bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental illness in metropolitan, urban and rural Georgia populations
Authors: Reeves William C , Lin Jin-Mann S , Nater Urs M
Published: May 2013

Background

Mental illness represents an important public health problem. Local-level data concerning mental illness in different populations (e.g., socio-demographics and residence – metropolitan/urban/rural) provides the evidence-base for public health authorities to plan, implement and evaluate control programs. This paper describes prevalence and covariates of psychiatric conditions in Georgia populations in three defined geographic areas.

Methods

Data came from the Georgia population-based random-digit-dialing study investigating unwellness and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in Georgia populations of three defined geographic areas (metropolitan, urban, and rural). Respondents were screened for symptoms of fatigue, sleep, cognition, and pain at household screening interviews, and a randomly selected sample completed detailed individual phone interviews. Based on the detailed phone interviews, we conducted one-day clinical evaluations of 292 detailed interview participants classified as unwell with a probable CFS (i.e. CFS-like; a functional somatic syndrome), 268 classified as other unwell, and 223 well (matched to CFS-like). Clinical evaluation included psychiatric classification by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID). To derive prevalence estimates we used sample weighting to account for the complexity of the multistage sampling design. We used 2- and 3-way table analyses to examine socio-demographic and urbanicity specific associations and multiple logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios.

Results

Anxiety and mood disorders were the most common psychiatric conditions. Nineteen percent of participants suffered a current anxiety disorder, 18% a mood disorder and 10% had two or more conditions. There was a significant linear trend in occurrence of anxiety or mood disorders from well to CFS-like. The most common anxiety disorders were post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (6.6%) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (5.8%). Logistic regression showed that lower education and female sex contributed significantly to risk for both PTSD and GAD. In addition, rural/urban residence and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with PTSD. We defined moderate to severe depression as Major Depressive Disorder or a Zung score >60 and logistic regression found lower education to be significantly associated but sex, age and urbanicity were not.

Conclusions

Overall occurrence of anxiety and mood disorders in Georgia mirrored national findings. However, PTSD and GAD occurred at twice the published national rates (3.6 and 2.7%, respectively). State and local prevalence and associations with education, sex and urbanicity comprise important considerations for developing control programs. The increased prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders in people with a functional somatic syndrome (or CFS-like illness) is important for primary care providers, who should consider additional psychiatric screening or referral of individuals presenting with somatoform symptoms.
Medical student self-reported confidence in obstetrics and gynaecology: development of a core clinical competencies document
Authors: Pierides Kristen , Duggan Paul , Chur-Hansen Anna , Gilson Amaya
Published: May 2013

Background

Clinical competencies in obstetrics and gynaecology have not been clearly defined for Australian medical students, the growing numbers of which may impact clinical teaching. Our aim was to administer and validate a competencies list, for self-evaluation by medical students of their confidence to manage common clinical tasks in obstetrics and gynaecology; to evaluate students’ views on course changes that may result from increasing class sizes.

Methods

A draft list of competencies was peer-reviewed, and discussed at two student focus groups. The resultant list was administered as part of an 81 item online survey.

Results

Sixty-eight percent (N = 172) of those eligible completed the survey. Most respondents (75.8%) agreed or strongly agreed that they felt confident and well equipped to recognise and manage most common and important obstetric and gynaecological conditions. Confidence was greater for women, and for those who received a higher assessment grade. Free-text data highlight reasons for lack of clinical experience that may impact perceived confidence.

Conclusions

The document listing competencies for medical students and educators is useful for discussions around a national curriculum in obstetrics and gynaecology in medical schools, including the best methods of delivery, particularly in the context of increasing student numbers.
Oligofructose supplementation (10%) during pregnancy and lactation does not change the inflammatory effect of concurrent trans fatty acid ingestion on 21-day-old offspring
Authors: Hachul Ana Claudia Losinskas , Mennitti Laís Vales Vales , de Oliveira Juliana Lopes Lopes , Moreno Mayara Franzoi , Okuda Marcos Hiromu , dos Santos Bruno , Oyama Lila Missae , Ribeiro Eliane Beraldi , do Nascimento Claudia Maria Oller , Pisani Luciana Pellegrini
Published: May 2013

Background

Previously, we demonstrated that trans fatty acid ingestion during pregnancy and lactation caused a pro-inflammatory effect on the newborn. The opposite effect was described for gestational prebiotic intake. In the present study, we examined whether supplementation of the diet of the dams with 10% of oligofructose with or without hydrogenated vegetable fat during pregnancy and lactation affected the pro-inflammatory status on the pups at age 21 days.

