bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review of Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials Examining the Clinical Efficacy of Vitamin D in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pozuelo-Moyano Beatriz , Benito-León Julián , Mitchell Alex J. , Hernández-Gallego Jesús
Published: December 2012

Background: An association between multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence as well as MS mortality and vitamin D nutrition has led to the hypothesis that high levels of vitamin D could be beneficial for MS. The purpose of this systematic review is to establish whether there is evidence for or against vitamin D in the treatment of MS. Methods: Systematic literature searches were performed to locate randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials measuring the clinical effect of vitamin D on MS in human participants. Data were extracted in a standardized manner, and methodological quality was assessed by the Jadad score. Results: Five trials were located that met the selection criteria. Of the 5 trials, 4 showed no effect of vitamin D on any outcome, and 1 showed a significant effect, namely by a reduction in the number of T1 enhancing lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Three studies commented on adverse effects of vitamin D, with gastrointestinal adverse effects being the most frequently reported. The literature is limited by small study sizes (ranging from 23 to 68 patients), heterogeneity of dosing, form of vitamin D tested (vitamin D3 in 4 trials and vitamin D2 in 1) and clinical outcome measures. Therefore, a meta-analysis was not performed. Conclusions: The evidence for vitamin D as a treatment for MS is inconclusive. Larger studies are warranted to assess the effect of vitamin D on clinical outcomes in patients with MS. We further encourage researchers to also test the effect of vitamin D on the health-related quality of life experienced by patients and their families.
Adventitial Pericyte Progenitor/Mesenchymal Stem Cells Participate in the Restenotic Response to Arterial Injury
Authors: Tigges Ulrich , Komatsu Masanobu , Stallcup William B.
Published: December 2012

Restenosis is a major complication of coronary angioplasty, at least partly due to the fact that the origin and identity of contributing cell types are not well understood. In this study, we have investigated whether pericyte-like cells or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the adventitia contribute to restenosis. We demonstrate that while cells expressing the pericyte markers NG2, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β, and CD146 are rare in the adventitia of uninjured mouse femoral arteries, following injury their numbers strongly increase. Some of these adventitial pericyte-like cells acquire a more MSC-like phenotype (CD90+ and CD29+ are up-regulated) and also appear in the restenotic neointima. Via bone marrow transplantation and ex vivo artery culture approaches, we demonstrate that the pericyte-like MSCs of the injured femoral artery are not derived from the bone marrow, but originate in the adventitia itself mainly via the proliferation of resident pericyte-like cells. In summary, we have identified a population of resident adventitial pericyte-like cells or MSCs that contribute to restenosis following arterial injury. These cells are different from myofibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and other progenitor populations that have been shown to participate in the restenotic process.
Differential Roles of JNK, ERK1/2, and p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases on Endothelial Cell Tissue Repair Functions in Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor-α
Authors: Kanaji Nobuhiro , Nelson Amy , Wang Xingqi , Sato Tadashi , Nakanishi Masanori , Gunji Yoko , Basma Hesham , Michalski Joel , Farid Maha , Rennard Stephen I. , Liu Xiangde
Published: December 2012

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α can alter tissue repair functions in a variety of cells including endothelial cells. However, the mechanism by which TNF-α mediates these functional changes has not fully been studied. We investigated the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) on mediating the regulatory effect of TNF-α on the tissue repair functions of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs). TNF-α protected HPAECs from undergoing apoptosis induced by serum and growth factor deprivation, augmented collagen gel contraction, and stimulated wound closure. TNF-α activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and p38. Inhibitors of JNK (SP600125, 5 µm) or ERK1/2 (PD98059, 5 µm) significantly inhibited TNF-α-stimulated cell survival, contraction of collagen gels, and wound closure. In contrast, the p38 inhibitor SB203580 (5 µm) further amplified all of the TNF-α effects on HPAECs. TNF-α specifically activated p38α but not other p38 isoforms and suppression of p38α by an siRNA resulted in further amplification of the TNF-α effect. These results suggest that TNF-α stimulates tissue repair functions of HPAECs, and this may be mediated, at least in part, positively via JNK and ERK1/2, and negatively through p38α. MAPKs may play a role in endothelial cell-mediated tissue repair, especially in an inflammatory milieu where TNF-α is present.
Homocystinuria with Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: First Case Report
Authors: Al Humaidan Mohammad , Al Sharkawy Ibrahim , Al Sanae Abdullah , Al Refaee Fawaz
Published: December 2012

