bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Things Make People with a Learning Disability Happy and Satisfied with Their Lives: An Inclusive Research Project
Authors: Haigh Anna , Lee Darren , Shaw Carl , Hawthorne Michelle , Chamberlain Stephen , Newman David W. , Clarke Zara , Beail Nigel
Published: December 2012

Background

We looked at the research that other people have done about what makes people with a learning disability happy and satisfied with their lives. Researchers call being happy and satisfied with your life ‘subjective well‐being’. They found out that having things like money and good health does not always mean people are happy. They also found that some people are really happy, even if there are things in their lives they would like to change. None of the people who have done research about ‘subjective well‐being’ have interviewed people with a learning disability about what makes them happy with their lives.

Materials and Methods

We have carried out a study about what makes people with a learning disability happy and satisfied with their lives. This report talks about the research that we did, and what we found out. We interviewed 20 people with a learning disability who said they were very happy and satisfied. We asked them about what things helped them feel like this.

Results

The people we spoke to said things like relationships, choice and independence, activities and valuable social roles made them feel satisfied with their lives. They told us about the things that enable them to lead happy lives, and the things that disable them. We also found out about the importance of personal characteristics. These are things like looking on the bright side of life or having ways to manage difficult emotions like sadness or anger.

Conclusions

We found out that it is important for people with a learning disability to have good things in their lives, but it is also important to be enabled to access these good things.
The technical and financial sustainability of the Dutch polder approach
Authors: Stijnen J.W. , Kanning W. , Jonkman S.N. , Kok M.
Published: December 2012

In the light of changes in climate, economy and demography, civilians, politicians and scientists alike often wonder how far into the future the Dutch polder approach will last. The polder approach refers to the drainage and flood protection of low‐lying areas by means of pumps, canals and flood defences. An increase in river discharges and sea levels is going to put pressure on the dikes, dunes, dams and storm surge barriers protecting the Netherlands from (extreme) floods. Coupled with changes in precipitation patterns, the capacity of pumping stations, and freshwater shortage due to drought, there are some serious challenges for the future. In this article, we consider to what extent our technical and financial abilities are able to keep up with these challenges. We also formulate indicators that show if there is going to be a need to abandon our country and return parts of it to the sea in the (near) future. From this research, it is concluded that there is neither a technical nor an economical reason to put question marks on the future of the Dutch polder approach, although societal acceptance and conflicting interests with other functions are critical factors in the continuation of its success.
Effect of human whole saliva on the in vitro adhesion of Candida albicans to a denture base acrylic resin: a focus on collection and preparation of saliva samples
Authors: Zamperini Camila A. , Schiavinato Patricia C. S. , Pavarina Ana C. , Giampaolo Eunice T. , Vergani Carlos E. , Machado Ana L.
Published: December 2012

Objective

In studies on Candida albicans adhesion to surfaces, diverse protocols have been used for collection and preparation of saliva samples. Thus, this study investigated whether variations in the centrifugation parameters and number of donors of saliva would influence the adhesion of C. albicans to a denture base resin.

Methods

Resin acrylic samples (n = 72) were made and then divided into four groups: (a) control – specimens were left without preconditioning in saliva; (b) three experimental groups, in which the specimens were preconditioned with saliva collected from 15 volunteers and centrifuged at 12 000 g for 5 min (G1); from 15 volunteers and centrifuged at 18 000 g for 30 min (G2); and from one volunteer and centrifuged at 12 000 g for 5 min (G3). Candida adhesion was evaluated by both the 2,3‐bis(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulfophenyl)‐5‐[(phenylamino) carbonyl]‐2H‐tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) reduction method and crystal violet staining. Data were analyzed by one‐way analyses of variance (P = 0.05).

Results

For XTT reduction assay, groups G2, G3, and control were not significantly different, whereas group G1 showed significantly higher absorbance value than control. For crystal violet staining there were no significant differences among all groups.

Conclusion

Variations in the centrifugation parameters and number of donors of saliva may influence C. albicans adhesion to denture base resins.
Caffeine alters mitochondrial dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activity of human gingival fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Bozchaloei Shabnam Soltani , Gong Siew‐Ging , Dehpour Ahmad R. , Farrokh Parisa , Khoshayand Mohammad R. , Oskoui Mahvash
Published: December 2012

Aim

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed behaviorally active substances in the world. Although its effects on the central nervous system and bone metabolism have been documented, as yet there is no report on its effect on tissues in the oral cavity. In this study we analyzed the viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity after exposure to different concentrations of caffeine for different exposure time periods.

Methods

The HGF were cultured with different concentrations of caffeine. Viability of cells exposed to caffeine was analyzed by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazolyl‐2)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to assess mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. The activity of ALP was analyzed at specific time intervals after caffeine addition.

Results

Our results showed that caffeine of concentrations <1 mm did not affect the viability of HGF and the ALP enzyme activity. Nevertheless, caffeine at 5 and 10 mm dramatically decreased the viability and ALP activity of the cells after 4 days such that, by day 9, the viability of cells declined to near zero in the 10 mm group.

