bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Put Myself Into Your Place”: Embodied Simulation and Perspective Taking in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Conson Massimiliano , Mazzarella Elisabetta , Esposito Dalila , Grossi Dario , Marino Nicoletta , Massagli Angelo , Frolli Alessandro
Published: February 2015

Embodied cognition theories hold that cognitive processes are grounded in bodily states. Embodied processes in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have classically been investigated in studies on imitation. Several observations suggested that unlike typical individuals who are able of copying the model's actions from the model's position, individuals with ASD tend to reenact the model's actions from their own egocentric perspective. Here, we performed two behavioral experiments to directly test the ability of ASD individuals to adopt another person's point of view. In Experiment 1, participants had to explicitly judge the left/right location of a target object in a scene from their own or the actor's point of view (visual perspective taking task). In Experiment 2, participants had to perform left/right judgments on front‐facing or back‐facing human body images (own body transformation task). Both tasks can be solved by mentally simulating one's own body motion to imagine oneself transforming into the position of another person (embodied simulation strategy), or by resorting to visual/spatial processes, such as mental object rotation (nonembodied strategy). Results of both experiments showed that individual with ASD solved the tasks mainly relying on a nonembodied strategy, whereas typical controls adopted an embodied strategy. Moreover, in the visual perspective taking task ASD participants had more difficulties than controls in inhibiting other‐perspective when directed to keep one's own point of view. These findings suggested that, in social cognitive tasks, individuals with ASD do not resort to embodied simulation and have difficulties in cognitive control over self‐ and other‐perspective. Autism Res 2015, 8: 454–466. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent progress in designing inhibitors that target the drug‐resistant M2 proton channels from the influenza A viruses
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Fang , Ma Chunlong
Published: February 2015

Influenza viruses are the causative agents for seasonal influenza, which results in thousands of deaths and millions of hospitalizations each year. Moreover, sporadic transmission of avian or swan influenza viruses to humans often leads to an influenza pandemic, as there is no preimmunity in the human body to fight against such novel strains. The metastable genome of the influenza viruses, coupled with the reassortment of different strains from a wide range of host origins, leads to the continuous evolution of the influenza virus diversity. Such characteristics of influenza viruses present a grand challenge in devising therapeutic strategies to combat influenza virus infection. This review summarizes recent progress in designing small molecule inhibitors that target the drug‐resistant influenza A virus M2 proton channels and highlights the contribution of mechanistic studies of proton conductance to drug discovery. The lessons learned throughout the course of M2 drug discovery might provide insights for designing inhibitors that target other therapeutically important ion channels. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 291–309, 2015.
Cellular localization of CIP2A determines its prognostic impact in superficial spreading and nodular melanoma
Authors: Flørenes Vivi Ann , Emilsen Elisabeth , Dong Hiep Phuc , Førsund Mette , Holm Ruth , Slipicevic Ana
Published: February 2015

Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) is an important oncogene contributing to cancer progression partially by regulating cMYC and AKT. We examined CIP2A expression in cutaneous melanomas, its association with clinicopathological parameters and mapped molecular mechanisms regulated by CIP2A in vitro. CIP2A expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 17 nevi, 132 primary melanomas and 49 metastases. Effects of siRNA‐mediated down‐regulation on proliferation, apoptosis and signaling pathways were assessed in melanoma cell lines. In superficial spreading melanomas (SSM), high nuclear CIP2A expression was associated with poor overall survival (OS) (P = 0.0018). Surprisingly, high cytoplasmic expression was related to improved relapse‐free (P = 0.031) and OS (P = 0.014) in nodular melanomas (NM). In vitro experiments revealed that CIP2A can regulate proliferation and/or apoptosis partially through the PI3K/AKT pathway but also independently. In summary, CIP2A could represent a potential therapeutic target in SSM. However, in NM cytoplasmic CIP2A is associated with improved prognosis indicating that CIP2A has distinct, complex functions dependent on the molecular context and histological subtype. As seen in other cancer types, CIP2A can influence cMYC and AKT, but our data also suggest that in melanoma it has additional targets which need to be identified.
Gloss evaluation and prediction of achromatic low‐gloss textured surfaces from the automotive industry
Authors: Passaro C. , Bidoret J.S. , Baron S. , Delafosse D. , Eterradossi O.
Published: February 2015

In this article, we investigate the benefit of including texture information in models of gloss perception of low‐gloss textured achromatic plastic surfaces from the automotive industry. 4 models are compared: two gloss prediction models including texture information, one using data from reflectometry (M1) and one using data from goniophotometry (M2), and two models using data from reflectometry (M3) or goniophotometry (M4) alone. Both texture‐corrected models (M1‐M2) outclass the uncorrected intensity‐based models, mainly because they are made texture invariant. Although the texture‐corrected reflectometer‐based prediction (M1) correlates rather well with sensory data, a more consistent fit is obtained by mixing textural to goniophotometric data (M2). This can be explained by the fact that contrast gloss is better than multiangle specular gloss at reflecting the observer's gloss evaluation strategy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 154–164, 2016
Global Regularity for Some Oldroyd‐B Type Models
Authors: Elgindi Tarek M. , Rousset Frederic
Published: February 2015

