bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Handwriting Performance in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Racine Marie Brossard , Majnemer Annette , Shevell Michael , Snider Laurie
Published: April 2008

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral condition of childhood. Consequences are multifaceted and include activity limitations in daily-living skills, academic challenges, diminished socialization skills, and motor difficulties. Poor handwriting performance is an example of an affected life skill that has been anecdotally observed by educators and clinicians for this population and can negatively impact academic performance and self-esteem. To guide health and educational service delivery needs, the authors reviewed the evidence in the literature on handwriting difficulties in children with ADHD. Existing evidence would suggest that children with ADHD have impaired handwriting performance, characterized by illegible written material and/or inappropriate speed of execution compared to children without ADHD. Studies with larger sample sizes using standardized measures of handwriting performance are needed to evaluate the prevalence of the problem and to better understand the nature of handwriting difficulties and their impact in this population.
Multiple Intracranial Tuberculomas Associated With Partial Status Epilepticus and Refractory Infantile Spasms
Authors: Zorn-Olexa Catherine , Laugel Vincent , Martin Anne de Saint , Donato Lionel , Fischbach Michel
Published: April 2008

We report the case of a 10 month-old girl presenting with multiple intracranial tuberculomas associated with partial status epilepticus and cerebrovascular accident in the left sylvian territory. She later developed paradoxical enlargement of the tuberculomas during antituberculous treatment and severe neurological sequelae with refractory infantile spasms. The development of infantile spasms in this context is particularly remarkable, and this case is illustrative of the complex interrelationship between intracranial lesions, partial status epilepticus, and infantile spasms. It also highlights the difficult diagnosis of cerebral tuberculomas in infants and further supports the need for continued vigilance in industrialized countries.
Hormonal Therapy for the Treatment of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Greene Rebecca E. , Tsang Vivian
Published: April 2008

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The majority of breast cancers diagnosed in postmenopausal women are hormone receptor positive and involve therapy with hormonal agents. Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen-receptor modulator, has been the mainstay of hormonal therapy since the 1970s. The more recent approval and success of aromatase inhibitors, such as anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane, have seen these agents move to the front line of therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone-positive breast cancer in the adjuvant and metastatic settings. Fulvestrant, a selective estrogen receptor— downregulator, provides an additional hormonal therapy with a novel mechanism of action. This article reviews the current literature available regarding the use of these agents for postmenopausal women with early stage or advanced breast cancer.
Update on Targeted Therapy—Focus on Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Toma Meredith B. , Medina Patrick J.
Published: April 2008

Monoclonal antibodies represent a diverse class of therapeutic agents frequently used in the treatment of various malignancies. Monoclonal antibodies have a common structure with varying amounts of human and nonhuman components. These agents have been developed to identify and to interact with specific cellular targets or signaling pathways, leading to cell death by various mechanisms. Adverse effects associated with monoclonal antibodies are related to their structure (human vs nonhuman content) and to their cellular targets. Pharmacists should be familiar with this class of therapeutic agents to provide effective management and to monitor patients receiving monoclonal antibody therapy.
Metaplastic Thymoma: Report of an Unusual Thymic Epithelial Neoplasm Arising in The Wall of a Thymic Cyst
Authors: Poorabdollah Mihan , Mehdizadeh Ehsan , Mohammadi Foruzan , Sabeti Shahram
Published: April 2008

In this report, a case of metaplastic thymoma arising in a thymic cyst wall is discussed. The patient was a 61-year-old male whose chief complaint was sweating and chest pain. Imaging study revealed a mediastinal mass with right hemithoracic extension. He underwent surgical resection of the mass and remnants of the thymus. Histologic studies showed a primary thymic neoplasm with a biphasic histologic pattern composed of 2 distinct epithelial and stromal components arising in a thymic cyst wall. Immunohistochemically, the epithelial component was cytokeratin positive and focally reactive for EMA. Marked expression of EMA and vimentin was seen in spindle cells. Metaplastic thymoma is an extremely rare variant of primary thymic epithelial neoplasms with only a few cases reported in the literature.
Expression of Telomeric Repeat Binding Factor 1 Protein in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer With Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Positive
Authors: Hu Jian  , Sun Li  , Zhang Chong  , Zhou Xie-Lai
Published: April 2008

Telomeric repeat binding factor 1 plays pivotal roles in telomere protection and maintenance in mammalian cells. In this article, the expression of telomeric repeat binding factor 1 protein in nonsmall cell lung cancer with human telomerase reverse transcriptase positive is investigated, and the relationship between the telomeric repeat binding factor 1 and clinic factors is analyzed. The expressions of human telomerase reverse transcriptase were detected by immunohistochemistry. The levels of telomeric repeat binding factor 1 protein were measured by Western blot. In all, 72% (36/50) patients showed human telomerase reverse transcriptase positive. Telomeric repeat binding factor 1 expression of cancer tissues and paired noncancerous tissues in 30 cases of human telomerase reverse transcriptase positive was 0.552 ± 0.329 and 0.654 ± 0.476, respectively ( P < .05). No significant difference in telomeric repeat binding factor 1 protein expression was observed among sex, clinical stages, pathological subtypes, and lymph node metastasis. The results indicated that down-regulation of telomeric repeat binding factor 1 expression appeared in lung cancer tissue, and no correlation was found between telomeric repeat binding factor 1 expression and clinicopathologic factors.
Our Minds Are Made Up—Don't Confuse Us With the Facts: Commentary on Policies Concerning Children With Sexual Behavior Problems and Juvenile Sex Offenders
Authors: Chaffin Mark
Published: April 2008