Methods

On the first day of pregnancy, rats were divided into four groups, each of which received one of four diets: a control diet (C group), a control diet supplemented with 10% oligofructose (CF group), a diet enriched with hydrogenated vegetable fat containing trans fatty acids (T group) or a diet enriched with hydrogenated vegetable fat containing trans fatty acids supplemented with 10% oligofructose (TF group). The pups were weighed at birth and at 7, 14 and 21 days of life and were euthanized on post-natal day 21. The serum glucose, insulin and adiponectin concentrations were analyzed. The IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α contents of the retroperitoneal white adipose tissue, liver, soleus and extensor digital longus muscles were analyzed by ELISA. The results are presented as the means ± standard error of the mean. Statistical significance was assessed using two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's test and considered significant at p < 0.05

Results

The body weights of the 21-day old pups in the CF and TF groups were significant lower than those of the C (27% and 21%) and T (25% and 19%, respectively) groups. The serum levels of adiponectin in the CF, T and TF groups were lower than in the C group (41%; 34% and 31%, respectively). In the retroperitoneal adipose tissue, the IL-6 content was increased in TF group relative to the C and CF groups (74% for both), and the TNF-α content was higher in the T and TF groups than in the C group (62% and 98%, respectively). In the liver, the TNF-α (56% and 104%) and IL-10 (52% and 73%) contents were increased in the CF group relative to the C and TF groups.

Conclusions

Supplementation of the diet of the dams with 10% of oligofructose during pregnancy and lactation, independent of supplementation with hydrogenated vegetable fat, adversely affected the development of the offspring and contributed to development of a pro-inflammatory status in the pups on postnatal day 21.
Evaluating glymphatic pathway function utilizing clinically relevant intrathecal infusion of CSF tracer
Authors: Yang Lijun , Kress Benjamin T , Weber Harris J , Thiyagarajan Meenakshisundaram , Wang Baozhi , Deane Rashid , Benveniste Helene , Iliff Jeffrey J , Nedergaard Maiken
Published: May 2013

Background

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s are associated with the aggregation of endogenous peptides and proteins that contribute to neuronal dysfunction and loss. The glymphatic system, a brain-wide perivascular pathway along which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) rapidly exchange, has recently been identified as a key contributor to the clearance of interstitial solutes from the brain, including amyloid β. These findings suggest that measuring changes in glymphatic pathway function may be an important prognostic for evaluating neurodegenerative disease susceptibility or progression. However, no clinically acceptable approach to evaluate glymphatic pathway function in humans has yet been developed.

Methods

Time-sequenced ex vivo fluorescence imaging of coronal rat and mouse brain slices was performed at 30–180 min following intrathecal infusion of CSF tracer (Texas Red- dextran-3, MW 3 kD; FITC- dextran-500, MW 500 kD) into the cisterna magna or lumbar spine. Tracer influx into different brain regions (cortex, white matter, subcortical structures, and hippocampus) in rat was quantified to map the movement of CSF tracer following infusion along both routes, and to determine whether glymphatic pathway function could be evaluated after lumbar intrathecal infusion.

Results

Following lumbar intrathecal infusions, small molecular weight TR-d3 entered the brain along perivascular pathways and exchanged broadly with the brain ISF, consistent with the initial characterization of the glymphatic pathway in mice. Large molecular weight FITC-d500 remained confined to the perivascular spaces. Lumbar intrathecal infusions exhibited a reduced and delayed peak parenchymal fluorescence intensity compared to intracisternal infusions.

Conclusion

Lumbar intrathecal contrast delivery is a clinically useful approach that could be used in conjunction with dynamic contrast enhanced MRI nuclear imaging to assess glymphatic pathway function in humans.
Small breast epithelial mucin tumor tissue expression is associated with increased risk of recurrence and death in triple-negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Liu Liang , Liu Zhaozhe , Qu Shuxian , Zheng Zhendong , Liu Yongye , Xie Xiaodong , Song Fulin
Published: May 2013

Background

Small breast epithelial mucin (SBEM) has been implicated in tumor genesis and micrometastasis in breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) was characterized by high incidence in young women,early relapse and a very poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of SBEM expression in tissues of TNBC with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Methods

SBEM protein expression was detected in 87 available formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens from TNBC patients by means of immunohistochemistry (IHC). We analyzed the correlation between the SBEM protein expression and DFS and OS during a 5 year follow-up period, respectively. And a SBEM cut-off value of prognosis was established associated with DFS and OS. SBEM was analyzed against other risk factors in multivariate analysis.

Results

SBEM 3+ score was cut-off value of prognosis and significantly correlated with DFS (p = 0.000) and OS (p = 0.001) in TNBC patients. There was a marked associations (p <0.05) between SBEM 3+ score and tumor size, grade, node status, TNM stage and Ki67. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with SBEM 3+ represented a higher risk of recurrence and mortality than those with a lower SBEM expression (HR = 3.370 with p = 0.008 for DFS and HR = 4.185 with p = 0.004 for OS).

Conclusions

SBEM is an independent risk predictor and may offer utility as a prognostic marker in TNBC patients.

Virtual Slides

http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1624613061936917
Regulation of epileptiform activity by two distinct subtypes of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors
Authors: Sun Yajie , Wu Zheng , Kong Shuzhen , Jiang Dongyun , Pitre Anar , Wang Yun , Chen Gong
Published: May 2013

Background

GABAergic deficit is one of the major mechanisms underlying epileptic seizures. Previous studies have mainly focused on alterations of synaptic GABAergic inhibition during epileptogenesis. Recent work suggested that tonic inhibition may also play a role in regulating epileptogenesis, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood.