We investigate some critical models for visco‐elastic flows of Oldroyd‐B type in dimension 2. We use a transformation that exploits the Oldroyd‐B structure to prove an L∞ bound on the vorticity which allows us to prove global regularity for our systems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diabetes in pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and proposed codification of definitions
Authors:   The International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) Working Group on Outcome Definitions, Feig Denice S. , Corcoy Rosa , Jensen Dorte Moller , Kautzky‐Willer Alexandra , Nolan Christopher J. , Oats Jeremy J. N. , Sacks David A. , Caimari Francisca , McIntyre H. David
Published: February 2015

Rising rates of diabetes in pregnancy have led to an escalation in research in this area. As in any area of clinical research, definitions of outcomes vary from study to study, making it difficult to compare research findings and draw conclusions. Our aim was to compile and create a repository of definitions, which could then be used universally. A systematic review of the literature was performed on published and ongoing randomized controlled trials in the area of diabetes in pregnancy between 01 Jan 2000 and 01 Jun 2012. Other sources included the World Health Organization and Academic Society Statements. The advice of experts was sought when appropriate definitions were lacking. Among the published randomized controlled trials on diabetes and pregnancy, 171 abstracts were retrieved, 64 full texts were reviewed and 53 were included. Among the ongoing randomized controlled trials published in ClinicalTrials.gov, 90 protocols were retrieved and 25 were finally included. The definitions from these were assembled and the final maternal definitions and foetal definitions were agreed upon by consensus. It is our hope that the definitions we have provided (i) will be widely used in the reporting of future studies in the area of diabetes in pregnancy, that they will (ii) facilitate future systematic reviews and formal meta analyses and (iii) ultimately improve outcomes for mothers and babies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydroxyurea induces chromosomal damage in G2 and enhances the clastogenic effect of mitomycin C in Fanconi anemia cells
Authors: Molina Bertha , Marchetti Francesco , Gómez Laura , Ramos Sandra , Torres Leda , Ortiz Rocio , Altamirano‐Lozano Mario , Carnevale Alessandra , Frias Sara
Published: February 2015

Fanconi's anemia (FA) is a recessive disease; 16 genes are currently recognized in FA. FA proteins participate in the FA/BRCA pathway that plays a crucial role in the repair of DNA damage induced by crosslinking compounds. Hydroxyurea (HU) is an agent that induces replicative stress by inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), which synthesizes deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) necessary for DNA replication and repair. HU is known to activate the FA pathway; however, its clastogenic effects are not well characterized. We have investigated the effects of HU treatment alone or in sequential combination with mitomycin‐C (MMC) on FA patient‐derived lymphoblastoid cell lines from groups FA‐A, B, C, D1/BRCA2, and E and on lymphocytes from two unclassified FA patients. All FA cells showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in chromosomal aberrations following treatment with HU during the last 3 h before mitosis. Furthermore, when FA cells previously exposed to MMC were treated with HU, we observed an increase of MMC‐induced DNA damage that was characterized by high occurrence of DNA breaks and a reduction in rejoined chromosomal aberrations. These findings show that exposure to HU during G2 induces chromosomal aberrations by a mechanism that is independent of its well‐known role in replication fork stalling during S‐phase and that HU interfered mainly with the rejoining process of DNA damage. We suggest that impaired oxidative stress response, lack of an adequate amount of dNTPs for DNA repair due to RNR inhibition, and interference with cell cycle control checkpoints underlie the clastogenic activity of HU in FA cells. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:457–467, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Organochlorine pesticides, lead, and mercury in northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) from the rolling plains ecoregion of Texas and Oklahoma
Authors: Baxter Catherine E. , Pappas Sara , Abel Michael T. , Kendall Ronald J.
Published: February 2015

Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) from the Rolling Plains ecoregion in Texas and Oklahoma were evaluated for organochlorine pesticides, Pb, and Hg. Of all organochlorine pesticides analyzed, only p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) and p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p′-DDD) were found in a few composite liver samples. Similarly, a small fraction of tissue samples had detectable levels of Hg (liver and breast) or Pb exceeding background concentrations (femur). Lead concentrations in a few individuals fell within the range associated with moderate toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1505–1510. © 2015 SETAC
Physiological effects and reduced tolerance following maternal metal exposure in the live-bearing fish Gambusia affinis
Authors: Cazan Alfy Morales , Klerks Paul L.
Published: February 2015