This commentary examines four common policy-relevant perceptions of teen and preteen sex offenders—high risk, “specialness,” homogeneity, and intransigence. Each perception is contrasted with long-standing as well as more current scientific facts. It is argued that public policies for these youth have been fundamentally driven by misperceptions, resulting in a set of well-intentioned but ultimately flawed policies and practices that are unlikely to deliver either child protection or juvenile justice benefits. These include federal and state policies pertaining to public registration and notification, community management, institutional placement, treatment approaches, and treatment standards. The research evidence about these juveniles is considerably more positive than current policies or clinical practices might suggest, and reflects a sharp disconnect between popular policy-relevant perceptions and the facts as we know them about these diverse cases.
Anesthetic Considerations in the Patient With Valvular Heart Disease Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Mittnacht Alexander JC , Fanshawe Michael , Konstadt Steven
Published: April 2008

Valvular heart disease can be an important finding in patients presenting for noncardiac surgery. Valvular heart disease and resulting comorbidity, such as heart failure or atrial fibrillation, significantly increase the risk for perioperative adverse events. Appropriate preoperative assessment, adequate perioperative monitoring, and early intervention, should hemodynamic disturbances occur, may help prevent adverse events and improve patient outcome. This review article aims to guide the practitioner in the various aspects of anesthetic management in the perioperative care of patients with valvular heart disease. The pharmacological approach to optimization of patient outcome with drugs, such as βblockers and lipid-lowering medications (statins), is an evolving field, and recent developments are discussed in this article.
Begin the Journey With the End in Mind
Authors: Klimoski Richard
Published: April 2008

This commentary critically examines the issues raised in the article by Bedeian, Van Fleet, and Hyman from a functional perspective, one that might be used in decisions about who should be a member of a prototypic work group. It takes the position that, like a work group, a journal editorial board exists for a purpose, and that purpose (or function) should play a major role in determining the criteria to be used when staffing the board's membership. When contemporary thinking about the staffing of work groups is applied, the current practices of the journals of interest are found to be appropriate and defensible.
A Focused Microarray to Study Human Mitochondrial and Nuclear Gene Expression
Authors: Voss Joachim G. , Raju Raghavan , Logun Carolea , Danner Robert L. , Munson Peter J. , Rangel Zoila , Dalakas Marinos C.
Published: April 2008

A focused microarray (huMITOchip) was developed to study alterations of human mitochondrial and nuclear gene expression in health and disease. The huMITOchip contains 4,774 probe sets identical to the Affymetrix U 133 plus 2.0 chip covering genes affecting mitochondrial, lipid, cytokine, apoptosis, and muscle function transcripts. Unlike other gene chips, the huMITOchip has 51 probe sets that interrogate 37 genes of the mitochondrial genome. The human mitochondrial gene chip was validated against the Affymetrix U133 plus 2.0 array using an in vitro system of CCL136 muscle cell line stimulated with or without interferon gamma (IFN-γ). The 37 genes from the mtDNA demonstrated absolute gene expression levels ranging from 0.1 to 3,182. The comparison of the two gene chips yielded an excellent Pearson's correlation coefficient ( r = 0.98). At least 17 probe sets were differentially expressed in response to IFN-γ on both chips, with a high degree of concordance. This is the first report on the development of a focused oligonucleotide microarray containing genes of the mitochondrial genome.
Discourses on menopause — Part I: Menopause described in texts addressed to Danish women 1996—2004
Authors: Hvas Lotte , Gannik Dorte Effersøe
Published: April 2008

To understand Danish women's very different ways of interpreting menopausal experiences and the way they construct meaning relating to menopause, it is necessary to include the context in which meaning is constructed as well as the background of cultural attitudes to menopause existing in the Danish society. Using documentary material, the aim of this article was to describe different discourses on menopause in Denmark that present themselves to menopausal women, and to discuss how these discourses may affect women's identity and constitute their scope of action. One hundred and thirty-two pieces of text under the heading or subject of `menopause' or `becoming a middle-aged woman', published from 1996 to 2004, were included. All material was addressed to Danish women, and consisted of booklets and informational material, articles from newspapers and magazines and popular science books. Seven different discourses on menopause were identified: the biomedical discourse; the `eternal youth' discourse; the health-promotion discourse; the consumer discourse; the alternative discourse; the feminist/ critical discourse; and the existential discourse. The biomedical discourse on menopause was found to be dominant, but was expanded or challenged by other discourses by offering different scopes of action and/or resting on different fundamental values. The discourses constructed and positioned individual women differently; thus, the women's position varied noticeably from one discourse to another. Depending on the discourse drawn upon, the woman's position could be that of a passive patient or that of an empowered woman, capable of making her own choices in relation to her health.
Discourses on menopause — Part II: How do women talk about menopause?
Authors: Hvas Lotte , Gannik Dorte Effersøe
Published: April 2008