Conclusion

These results provided evidence that caffeine in high concentrations can decrease cellular viability and ALP activity in HGF.
Efficient nucleus detector in histopathology images
Authors: VINK J.P. , VAN LEEUWEN M.B. , VAN DEURZEN C.H.M. , DE HAAN G.
Published: December 2012

In traditional cancer diagnosis, (histo)pathological images of biopsy samples are visually analysed by pathologists. However, this judgment is subjective and leads to variability among pathologists. Digital scanners may enable automated objective assessment, improved quality and reduced throughput time. Nucleus detection is seen as the corner stone for a range of applications in automated assessment of (histo)pathological images.

In this paper, we propose an efficient nucleus detector designed with machine learning. We applied colour deconvolution to reconstruct each applied stain. Next, we constructed a large feature set and modified AdaBoost to create two detectors, focused on different characteristics in appearance of nuclei. The proposed modification of AdaBoost enables inclusion of the computational cost of each feature during selection, thus improving the computational efficiency of the resulting detectors. The outputs of the two detectors are merged by a globally optimal active contour algorithm to refine the border of the detected nuclei. With a detection rate of 95% (on average 58 incorrectly found objects per field‐of‐view) based on 51 field‐of‐view images of Her2 immunohistochemistry stained breast tissue and a complete analysis in 1 s per field‐of‐view, our nucleus detector shows good performance and could enable a range of applications in automated assessment of (histo)pathological images.
Statistical Analysis of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curves for the Ratings of theA‐NotAand the Same–Different Methods
Authors: Bi Jian , Lee Hye‐Seong , O'Mahony Michael
Published: December 2012

Ratings are widely and frequently used in sensory analysis. However, ratings from different methods cannot be treated equivalently because they represent different types of data generated from different cognitive mechanisms. Ignoring this fact may lead to misleading conclusions about true sensory difference or treatment effects obtained from the ratings data analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in signal detection theory is used in this paper to model the ratings of theA‐NotAand the same–different methods.

This paper comprehensively discusses statistical analysis of theROCcurves for the methods, including presentations of theROCcurve functions, estimations ofd′s and their variances, goodness‐of‐fit tests, difference and similarity tests, testing powers and sample sizes, etc. The paper also discusses alternative indices of sensory difference derived from theROCcurve, including theR‐index andGini index. It is appealing to rethink the significance of theR‐index, not only as a powerful test statistic but also as a useful sensory measure.Rfunctions are provided for implementing all the analyses discussed in the paper.

Practical Applications

This paper provides a variety of approaches and R functions for statistical analysis for the ratings of theA–NotA, and the ratings of the same–different methods. The measures ofd′s and other indices, which are method‐independent measures of sensory differences and treatment effects, can be estimated from different types of ratings data.
Inclusive Postsecondary Education—An Evidence‐Based Moral Imperative
Authors: Uditsky Bruce , Hughson Elizabeth
Published: December 2012

Although today many more examples of postsecondary educational opportunities being made available to students are expanding for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), the majority of these opportunities are either segregated or partially segregated with few accommodating students with significant disabilities or challenging behaviors. In this article, the authors take the position that the desire for inclusive education and the beliefs and principles of inclusive practices must be the foundation for inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE). The rationale for such an approach is based on positive outcomes derived for young adults where opportunities for inclusion in the context of universities, colleges, and technical schools offer a powerful context for embedding students in the normative pathways that can lead to positive lifelong outcomes. As inclusive schooling remains a controversial issue even after 40 years of supportive published research and demonstrated practice, it is not surprising that full IPSE opportunities are limited. The authors hold to the principles of inclusion as the foundation for postsecondary education given the known failure of segregated education to result in positive social and economic outcomes. The authors explore the means of achieving better futures for students with ID through IPSE. This article highlights the findings of 25 years experience across the province of Alberta in implementing 18 IPSE initiatives for young adults with the full range of ID, including those with severe and multiple disabilities, and outlines the challenging behaviors thus strengthening evidence for adopting inclusive practices. The supports required for an authentic student experience in all aspects of postsecondary academic and social life are described with employment, academic, economic and social outcomes highlighted. IPSE has been shown to be an important and effective means of launching students with ID into adulthood, but by itself, IPSE is not sufficiently powerful to sustain an inclusive pathway over time. The authors note that student experiences in campus life and relationships reveal we are not close to finding the limits to where and how inclusion can be achieved; the challenge is to create opportunities.
Lecturer Responses to the Inclusion of Students With Intellectual Disabilities Auditing Undergraduate Classes
Authors: O'Connor Barrie , Kubiak John , Espiner Deborah , O'Brien Patricia
Published: December 2012