The present study assessed the effects of maternal copper or cadmium exposure in a live-bearing fish. After a 10-d exposure to background levels (control) or 0.15 μM copper or cadmium, gravid females were transferred to clean water. Once a female gave birth, the authors analyzed her newborn offspring for lipid peroxidation, elemental composition (copper, cadmium, and calcium), and metal tolerance. The authors raised other offspring until sexual maturity and analyzed their growth rate, incidence of abnormalities, and sex ratio. Their earlier research, using the same species and exposure design, demonstrated that cadmium and copper were transferred from gravid females to their offspring. The present study showed that offspring of copper-exposed females had a reduced size at birth, developmental abnormalities, elevated tissue cadmium levels, and reduced tissue calcium levels. Offspring of cadmium-exposed females had elevated levels of lipid peroxidation, developmental abnormalities, and lower tissue levels of both copper and calcium. No effects were detected with respect to offsprings' growth rate or sex ratio. Offspring of metal-exposed fish had a reduced tolerance to the metal that their female parent had been exposed to, and the tolerance showed an inverse relationship to the tissue metal level in the offspring. The latter indicates that the reduced tolerance was the result of an increased body burden prior to the tolerance quantification. The present study constitutes the first report in live-bearing fishes showing that maternal metal exposure has a wide range of negative impacts on the offspring. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1337–1344. © 2015 SETAC
A gene to organism approach—assessing the impact of environmental pollution in eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) females and larvae
Authors: Asker Noomi , Carney Almroth Bethanie , Albertsson Eva , Coltellaro Mariateresa , Bignell John Paul , Hanson Niklas , Scarcelli Vittoria , Fagerholm Björn , Parkkonen Jari , Wijkmark Emma , Frenzilli Giada , Förlin Lars , Sturve Joachim
Published: February 2015

A broad biomarker approach was applied to study the effects of marine pollution along the Swedish west coast using the teleost eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) as the sentinel species. Measurements were performed on different biological levels, from the molecular to the organismal, including measurements of messenger RNA (mRNA), proteins, cellular and tissue changes, and reproductive success. Results revealed that eelpout captured in Stenungsund had significantly higher hepatic ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity, high levels of both cytochrome P4501A and diablo homolog mRNA, and high prevalence of dead larvae and nuclear damage in erythrocytes. Eelpout collected in Göteborg harbor displayed extensive macrovesicular steatosis, whereby the majority of hepatocytes were affected throughout the liver, which could indicate an effect on lipid metabolism. Results also indicate that eelpouts collected at polluted sites might have an affected immune system, with lower mRNA expression of genes involved in the innate immune system and a higher number of lymphocytes. Biomarker assessment also was performed on livers dissected from unborn eelpout larvae collected from the ovary of the females. No significant differences were noted, which might indicate that the larvae to some extent are protected from effects of environmental pollutants. In conclusion, usage of the selected set of biological markers, covering responses from gene to organism, has demonstrated site-specific biomarker patterns that provided a broad and comprehensive picture of the impact of environmental stressors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1511–1523. © 2015 The Authors. Published by SETAC.
Comparison of PBDE congeners as inducers of oxidative stress in zebrafish
Authors: Usenko Crystal Y. , Abel Erika L. , Kudela Molly , Janise Annie , Bruce Erica D.
Published: February 2015

A proposed primary pathway through which polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) disrupt normal biological functions is oxidative stress. In the present study, 4 PBDE congeners were evaluated for their potential to initiate oxidative stress in zebrafish during development: BDE 28, BDE 47, BDE 99, and BDE 100. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was used to increase intracellular glutathione concentrations and only decreased the effects of BDE 28 at 10 ppm and 20 ppm and BDE 47 at 20 ppm. N-acetylcysteine coexposure did not alter the rates of mortality or curved body axis compared with PBDE exposure alone. The activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) was not altered at 24 h postfertilization (hpf), but increased following 10 ppm BDE 28 exposure at 120 hpf. Transcription of several genes associated with stress was also evaluated. At 24 hpf, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 6a (COX6a) transcription was up-regulated in embryos exposed to BDE 99, and BDE 28 exposure up-regulated the transcription of Glutathione-S-transferase-pi (GSTpi). At 24 hpf, glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCLC) was slightly down-regulated by all congeners evaluated. At 120 hpf, TNF receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) and COX6A were up-regulated by all congeners, however GSTpi was down-regulated by all congeners. The results of quantitative real-time transcription polymerase chain reaction are mixed and do not strongly support a transcriptional response to oxidative stress. According to the authors' data, PBDEs do not induce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress may occur at high exposure concentrations; however, this does not appear to be a primary mechanism of action for the PBDE congeners tested. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1154–1160. © 2015 SETAC
Cadmium accumulation and toxicity in the unicellular alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata: Influence of metal-binding exudates and exposure time
Authors: Paquet Nathalie , Lavoie Michel , Maloney Frédéric , Duval Jérôme F.L. , Campbell Peter G.C. , Fortin Claude
Published: February 2015

Predicting metal availability and toxicity for chronic (several hours or days) metal exposure scenarios, even for unicellular algae, is a major challenge to existing toxicity models. This is because several factors affecting metal uptake and toxicity, such as the release of metal-binding exudates, changes in the kinetics of metal uptake and toxicity over time, and algal physiological acclimation to internalized metals, are still poorly understood. The present study assessed the influence of these factors on Cd uptake and toxicity in laboratory batch cultures of the freshwater alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. To do so, changes in the free Cd2+ concentrations caused by the release of metal-binding algal exudates were monitored,109Cd accumulation in algal cells was measured, and Cd-induced inhibition of algal growth as a function of exposure time (from 12 h to 96 h) was followed. Results indicate that metal-binding exudates may decrease the proportion of the free Cd2+ ion in solution up to 2-fold, a decrease that affects Cd uptake and toxicity. Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata has the capacity to decrease net Cd uptake rate on short time scales (<24 h), but this reduction in the Cd uptake rate disappeared after 24 h, and Cd toxicity occurred at relatively high Cd concentrations in solution. These data illustrate some of the pitfalls of standard algal toxicity assays, which were designed for acute exposures, and suggest how robust chronic bioassays might be developed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1524–1532. © 2015 SETAC
Las Cargas: Characterization and Prehistoric Use of a Southern Andean Obsidian Source
Authors: Salgán Laura , Garvey Raven , Neme Gustavo , Gil Adolfo , Giesso Martín , Glascock Michael D. , Durán Víctor
Published: February 2015