The aim of this article is to describe which of the different available discourses women relate to as revealed in the way they talk about menopause. We use a discourse analytic approach, which implies that meaning is ascribed to things according to how we talk about them. Twenty-four menopausal women from Denmark were interviewed. They were selected to cover a broad spectrum of Danish women with different menopausal experiences and social background factors. Seven previously identified discourses could be found in the interviews, though to varying degrees from woman to woman. Nearly all women used terms from the biomedical sphere like `a period of decline and decay', even if they did not necessarily agree with this view. Also the existential discourse permeated most of the interviews, especially when the conversation turned to the ageing process, femininity and self-development. The way the menopause was talked about almost became kaleidoscopic when images speedily changed from the decrepit osteoporotic woman or a woman with lack of vitality and sex-appeal to a healthy and strong woman with control over her body and self. Since many women contact doctors in relation to menopause, and since the way doctors talk about menopause is influential, doctors should carefully consider which words and images they use in the counselling. The medical way of perceiving menopause is just one of many, and doctors must be aware that there are other different and partially contradicting discourses at play in society and in the women's universes.
RGT, a synthetic peptide corresponding to the integrin β3 cytoplasmic C-terminal sequence, selectively inhibits outside-in signaling in human platelets by disrupting the interaction of integrin αIIbβ3 with Src kinase
Authors: Su Xiaoyu , Mi Jianqing , Yan Jinsong , Flevaris Panagiotis , Lu Yuanjing , Liu Hongchen , Ruan Zheng , Wang Xuefeng , Kieffer Nelly , Chen Saijuan , Du Xiaoping , Xi Xiaodong
Published: April 2008

Mutational analysis has established that the cytoplasmic tail of the integrin β3 subunit binds c-Src (termed as Src in this study) and is critical for bidirectional integrin signaling. Here we show in washed human platelets that a cell-permeable, myristoylated RGT peptide (myr-RGT) corresponding to the integrin β3 C-terminal sequence dose-dependently inhibited stable platelet adhesion and spreading on immobilized fibrinogen, and fibrin clot retraction as well. Myr-RGT also inhibited the aggregation-dependent platelet secretion and secretion-dependent second wave of platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate, ristocetin, or thrombin. Thus, myr-RGT inhibited integrin outside-in signaling. In contrast, myr-RGT had no inhibitory effect on adenosine diphosphate-induced soluble fibrinogen binding to platelets that is dependent on integrin inside-out signaling. Furthermore, the RGT peptide induced dissociation of Src from integrin β3 and dose-dependently inhibited the purified recombinant β3 cytoplasmic domain binding to Src-SH3. In addition, phosphorylation of the β3 cytoplasmic tyrosines, Y747 and Y759, was inhibited by myr-RGT. These data indicate an important role for β3-Src interaction in outside-in signaling. Thus, in intact human platelets, disruption of the association of Src with β3 and selective blockade of integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling by myr-RGT suggest a potential new antithrombotic strategy.
GPR50 is the mammalian ortholog of Mel1c: Evidence of rapid evolution in mammals
Authors: Dufourny Laurence , Levasseur Anthony , Migaud Martine , Callebaut Isabelle , Pontarotti Pierre , Malpaux Benoit , Monget Philippe
Published: April 2008

Background

The melatonin receptor subfamily contains three members Mel1a, Mel1b and Mel1c, found in all vertebrates except for Mel1c which is found only in fish, Xenopus species and the chicken. Another receptor, the melatonin related receptor known as GPR50, found exclusively in mammals and later identified as a member of the melatonin receptor subfamily because of its identity to the three melatonin receptors despite its absence of affinity for melatonin. The aim of this study was to describe the evolutionary relationships between GPR50 and the three other members of the melatonin receptor subfamily.

Results

Using an in silico approach, we demonstrated that GPR50 is the ortholog of the high affinity Mel1c receptor. It was necessary to also study the synteny of this gene to reach this conclusion because classical mathematical models that estimate orthology and build phylogenetic trees were not sufficient. The receptor has been deeply remodelled through evolution by the mutation of numerous amino acids and by the addition of a long C-terminal tail. These alterations have modified its affinity for melatonin and probably affected its interactions with the other two known melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 that are encoded by Mel1a and Mel1b genes respectively. Evolutionary studies provided evidence that the GPR50 group evolved under different selective pressure as compared to the orthologous groups Me11 a, b, and c.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that there are only three members in the melatonin receptor subfamily with one of them (Me11c) undergoing rapid evolution from fishes and birds to mammals. Further studies are necessary to investigate the physiological roles of this receptor.
Identification of a novel KCNQ1 mutation associated with both Jervell and Lange-Nielsen and Romano-Ward forms of long QT syndrome in a Chinese family
Authors: Zhang Su , Yin Ke , Ren Xiang , Wang Pengyun , Zhang Shirong , Cheng Lingling , Yang Junguo , Liu Jing Yu , Liu Mugen , Wang Qing Kenneth
Published: April 2008

Background

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a cardiac disorder characterized by prolonged QT intervals on electrocardiograms (ECG), ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden death. Clinically, two inherited forms of LQTS have been defined: autosomal dominant LQTS or Romano-Ward syndrome (RWS) not associated with deafness and autosomal recessive LQTS or Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome (JLNS) associated with deafness.