Although postsecondary education for people with intellectual disabilities can improve their chances of employment and create a more satisfying life, higher education is becoming a more usual avenue of postschool learning. As part of a 2‐year Certificate in Contemporary Living (CCL) Program offered at Trinity College Dublin, students audited undergraduate university courses, partly with assistance of class peer mentors. The study sought to explore the views of university lecturers whose classes the students attended, the impact of the auditing arrangement on the lecturers' teaching strategies and on other students, particular challenges lecturers faced, and suggestions for improvement. Eleven lecturers teaching courses across two faculties agreed to participate in semi‐structured interviews. All staff strongly supported the initiative, because it provided opportunity both for CCL students to learn with undergraduate peers and for lecturers to consider more inclusive instructional approaches for all learners in their classes. The level of understanding shown by many auditing students and their openness to participate in questions, discussion, and field and lab work impressed the lecturers who noted the positive impact this had on other class members. The willingness of lecturers to develop more accessible instructional practices aligned with institutional policies on quality assurance in teaching. They suggested improvements to enable earlier briefing of lecturers and increased participation of students within the auditing process. Future research exploring lecturer and undergraduate students' views of CCL student competence is suggested to inform improved preparation of professionals.
Exploring the Association Between Erectile Rigidity and Treatment Adherence with Sildenafil
Authors: Mazzola Clarisse R. , Deveci Serkan , Teloken Patrick , Mulhall John P.
Published: December 2012

Introduction

Erection hardness has been shown to correlate with increased self-confidence, sexual satisfaction, and improvement in psychosocial factors such as sexual and overall relationship. It is estimated that one-third of men using phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5) cease use of medication after one prescription and one-half cease use by 6 months.

Aim

This study was undertaken to explore the link between erection hardness and treatment adherence.

Methods

Men presenting with erectile dysfunction (ED) who were candidates for PDE5 therapy constituted the study population. They were assessed at the baseline regarding their erectile function (EF) and rigidity using autoquestionnaires. Patients then received regular follow-up using the same assessment tools and were also asked about continued use of PDE5. The final patient assessment was conducted at a time point no sooner than 12 months after commencing PDE5. Multivariable analysis was conducted to define predictors of continued PDE5 use.

Main Outcome Measures

Patients were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and the Erection Hardness Score (EHS). Adherence was defined as continued use of PDE5 at least once per month.

Results

One hundred eighty-six men were analyzed. The mean age and the duration of ED were 61±22 and 2.2±2.9 years, respectively. Sixty-three percent were married or partnered. The mean partner age was 52±18 years. Of the 186 patients, 32% had one vascular comorbidity, 34% had two vascular comorbidities, 26% had three vascular comorbidities, and 6% had ≥4 vascular comorbidities. All patients were treated with sildenafil and were sexually active. The mean time to end-of-treatment (EOT) interview and repeat completion of questionnaires was 17±4 months. At the baseline, 26% were EHS 3 (mild ED), 42% were EHS 2 (moderate ED), and 32% were EHS 1 (severe ED). The mean baseline EF domain score was 14±10, and at the EOT, it was 22±5 (P <0.01). At the follow-up interview, 4% were EHS 1, 12% were EHS 2, 28% were EHS 3, and 56% were EHS 4. Overall, 67% of the men continued to use PDE5 at follow-up. The distribution of patients continuing to use PDE5 after commencement was 15% of those achieving EHS 1, 30% for EHS 2, 66% for EHS 3, and 82% for EHS 4. Based on logistic regression analysis, the factors predictive of continued PDE5 use were being partnered, partner age, frequency of sexual activity, a shift of ≥2 points on the EHS, and reaching level 4 on the EHS scale.

Conclusion

There is an excellent relationship between erection hardness and adherence to PDE5 treatment. Driving men to greater erectile rigidity appears to translate into lower dropout rates.
The evolution of increased competitive ability, innate competitive advantages, and novel biochemical weapons act in concert for a tropical invader
Authors: Qin Rui‐Min , Zheng Yu‐Long , Valiente‐Banuet Alfonso , Callaway Ragan M. , Barclay Gregor F. , Pereyra Carlos Silva , Feng Yu‐Long
Published: December 2012

There are many non‐mutually exclusive mechanisms for exotic invasions but few studies have concurrently tested more than one hypothesis for the same species.

Here, we tested the evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) hypothesis in two common garden experiments in which Chromolaena odorata plants originating from native and nonnative ranges were grown in competition with natives from each range, and the novel weapons hypothesis in laboratory experiments with leachates from C. odorata.

Compared with conspecifics originating from the native range, C. odorata plants from the nonnative range were stronger competitors at high nutrient concentrations in the nonnative range in China and experienced far more herbivore damage in the native range in Mexico. In both China and Mexico, C. odorata was more suppressed by species native to Mexico than by species native to China. Species native to China were much more inhibited by leaf extracts from C. odorata than species from Mexico, and this difference in allelopathic effects may provide a possible explanation for the biogeographic differences in competitive ability.

Our results indicate that EICA, innate competitive advantages, and novel biochemical weapons may act in concert to promote invasion by C. odorata, and emphasize the importance of exploring multiple, non‐mutually exclusive mechanisms for invasions.
Among‐ and within‐population variation in flowering time of Iberian Arabidopsis thaliana estimated in field and glasshouse conditions
Authors: Méndez‐Vigo Belén , Gomaa Nasr H. , Alonso‐Blanco Carlos , Xavier Picó F.
Published: December 2012

The study of the evolutionary and population genetics of quantitative traits requires the assessment of within‐ and among‐population patterns of variation.

