients with mild or positional‐related OSA.
An Inductive Thematic Analysis of Female Competitive Figure Skaters’ Experiences of Weight Pressure in Sport
Authors: Voelker Dana K. , Reel Justine J.
Published: December 2015

In this study, the authors examined female competitive figure skaters’ experiences of weight pressure in sport. Perceptions of the ideal skating body; sources of weight pressure; ways that body image, weight-management behaviors, and athletic performance have been affected; and recommendations for improving body image were explored. Aligning with a social constructivist view (Creswell, 2014), data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Skaters described the ideal skating body in an inflexible fashion with little room for deviation and acceptance of body diversity. Skaters cited their first weightpressure experience between 7 and 14 years of age, which most notably involved coaches, parents, skating partners, and other aspects of the skating culture. These experiences were characterized as promoting body-image concerns, unhealthy weight-management strategies, and interference with the psychological aspects of on-ice performance. Results from this study demonstrate the need to construct and maintain body-positive skating environments.
Arginine-Restricted Therapy Resistant Bilateral Macular Edema Associated with Gyrate Atrophy
Authors: Doguizi Sibel , Sekeroglu Mehmet Ali , Anayol Mustafa Alpaslan , Yilmazbas Pelin
Published: December 2015

Introduction. Gyrate atrophy is a rare genetical metabolic disorder affecting vision. Here, we report a 9-year-old boy with gyrate atrophy associated with bilateral macular edema at the time of diagnosis and the effect of long term metabolic control on macular edema.Case Presentation. A 9-year-old boy presented with a complaint of low visual acuity (best corrected visual acuity: 20/80 in both eyes, refractive error: −12.00 D). Dilated fundus examination revealed multiple bilateral, sharply defined, and scalloped chorioretinal atrophy areas in the midperipheral and peripheral zone. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed bilateral cystoid macular edema in both eyes. Serum ornithine level was high (622 μmol/L). An arginine-restricted diet reduced serum ornithine level (55 μmol/L). However, visual findings including macular edema remained unchanged in 2 years of follow-up.Conclusion. Arginine-restricted diet did not improve macular edema in our patient with gyrate atrophy. A more comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors for macular edema will lead to the development of effective therapies.
Adipokines and Cysteinyl Leukotrienes in the Pathogenesis of Asthma
Authors: Coffey Michael J. , Torretti Barbara , Mancuso Peter
Published: December 2015

Background. The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over the last decades, and its association with asthma is being increasingly recognized. Aims. Our hypothesis is that increased leptin and decreased adiponectin levels in obese subjects play a direct role in regulating inflammation in asthmatics. We wanted to examine the hypothesis that cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys-LT), inflammatory mediators that are regulated by adipokines, are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Methods. We studied a population of asthmatics and nonasthmatics, who in turn were divided into obese and nonobese categories. We examined leptin and its ratio to adiponectin, in asthmatics and nonasthmatics, with and without obesity. In addition, we measured cys-LT levels in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and in peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) in these groups. Results. Leptin levels were increased in obese asthmatics compared to obese nonasthmatics. The leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio was higher in obese asthmatics compared to obese nonasthmatics. EBC cys-LT levels were elevated in asthmatics compared to nonasthmatics. Discussion. Proinflammatory adipokines, released from adipose tissue, may promote an asthma phenotype through enhanced cys-LT production that may result in more prevalent and difficult to control airway disease.
CCR7 Receptor Expression in Mono-MAC-1 Cells: Modulation by Liver X ReceptorαActivation and Prostaglandin E2
Authors: Tanné Bérengère , Bernier Stéphane , Dumais Nancy
Published: December 2015

Cell migration via chemokine receptor CCR7 expression is an essential function of the immune system. We previously showed that prostaglandinE2(PGE2), an important immunomodulatory molecule, increases CCR7 expression and function in monocytes. Here, we explore the role of the liver X receptorα(LXRα) activation on CCR7 expression in Mono-Mac-1 (MM-1) cells in the presence of PGE2. To do this, MM-1 cells were stimulated with the LXRαsynthetic agonist T0901317 in the presence or absence of PGE2.CCR7mRNA transcription was measured using quantitative RT-PCR and protein expression was examined using flow cytometry. CCR7 function was analyzed using migration assays in response to CCL19/CCL21, which are natural ligands for CCR7. Our results show that agonist-mediated activation of LXRαin the presence of PGE2increases CCR7 mRNA transcription and MM-1 cell migratory capacity in response to CCL19/21. In addition, our results demonstrate that engagement of the E-prostanoids 2 and 4 (EP2/EP4) receptors present on MM-1 cells is responsible for the observed increase inCCR7mRNA expression and function during LXRαactivation. Examination of monocyte migration in response to lipid derivatives such as PGE2and oxysterols that are produced at sites of chronic inflammation would contribute to understanding the excessive monocyte migration that characterizes atherosclerosis.
Scaling Model of Low-Temperature Transport Properties for Molecular and Ionic Liquids
Authors: Rogankov Vitaly B.
Published: December 2015