Methods

A Chinese family with both RWS and JLNS was identified. Family members were diagnosed based on the presence of a prolonged QT interval as seen on a 12-lead ECG and a medical history of syncope, palpitation, and deafness. Mutational studies in the KCNQ1 potassium channel gene were performed using direct DNA sequence analysis and restriction length polymorphism analysis.

Results

The proband in the Chinese family and her brother had previously been diagnosed with JLNS, and two other members were affected with RWS. The proband was also affected with atrial fibrillation. A single nucleotide substitution of C to T at nucleotide 965 of KCNQ1 was identified, and the mutation resulted in the substitution of a threonine residue at codon 322 by a methionine residue (T322M). The novel heterozygous T322M mutation was identified in two patients with RWS, one member with borderline QTc, and two normal family members. The two JLNS patients in the family carried the homozygous T322M mutation. The T322M mutation was not found in 200 Chinese normal controls.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that T322M is a novel mutation that caused RWS with high intrafamilial variability in the heterozygous carriers and typical JLNS in the homozygous carriers within this Chinese family. The T322M mutation is the first mutation identified for JLNS in the Chinese population.
PSAIA – Protein Structure and Interaction Analyzer
Authors: Mihel Josip , Šikić Mile , Tomić Sanja , Jeren Branko , Vlahoviček Kristian
Published: April 2008

Background

PSAIA (Protein Structure and Interaction Analyzer) was developed to compute geometric parameters for large sets of protein structures in order to predict and investigate protein-protein interaction sites.

Results

In addition to most relevant established algorithms, PSAIA offers a new method PIADA (Protein Interaction Atom Distance Algorithm) for the determination of residue interaction pairs. We found that PIADA produced more satisfactory results than comparable algorithms implemented in PSAIA.

Particular advantages of PSAIA include its capacity to combine different methods to detect the locations and types of interactions between residues and its ability, without any further automation steps, to handle large numbers of protein structures and complexes. Generally, the integration of a variety of methods enables PSAIA to offer easier automation of analysis and greater reliability of results.

PSAIA can be used either via a graphical user interface or from the command-line. Results are generated in either tabular or XML format.

Conclusion

In a straightforward fashion and for large sets of protein structures, PSAIA enables the calculation of protein geometric parameters and the determination of location and type for protein-protein interaction sites. XML formatted output enables easy conversion of results to various formats suitable for statistic analysis.

Results from smaller data sets demonstrated the influence of geometry on protein interaction sites. Comprehensive analysis of properties of large data sets lead to new information useful in the prediction of protein-protein interaction sites.
Case-mix & patients' reports of outcome in Independent Sector Treatment Centres: Comparison with NHS providers
Authors: Browne John , Jamieson Liz , Lewsey Jim , van der Meulen Jan , Copley Lynn , Black Nick
Published: April 2008

Background

There has been considerable concern expressed about the outcomes achieved in Independent Sector Treatment Centres (ISTCs) introduced in England since 2003. Our aim was to compare the case-mix and patients' reported outcomes of surgery in ISTCs and in NHS providers.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 769 patients treated in six ISTCs and 1895 treated in 20 NHS providers (acute hospitals and treatment centres) in England during 2006–07. Participants underwent one of three day surgery procedures (inguinal hernia repair, varicose vein surgery, cataract extraction) or hip or knee replacement. Change in patient-reported health status and health related quality of life (measured using a disease-specific and a generic (EQ-5D) instrument) was assessed either 3-months (day surgery) or 6-months (hip/knee) after surgery. In addition patient-reported post-operative complications and an overall assessment of success of surgery were collected. Outcome measures were adjusted (using multivariable regression) for patient characteristics (disease severity, duration of symptoms, age, sex, socioeconomic status, general health, previous similar surgery, comorbidity).

Results

Post-operative response rates varied by procedure (73%–88%) and were similar for those treated in ISTCs and NHS facilities. Patients treated in ISTCs were healthier, were less likely to have any comorbidity and, for those undergoing cataract surgery or joint replacement, their primary condition was less severe. Those undergoing hernia repair or joint replacement were less likely to have had similar surgery before.

When adjustment was made for pre-operative characteristics, patients undergoing cataract surgery or hip replacement in ISTCs achieved a slightly greater improvement in functional status and quality of life than those treated in NHS facilities, while the opposite was true of patients undergoing hernia repair. No significant differences were found for the two other procedures. Patients treated in ISTCs were less likely to report post-operative problems than those treated in NHS facilities for cataract surgery (Adjusted Odds Ratio 0.35; 95% CI 0.17–0.70), hernia repair (0.42; 0.28–0.63) and knee replacement (0.44; 0.28–0.69). Most patients described the result of their operation as excellent, very good or good, regardless of where they were treated.