We carried out experiments including eight Iberian Arabidopsis thaliana populations (10 individuals per population) in glasshouse and field conditions. We quantified among‐ and within‐population variation for flowering time and for several field life‐history traits. Individuals were genotyped with microsatellites, single nucleotide polymorphisms and four well‐known flowering genes (FRI, FLC, CRY2 and PHYC). Phenotypic and genotypic data were used to conduct QST–FST comparisons.

Life‐history traits varied significantly among‐ and within‐populations. Flowering time also showed substantial within‐ and among‐population variation as well as significant genotype × environment interactions among the various conditions. Individuals bearing FRI truncations exhibited reduced recruitment in field conditions and differential flowering time behavior across experimental conditions, suggesting that FRI contributes to the observed significant genotype × environment interactions. Flowering time estimated in field conditions was the only trait showing significantly higher quantitative genetic differentiation than neutral genetic differentiation values.

Overall, our results show that these A. thaliana populations are genetically more differentiated for flowering time than for neutral markers, suggesting that flowering time is likely to be under divergent selection.
Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal the hemibiotrophic stage shift of Colletotrichum fungi
Authors: Gan Pamela , Ikeda Kyoko , Irieda Hiroki , Narusaka Mari , O'Connell Richard J. , Narusaka Yoshihiro , Takano Yoshitaka , Kubo Yasuyuki , Shirasu Ken
Published: December 2012

Hemibiotrophic fungal plant pathogens represent a group of agronomically significant disease‐causing agents that grow first on living tissue and then cause host death in later, necrotrophic growth. Among these, Colletotrichum spp. are devastating pathogens of many crops. Identifying expanded classes of genes in the genomes of phytopathogenic Colletotrichum, especially those associated with specific stages of hemibiotrophy, can provide insights on how these pathogens infect a large number of hosts.

The genomes of Colletotrichum orbiculare, which infects cucurbits and Nicotiana benthamiana, and C. gloeosporioides, which infects a wide range of crops, were sequenced and analyzed, focusing on features with potential roles in pathogenicity. Regulation of C. orbiculare gene expression was investigated during infection of N. benthamiana using a custom microarray.

Genes expanded in both genomes compared to other fungi included sequences encoding small, secreted proteins (SSPs), secondary metabolite synthesis genes, proteases and carbohydrate‐degrading enzymes. Many SSP and secondary metabolite synthesis genes were upregulated during initial stages of host colonization, whereas the necrotrophic stage of growth is characterized by upregulation of sequences encoding degradative enzymes.

Hemibiotrophy in C. orbiculare is characterized by distinct stage‐specific gene expression profiles of expanded classes of potential pathogenicity genes.
Statistical guidelines for the analysis of data obtained from one or both eyes
Authors: Armstrong Richard A
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Measurements obtained from the right and left eye of a subject are often correlated whereas many statistical tests assume observations in a sample are independent. Hence, data collected from both eyes cannot be combined without taking this correlation into account. Current practice is reviewed with reference to articles published in three optometry journals, viz., Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), Optometry and Vision Science (OVS), Clinical and Experimental Optometry (CEO) during the period 2009–2012.

Recent findings

Of the 230 articles reviewed, 148/230 (64%) obtained data from one eye and 82/230 (36%) from both eyes. Of the 148 one‐eye articles, the right eye, left eye, a randomly selected eye, the better eye, the worse or diseased eye, or the dominant eye were all used as selection criteria. Of the 82 two‐eye articles, the analysis utilized data from: (1) one eye only rejecting data from the adjacent eye, (2) both eyes separately, (3) both eyes taking into account the correlation between eyes, or (4) both eyes using one eye as a treated or diseased eye, the other acting as a control. In a proportion of studies, data were combined from both eyes without correction.

It is suggested that: (1) investigators should consider whether it is advantageous to collect data from both eyes, (2) if one eye is studied and both are eligible, then it should be chosen at random, and (3) two‐eye data can be analysed incorporating eyes as a ‘within subjects’ factor.
Unusual presentation of an intraosseous haemangioma of the maxilla and displaced canine
Authors: Kalsi H.K. , Scannell J.
Published: December 2012

Intraosseous haemangiomas (IHs) are benign vascular malformations that are extremely rare in the maxilla but have been reported in the mandible, zygoma and orbital regions. A 12‐year‐old female presented to the Oral and Maxillofacial Department with an ectopically positioned upper left canine in her zygomatic bone and buccal alveolar expansion between the upper left lateral incisor and upper left first premolar. This case shows the unusual presentation of an IH associated with an ectopically migrated upper left canine tooth. It is possible that this lesion caused migration of the tooth. The clinician should be aware of the rare presentation of this lesion in the maxilla and the possibility of this lesion being a cause for bony expansion. The importance of radiographic examination in patients who present with delayed eruption of canine teeth is also emphasised.
Correlations between atrophy of the entorhinal cortex and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Li Xudong , Jiao Jinsong , Shimizu Satoru , Jibiki Itsuki , Watanabe Ken‐ichiro , Kubota Takashi
Published: December 2012

Aims

In order to confirm the utility of the voxel‐based specific regional analysis system for Alzheimer's disease (VSRAD) in assessing the atrophy of the entorhinal cortex, we investigated whether there were correlations between VSRAD and the scores of neuropsychological tests in the patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment.