Objective: To report a rare complication of homocystinuria in a child and highlight the association of homocystinuria with lower gastrointestinal bleeding and intestinal thrombosis. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 7-year-old boy with homocystinuria and poor compliance with treatment presented with abdominal pain and bloody stools. Doppler ultrasound showed superior mesenteric and middle colic vein thrombosis. Laparotomy demonstrated ischemic small bowel necessitating resection. The patient improved clinically following resection and the initiation of the anticoagulation with homocystinuria treatment and was discharged home. Conclusion: This case showed the need to sustain a high index of suspicion of thromboembolism in a patient with homocystinuria and lower gastrointestinal bleeding and the importance of compliance with treatment to avoid vascular complications.
Combined Lateral Orbitotomy and Endoscopic Transnasal Orbital Decompression in a Case of Orbital Aspergillosis with Impending Intracranial Invasion
Authors: Chan Jeffrey C.W. , Yu Derek K.H. , Lee Dennis L.Y. , Abdullah V.J. , Li Kenneth K.W.
Published: December 2012

A 64-year-old man with a known history of diabetes and hypertension presented to the Accident and Emergency Department with a 2-day history of sudden decreased vision in the right eye. Temporal arteritis was suspected with an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (71 mm/h), and oral prednisolone was started immediately. Four days later, the patient's right eye vision deteriorated from 0.6 to 0.05, with a grade-4 relative afferent pupillary defect and ophthalmoplegia. Computed tomography showed a contrast-enhancing orbital apex mass in the right orbit abutting the medial and lateral portions of the optic nerve with extension to the posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses. A transethmoidal biopsy was performed which yielded septate hyphae suggestive of Aspergillus infection. Ten days later, the patient's right eye vision further deteriorated to hand movement with total ophthalmoplegia. MRI of the orbit showed suspicion of cavernous sinus thrombosis. A combined lateral orbitotomy and transethmoidal orbital apex drainage and decompression were performed to eradicate the orbital apex abscess. Drained pus cultured Aspergillus. The patient was prescribed systemic voriconazole for a total of 22 weeks. The latest MRI scan, performed 8 months after surgery, showed residual inflammatory changes with no signs of recurrence of the disease. To our knowledge, this is the first case report which describes the use of a combined open and endoscopic approach for orbital decompression and drainage in a case of orbital aspergillosis. We believe the combined approach gives good exposure to the orbital apex, and allows the abscess in this region to be adequately drained.
Role of the NADPH Oxidases in the Subfornical Organ in Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension
Authors: Lob Heinrich E. , Schultz David , Marvar Paul J. , Davisson Robin L. , Harrison David G.
Published: December 2012

Reactive oxygen species and the NADPH oxidases contribute to hypertension via mechanisms that remain undefined. Reactive oxygen species produced in the central nervous system have been proposed to promote sympathetic outflow, inflammation, and hypertension, but the contribution of the NADPH oxidases to these processes in chronic hypertension is uncertain. We therefore sought to identify how NADPH oxidases in the subfornical organ (SFO) of the brain regulate blood pressure and vascular inflammation during sustained hypertension. We produced mice with loxP sites flanking the coding region of the NADPH oxidase docking subunit p22

phox

. SFO-targeted injections of an adenovirus encoding cre-recombinase markedly diminished p22
phox
, Nox2, and Nox4 mRNA in the SFO, as compared with a control adenovirus encoding red-fluorescent protein injection. Increased superoxide production in the SFO by chronic angiotensin II infusion (490 ng/kg min
–1
×2 weeks) was blunted in adenovirus encoding cre-recombinase–treated mice, as detected by dihydroethidium fluorescence. Deletion of p22

phox

in the SFO eliminated the hypertensive response observed at 2 weeks of angiotensin II infusion compared with control adenovirus encoding red-fluorescent protein-treated mice (mean arterial pressures=97±15 versus 154±6 mm Hg, respectively;
P
=0.0001). Angiotensin II infusion also promoted marked vascular inflammation, as characterized by accumulation of activated T-cells and other leukocytes, and this was prevented by deletion of the SFO p22

phox

. These experiments definitively identify the NADPH oxidases in the SFO as a critical determinant of the blood pressure and vascular inflammatory responses to chronic angiotensin II, and further support a role of reactive oxygen species in central nervous system signaling in hypertension.
Context-dependent Semantic Processing in the Human Brain: Evidence from Idiom Comprehension
Authors: Rommers Joost , Dijkstra Ton , Bastiaansen Marcel
Published: December 2012