Conclusion

The case-mix of patients treated in ISTCs differs from that in NHS providers, in line with the intention of the contracts. Caution is needed in interpreting the observation that patients treated in ISTCs reported slightly better outcomes as very few ISTCs participated, case-mix adjustment might have been insufficient, and patients' reports might have been biased as they were more likely to be satisfied with the way they were treated.
The L1-type cell adhesion molecule Neuroglian is necessary for maintenance of sensory axon advance in the Drosophila embryo
Authors: Martin Veronica , Mrkusich Eli , Steinel Martin C , Rice Jason , Merritt David J , Whitington Paul M
Published: April 2008

Background

Cell adhesion molecules have long been implicated in the regulation of axon growth, but the precise cellular roles played by individual cell adhesion molecules and the molecular basis for their action are still not well understood. We have used the sensory system of the Drosophila embryo to shed light on the mechanism by which the L1-type cell adhesion molecule Neuroglian regulates axon growth.

Results

We have found a highly penetrant sensory axon stalling phenotype in neuroglian mutant embryos. Axons stalled at a variety of positions along their normal trajectory, but most commonly in the periphery some distance along the peripheral nerve. All lateral and dorsal cluster sensory neurons examined, except for the dorsal cluster neuron dbd, showed stalling. Sensory axons were never seen to project along inappropriate pathways in neuroglian mutants and stalled axons showed normal patterns of fasciculation within nerves. The growth cones of stalled axons possessed a simple morphology, similar to their appearance in wild-type embryos when advancing along nerves. Driving expression of the wild-type form of Neuroglian in sensory neurons alone rescued the neuroglian mutant phenotype of both pioneering and follower neurons. A partial rescue was achieved by expressing the Neuroglian extracellular domain. Over/mis-expression of Neuroglian in all neurons, oenocytes or trachea had no apparent effect on sensory axon growth.

Conclusion

We conclude that Neuroglian is necessary to maintain axon advance along axonal substrates, but is not required for initiation of axon outgrowth, axon fasciculation or recognition of correct growth substrates. Expression of Neuroglian in sensory neurons alone is sufficient to promote axon advance and the intracellular region of the molecule is largely dispensable for this function. It is unlikely, therefore, that Nrg acts as a molecular 'clutch' to couple adhesion of F-actin within the growth cone to the extracellular substrate. Rather, we suggest that Neuroglian mediates sensory axon advance by promoting adhesion of the surface of the growth cone to its substrate. Our finding that stalling of a pioneer sensory neuron is rescued by driving Neuroglian in sensory neurons alone may suggest that Neuroglian can act in a heterophilic fashion.
Episodic Simulation of Future Events
Authors: Schacter Daniel L. , Addis Donna Rose , Buckner Randy L.
Published: April 2008

This article focuses on the neural and cognitive processes that support imagining or simulating future events, a topic that has recently emerged in the forefront of cognitive neuroscience. We begin by considering concepts of simulation from a number of areas of psychology and cognitive neuroscience in order to place our use of the term in a broader context. We then review neuroimaging, neuropsychological, and cognitive studies that have examined future‐event simulation and its relation to episodic memory. This research supports the idea that simulating possible future events depends on much of the same neural machinery, referred to here as a core network, as does remembering past events. After discussing several theoretical accounts of the data, we consider applications of work on episodic simulation for research concerning clinical populations suffering from anxiety or depression. Finally, we consider other aspects of future‐oriented thinking that we think are related to episodic simulation, including planning, prediction, and remembering intentions. These processes together comprise what we have termed “the prospective brain,” whose primary function is to use past experiences to anticipate future events.
Multisensory‐based Approach to the Recovery of Unisensory Deficit
Authors: Làdavas Elisabetta
Published: April 2008

This chapter reviews several highly convergent behavioral findings that provide strong evidence for the existence of multimodal integration systems subserving spatial representation in humans. These systems generally function through the multisensory coding of visuoauditory and visuotactile events but vary in their specific functional and anatomical characteristics. The chapter will also consider the adaptive advantages of multisensory integration systems; these systems might modulate the level of activation in cortical areas in short‐ and long‐term ways, thereby providing a mechanism for permanent recovery from sensory and spatial deficits.
The Adolescent Brain
Authors: Casey B.J. , Jones Rebecca M. , Hare Todd A.
Published: April 2008

Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by suboptimal decisions and actions that are associated with an increased incidence of unintentional injuries, violence, substance abuse, unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. Traditional neurobiological and cognitive explanations for adolescent behavior have failed to account for the nonlinear changes in behavior observed during adolescence, relative to both childhood and adulthood. This review provides a biologically plausible model of the neural mechanisms underlying these nonlinear changes in behavior. We provide evidence from recent human brain imaging and animal studies that there is a heightened responsiveness to incentives and socioemotional contexts during this time, when impulse control is still relatively immature. These findings suggest differential development of bottom‐up limbic systems, implicated in incentive and emotional processing, to top‐down control systems during adolescence as compared to childhood and adulthood. This developmental pattern may be exacerbated in those adolescents prone to emotional reactivity, increasing the likelihood of poor outcomes.
Evaluating Faces on Trustworthiness
Authors: Todorov Alexander
Published: April 2008