The importance of obsidian from the northern Patagonian source at Las Cargas is reflected in its early use (∼8000 years B.P.) and extensive geographic diffusion but is nonetheless surprising in light of the source's high altitude (located in the Andes Cordillera), which makes it both difficult to access under ideal conditions and inaccessible for much of the year. Prehistoric use of the Las Cargas source can inform us about mobility, subsistence choices, economics of stone consumption, trade, and territoriality. Here we present the results of various lines of evidence (surface survey, X‐ray fluorescence and instrumental neutron activation analyses, artifact morphometry, and obsidian hydration dating) used to characterize obsidian from Las Cargas and its prehistoric use during the Holocene. Results indicate that Las Cargas obsidian occurs at the source as blocks and nodules, which are chemically homogeneous and of variable quality. Use of the source was nearly continuous through time, and the primary knapping activities performed there were the production of blanks and preparation of cores.
Archaeoseismological Analysis of a Late Bronze Age Site on the Alhama de Murcia Fault, SE Spain
Authors: Ferrater Marta , Silva Pablo G. , Ortuño Maria , Rodríguez‐Pascua Miguel Ángel , Masana Eulàlia
Published: February 2015

An archaeoseismological study of Tira del Lienzo (Totana, Spain) was undertaken. The site belongs to the Argar archaeological group (2200–1550 cal. B.C.; Bronze Age). It is located on the trace of the reverse left‐lateral Alhama de Murcia fault (AMF) that was responsible for the 5.1 Mw 2011 Lorca earthquake. The constructive typology of the site consists of mortar‐free irregular natural boulders (dry‐set masonry) and differs from earlier archaeoseismological sites built on regular masonry constructions in the Betic Cordillera. Four Earthquake Archaeological Effects (EAEs) were identified as follows: (1) an apparent surface rupture (c. 18 cm left‐lateral offset), (2) the differential coseismic uplift of several centimeters affecting the main building of the settlement, (3) the widespread development of fractures on the ground surface (ground cracks) in a NE‐SW direction consistent with the kinematics of the AMF, and (4) fractures in boulders that constitute the remains of the dry stone walls at the site. Structural analysis of the two fracture types reveals two nearly orthogonal sets (NE‐SW and NW‐SE), matching the strike‐slip kinematics of the AMF in the zone. Archaeoseismic evidence and related radiocarbon dates of the different building phases of the Bronze Age site indicate the probable occurrence of at least one strong seismic event (6.3–6.5 Mw; IX ESI‐07) around 1550 cal. B.C., or soon after, triggering the destruction and probably the eventual abandonment of the site. We have identified an ancient lost earthquake from the Bronze Age and report the first archaeoseismological evidence of surface rupture in the Iberian Peninsula. This study also provides the first numerical data in the Totana‐Alhama segment of the AMF based on the recorded archaeoseismic displacements. These data allowed us to characterize the related slip rates (0.05 mm/yr) to define the seismic potential of the analyzed fault segment of the AMF, which was poorly defined by previous seismic and geological data.
Comparative cytotoxicity of dolomite nanoparticles in human larynx HEp2 and liver HepG2 cells
Authors: Ahamed Maqusood , Alhadlaq Hisham A. , Ahmad Javed , Siddiqui Maqsood A. , Khan Shams T. , Musarrat Javed , Al‐Khedhairy Abdulaziz A.
Published: February 2015

Dolomite is a natural mineral of great industrial and commercial importance. With the advent of nanotechnology, natural minerals including dolomite in the form of nanoparticles (NPs) are being utilized in various applications to improve the quality of products. However, safety or toxicity information of dolomite NPs is largely lacking. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of dolomite NPs in two widely used in vitro cell culture models: human airway epithelial (HEp2) and human liver (HepG2) cells. Concentration‐dependent decreased cell viability and damaged cell membrane integrity revealed the cytotoxicity of dolomite NPs. We further observed that dolomite NPs induce oxidative stress in a concentration‐dependent manner, as indicated by depletion of glutathione and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. Quantitative real‐time PCR data demonstrated that the mRNA level of tumor suppressor gene p53 and apoptotic genes (bax, CASP3 and CASP9) were up‐regulated whereas the anti‐apoptotic gene bcl‐2 was down‐regulated in HEp2 and HepG2 cells exposed to dolomite NPs. Moreover, the activity of apoptotic enzymes (caspase‐3 and caspase‐9) was also higher in both kinds of cells treated with dolomite NPs. It is also worth mentioning that HEp2 cells seem to be marginally more susceptible to dolomite NPs exposure than HepG2 cells. Cytotoxicity induced by dolomite NPs was efficiently prevented by N‐acetyl cysteine treatment, which suggests that oxidative stress is primarily responsible for the cytotoxicity of dolomite NPs in both HEp2 and HepG2 cells. Toxicity mechanisms of dolomite NPs warrant further investigations at the in vivo level. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety of Chinese herbal medicines during pregnancy
Authors: Liang Bo , Li Lu , Tang Ling Yin , Wu Qi , Wu Xiao Ke , Wang Chi Chiu
Published: February 2015