Results

We employed molecular and pharmacological tools to investigate the role of tonic inhibition during epileptogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. We overexpressed two distinct subtypes of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, α5β3γ2 and α6β3δ receptors, in cultured hippocampal neurons. We demonstrated that overexpression of both α5β3γ2 and α6β3δ receptors enhanced tonic inhibition and reduced epileptiform activity in vitro. We then showed that injection of THIP (5 μM), a selective agonist for extrasynaptic GABAA receptors at low concentration, into rat brain also suppressed epileptiform burst activity and behavioral seizures in vivo. Mechanistically, we discovered that low concentration of THIP had no effect on GABAergic synaptic transmission and did not affect the basal level of action potentials, but significantly inhibited high frequency neuronal activity induced by epileptogenic agents.

Conclusions

Our studies suggest that extrasynaptic GABAA receptors play an important role in controlling hyperexcitatory activity, such as that during epileptogenesis, but a less prominent role in modulating a low level of basal activity. We propose that tonic inhibition may play a greater role under pathological conditions than in physiological conditions in terms of modulating neural network activity.
Disease‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQL) instruments for food allergy: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Salvilla Sarah A , Panesar Sukhmeet S , Patel Shyamal , Rader Tamara , Muraro Antonella , Roberts Graham , de‐Blok Bertine Flokstra , Dubois Anthony , Sheikh Aziz ,   European Academy of Allergy, Clinical Immunology Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines group
Published: May 2013

Background

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology is in the process of developing its Guideline for Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis, and this systematic review is one of seven inter‐linked evidence syntheses that are being undertaken in order to provide a state‐of‐the‐art synopsis of the current evidence base in relation to epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis and clinical management, and impact on quality of life, which will be used to inform clinical recommendations. The aim of this systematic review will be to determine which validated instruments can be employed to enable assessment of the impact of, and investigations and interventions for, food allergy on health‐related quality of life.

Methods

Seven bibliographic databases were searched from their inception to September 30, 2012 for disease‐specific HRQL questionnaires that were specifically designed for use with patients/carers and any articles relating to the description, development and/or the validation of the above identified HRQLs. There were no language or geographic restrictions. We will assess the development of the instruments identified and their performance properties including: validity; generalizability; responsiveness; managing missing data; how variation in patient demography was managed; and cross‐cultural and linguistic adaptation, using a previously reported quality assessment tool.

Discussion

Using appropriately developed and validated instruments is critical to the accurate evaluation of HRQL in people with food allergy. This review will systematically appraise the evidence on the subject and help to identify any gaps.
Participation and performance trends in ultra-endurance running races under extreme conditions - ‘Spartathlon’ versus ‘Badwater’
Authors: da Fonseca-Engelhardt Kristina , Knechtle Beat , Rüst Christoph Alexander , Knechtle Patrizia , Lepers Romuald , Rosemann Thomas
Published: May 2013

Background

The aim of the present study was to compare the trends in participation, performance and age of finishers in ‘Badwater’ and ‘Spartathlon’ as two of the toughest ultramarathons in the world of more than 200 km of distance.

Methods

Running speed and age of male and female finishers in Badwater and Spartathlon were analyzed from 2000 to 2012. Age of peak performance and sex difference in running speed were investigated during the studied period.

Results

The number of female and male finishes increased in Badwater and Spartathlon. Women accounted on average for 21.5% ± 6.9% in Badwater and 10.8% ± 2.3% in Spartathlon. There was a significant increase in female participation in Badwater from 18.4% to 19.1% (p < 0.01) and in Spartathlon from 11.9% to 12.5% (p = 0.02). In men, the age of finishers was higher in Badwater (46.5 ± 9.3 years) compared to Spartathlon (44.8 ± 8.2 years) (p < 0.01). The age of female finishers of both races was similar with 43.0 ± 7.5 years in Badwater and 44.5 ± 7.8 years in Spartathlon (p > 0.05). Over the years, the age of the annual five fastest men decreased in Badwater from 42.4 ± 4.2 to 39.8 ± 5.7 years (p < 0.05). For women, the age remained unchanged at 42.3 ± 3.8 years in Badwater (p > 0.05). In Spartathlon, the age was unchanged at 39.7 ± 2.4 years for men and 44.6 ± 3.2 years for women (p > 0.05). In Badwater, women and men became faster over the years. The running speed increased from 7.9 ± 0.7 to 8.7 ± 0.6 km/h (p < 0.01) in men and from 5.4 ± 1.1 to 6.6 ± 0.5 km/h (p < 0.01) in women. The sex difference in running speed remained unchanged at 19.8% ± 4.8% (p > 0.05). In Spartathlon, the running speed was stable over time at 10.8 ± 0.7 km/h for men and 8.7 ± 0.5 km/h for women (p > 0.05). The sex difference remained unchanged at 19.6% ± 2.5% (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that for both Badwater and Spartathlon, (a) female participation increased, (b) the fastest finishers were approximately 40 to 45 years, and (c) the sex difference was at approximately 20%. Women will not outrun men in both Badwater and Spartathlon races. Master ultramarathoners can achieve a high level of performance in ultramarathons greater than 200 km under extreme conditions.
A rapid analysis of plasma/serum ethylene and propylene glycol by headspace gas chromatography
Authors: Ehlers Alexandra , Morris Cory , Krasowski Matthew D
Published: May 2013