People routinely make various trait judgments from facial appearance, and such judgments affect important social outcomes. These judgments are highly correlated with each other, reflecting the fact that valence evaluation permeates trait judgments from faces. Trustworthiness judgments best approximate this evaluation, consistent with evidence about the involvement of the amygdala in the implicit evaluation of face trustworthiness. Based on computer modeling and behavioral experiments, I argue that face evaluation is an extension of functionally adaptive systems for understanding the communicative meaning of emotional expressions. Specifically, in the absence of diagnostic emotional cues, trustworthiness judgments are an attempt to infer behavioral intentions signaling approach/avoidance behaviors. Correspondingly, these judgments are derived from facial features that resemble emotional expressions signaling such behaviors: happiness and anger for the positive and negative ends of the trustworthiness continuum, respectively. The emotion overgeneralization hypothesis can explain highly efficient but not necessarily accurate trait judgments from faces, a pattern that appears puzzling from an evolutionary point of view and also generates novel predictions about brain responses to faces. Specifically, this hypothesis predicts a nonlinear response in the amygdala to face trustworthiness, confirmed in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, and dissociations between processing of facial identity and face evaluation, confirmed in studies with developmental prosopagnosics. I conclude with some methodological implications for the study of face evaluation, focusing on the advantages of formally modeling representation of faces on social dimensions.
Disorders of Consciousness
Authors: Owen Adrian M.
Published: April 2008

The vegetative state and other so‐called disorders of consciousness present some of the most significant practical and ethical challenges in modern medicine. It is extremely difficult to assess residual cognitive function in these patients because their movements may be minimal or inconsistent, or because no cognitive output may be possible. In recent years, behavioral and neuroimaging techniques developed within the cognitive neurosciences have provided a number of new approaches for investigating these disorders, leading to significant advances in current understanding. In several cases, residual cognitive function and even conscious awareness have been demonstrated in patients who are assumed to be vegetative yet retain cognitive abilities that have evaded detection using standard clinical methods. In this article, I review these data, focusing primarily on the vegetative and minimally conscious states.
Retinol-Binding Protein 4 and Its Relation to Insulin Resistance in Obese Children before and after Weight Loss
Authors: Reinehr Thomas , Stoffel-Wagner Birgit , Roth Christian L.
Published: April 2008

Context: There are limited and controversial data concerning the relationships between retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), weight status, and insulin resistance in obese humans and especially in children.

Objective: Our objective was to study the longitudinal relationships among RBP4, insulin resistance and weight status in obese children.

Design, Setting, and Patients: We conducted a 1-yr longitudinal follow-up study in a primary-care setting with 43 obese children (median age 10.8 yr) and 19 lean children of same the age and gender.

Intervention: Our outpatient 1-yr intervention program was based on exercise, behavior, and nutrition therapy.

Main Outcomes Measures: Changes of weight status (body mass index sd score), RBP4, molar RBP4/serum retinol (SR) ratio, insulin resistance index homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI).

Results: Obese children had significantly (P < 0.01) higher RBP4 concentrations and a higher RBP4/SR ratio compared with lean children. In multiple linear regression analyses adjusted to age, gender, and pubertal stage, RBP4 was significantly correlated to insulin and body mass index. Pubertal children demonstrated significantly decreased QUICKI and significantly increased HOMA index, insulin, and RBP4 concentrations compared with prepubertal children. Changes of RBP4 correlated significantly to changes of insulin (r = 0.29), HOMA index (r = 0.29), QUICKI (r = 0.22), and weight status (r = 0.31). Substantial weight loss in 25 children led to a significant (P < 0.001) decrease of RBP4, RBP4/SR, blood pressure, triglycerides, insulin, and HOMA index and an increase in QUICKI in contrast to the 18 children without substantial weight loss.

Conclusion: RBP4 levels were related to weight status and insulin resistance in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, suggesting a relationship between RBP4, obesity, and insulin resistance in children.
Autonomic Nervous System Function in Chronic Exogenous Subclinical Thyrotoxicosis and the Effect of Restoring Euthyroidism
Authors: Eustatia-Rutten Carmen F. A. , Corssmit Eleonora P. M. , Heemstra Karen A. , Smit Johannes W. A. , Schoemaker Rik C. , Romijn Johannes A. , Burggraaf Jacobus
Published: April 2008

Context: Knowledge on the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and subclinical hyperthyroidism is mainly based upon cross-sectional studies in heterogeneous patient populations, and the effect of restoration to euthyroidism in subclinical hyperthyroidism has not been studied.

Objective: We investigated the long-term effects of exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism on the autonomic nervous system and the potential effects of restoration of euthyroidism.

Design: This was a prospective single-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

Setting: The study was performed at a university hospital.

Patients: A total of 25 patients who were on more than 10-yr TSH suppressive therapy after thyroidectomy was examined.

Intervention: Patients were studied at baseline and subsequently randomized to a 6-month thyroid hormone substitution regimen to obtain either euthyroidism or maintenance of the subclinical hyperthyroid state.

Main Outcome Measures: Urinary excretion of catecholamines and heart rate variability were measured. Baseline data of the subclinical hyperthyroidism patients were compared with data obtained in patients with hyperthyroidism and controls.