Miscarriage and infertility have long been public concerns due to the mental and physical suffering they bring to potential parents. There is a strong need for effective and affordable treatments. Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been shown to be effective for preventing miscarriage and treating infertility; however, due to the limited knowledge of their pharmacological mechanisms and unknown potential toxicity, their use has been restricted. This paper reviews 24 clinical trials of CHMs to prevent miscarriage and treat infertility. Most of these studies did not meet the requirements of randomized controlled trials. Even when using quality assessments based on the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale to assess the quality of non‐randomized studies, most studies did not meet the requirements. The reviewed papers were evaluated for maternal and embryonic adverse effects, including those in animal experiments. Slight maternal effects were noted, with some reports of severe toxic effects of CHMs for preventing miscarriage and severe adverse maternal effects of CHMs used for infertility. Owing to the poor quality of the randomized controlled clinical trials and the limited number of studies, it is not possible to draw a conclusion. From animal studies, for all three gestational periods, growth delay and congenital anomalies were the most commonly recorded adverse effects. However, baseline toxicological data and detailed mechanisms are still lacking. To gain a better understanding of the potential toxic effects of CHMs, additional high‐quality randomized controlled trials should be conducted, and high‐throughput in vitro screening method for baseline data should be considered. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bisphenol A promotes X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein‐dependent angiogenesis via G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor pathway
Authors: Liu Jian , Jin Xin , Zhao Nana , Ye Xiaolei , Ying Chenjiang
Published: February 2015

Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the high‐volume chemicals worldwide, has a core structure resembling that of natural estradiol. Recent evidence has demonstrated that exposure to BPA has a relationship with the risk of cancer. The objective of our study is to investigate the mechanisms underlying the pro‐angiogenic effects of BPA. We demonstrated that BPA markedly induces endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation by activating endothelial nitric oxide synthase. BPA‐induced nitric oxide generation appeared to be associated with the X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), which competes with endothelial nitric oxide synthase for caveolin‐1. BPA was shown to exert its pro‐angiogenic effect by upregulating XIAP expression via G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (ER) activation but not via ERα or ERβ. Our data suggest that 100 nM BPA promote angiogenesis in a G protein‐coupled ER‐dependent genomic pathway, and provide a novel insight into the potential role of XIAP in mediating the pro‐angiogenic effects of BPA in endothelial cells. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐generation reproduction and teratology studies of feeding aditoprim in Wistar rats
Authors: Wang Xu , Tan Ziqiang , Cheng Guyue , Awais Ihsan , Huang Lingli , Chen Dongmei , Pan Yuanhu , Liu Zhenli , Yuan Zonghui
Published: February 2015

Aditoprim, a new bacteriostatic agent that belongs to diaminopyrimidines, has a broad antimicrobial spectrum, good antibacterial activity and excellent pharmacokinetics. To evaluate the reproductive toxicity and teratogenic potential of aditoprim, different concentrations of aditoprim were administered to Wistar rats by feeding diets containing 0, 20, 100 and 1000 mg kg–1, respectively. Each group consisting of 18 males and 25 females (F0) was treated with different concentrations of aditoprim through a 13‐week period before mating and during mating, gestation, parturition and lactation. At weaning, 20 males and 25 females of the F1generation weanlings per group were selected randomly as parents for the F2generation. Selected F1weanlings were exposed to the same diet and treatment as their parents. At 1000 mg kg–1dose group, body weights in F0and F1rats, fetal body weight on day 21 (0, 4 and 21) after birth and number of viable fetuses in the F0and F1generation significantly decreased. Teratogenicity study was performed in combination with the F1generation of a two‐generation reproduction study. F1parents of the reproduction study were mated after weaning of the F2apups. Pregnant female rats were subjected to cesarean section on gestational day 20 for teratogenic examination. At 1000 mg kg–1group, body weights, fetal body lengths, tail lengths, litter weights and number of viable fetuses were significantly decreased. No obvious external, skeletal or visceral malformations in fetuses were noted in any groups in the teratogenic test. The no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level for reproduction/development toxicity of aditoprim was 100 mg kg–1diet (about 7.89–9.25 mg kg–1body weight day–1). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Life Expectancy in Patients Treated for Osteoporosis: Observational Cohort Study Using National Danish Prescription Data
Authors: Abrahamsen Bo , Osmond Clive , Cooper Cyrus
Published: February 2015