Methods

Thirty patients, including 18 AD and 12 mild cognitive impairment patients, were included in this study. VSRAD was performed to assess the atrophy of the entorhinal cortex. The patients were carefully screened with the neuropsychological tests, including Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐III (WAIS‐III), the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised, the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Part (ADAS‐cog) and the revised version of Hasegawa's Dementia Scale.

Results

All patients showed atrophy with different degrees in the entorhinal cortex except one case. Z‐scores had significant positive correlation with ADAS‐cog, and negative correlation with Information subset of WAIS‐III (respectively, P = 0.0129 and P = 0.0294). The revised version of Hasegawa's Dementia Scale and the Similarities subsets of the WAIS‐III had a tendency of negatively correlating with Z‐scores of VSRAD (respectively, P = 0.0532 and P = 0.0635). The Delayed Visual Reproduction subset of the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised was also found to have a weak negative correlation with Z‐scores (P = 0.0609).

Conclusions

Z‐scores of VSRAD were revealed to have a close relation with many neuropsychological tests, especially ADAS‐cog and the Information subset of WAIS‐III. The results meant that VSRAD was a useful indictor of early diagnosis of AD, closely correlating with the changes of cognitive functions and the progression of the disease.
Complications of peripherally inserted central venous catheter in Japanese neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Ohki Yasushi , Maruyama Kenichi , Harigaya Akira , Kohno Miyuki , Arakawa Hirokazu
Published: December 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC)‐related complications using a multicenter case survey.

Method

A prospective cohort study was carried out by 19 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Japan from February 2005 to March 2007. A total of 975 case records were collected. PICC‐related complications including pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade pleural effusion/ascites, catheter removal difficulties, catheter‐related bloodstream infection (CR‐BSI), and symptomatic catheter‐related thrombosis were collected from case record forms. As for precautions during insertion, institutions were classified into three groups: those with maximum barrier precautions; standard precautions; and no specific precautions.

Results

PICC complications occurred in 27 cases (2.9%) among 946 PICC. The incidence was 1.6% for CR‐BSI, and 0.1% for cardiac tamponade. CR‐BSI rate per 1000 catheter‐days was 1.1 with maximum barrier precautions at catheter insertion, 1.2 with standard precautions, and 1.8 with no specific precautions. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that proximal placement (odds ratio [OR], 3.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42–10.60, P = 0.008) and longer placement duration (OR, 1.35; 95%CI: 1.14–1.60, for each week, P = 0.0005) independently contributed to overall complications.

Conclusion

The incidence of cardiac tamponade was rare in this multicenter prospective study. Longer duration and proximal placement may be risk factors for PICC complications. In this cohort, the CR‐BSI rate was low irrespective of the degree of barrier precautions at insertion.
Expression of the potential cancer stem cell markers, CD133, CD44, ALDH1, and β‐catenin, in primary lung adenocarcinoma—their prognostic significance
Authors: Okudela Koji , Woo Tetsukan , Mitsui Hideaki , Tajiri Michihiko , Masuda Munetaka , Ohashi Kenichi
Published: December 2012

The present study investigated expression profiles of the potential CSC markers including CD133, CD44, ALDH1, and β‐catenin, and evaluated their prognostic value in lung adenocarcinomas. One‐hundred‐and‐seventy‐seven tumors (stage I) were immunohistochemically examined for the expression of these markers, and thresholds to subdivide expression levels were determined using receiver operating characteristics curves. Tumors with high levels of CD133 (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 4.55 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–16.40, P = 0.021), CD44 (HR 3.73, 95% CI 1.20–11.58, P = 0.023) or ALDH1 (HR 3.61, 95% CI 1.09–12.3, P = 0.036), but not β‐catenin (HR 2.43, 95% CI 0.59–10.8, P = 0.220), showed a significantly higher risk of recurrence than the corresponding low expressers. In conclusion, levels of CD133, CD44, and ALDH1 had independent prognostic value to predict the recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma.
Low expression of nucleus accumbens‐associated protein 1 predicts poor prognosis for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nishi Takeshi , Maruyama Riruke , Urano Takeshi , Nakayama Naomi , Kawabata Yasunari , Yano Seiji , Yoshida Manabu , Nakayama Kentaro , Miyazaki Kohji , Takenaga Keizo , Tanaka Tsuneo , Tajima Yoshitsugu
Published: December 2012