Results: Urinary excretion of norepinephrine and vanillylmandelic acid was higher in the subclinical hyperthyroidism patients compared with controls and lower compared with patients with overt hyperthyroidism. Heart rate variability was lower in patients with hyperthyroidism, intermediate in subclinical hyperthyroidism patients, and highest in the healthy controls. No differences were observed after restoration of euthyroidism.

Conclusions: Long-term exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism has effects on the autonomic nervous system measured by heart rate variability and urinary catecholamine excretion. No differences were observed after restoration to euthyroidism. This may indicate the occurrence of irreversible changes or adaptation during long-term exposure to excess thyroid hormone that is not remedied by 6-month euthyroidism.
Caveolin-1 alters Ca2+ signal duration through specific interaction with the Gαq family of G proteins
Authors: Sengupta Parijat , Philip Finly , Scarlata Suzanne
Published: April 2008

Caveolae are membrane domains having caveolin-1 (Cav1) as their main structural component. Here, we determined whether Cav1 affects Ca2+ signaling through the Gαq–phospholipase-Cβ (PLCβ) pathway using Fischer rat thyroid cells that lack Cav1 (FRTcav–) and a sister line that forms caveolae-like domains due to stable transfection with Cav1 (FRTcav+). In the resting state, we found that eCFP-Gβγ and Gαq-eYFP are similarly associated in both cell lines by Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Upon stimulation, the amount of FRET between Gαq-eYFP and eCFP-Gβγ remains high in FRTcav– cells, but decreases almost completely in FRTcav+ cells, suggesting that Cav1 is increasing the separation between Gαq-Gβγ subunits. In FRTcav– cells overexpressing PLCβ, a rapid recovery of Ca2+ is observed after stimulation. However, FRTcav+ cells show a sustained level of elevated Ca2+. FRET and colocalization show specific interactions between Gαq and Cav1 that increase upon stimulation. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy studies show that the mobility of Gαq-eGFP is unaffected by activation in either cell type. The mobility of eGFP-Gβγ remains slow in FRTcav– cells but increases in FRTcav+ cells. Together, our data suggest that, upon stimulation, Gαq(GTP) switches from having strong interactions with Gβγ to Cav1, thereby releasing Gβγ. This prolongs the recombination time for the heterotrimer, thus causing a sustained Ca2+ signal.
Fibroblast migration is mediated by CD44-dependent TGFβ activation
Authors: Acharya Pinak S. , Majumdar Sonali , Jacob Michele , Hayden James , Mrass Paul , Weninger Wolfgang , Assoian Richard K. , Puré Ellen
Published: April 2008

CD44 contributes to inflammation and fibrosis in response to injury. As fibroblast recruitment is critical to wound healing, we compared cytoskeletal architecture and migration of wild-type (CD44WT) and CD44-deficient (CD44KO) fibroblasts. CD44KO fibroblasts exhibited fewer stress fibers and focal adhesion complexes, and their migration was characterized by increased velocity but loss of directionality, compared with CD44WT fibroblasts. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that CD44WT cells generated more active TGFβ than CD44KO cells and that CD44 promotes the activation of TGFβ via an MMP-dependent mechanism. Reconstitution of CD44 expression completely rescued the phenotype of CD44KO cells whereas exposure of CD44KO cells to exogenous active TGFβ rescued the defect in stress fibers and migrational velocity, but was not sufficient to restore directionality of migration. These results resolve the TGFβ-mediated and TGFβ-independent effects of CD44 on fibroblast migration and suggest that CD44 may be critical for the recruitment of fibroblasts to sites of injury and the function of fibroblasts in tissue remodeling and fibrosis.
Novel Hydrophilic Cages Based on Acetone Complex with Calix[4]arene Dimethoxycarboxylic Acid
Authors: Xie Zhao-Yang , Hou Nai-Tao , Zhu Yi-Zhou , Song Hai-Bin , Zheng Jian-Yu
Published: April 2008

Novel cages based on acetone complex with dimeric units of calix[4]arene dimethoxycarboxylic acid extend along different directions to form polymeric cages, and the polymers interlock to form layer arrays, that in turn antiparallel pack in a bilayer architecture.
Nanowire Formation in Two-component-mixed Langmuir–Blodgett Films of Fatty Acid and Silane-coupling Agent
Authors: Mazaki Takaaki , Shibata Hirobumi , Kondo Yukishige , Yoshino Norio , Matsumoto Mutsuyoshi
Published: April 2008

We have found the formation of nanowires in two-component-mixed Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of fatty acid and silane-coupling agent for the first time. The phase-separated structures of the mixed LB films were controlled by adjusting intermolecular interactions. The size and shape of the domains were explained by considering two competing interactions of line tension and dipole–dipole interaction.
Effects of Aspartic Acid on Calcite Dissolution Rate and Solubility
Authors: Yoshino Toru , Kagi Hiroyuki
Published: April 2008