Language comprehension involves activating word meanings and integrating them with the sentence context. This study examined whether these routines are carried out even when they are theoretically unnecessary, namely, in the case of opaque idiomatic expressions, for which the literal word meanings are unrelated to the overall meaning of the expression. Predictable words in sentences were replaced by a semantically related or unrelated word. In literal sentences, this yielded previously established behavioral and electrophysiological signatures of semantic processing: semantic facilitation in lexical decision, a reduced N400 for semantically related relative to unrelated words, and a power increase in the gamma frequency band that was disrupted by semantic violations. However, the same manipulations in idioms yielded none of these effects. Instead, semantic violations elicited a late positivity in idioms. Moreover, gamma band power was lower in correct idioms than in correct literal sentences. It is argued that the brain's semantic expectancy and literal word meaning integration operations can, to some extent, be “switched off” when the context renders them unnecessary. Furthermore, the results lend support to models of idiom comprehension that involve unitary idiom representations.
Segregating the Neural Correlates of Physical and Perceived Change in Auditory Input using the Change Deafness Effect
Authors: Puschmann Sebastian , Weerda Riklef , Klump Georg , Thiel Christiane M.
Published: December 2012

Psychophysical experiments show that auditory change detection can be disturbed in situations in which listeners have to monitor complex auditory input. We made use of this change deafness effect to segregate the neural correlates of physical change in auditory input from brain responses related to conscious change perception in an fMRI experiment. Participants listened to two successively presented complex auditory scenes, which consisted of six auditory streams, and had to decide whether scenes were identical or whether the frequency of one stream was changed between presentations. Our results show that physical changes in auditory input, independent of successful change detection, are represented at the level of auditory cortex. Activations related to conscious change perception, independent of physical change, were found in the insula and the ACC. Moreover, our data provide evidence for significant effective connectivity between auditory cortex and the insula in the case of correctly detected auditory changes, but not for missed changes. This underlines the importance of the insula/anterior cingulate network for conscious change detection.
Belief in a Just World, Religiosity and Victim Blaming
Authors: Kaplan Hasan
Published: December 2012

This study investigates the relations between “Belief in a Just World” (BJW), religiosity and victim-blaming attitudes. In particular, the influence of BJW and religiosity on social attitudes is probed. Recent theoretical and psychometric developments in the BJW construct are considered. Thus, 176 Turkish subjects completed measures for BJW-Self (BJW-S)/BJW-Other (BJW-O), “Belief in Immanent/Ultimate Justice,” attitudes towards the poor, and religiosity. Results show that Belief in Ultimate Justice and BJW-S are uniquely related to religiosity. As hypothesized, BJW-O and Belief in Immanent Justice are strongly related to harsh attitudes towards the poor. However, contrary to our expectation, results do not indicate a positive link between religiosity and negative attitudes towards the poor. Study findings also provide strong cross-cultural support for the conceptual and psychometric revisions of the Just-World construct (BJW-S/BJW-O and Immanent/Ultimate Justice).
Can Neurotheology Explain Religion?
Authors: Vliegenthart Dave
Published: December 2012

Neurotheology is a fast-growing field of research. Combining philosophy of mind, neuroscience, and religious studies, it takes a new approach to old questions on religion. What is religion and why do we have it? Neurotheologists focus on the search for the neural correlate of religious experiences. If we can trace religious experiences to specific parts of the brain, chances are we can reduce religion as such to that grey soggy matter as well. This article predicts neurotheology will not be able to locate the neural correlate of religious experiences. As we cannot decide phenomenally what makes an experience religious, neurologically we cannot find its correlate either. That is, if there are fixed neural correlates to begin with, because their existence is still a matter of debate. In addition, religious experiences seem to be a kind of experience, like emotional or relational experiences, making them indistinguishable from similar nonreligious experiences. Even if one manages to trace the neural correlate of religious experiences, neurotheology will still not be able to account for the rise of religion without resorting to theories from other disciplines. In the end, we do not know enough about consciousness and the way it relates to the brain to make conclusive claims about the search for religious states of consciousness. It seems, however, that even though neurotheology could provide fascinating insights in the workings of the religious brain, on its own, it will prove unable to explain religion fully.
Violation of Buddhist Five Precepts, Money Consciousness, and the Tendency to Pay Bribes among Organizational Employees in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Ariyabuddhiphongs Vanchai , Hongladarom Chanchira
Published: December 2012