Nucleus accumbens‐associated protein 1 (NAC1) is overexpressed in various carcinomas including ovarian, cervical, breast, and pancreatic carcinomas. High expression of NAC1 is considered to have adverse effects on prognosis through negative regulation of growth arrest and DNA‐damage–inducible 45‐γ interacting protein 1 (GADD45GIP1) in ovarian and cervical carcinomas. In the present study, the expression of NAC1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) was measured using immunohistochemistry and computer‐assisted image analysis in order to investigate its correlation with various clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. Patients with low‐NAC1 PDA had worse overall survival (P = 0.0010) and a shorter disease‐free survival (P = 0.0036) than patients with high‐NAC1 PDA. This was a clinical effect opposite to that reported in ovarian and cervical carcinomas. Furthermore, knockdown of NAC1 in pancreatic carcinoma cell lines did not increase expression of the GADD45GIP1 protein. These results indicate that the gene(s) regulated by NAC1 vary depending on the types of carcinoma or originating tissue, and that low expression of NAC1 predicts poor prognosis for patients with PDA.
Increased claudin‐3, ‐4 and ‐18 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid reflect severity of acute lung injury
Authors: Jin Wenting , Rong Linyi , Liu Yinkun , Song Yuanlin , Li Yan , Pan Jue
Published: December 2012

Background and objective

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by disruption of lung epithelial and endothelial cells, leading to increased membrane permeability and loss of barrier function. Claudins are key components of tight junctions (TJ) that regulate paracellular permeability, and play an important role in alveolar epithelial barrier function and fluid clearance. However, whether claudin‐3, ‐4, ‐18 or ‐5 expression changes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA)‐induced ALI and the clinical significance of such change is unknown.

Methods

Rats underwent intratracheal instillation of PA, and samples were collected prior to and 3, 9 and 24 h after instillation. Lung injury was evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) total protein, arterial blood gas analysis, lung injury score, and expression of surfactant protein and von Willebrand factor. Claudin expression in lung was measured with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, and in BALF by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between claudins in BALF and lung injury grade were analysed with Spearman's rank correlation. Alveolar epithelium, endothelium and TJ ultrastructure were observed with electron microscopy.

Results

Claudin‐4, ‐18 and ‐5 mRNA levels increased significantly 24 h after PA instillation in the most severe lung injury cases, whereas there was no significant change in protein levels. Claudin‐3, ‐4 and ‐18 levels in BALF increased most 24 h after PA instillation; this paralleled alveolar epithelial disruption and lung injury severity.

Conclusions

Claudin‐3, ‐4 and ‐18 released into the alveolar compartment is highly associated with barrier function loss caused by alveolar epithelial injury.
Automatic thoughts and meta‐cognition as predictors of depressive or anxious symptoms: A prospective study of two trajectories
Authors: HJEMDAL ODIN , STILES TORE , WELLS ADRIAN
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this prospective study was to explore the Automatic Thought Questionnaire Negative (ATQ‐30‐N) and the Meta‐cognitions Questionnaire (MCQ‐30) as predictors in the development of depressive or anxious symptoms. A sample (N = 201) completed the ATQ‐30‐N, MCQ‐30, and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist‐25 (HSCL‐25) twice with a three month interval. The HSCL‐25 measures both depressive and anxiety symptoms. Separate multiple hierarchical regression analyses indicated that the ATQ‐30‐N was a positive predictor for levels of depressive symptoms, while the MCQ‐30 was a predictor of both levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, at follow‐up, when controlling for gender, age and pre‐test levels of symptoms. However, the MCQ‐30 did not predict future levels of depressive symptoms, when levels of automatic negative thoughts measured by the ATQ‐30‐N were statistically controlled for. The findings suggested that the ATQ‐30‐N predicts future levels of depressive symptoms, while the MCQ‐30 primarily predicts future levels of anxiety.
Social desirability in personality inventories: Symptoms, diagnosis and prescribed cure
Authors: BÄCKSTRÖM MARTIN , BJÖRKLUND FREDRIK
Published: December 2012

An analysis of social desirability in personality assessment is presented. Starting with the symptoms, Study 1 showed that mean ratings of graded personality items are moderately to strongly linearly related to social desirability (Self Deception, Impression formation, and the first Principal Component), suggesting that item popularity may be a useful heuristic tool for identifying items which elicit socially desirable responding. We diagnose the cause of socially desirable responding as an interaction between the evaluative content of the item and enhancement motivation in the rater. Study 2 introduced a possible cure; evaluative neutralization of items. To test the feasibility of the method lay psychometricians (undergraduates) reformulated existing personality test items according to written instructions. The new items were indeed lower in social desirability while essentially retaining the five factor structure and reliability of the inventory. We conclude that although neutralization is no miracle cure, it is simple and has beneficial effects.
Patellar tendon morphology in volleyball athletes with and without patellar tendinopathy
Authors: Kulig K. , Landel R. , Chang Y.‐J. , Hannanvash N. , Reischl S. F. , Song P. , Bashford G. R.
Published: December 2012