A rapid headspace-gas chromatography (HS-GC) method was developed for the analysis of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol in plasma and serum specimens using 1,3-propanediol as the internal standard. The method employed a single-step derivitization using phenylboronic acid, was linear to 200 mg/dL and had a lower limit of quantitation of 1 mg/dL suitable for clinical analyses. The analytical method described allows for laboratories with HS-GC instrumentation to analyze ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol on a single instrument with rapid switch-over from alcohols to glycols analysis. In addition to the novel HS-GC method, a retrospective analysis of patient specimens containing ethylene glycol and propylene glycol was also described. A total of 36 patients ingested ethylene glycol, including 3 patients who presented with two separate admissions for ethylene glycol toxicity. Laboratory studies on presentation to hospital for these patients showed both osmolal and anion gap in 13 patients, osmolal but not anion gap in 13 patients, anion but not osmolal gap in 8 patients, and 1 patient with neither an osmolal nor anion gap. Acidosis on arterial blood gas was present in 13 cases. Only one fatality was seen; this was a patient with initial serum ethylene glycol concentration of 1282 mg/dL who died on third day of hospitalization. Propylene glycol was common in patients being managed for toxic ingestions, and was often attributed to iatrogenic administration of propylene glycol-containing medications such as activated charcoal and intravenous lorazepam. In six patients, propylene glycol contributed to an abnormally high osmolal gap. The common presence of propylene glycol in hospitalized patients emphasizes the importance of being able to identify both ethylene glycol and propylene glycol by chromatographic methods.
Promoting children's resilience to parental mental illness: engaging the child's thinking
Authors: Cooklin Alan
Published: May 2013

The negative effects of parental mental illness on children are not dependent on the parent's diagnosis, but are related to that parent's behaviour, the responses of other key adults (both familial and professional), and the degree to which development of the child's resilience has been encouraged. Parental mental illness can be responsible for serious interruptions in a child's cognitive and emotional development, which in turn can have implications for their future mental health. Resilience can be promoted by relatively simple interventions, but these require the active participation of both adult- and child-focused professionals involved with the family, particularly those concerned with the parent's treatment.
Mindfulness-based interventions in secure settings: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Witharana Dumindu , Adshead Gwen
Published: May 2013

Psychological treatments in secure settings have traditionally been based on psychodynamic and cognitive–behavioural approaches. Recent developments, supported by an emerging evidence base, have generated a significant amount of interest in mindfulness-based psychological therapies and their utility in diverse areas of mental healthcare. In this article we analyse the current evidence base and describe possible mechanisms of action of mindfulness-based psychological approaches. On the basis of the evidence, we advocate a cautious but positive approach to using mindfulness-based interventions in secure services.
Managing physical risk in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Jones William Rhys , Morgan John F. , Arcelus Jon
Published: May 2013

Eating disorders encompass physical, psychological and social pathologies that increase health risk. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality of any psychiatric disorder, but patients are not always managed by specialist eating disorders services and the duty of care sometimes falls to the general psychiatrist. This article is an aide-memoire for assessing and managing physical risk in patients with anorexia nervosa.
Recent developments in the management of delusional disorders
Authors: Fear Christopher F.
Published: May 2013

Delusional disorder, rare in clinical practice, remains one of the most enigmatic conditions in psychiatry. Linked to schizophrenia spectrum disorders since the mid-20th century, recent work has confirmed 19th-century notions of an aetiology based on attentional biases and personality dimensions. Unfortunately, the literature exists largely as case reports and series, often published as ‘curiosities’, and therefore lacks the rigour of formal diagnosis. This article reviews current thinking on aetiology and epidemiology, considers diagnosis, and reviews recent work on physical and psychological therapies. It concludes that delusional disorder is likely to respond well to treatment with standard antipsychotics, often at low doses, but that adherence and concordance remain particular problems. Cognitive therapy has been shown to be beneficial but is time-consuming and resource-intensive. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may profit further investigation. There remains considerable scope for investigation of this fascinating condition.
Rethinking placebo in psychiatry: the range of placebo effects
Authors: McQueen Daniel , Cohen Sarah , St John-Smith Paul , Rampes Hagen
Published: May 2013