This study examines the relationships between violation of the Buddhist Five Precepts (Buddhist code of ethics), money consciousness, and the tendency to pay bribes among organizational employees in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 385 organizational employees in Bangkok participated in the study. Structural equation models were used to test the relationships. The fitted model shows a mediation effect of money consciousness on the relationship between violation of the Buddhist Five Precepts and the tendency to pay bribes. Results indicate that the extent of violation of the Buddhist Five Precepts is associated with money consciousness to predict the tendency to pay bribes. Observing the Buddhist Five Precepts and not allowing money consciousness to influence behaviors may reduce ethical problems.
The Emperor's New Clothes: Spirituality. A Concept Based on Questionable Ontology and Circular Findings
Authors: Salander Pär
Published: December 2012

‘Spirituality’ is an old word which throughout history has been given different meanings. Over the last two decades, it has successively become an increasingly frequent concept in scientific studies, none the least in psychosocial oncology. Advocates of ‘spirituality’ regard it as a human dimension and state that since all humans have ‘spiritual needs’ it is urgent to develop ‘spiritual care’. With the focus on recent publications, this article critically scrutinizes aspects of scientific soundness in this growing research tradition, foremost problems of the lack of conceptual clarity and reliance on interconnected instruments that imply circular findings. It is concluded that the concept adds more confusion than clarity if it is not put into a meaningful theoretical and cultural context, and subsequently it is important to guard against preconceptions and vague meanings in this research field.
Using Remote Sensing Data to Improve Groundwater Supply Estimations in Gujarat, India
Authors: Chinnasamy Pennan , Hubbart Jason A. , Agoramoorthy Govindasamy
Published: December 2012

India is the greatest groundwater consumer in the world, with estimated annual withdrawals exceeding 230 km3. More than 60% of irrigated agriculture, 85% of drinking water supplies, and 50% of urban and industrial water needs are dependent on sustainable groundwater management. Regardless, groundwater overextraction is a growing problem in many regions. Predictions of groundwater resource availability in India are problematic in part because of a limited number of monitoring sites and insufficient data quality and quantity. Regional groundwater assessments are further complicated because of sporadic and low-frequency data. To help overcome these issues and more accurately quantify groundwater resource availability, scientists have begun using satellite-derived remote sensing data. In this study, the authors used seasonal and annual hydrologic signals obtained by NASA Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites and simulated soil moisture variations from land data assimilation systems to show groundwater depletion trends in the northwest state of Gujarat (surface area of 196 030 km2), India. Results were evaluated using direct measurement data from 935 wells. Remote sensing generated results compared favorably with well data (e.g., r2 = 0.89 for Gandhinagar, a representative highly urbanized district in Gujarat: confidence interval (CI) = 0.05 and P = 0.002). Results show that remote sensing is an effective tool to compliment and interpolate observed regional groundwater well data and improve groundwater storage estimations in Gujarat, India. Properly implemented, the method will supply reliable science-based information to enhance management of groundwater resources in India and other geographic locations.
Lagrangian Solution for an Irrotational Progressive Water Wave Propagating on a Uniform Current
Authors: Chen Yang-Yih , Chen Hsuan-Shan , Lin Chu-Yu , Li Meng-Syue
Published: December 2012

Experiments are conducted to measure the motion properties of water particle for the progressive water wave propagation in the presence of following and adverse uniform currents. The experimental data are used to validate the fifth-order Lagrangian solution from Chen and Chen. The experimental results show that the measured data of the particle motion properties such as the b line (denoted as the line connecting the positions of consecutive particles of the same b label), the particle velocity, the particle transport velocity (drift velocity), the particle trajectory, the particle motion period, and the Lagrangian mean level are in close agreement with those of the fifth-order Lagrangian solution. The study also shows that the particle label could adopt the position coordinates of the particle as if it were in still water. The motion of the b line oscillates like wave motion: its wavelength is equal to the progressive wavelength and its wave velocity obeys the Doppler effect so the sum of the velocities of the progressive wave and current, the particle motion period, the Lagrangian mean level, and the particle transport velocity less current velocity are the same as for the case of pure progressive waves.

For following currents, the shape of particle trajectory depends on the horizontal particle velocity at the trajectory trough. For adverse currents, the shape of particle trajectory depends on the horizontal particle velocity at the trajectory crest.