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease, carrying an elevated risk of fractures, morbidity, and death. Long-term treatment may be required, but the long-term risks with osteoporosis drugs remain incompletely understood. The competing risk of death may be a barrier to treating the oldest, yet this may not be rational if the risk of death is reduced by treatment. It is difficult to devise goal-directed long-term strategies for managing osteoporosis without firm information about residual life expectancy in treated patients. We conducted an observational study in Danish national registries tracking prescriptions for osteoporosis drugs, comorbid conditions, and deaths. We included 58,637 patients and 225,084 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Information on deaths until the end of 2013 was retrieved, providing a follow-up period of 10 to 17 years. In men younger than 80 years and women younger than 60 years, the relative risk of dying declined from being strongly increased in the first year to a stable but elevated level in subsequent years. In women older than 65 to 70 years, there was only a small elevation in risk in the first year of treatment followed by lower than background population mortality. The residual life expectancy of a 50-year-old man beginning osteoporosis treatment was estimated to be 18.2 years and that of a 75-year-old man was 7.5 years. Estimates in women were 26.4 years and 13.5 years, respectively. This study shows an excess mortality in men and in women younger than 70 years who are treated for osteoporosis compared with the background population. This excess risk is more pronounced in the first few years on treatment. The average life expectancy of osteoporosis patients is in excess of 15 years in women younger than 75 years and in men younger than 60 years, highlighting the importance of developing tools for long-term management. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The use of hematocrit level for predicting the efficiency of peripheral blood CD34+ cell collection after G‐CSF Mobilization in Healthy Donors
Authors: Pornprasertsud Nida , Niparuck Pimjai , Kidkarn Ruangtong , Puavilai Teeraya , Sirachainan Nongnuch , Pakakasama Samart , Hongeng Suradej , Jootar Saengsuree , Ungkanont Artit
Published: February 2015

Recently, peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) has been widely used and replaced bone marrow (BM) as the stem cell source in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) because of a more rapid engraftment, easier accessibility, and lower risk of donor complications. We, therefore, report the predicting factors for the high PBSC harvest yields in 50 healthy donors. Among the 50 donors, median collected CD34+ cell number was 4.6 × 106/kg (1.5–16.3 × 106/kg). Number of circulating CD34+ cells and hematocrit (HCT) level increased parallelly whereas peripheral CD34+ cell numbers were decreased with increasing donor age. In univariate analysis, HCT level≥ 35.5% at the time of PBSC collection was significantly associated with high PBSC number (≥ 5.0 × 106 cells/kg) and donor aged <30 years was significantly associated with collected CD34+ cells ≥ 6.0 × 106/kg, P = 0.03. HCT level ≥35.5% was an independent parameter for high WBC count (≥50 × 109/L), P < 0.05. None of donor who had both HCT < 35.5% and WBC < 50 × 109/L had circulating CD34+ cells ≥ 5.0 × 106/kg. Platelet count ≥ 200 × 109/L was found significantly in donors with WBC ≥ 40 × 109/L (P = 0.03) and HCT ≥ 35.5%, P < 0.05. Collected PBSC number tended to be higher in our donors with high levels of HCT, WBC, and platelet. We also found that HCT and platelet levels in our donors decreased after receiving G‐CSF administration compared with the initial complete blood counts (CBC) results. We, therefore, concluded that HCT level at the time of initiation leukapheresis was an important predictor for PBSC collection yields. J. Clin. Apheresis 30:329–334, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term plasma exchange in pediatric CIDP
Authors: Lucchetta Marta , Vidal Enrico , Sartori Stefano , Campagnolo Marta , Torre Chiara Dalla , Marson Piero , Manara Renzo , Briani Chiara
Published: February 2015

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is not frequently used in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) because it usually gives only a short‐term benefit. We report on a 16‐year‐old boy with renal insufficiency undergoing hemodialysis who developed CIDP and underwent TPE with dramatic long‐term response to therapy. Nerve ultrasound and MRI findings are also reported. In our patient TPE was chosen because he was already undergoing hemodialysis. Though it is not considered a first‐line therapy in pediatric CIDP, TPE may be a good therapeutic choice also in long‐term period. J. Clin. Apheresis 30:364–366, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A High Fat Diet Increases Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue (MAT) But Does Not Alter Trabecular or Cortical Bone Mass in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Doucette Casey R. , Horowitz Mark C. , Berry Ryan , MacDougald Ormond A. , Anunciado‐Koza Rea , Koza Robert A. , Rosen Clifford J.
Published: February 2015

Obesity has been associated with high bone mineral density (BMD) but a greater propensity to fracture. Some obese individuals have increased marrow adipose tissue (MAT), but the impact of MAT on bone turnover remains controversial, as do changes in BMD associated with a high fat diet (HFD). In this study we hypothesized that MAT volume would increase in response to HFD but would be independent of changes in BMD. Hence, we fed C57BL/6J (B6) male mice at 3 weeks of age either a high fat diet (60 kcal %) or regular diet (10 kcal %) for 12 weeks (n = 10/group). We measured MAT volume by osmium staining and micro‐CT (µCT) as well as bone parameters by µCT, histomorphometry, and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. We also performed a short‐term pilot study using 13‐week‐old B6 males and females fed a HFD (58 kcal %) for 2 weeks (n = 3/sex). Both long‐ and short‐term HFD feedings were associated with high MAT volume, however, femoral trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone formation rate and cortical bone mass were not altered in the long‐term study. In the short‐term pilot study, areal BMD was unchanged after 2 weeks of HFD. We conclude that, for B6 mice fed a HFD starting at wean or 13 weeks of age, MAT increases whereas bone mass is not altered. More studies are needed to define the mechanism responsible for the rapid storage of energy in the marrow and its distinction from other adipose depots. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2032–2037, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing pyridoxine and doxylamine succinate‐pyridoxine HCl for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: A matched, controlled cohort study
Authors: Pope Eliza , Maltepe Caroline , Koren Gideon
Published: February 2015