This article, the first of two on placebo effects, provides a broad overview of placebo in the field of medicine. A brief conceptual history is followed by some basic facts about placebos. Problems of definition are identified. Additive and non-additive models of treatment effects, and problems of measurement of placebo effects are described. The role of placebo in the pharmacotherapy of depression and complementary and alternative medicine is discussed. The ‘efficacy paradox’ (that placebo treatments can have larger effects than ‘evidence-based treatments’) is introduced. Finally, ethical issues are discussed.
Rethinking placebo in psychiatry: how and why placebo effects occur
Authors: McQueen Daniel , Cohen Sarah , St John-Smith Paul , Rampes Hagen
Published: May 2013

This article outlines proximate (physical and mental) and ultimate mechanisms of placebo effects. Interpersonal processes contributing to placebo effects are reviewed and illustrated through research into the process of psychotherapy. Evolutionary theories of how and why the capacity for placebo effects might have evolved are described. The components of treatment and placebo effects are defined. It is concluded that maximising therapeutic placebo effects is effective and a valid clinical goal.
Mental Health Act 1983: use of urgent treatment in clinical practice
Authors: Yadav Rashmi , Zigmond Anthony S.
Published: May 2013

Aims and method

To understand circumstances in which urgent treatment provisions are used in clinical practice, by means of a retrospective study. A list of patients to whom Sections 62, 64B and 64G of the Mental Health Act 1983 were applied during the 1-year study period was obtained from the information technology department. Case notes were traced for detailed information on the circumstances of use of these provisions.

Results

The most common reason for urgent treatment was to continue the established treatment plan rather than to start a new treatment (45% Section 62, 84% Section 64). The urgent treatment provisions were most commonly used because of a delay in examination by a second opinion appointed doctor in 45% cases for Section 62 and 84% cases for Sections 64B and 64G.

Clinical implications

This is probably unlawful use of the urgent treatment provisions.
Addressing mental health needs of deaf children and their families: the National Deaf Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
Authors: Sessa Ben , Sutherland Hilary
Published: May 2013

Rates of developmental delay, autism and mental illness in deaf children are higher than in hearing children. Early language acquisition (signed or spoken) is a protective factor against mental disorder. Deaf children and their families are often given conflicting messages and advice about their upbringing and many are unable to access generic child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). We describe the National Deaf CAMHS, a service that has been set up to answer the needs of this group of patients. It uses specialist intervention which incorporates some aspects of Deaf awareness to empower deaf children and reduce the burden of mental health problems that are likely to accompany them into and throughout their adulthood.
From DSM-IV to DSM-5: an interim report from a cultural psychiatry perspective
Authors: Aggarwal Neil Krishan
Published: May 2013

In July 2012, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) closed its final commenting period on draft criteria for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), slated for publication in May 2013. DSM-5 raises familiar questions about the cultural assumptions of proposed diagnoses, the scientific evidence base of these criteria and their validity in international settings. I review these issues since the publication of DSM-IV. I assess the cultural validity of DSM-5 and suggest areas of improvement.
Drug information update: paliperidone palmitate for schizophrenia
Authors: Nussbaum Abraham M. , Stroup T. Scott
Published: May 2013

Aims and method

To review the evidence for the use of paliperidone palmitate for people with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like illnesses. We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Specialised Register and contacted the manufacturer of paliperidone palmitate, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the authors of papers that reported study results.

Results

Based on the evidence from five short-term, placebo-controlled studies, paliperidone palmitate is efficacious as an antipsychotic. Its adverse effects are similar to those of the closely related compounds paliperidone and risperidone. Extrapyramidal side-effects, weight gain and tachycardia are more common with paliperidone palmitate than placebo. Paliperidone palmitate was associated with substantial increases in serum prolactin but not with increased sexual side-effects in these studies. In two studies paliperidone palmitate was similar to depot risperidone.

Clinical implications

Paliperidone palmitate is an effective antipsychotic whose optimal dose appears to be between 39 and 234 mg every 4 weeks. We have no data assessing its long-term effectiveness or comparing it with any long-acting injected antipsychotic other than depot risperidone.
Comparisons of Immunoassay and Mass Spectrometry Measurements of Serum Estradiol Levels and Their Influence on Clinical Association Studies in Men
Authors: Ohlsson Claes , Nilsson Maria E. , Tivesten Åsa , Ryberg Henrik , Mellström Dan , Karlsson Magnus K. , Ljunggren Östen , Labrie Fernand , Orwoll Eric S. , Lee David M. , Pye Stephen R. , O'Neill Terence W. , Finn Joseph D. , Adams Judith E. , Ward Kate A. , Boonen Steven , Bartfai Gyorgy , Casanueva Felipe F. , Forti Gianni , Giwercman Aleksander , Han Thang S. , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T. , Kula Krzysztof , Lean Michael E. J. , Pendleton Neil , Punab Margus , Vanderschueren Dirk , Wu Frederick C. W. ,   the EMAS Study Group, Vandenput Liesbeth
Published: May 2013

Context:

Immunoassay-based techniques, routinely used to measure serum estradiol (E2), are known to have reduced specificity, especially at lower concentrations, when compared with the gold standard technique of mass spectrometry (MS). Different measurement techniques may be responsible for the conflicting results of associations between serum E2 and clinical phenotypes in men.