Appropriate management of patellar tendinopathy requires distinguishing between inflammatory and degenerative conditions, often difficult because tendon thickening can be a normal or pathological adaptation, and micromorphology is not observable on clinical imaging. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively examine patellar tendon micro‐ and macromorphology in volleyball athletes and relate those findings to reported symptoms. Longitudinal ultrasound images of proximal and distal patellar tendons were acquired from 84 male elite volleyball athletes (44 symptomatic, 40 asymptomatic) and 10 asymptomatic nonathlete controls. Micromorphology was determined using two‐dimensional Fast Fourier Transform analysis providing a discriminating peak spatial frequency parameter (PSF). Macromorphology (patellar tendon thickness) was measured using Image J software. All athletes regardless of symptoms had thicker proximal tendons compared to nonathletes, suggesting a normal adaptation to training loads. However, symptomatic athletes demonstrated lower PSF than asymptomatic athletes and nonathletes at the proximal tendon, suggesting greater collagen disorganization, and tendon degeneration rather than inflammation. Only symptomatic athletes had thicker distal tendons than nonathletes, but there was no difference in PSF distally. Diagnostic ultrasound enhances the understanding of the micromorphology of patellar tendons, supporting the rationale for management that remodels the degenerated tendon instead of treating inflammation.
Inflammation and atrial remodeling after a mountain marathon
Authors: Wilhelm M. , Zueger T. , De Marchi S. , Rimoldi S. F. , Brugger N. , Steiner R. , Stettler C. , Nuoffer J.‐M. , Seiler C. , Ith M.
Published: December 2012

Endurance athletes have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. We performed a longitudinal study on elite runners of the 2010 Jungfrau Marathon, a Swiss mountain marathon, to determine acute effects of long‐distance running on the atrial myocardium. Ten healthy male athletes were included and examined 9 to 1 week prior to the race, immediately after, and 1, 5, and 8 days after the race. Mean age was 34.9 ± 4.2 years, and maximum oxygen consumption was 66.8 ± 5.8 mL/kg*min. Mean race time was 243.9 ± 17.7 min. Electrocardiographic‐determined signal‐averaged P‐wave duration (SAPWD) increased significantly after the race and returned to baseline levels during follow‐up (128.7 ± 10.9 vs. 137.6 ± 9.8 vs. 131.5 ± 8.6 ms; P < 0.001). Left and right atrial volumes showed no significant differences over time, and there were no correlations of atrial volumes and SAPWD. Prolongation of the SAPWD was accompanied by a transient increase in levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, proinflammatory cytokines, total leucocytes, neutrophil granulocytes, pro atrial natriuretic peptide and high‐sensitivity troponin. In conclusion, marathon running was associated with a transient conduction delay in the atria, acute inflammation and increased atrial wall tension. This may reflect exercise‐induced atrial myocardial edema and may contribute to atrial remodeling over time, generating a substrate for atrial arrhythmias.
Four‐week habituation to simulated barefoot running improves running economy when compared with shod running
Authors: Warne J. P. , Warrington G. D.
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 4‐week familiarization to simulated barefoot running (SBR) on running economy (RE) when compared with shod running. Fifteen trained male runners (age: 24 ± 4 years; stature: 177.2 ± 6.21 cm; mass: 67.99 ± 7.36 kg and VO2max 70.2 ± 5.2 mL/kg/min) were recruited. Subjects completed two RE tests, 24 h apart, in a random order, in both the SBR and shod condition (pretest) at 11 km/h and 13 km/h. Oxygen uptake, heart rate, stride frequency, and foot strike patterns were measured in both conditions. Subjects then completed a 4‐week familiarization period of SBR, before repeating the two RE tests (post‐test). At pretest, there was no significant difference in RE between SBR and shod running (P = 0.463), but following the 4‐week familiarization period, RE significantly improved by 6.9% in the SBR condition compared with shod running (46.4 ± 0.9 vs 43.2 ± 1.2 mL/kg/min; P = 0.011). A significant improvement in RE was observed in the SBR condition (8.09%) between the pretest and post‐test (47.0 ± 1.2 vs 43.2 ± 1.2 mL/kg/min; P = 0.002). RE improved in the SBR condition as a result of familiarization, and became significantly lower in SBR compared with shod running.
Whole animal knockout of smooth muscle alpha‐actin does not alter excisional wound healing or the fibroblast‐to‐myofibroblast transition
Authors: Tomasek James J. , Haaksma Carol J. , Schwartz Robert J. , Howard Eric W.
Published: December 2012

The contractile phenotype and function of myofibroblasts have been proposed to play a critical role in wound closure. It has been hypothesized that smooth muscle α‐actin expressed in myofibroblasts is critical for its formation and function. We have used smooth muscle α‐actin‐null mice to test this hypothesis. Full‐thickness excisional wounds closed at a similar rate in smooth muscle α‐actin‐null and wild‐type mice. In addition, fibroblasts in smooth muscle α‐actin‐null granulation tissue when immunostained with a monoclonal antibody that recognizes all muscle actin isoforms exhibited a myofibroblast‐like distribution and a stress fiber‐like pattern, showing that these cells acquired the myofibroblast phenotype. Dermal fibroblasts from smooth muscle α‐actin‐null and wild‐type mice formed stress fibers and supermature focal adhesions, and generated similar amounts of contractile force in response to transforming growth factor‐β1. Smooth muscle γ‐actin and skeletal muscle α‐actin were expressed in smooth muscle α‐actin‐null myofibroblasts, as shown by immunostaining, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and mass spectrometry. These results show that smooth muscle α‐actin is not necessary for myofibroblast formation and function and for wound closure, and that smooth muscle γ‐actin and skeletal muscle α‐actin may be able to functionally compensate for the lack of smooth muscle α‐actin in myofibroblasts.
Cattle Drive Salmonella Infection in the Wildlife–Livestock Interface
Authors: Mentaberre G. , Porrero M. C. , Navarro‐Gonzalez N. , Serrano E. , Domínguez L. , Lavín S.
Published: December 2012