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is a common gestational condition. This is the first study to compare the use of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) versus Diclectin (doxylamine succinate–pyridoxine HCl) for NVP symptoms. Participants were pregnant women with NVP who used either pyridoxine or doxylamine succinate–pyridoxine HCl for ≥4 days prior to calling the Motherisk NVP Helpline. Women receiving pyridoxine only (n = 80) were matched to a woman taking doxylamine succinate–pyridoxine HCl only (n = 80), accounting for potential confounders and baseline level of NVP, measured by the Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) score. Change in NVP severity after a week of therapy with either pyridoxine or doxylamine succinate–pyridoxine HCl was quantified using the PUQE‐24 scale, which describes NVP symptoms 24 hours prior to their call. Doxylamine succinate–pyridoxine HCl use found a significant reduction in PUQE score, compared with pyridoxine (+0.5 versus ‐0.2, P < .05; negative denotes worsening). This association was especially prominent in women with more severe symptoms, where doxylamine succinate–pyridoxine HCl use saw a mean improvement of 2.6 versus 0.4 with pyridoxine (P < .05). As well, doxylamine succinate–pyridoxine HCl use was associated with fewer women experiencing moderate to severe scores after a week of treatment, compared with the pyridoxine group (7 versus 17, P < .05), despite similar baseline PUQE scores.
Effects of γ‐Aminobutyric acid transporter 1 inhibition by tiagabine on brain glutamate and γ‐Aminobutyric acid metabolism in the anesthetized rat In vivo
Authors: Patel Anant B. , de Graaf Robin A. , Rothman Douglas L. , Behar Kevin L.
Published: February 2015

γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) clearance from the extracellular space after release from neurons involves reuptake into terminals and astrocytes through GABA transporters (GATs). The relative flows through these two pathways for GABA released from neurons remains unclear. This study determines the effect of tiagabine, a selective inhibitor of neuronal GAT‐1, on the rates of glutamate (Glu) and GABA metabolism and GABA resynthesis via the GABA–glutamine (Gln) cycle. Halothane‐anesthetized rats were administered tiagabine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and 45 min later received an intravenous infusion of either [1,6‐13C2]glucose (in vivo) or [2‐13C]acetate (ex vivo). Nontreated rats served as controls. Metabolites and 13C enrichments were measured with 1H‐[13C]‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and referenced to their corresponding endpoint values measured in extracts from in situ frozen brain. Metabolic flux estimates of GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons were determined by fitting a metabolic model to the 13C turnover data measured in vivo during [1,6‐13C2]glucose infusion. Tiagabine‐treated rats were indistinguishable (P > 0.05) from controls in tissue amino acid levels and in 13C enrichments from [2‐13C]acetate. Tiagabine reduced average rates of glucose oxidation and neurotransmitter cycling in both glutamatergic neurons (↓18%, CMRglc(ox)Glu: control, 0.27 ± 0.05 vs. tiagabine, 0.22 ± 0.04 µmol/g/min; ↓11%, Vcyc(Glu–Gln): control 0.23 ± 0.05 vs. tiagabine 0.21 ± 0.04 µmol/g/min) and GABAergic neurons (↓18–25%, CMRglc(ox)GABA: control 0.09 ± 0.02 vs. tiagabine 0.07 ± 0.03 µmol/g/min; Vcyc(GABA–Gln): control 0.08 ± 0.02 vs. tiagabine 0.07 ± 0.03 µmol/g/min), but the changes in glutamatergic and GABAergic fluxes were not significant (P > 0.10). The results suggest that any reduction in GABA metabolism by tiagabine might be an indirect response to reduced glutamatergic drive rather than direct compensatory effects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retracted: Formononetin promotes proliferation that involves a feedback loop of microRNA‐375 and estrogen receptor alpha in estrogen receptor‐positive cells
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhang Xing , Wang Yong , Ye Yu , Huang Zhaoquan
Published: February 2015

RETRACTION

Without the authors' knowledge, this article was reviewed by fraudulent reviewers. It has since been re‐reviewed and is being replaced by an updated version.
Self‐care management questionnaire for long‐term indwelling urinary catheter users
Authors: Wilde Mary H. , McMahon James M. , Tang Wan , McDonald Margaret V. , Brasch Judith , Fairbanks Eileen , Shah Shivani
Published: February 2015

Aims

Self‐management is believed to be an important behavioral capacity in people with chronic illness, and self‐efficacy is an important component contributing to self‐management. Two new and related measures for urinary catheter self‐efficacy (C‐SE) and self‐management (C‐SMG) were developed based on existing tools and tested for psychometrics for use in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) teaching urinary catheter self‐management.