The dissolution rate and solubility of calcite, a polymorph of CaCO3, were determined in aspartic acid (Asp) solutions: Asp inhibited the surface reaction of calcite dissolution but accelerated the transport process. The crossover of these contrastive effects caused a local maximum of the dissolution rate constant and the transition of rate-determining processes. The calcite solubility increased with increasing Asp concentration, which may reflect its association with the change of the calcite surface structure derived from the addition of Asp.
Morphology-controlled Preparation of Silver Nanocrystals and Their Application in Catalysis
Authors: Bi Yingpu , Lu Gongxuan
Published: April 2008

The morphologies of silver nanocrystals have been successfully tuned from wire to versatile rod, cube, and sphere by varying the molecular structure of polyols. Effects of crystal shape on the catalytic performance of silver for hydrogen generation from HCHO solution have also been investigated. It was found that silver nanocubes were more active than nanorods, nanowires, and nanospheres.
A New Method for Catalytic Syntheses of Block Copolymers via ROMP: Development of Stereoblock Copoly(endo-dicyclopentadiene)
Authors: Hayano Shigetaka , Tsunogae Yasuo
Published: April 2008

A new method for catalytic block copolymerization of cyclic olefins was developed for the first time. Cross metathesis was successfully utilized as a reversible chain-transfer reaction. Sequential addition of plural monomers to the polymeric terminal olefin provided a block copolymer of Mw⁄Mn≈2.0. This paper also focuses on the development of a new crystalline–amorphous block copolymer, hydrogenated stereoblock copoly(endo-dicyclopentadiene).
Late-Onset Rosiglitazone-Associated Acute Liver Failure in a Patient with Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: El-Naggar Moustafa HM , Helmy Ahmed , Moawad Mahmoud , Al-Omary Mohamed , Al-Kadhi Yusuf , Habib Bassil
Published: April 2008

Objective:

To report a case of rosiglilazone-associated hepatotoxicity in a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Case Summary:

A 52-year-old man presented with low-grade fever and fatigue that had been present for 4 months. He had been receiving insulin for 5 years and rosiglitazone 4 mg/day for 11 months for control of type 2 diabetes; he was receiving no other drug therapy. During hospitalization, hepatotoxicity was shown, with abnormal liver function test results including alanine aminotransferase 488 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase 344 U/L, alkaline phosphatase B32 U/L, total bilirubin 4.61 mg/dL, and direct bilirubin 3.63 mg/dL. Rosiglitazone was discontinued after further elevation of bilirubin (total 14.67 mg/dL, direct 12.10 mg/dL) occurred. Other causes for hepatotoxicity were ruled out, Hodgkin's lymphoma was diagnosed during the workup; however, liver imaging and biopsy also excluded this as the direct cause of acute liver failure. Despite discontinuation of rosiglitazone, the bilirubin level continued to increase to 49.29 mg/dL (direct >20 mg/dL). The patient died 3 months after admission.

Discussion:

Rosiglitazone maleate is a thiazolidinedione approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The first member of this drug class, troglitazone, was withdrawn from the market due to reports of acute liver failure. Rosiglitazone has been shown to be much safer than troglitazone, despite some reported cases of early-onset nonfatal hepatotoxicity. Use of the Naranjo probability scale indicated that rosiglitazone was the probable cause of acute liver failure in our patient.

Conclusions:

We conclude that rosiglitazone may be associated with late-onset acute liver failure. Clinicians should be aware of such a complication and monitor liver function in patients receiving the drug.
Patients’ Perceptions of Electronic Monitoring Devices Affect Medication Adherence in Hypertensive African Americans
Authors: Schoenthaler Antoinette , Ogedegbe Gbenga
Published: April 2008

Background:

Electronic monitoring devices (EMDs) are regarded as the gold standard for assessing medication adherence in clinical research. However, little is known about the effect of patients’ acceptance of EMDs on medication adherence in African Americans with hypertension who are followed in primary care practices

Objective:

To assess patients’ perceptions of EMDs, their acceptance of EMDs, and the relationship of these perceptions to medication adherence in African Americans with hypertension who are followed in community-based practices.

Methods:

Patients were recruited from a larger randomized controlled trial assessing the effect of motivational interviewing on medication adherence and blood pressure in hypertensive African American patients followed in 2 New York City primary care practices. Medication adherence was assessed with a Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) during a 12-month monitoring period. At the 12-month follow-up, patients’ perceptions of the MEMS were assessed with a 17-item questionnaire. ANOVA was used to compare patients’ responses (agree, neither, disagree) with the MEMS adherence over the monitoring period. Tukey's post hoc tests were used to determine whether there were significant differences among the 3 groups.

Results:

Participants were predominantly women, low-income, unemployed, had a high school education, and were a mean age of 53 years. Approximately two-thirds of the participants stated that the MEMS helped them remember to take their medications, 93% reported that the MEMS was easy to open, 85% did not find it stressful, and 75% liked the MEMS and used it everyday. One-third of patients preferred using a pillbox and 25% did not like traveling with the MEMS. Patients who stated that they used the MEMS every day, felt comfortable using it in front of others, and remembered to put refills in the MEMS had significantly better adherence over the study period than did those who disagreed (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions:

African American patients treated for hypertension in community-based practices held positive perceptions about a MEMS. Perceptions about the practicality of a MEMS may yield important information about actual medication-taking behavior.