The universal scaling concept is applied to the low-temperature range of any liquid states and substances located between the melting (Tm) and normal boiling (Tb) points far away from the critical region. The physical reason to develop such approach is the revealed collapse of all low-temperature isotherms onto the single universal one argued by the model of fluctuational thermodynamics (FT) proposed recently by author. The pressure reduced by the molecular parameters of the effective short-range Lennard-Jones (LJ) potential depends here only on the reduced density. To demonstrate the extraordinary predictive abilities of the developed low-temperature scaling model it has been applied to the prediction of equilibrium and transport (kinetic and dynamic viscosity, self-diffusion, and thermal conductivity) properties not only for molecular liquids but also for molten organic salts termed ionic liquids (ILs). The best argument in favor of the proposed methodology is the appropriate consistency with the scarce experiments prediction of transport coefficients for ILs on the base of universal scaling function constructed for the simplest LJ-like liquid argon. The only input data of any substance for prediction are the linear approximations of T-dependent density and isobaric heat capacity taken from the standard measurements at atmospheric pressure.
Reorganization of Anatomical Connectome following Electroconvulsive Therapy in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Zeng Jinkun , Luo Qinghua , Du Lian , Liao Wei , Li Yongmei , Liu Haixia , Liu Dan , Fu Yixiao , Qiu Haitang , Li Xirong , Qiu Tian , Meng Huaqing
Published: December 2015

Objective. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is considered one of the most effective and fast-acting treatment options for depressive episodes. Little is known, however, about ECT’s enabling brain (neuro)plasticity effects, particular for plasticity of white matter pathway.Materials and Methods. We collected longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging in the first-episode, drug-naïve major depressive disorder (MDD) patientsn=24before and after a predefined time window ECT treatment. We constructed large-scale anatomical networks derived from white matter fiber tractography and evaluated the topological reorganization using graph theoretical analysis. We also assessed the relationship between topological reorganization with improvements in depressive symptoms.Results. Our investigation revealed three main findings: (1) the small-worldness was persistent after ECT series; (2) anatomical connections changes were found in limbic structure, temporal and frontal lobes, in which the connection changes between amygdala and parahippocampus correlate with depressive symptom reduction; (3) significant nodal strength changes were found in right paralimbic network.Conclusions. ECT elicits neuroplastic processes associated with improvements in depressive symptoms that act to specific local ventral frontolimbic circuits, but not small-world property. Overall, ECT induced topological reorganization in large-scale brain structural network, opening up new avenues to better understand the mode of ECT action in MDD.
Serum Liver Fibrosis Markers for Predicting the Presence of Gastroesophageal Varices in Liver Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Qi Xingshun , Li Hongyu , Chen Jiang , Xia Chunlian , Peng Ying , Dai Junna , Hou Yue , Deng Han , Li Jing , Guo Xiaozhong
Published: December 2015

Background and Aims. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the role of hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), and collagen IV (CIV) in predicting the presence of gastroesophageal varices (GEVs) in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods. We enrolled 118 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent the tests for the four serum liver fibrosis markers and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the same admissions. The predictive values of the four serum liver fibrosis markers were evaluated by the areas under the receiving operator characteristics curves (AUROCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results. The prevalence of GEVs was 88% (104/118). The AUROCs for HA, LN, PIIINP, and CIV levels in predicting the presence of GEVs were 0.553 (95% CI: 0.458 to 0.644,P=0.5668), 0.490 (95% CI: 0.397 to 0.584,P=0.9065), 0.622 (95% CI: 0.528 to 0.710,P=0.1099), and 0.560 (95% CI: 0.466 to 0.652,P=0.4909). The PIIINP level at a cut-off value of 31.25 had a sensitivity of 73.1% and a specificity of 57.1%.Conclusions. The present study did not recommend HA, LN, PIIINP, and CIV levels to evaluate the presence of GEVs in liver cirrhosis.