Objective:

Our objective was to compare immunoassay and MS measurements of E2 levels in men and evaluate associations with clinical phenotypes.

Design and Setting:

Middle-aged and older male subjects participating in the population-based Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Sweden study (n = 2599), MrOS US (n = 688), and the European Male Aging Study (n = 2908) were included.

Main Outcome Measures:

Immunoassay and MS measurements of serum E2 were compared and related to bone mineral density (BMD; measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) and ankle-brachial index.

Results:

Within each cohort, serum E2 levels obtained by immunoassay and MS correlated moderately (Spearman rank correlation coefficient rS 0.53–0.76). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels associated significantly (albeit to a low extent, rS = 0.29) with immunoassay E2 but not with MS E2 levels. Similar associations of immunoassay E2 and MS E2 were seen with lumbar spine and total hip BMD, independent of serum CRP. However, immunoassay E2, but not MS E2, associated inversely with ankle-brachial index, and this correlation was lost after adjustment for CRP.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest interference in the immunoassay E2 analyses, possibly by CRP or a CRP-associated factor. Although associations with BMD remain unaffected, this might imply for a reevaluation of previous association studies between immunoassay E2 levels and inflammation-related outcomes.
The Aswan Dam and Egyptian Water Control Policy, 1882 – 1902
Authors: Cookson-Hills Claire
Published: May 2013

Contemporary Egyptian regulation of the Nile is a direct outgrowth of the traditions of British imperialism. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the British extended their military and political occupation of Egypt to the physical regulation of the river, in order to enact a concrete imperial priority: growing cotton. One way the occupiers implemented this policy objective was through the design and construction of the Aswan Dam (1898 – 1902) by British engineers and British engineering firms. The engineers followed nineteenth-century hydraulic engineering principles, which stressed the implementation of universalist mathematical theories over local technologies. In the process of creating the Aswan Dam, these engineers redefined the Nile, not as a river with natural flow and rhythms, but as a resource to be tapped and parsed. Although the dam was the source of considerable contemporary discussion, that debate focused on structural aspects rather than environmental and social repercussions.
Coursing through the Spill
Authors: Gilmer Robert A.
Published: May 2013

The 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico drew international attention to the complex relationship between oil, water, and people along Louisiana's Gulf Coast. Before the spill began, over two thousand square miles of Louisiana's wetlands had already disappeared, leaving in their absence increased exposure to hurricanes, the relocation of local populations, and radical changes in the daily lives of local peoples. This essay explores the challenges and opportunities associated with teaching a course on the oil spill in which equal weight is given both to ecological concerns and to the needs of working-class people whose livelihoods depend on the lands and water-scapes affected by the spill. In the process, the essay, which examines methods for democratizing the classroom, raises questions about the ways environmental history is taught and the need for institutional flexibility and.
How Do Mortgage Subsidies Affect Home Ownership? Evidence from the Mid-Century GI Bills
Authors: Fetter Daniel K
Published: May 2013

The largest twentieth-century increase in US home ownership occurred between 1940 and 1960, associated largely with declining age at first ownership. I shed light on the contribution of coincident government mortgage market interventions by examining home loan benefits granted under the World War II and Korean War GI Bills. Veterans' benefits increased home ownership rates primarily by shifting purchase earlier in life, explaining 7.4 percent of the overall 1940–1960 increase, and 25 percent of the increase for affected cohorts. A rough extrapolation suggests that broader changes in mortgage terms can explain 40 percent of the 1940–1960 increase. (JEL G21, N22, N92, R21, R31)
Characteristics of the Shale Gas Reservoir Rocks in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation, East Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Liu Shugen , Ma Wenxin , Jansa Lubomir , Huang Wenming , Zeng Xiangliang , Zhang Changjun
Published: May 2013