Methods

The instruments were evaluated at baseline (intake face to face interview) with 202 persons and with 158 of the same individuals 6 months later by telephone interviews. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted in an iterative process related to items’ theoretical and statistical appropriateness. To assess construct validity and goodness of fit for model testing, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with the samples at intake and 6 months. Also, bivariate analyses were conducted of the measures in relation to each other.

Results

Both scales were modified reducing the items to 13 in each, with four factors in C‐SE and three factors in C‐SMG. Reliability testing (Cronbach's alpha) was viewed as satisfactory for both scales, though some of the subscale (factors) reliabilities were lower in the self‐management measure. Confirmatory factor analysis was adequate. Correlation of the two instruments (r = 0.25, P < 001) suggests that they are related scales.

Conclusion

With a change in the C‐SMG scale from 3‐ to 5‐level responses and subsequent testing, both new scales are appropriate for use separately or together as a questionnaire related to catheter self‐care management in intervention research with long‐term indwelling urinary catheter users. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:492–496, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retropubic bulbourethral sling in incontinence post‐exstrophy repair: 2‐year minimal follow up of a salvage procedure
Authors: Wadie Bassem S. , Helmy Tamer E. , Dawaba Mohamed E. , Ghoneim Mohamed A.
Published: February 2015

Aims

Post‐exstrophy incontinence is a challenge because continence is difficult to achieve and more difficult to maintain. Feasibility and outcomes of a bulbourethral sling to treat post‐exstrophy incontinence is shown in this report.

Methods

A retropubic bulbourethral sling was applied to male patients with incontinence post‐exstrophy‐epispadius repair. The study included children with total (continuous) incontinence who underwent multiple previous anti‐incontinence procedures, ranging from bladder neck injection to bladder neck reconstruction. Preoperative assessment includes urinalysis, renal US, VCUG, 1‐hr pad test and urodynamics. The bulbourethral sling applied is made of polypropylene and is suspended by 4 pairs of nylon sutures, to support the bulbar urethra within its covering muscles with the sutures tied on the rectus muscles. Continence was evaluated as well as adverse events.

Results

Seventeen children, (median age 8.7 years) completed 24‐month of follow up. All had CPRE. Five children (29.27%) were dry. Four micturated through the urethra and one by catheterizing his cutaneous stoma every 3–4 hr. In none, PVR exceeded 10% of expected capacity. Four children underwent re‐tightening 1–4 weeks after removal of urethral catheter. Perineal wound dehiscence occurred in one, perineal/suprapubic pain in seven and epididymo‐orchitis in one child.

Conclusion

The current technique is promising for difficult cases of incontinence after CPRE. It is safe, as no serious adverse events occurred during follow up period. It is economic and re‐tightening is easy to perform. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:497–502, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of SMARCB1 loss in ascites cells in the diagnosis of an abdominal rhabdoid tumor
Authors: Kerl Kornelius , Oyen Florian , Leuschner Ivo , Schneppenheim Reinhard , Nagel Inga , Siebert Reiner , Groll Andreas H. , Hartmann Wolfgang , Barth Peter Josef , Bartelheim Kerstin , Seringer Angela , Wardelmann Eva , Frühwald Michael C.
Published: February 2015

We report on how MLPA and Sequencing of SMARCB1/INI1/SNF5 might be applied for initial diagnosis of rhabdoid tumor patients. These techniques were successfully used to detect loss of SMARCB1 in tumor cells of the ascites in a 3‐month‐old patient in which tumor biopsy could not initially be made due to life threatening intraabdominal bleedings. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:897–900. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymorphisms in miRNA processing genes and their role in osteosarcoma risk
Authors: Bilbao‐Aldaiturriaga Nerea , Gutierrez‐Camino Angela , Martin‐Guerrero Idoia , Pombar‐Gomez Maria , Zalacain‐Diez Marta , Patiño‐Garcia Ana , Lopez‐Lopez Elixabet , Garcia‐Orad Africa
Published: February 2015

Background

The possible associations between genetic variants and osteosarcoma risk have been analyzed without conclusive results. Those studies were focused mainly on genes of biologically plausible pathways. However, recently, another pathway has acquired relevance in cellular transformation and tumorigenesis, the microRNA (miRNA) processing pathway. Dysregulation of the expression levels of genes in this pathway has been described in cancer. Consequently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that codify for proteins involved in the miRNA processing pathway may affect miRNAs, and therefore their target genes, which might be associated with cancer development and progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether SNPs in miRNA processing genes confer predisposition to osteosarcoma.

Procedure

We analyzed 72 SNPs in 21 miRNA processing genes in a total of 99 osteosarcoma patients and 387 controls.

Results

A total of three SNPs were associated with osteosarcoma susceptibility. Interestingly, these SNPs were located in miRNA processing genes (CNOT1, CNOT4 and SND1) which are part of the RISC complex. Among them, the association of rs11866002 in CNOT1 was nearly significant after Bonferroni correction.

Conclusions

This study suggests that SNPs in RISC complex genes may be involved in osteosarcoma susceptibility, especially rs11866002 in CNOT1. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:766–769. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.