The genus Salmonella is found throughout the world and is a potential pathogen for most vertebrates. It is also the most common cause of food‐borne illness in humans, and wildlife is an emerging source of food‐borne disease in humans due to the consumption of game meat. Wild boar is one of the most abundant European game species and these wild swine are known to be carriers of zoonotic and food‐borne pathogens such as Salmonella. Isolation of the pathogen, serotyping and molecular biology are necessary for elucidating epidemiological connections in multi‐host populations. Although disease management at population level can be addressed using a number of different strategies, such management is difficult in free‐living wildlife populations due to the lack of experience with the wildlife–livestock interface. Herein, we provide the results of a 4‐year Salmonella survey in sympatric populations of wild boar and cattle in the Ports de Tortosa i Beseit National Game Reserve (NE Spain). We also evaluated the effects of two management strategies, cattle removal and increased wild boar harvesting (i.e. by hunting and trapping), on the prevalence of the Salmonella serovar community. The serovars Meleagridis and Anatum were found to be shared by cattle and wild boar, a finding that was confirmed by 100% DNA similarity patterns using pulse field gel electrophoresis. Cattle removal was more efficient than the culling of wild boar as a means of reducing the prevalence of shared serotypes, which underlines the role of cattle as a reservoir of Salmonella for wild boar. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to manage Salmonella in the wild, and the results have implications for management.
Ageing alters perivascular nerve function of mouse mesenteric arteries in vivo
Authors: Westcott Erika B. , Segal Steven S.
Published: December 2012

Key points

Neural control of the circulation is integral to the regulation of tissue blood flow and systemic blood pressure. Vascular dysfunction occurs with ageing but little is known of corresponding changes in the role(s) of perivascular nerves.

We developed a preparation to study intact mesenteric arteries (MAs) in anaesthetized mice to investigate age‐related changes in the function of perivascular sympathetic and sensory nerves in vivo.

Ageing decreased the diameter of MAs, reduced their sensitivity to α1‐adrenoreceptor stimulation and impaired the ability of sensory nerves to attenuate sympathetic vasoconstriction.

These changes were manifest in males and females and were unaffected by the expression of the GCaMP2 transgene in endothelial cells, confirming the utility of this model.

Our results imply that ageing imposes structural and functional limitations to the splanchnic circulation that impair the ability to mobilize blood from the gut in times of physical stress.

Abstract  Mesenteric arteries (MAs) are studied widely in vitro but little is known of their reactivity in vivo. Transgenic animals have enabled Ca2+ signalling to be studied in isolated MAs but the reactivity of these vessels in vivo is undefined. We tested the hypothesis that ageing alters MA reactivity to perivascular nerve stimulation (PNS) and adrenoreceptor (AR) activation during blood flow control. First‐ (1A), second‐ (2A) and third‐order (3A) MAs of pentobarbital‐anaesthetized Young (3–6 months) and Old (24–26 months) male and female Cx40BAC‐GCaMP2 transgenic mice (C57BL/6 background; positive or negative for the GCaMP2 transgene) were studied with intravital microscopy. A segment of jejunum was exteriorized and an MA network was superfused with physiological salt solution (pH 7.4, 37°C). Resting tone was ≤ 10% in MAs of Young and Old mice; diameters were ∼5% (1A), 20% (2A) and 40% (3A) smaller (P≤ 0.05) in Old mice. Throughout MA networks, vasoconstriction increased with PNS frequency (1–16 Hz) but was ∼20% less in Young vs. Old mice (P≤ 0.05) and was inhibited by tetrodotoxin (1 μm). Capsaicin (10 μm; to inhibit sensory nerves) enhanced MA constriction to PNS (P≤ 0.05) by ∼20% in Young but not Old mice. Phenylephrine (an α1AR agonist) potency was greater in Young mice (P≤ 0.05) with similar efficacy (∼60% constriction) across ages and MA branches. Constrictions to UK14304 (an α2AR agonist) were less (∼20%; P≤ 0.05) and were unaffected by ageing. Irrespective of sex or transgene expression, ageing consistently reduced the sensitivity of MAs to α1AR vasoconstriction while blunting the attenuation of sympathetic vasoconstriction by sensory nerves. These findings imply substantive alterations in splanchnic blood flow control with ageing.
Extracellular Phosphorylation and Phosphorylated Proteins: Not Just Curiosities But Physiologically Important
Authors: Yalak Garif , Vogel Viola
Published: December 2012

Proteomic data indicate that the phosphorylation of extracellular proteins and extracellular protein domains is a widespread phenomenon.