The Sichuan basin is an oil-bearing and gas-rich basin with extensive development of the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale in southwestern China. The gas shows in the shale were identified in exploration wells mainly located between southeastern Sichuan basin and Western Hubei-Eastern Chongqing. The thickness of the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale ranges from 65 to 516 m. The base of the Longmaxi Formation shale is graptolite-rich transgressive black shale. Its thickness increases eastward in the study area, similarly as the sand content in the formation, with the latter also increasing stratigraphically upward. The Longmaxi Formation is comprised by eight lithofacies, including laminated and nonlaminated mudstone/shale, dolomitic siltstone, laminated lime mudstone/shale, argillaceous siltstone, laminated and nonlaminated silty mudstone/shale, fine grained silty sandstone, calcareous concretions and nonlaminated shale enriched organic matter. The biota in the formation is dominated by graptolites, ostracods, echinoderms, brachiopods, trilobites and radiolarian. Longmaxi Formation contains 0.2% to 6.7% of organic carbon ( TOC). The organic matter is overmature, with Ro 2.4%−3.6% and dominated by Type II-kerogen. Quartz silt, which is the second important component of the shale gas reservoir quality, occurs as laminae and/or disseminated and varies from 2% – 93% in the shale. The size of quartz silt ranges from 0.03 to 0.05mm, with terrigenous origin. Porosity measured on the core samples of the shale from the Longmaxi Formation in exploratory wells ranges from 0.58% to 0.67%. The microporosity observed in the thin sections of the shale is about 2%, and dominated by the intercrystal and intragranular pores, with the pore size ranging from 100nm to 50μm. The other pore types are related to fractures, with the width of ranging from 2 to 5μm. The formation mechanism of the shale reservoir rocks includes favorable mineral composition, diagenesis and thermal cracking of organic component. There are some differences between Longmaxi Formation shale and Barnett shale in USA. The former is buried deeper, higher degree of thermal evolution, lower gas content, denser, more quartz of terrigenous origin. The prevailing low content of organic matter and highly variable quartz content in the Longmaxi Formation shale suggests there are only marginal conditions for exploration of shale gas resource. However, the high variability in both the content of TOC and quartz in the shale indicates that locally, particularly in the southeastern part of the basin, favorable conditions for shale gas may have developed. More detailed paleogeographic, burial history, gas content and quartz origin studies are needed to better access shale-gas potential of the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale.
Video-Based FLame Detection for the Protection of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Dimitropoulos K. , Gunay O. , Kose K. , Erden F. , Chaabane F. , Tsalakanidou F. , Grammalidis N. , Cetin A.E.
Published: May 2013

The majority of cultural heritage and archaeological sites, especially in the Mediterranean region, are covered with vegetation, which increases the risk of fires. These fires may also break out and spread towards nearby forests and other wooded land, or conversely start in nearby forests and spread to archaeological sites. Beyond taking precautionary measures to avoid a forest fire, early warning and immediate response to a fire breakout are the only ways to avoid great losses and environmental and cultural heritage damages. The use of terrestrial systems, typically based on video cameras, is currently the most promising solution for advanced automatic wildfire surveillance and monitoring due to its low cost and short response time. Early and accurate detection and localization of flame is an essential requirement of these systems, however, it remains a challenging issue due to the fact that many natural objects have similar characteristics with fire. This paper presents and compares three video-based flame detection techniques, which were developed within the FIRESENSE EU research project, taking into account the chaotic and complex nature of the fire phenomenon and the large variations of flame appearance in video. Experimental results show that the proposed methods provide high fire detection rates with reasonable false alarm ratios.
A Prototypical Interactive Exhibition for the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Authors: Grammenos D. , Zabulis X. , Michel D. , Padeleris P. , Sarmis T. , Georgalis G. , Koutlemanis P. , Tzevanidis K. , Argyros A. A. , Sifakis M. , Adam-Veleni P. , Stephanidis C.
Published: May 2013

In 2010, the Institute of Computer Science of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (ICS-FORTH) and the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki (AMTh) collaborated towards the creation of a special exhibition of prototypical interactive systems with subjects drawn from ancient Macedonia, named “Macedonia from fragments to pixels”. The exhibition comprises seven interactive systems based on the research outcomes of ICS-FORTH's Ambient Intelligence Programme. Up to the summer of 2012, more than 165.000 people have visited it. The paper initially provides some background information, including related previous research work, and then illustrates and discusses the development process that was followed for creating the exhibition. Subsequently, the technological and interactive characteristics of the project's outcomes (i.e., the interactive systems) are analysed and the complementary evaluation approaches followed are briefly described. Finally, some conclusions stemming from the project are highlighted.
Hypothalamic Neurotensin Projections Promote Reward by Enhancing Glutamate Transmission in the VTA
Authors: Kempadoo Kimberly A. , Tourino Clara , Cho Saemi L. , Magnani Francesco , Leinninger Gina-Marie , Stuber Garret D. , Zhang Feng , Myers Martin G. , Deisseroth Karl , de Lecea Luis , Bonci Antonello
Published: May 2013

The lateral hypothalamus (LH) sends a dense glutamatergic and peptidergic projection to dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a cell group known to promote reinforcement and aspects of reward. The role of the LH to VTA projection in reward-seeking behavior can be informed by using optogenetic techniques to dissociate the actions of LH neurons from those of other descending forebrain inputs to the VTA. In the present study, we identify the effect of neurotensin (NT), one of the most abundant peptides in the LH to VTA projection, on excitatory synaptic transmission in the VTA and reward-seeking behavior. Mice displayed robust intracranial self-stimulation of LH to VTA fibers, an operant behavior mediated by NT 1 receptors (Nts1) and NMDA receptors. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of VTA dopamine neurons demonstrated that NT (10 nm) potentiated NMDA-mediated EPSCs via Nts1. Results suggest that NT release from the LH into the VTA activates Nts1, thereby potentiating NMDA-mediated EPSCs and promoting reward. The striking behavioral and electrophysiological effects of NT and glutamate highlight the LH to VTA pathway as an important component of reward.
p62/SQSTM1 Differentially Removes the Toxic Mutant Androgen Receptor via Autophagy and Inclusion Formation in a Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy Mouse Model
Authors: Doi Hideki , Adachi Hiroaki , Katsuno Masahisa , Minamiyama Makoto , Matsumoto Shinjiro , Kondo Naohide , Miyazaki Yu , Iida Madoka , Tohnai Genki , Qiang Qiang , Tanaka Fumiaki , Yanagawa Toru , Warabi Eiji , Ishii Tetsuro , Sobue Gen
Published: May 2013

Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are inherited neurodegenerative disorders that are caused by the expansion of trinucleotide CAG repeats in the causative genes. Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is an inherited motor neuron disease that is caused by the expansion of a polyQ tract within the androgen receptor (AR). p62 is a ubiquitin- and light-chain 3-binding protein that is known to regulate the degradation of targeted proteins via autophagy and inclusion formation. In this study, we examined the effects of p62 depletion and overexpression on cultured cells and in a transgenic mouse model that overexpressed the mutant AR. Here, we demonstrate that depletion of p62 significantly exacerbated motor phenotypes and the neuropathological outcome, whereas overexpression of p62 protected against mutant AR toxicity in SBMA mice. Depletion of p62 significantly increased the levels of monomeric mutant AR and mutant AR protein complexes in an SBMA mouse model via the impairment of autophagic degradation. In addition, p62 overexpression improved SBMA mouse phenotypes by inducing cytoprotective inclusion formation. Our results demonstrate that p62 provides two different therapeutic targets in SBMA pathogenesis: (1) autophagy-dependent degradation and (2) benevolent inclusion formation of the mutant AR.
Revisiting the Functional Specialization of Left Inferior Frontal Gyrus in Phonological and Semantic Fluency: The Crucial Role of Task Demands and Individual Ability
Authors: Katzev Michael , Tüscher Oliver , Hennig Jürgen , Weiller Cornelius , Kaller Christoph P.
Published: May 2013

Despite a large body of research, extant findings on the functional role of left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) in phonological and semantic fluency are still controversial. Based on cross-study comparisons, a recent meta-analysis of neuroimaging results suggests that posterior-dorsal (Brodmann area, BA, 44) and anterior-ventral parts (BA 45) of LIFG contribute differentially to processes of phonologically and semantically cued word retrieval, respectively. In contrast, a subsequent functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment failed to validate the proposed dissociation using a within-subjects design. In particular, no evidence for a specific role of BA 45 in semantic fluency was found. Here, we resolve this apparent controversy by showing that the conflicting findings can be accounted for when considering the influence of task demands and individual ability on resulting functional magnetic resonance imaging activation patterns. By comparing phonological versus semantic fluency, higher activation was robustly observed in BA 44. For the opposite comparison, higher activation was found in dorsal BA 45; however, this was more pronounced in posterior-dorsal parts of BA 45 for low-performing subjects and was only apparent in anterior-dorsal parts of BA 45 under high demands on controlled semantic retrieval. Our results thus disclose important determinants for detecting a functional segregation of LIFG in verbal fluency that also have implications for the controversial findings in previous lesion studies. Moreover, the present parcellation of dorsal BA 45 corresponds well with anatomical evidence suggesting a subdivision into an anterior (45A) and posterior part (45B) and may therefore represent evidence for its functional significance in humans.
Targeted Deletion of the Mouse α2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit Gene (Chrna2) Potentiates Nicotine-Modulated Behaviors
Authors: Lotfipour Shahrdad , Byun Janet S. , Leach Prescott , Fowler Christie D. , Murphy Niall P. , Kenny Paul J. , Gould Thomas J. , Boulter Jim
Published: May 2013

Baseline and nicotine-modulated behaviors were assessed in mice harboring a null mutant allele of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit gene α2 (Chrna2). HomozygousChrna2−/−mice are viable, show expected sex and Mendelian genotype ratios, and exhibit no gross neuroanatomical abnormalities. A broad range of behavioral tests designed to assess genotype-dependent effects on anxiety (elevated plus maze and light/dark box), motor coordination (narrow bean traverse and gait), and locomotor activity revealed no significant differences between mutant mice and age-matched wild-type littermates. Furthermore, a panel of tests measuring traits, such as body position, spontaneous activity, respiration, tremors, body tone, and startle response, revealed normal responses forChrna2-null mutant mice. However,Chrna2−/−mice do exhibit a mild motor or coordination phenotype (a decreased latency to fall during the accelerating rotarod test) and possess an increased sensitivity to nicotine-induced analgesia in the hotplate assay. Relative to wild-type,Chrna2−/−mice show potentiated nicotine self-administration and withdrawal behaviors and exhibit a sex-dependent enhancement of nicotine-facilitated cued, but not trace or contextual, fear conditioning. Overall, our results suggest that loss of the mouse nAChR α2 subunit has very limited effects on baseline behavior but does lead to the potentiation of several nicotine-modulated behaviors.