For a description of the flow motion, the Lagrangian solution could be more effective and precise than the Eulerian solution.
Maximizing reflexivity and praxis by recognizing and counteracting the constraints imposed by stimulus-response learning
Authors: Peters Robert , Higbea Raymond J
Published: December 2012

The Task Force on Educating for Excellence in the MPA Degree acknowledged the essential role of active learning when it advocated the use of pedagogical strategies such as classroom exercises and collaborative projects with agencies. The extent to which these strategies foster reflexivity and praxis is limited by stimulus-response learning, i.e., students deciphering what the instructor wants and producing the appropriate responses/materials. To measure the students' preferences for stimulus-response learning, the authors developed a questionnaire that was distributed to students enrolled in MPA courses at a mid-western university. The findings suggest the students' strong preference for stimulus-response learning arises from a fixation on maximizing grades within the allotted time for studies. Given this finding, a program's success in cultivating reflexivity and praxis is impacted by the adoption of strategies that counteract the preference for stimulus-response learning and thereby encourage students to become more self-directed. Several of these strategies are discussed in the paper's final section.
The promise of the unforgiven
Authors: Hirsch Alexander Keller
Published: December 2012

Hannah Arendt’s work on violence is bedeviled by a series of paradoxes. On the one hand, Arendt is clear in arguing that violence is utterly powerless and yet, on the other hand, she is equally clear in her portrayal of beginnings as necessarily violent. These two positions conflict insofar as Arendt holds beginnings to be the source of all power. Thus power and violence are at once opposed and yet alloyed. This tension is deepened by yet another. For Arendt, action, of which power is composed, would not be possible without the twofold human faculties of promising and forgiveness. Promising undoes the hold of the future on the present by pacifying its unpredictability, while forgiveness loosens the grip of the past by alleviating its irreversibility. The trouble, however, is that Arendt argues that the power of forgiveness stems from its unpredictability, and unpredictability is precisely that which promising is meant to thwart. Taking these two paradoxes together one might say that Arendt, however unwittingly, leaves us promising never to forgive. This article works to flesh these paradoxes out. It also contextualizes Arendt’s paradoxes in terms of the literature that claims democratic political life is beset by tragedy. In the end, I argue that, following Arendt, democracy is ultimately about learning to live with the vivid disquiet of the miracle of paradox.
UEFA as a New Agent of Global Governance
Authors: Włoch Renata
Published: December 2012

This article seeks to contribute to furthering our understanding of the new role of sports federations in a globalized world. Building on the concept of “global governors” introduced by Avant, Finnemore, and Sell it presents the evolution of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) against the background of transformation of global order and the enhanced profile of global sports. The assertive stance of UEFA as an actor creating new global rules (e.g., lex sportiva) is shown in the example of its relations with the Polish authorities during the corruption crises in Polish football and, later on, during the preparations to the UEFA Euro 2012. The reasons for a state to enter into relations with UEFA are explained by employing the concept of country branding during sport mega-events. The main thread running through the article is the assumption about the changing social and political role of sports.
Skateboarding Women
Authors: MacKay Steph , Dallaire Christine
Published: December 2012

This article reconsiders the Skirtboarders’ blog, produced by a crew of female skateboarders, as a space where crew members attempt to reflexively start a movement and, in doing so, construct and circulate a wider collective identity (Taylor & Whittier, 1992). Through a discourse analysis of blog comments and user interviews, we attempt to understand how young women who visit the blog interpret (re)presentations of female skateboarders and whether they become engaged in the movement to promote skateboarding among women. Do they adopt this collective subjectivity? While the analysis suggests that they do feel part of the movement, it raises the issue of blog user access to the more specific “Skirtboarder” identity.
Giant Axonal Neuropathy Caused by a Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutation in the Gigaxonin Gene
Authors: Xu Min , Da Yu-wei , Liu Lu , Wang Fen , Jia Jian-ping
Published: December 2012

Giant axonal neuropathy is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, which typically involves both central and peripheral nervous system. Yet the phenotypic-genotypic correlation remains obscure. We report a novel compound heterozygous mutation with the c. 805C>T in exon 4(Arg545His missense mutation) and the c. 1634G>A in exon 11(Arg269Trp missense mutation) in an 11-year-old Chinese giant axonal neuropathy case. This patient had an atypical giant axonal neuropathy phenotype rather similar to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, without tightly curled hair and mental retardation. The patient had a slowly progressive sensory motor neuropathy since age 3 years, and she also had nystagmus, feet deformities, scoliosis, and cerebellar tonsillar protrusion. Electrophysiological studies indicated a predominantly axonal sensory-motor neuropathy. The diagnosis was confirmed by sural nerve biopsy and direct sequencing of all the 11 gigaxonin exons. The proband’s parents are heterozygotes of the disease without symptoms. Our findings extend the number of gigaxonin mutations that cause giant axonal neuropathy.
Weapon Use Increases the Severity of Domestic Violence but Neither Weapon Use nor Firearm Access Increases the Risk or Severity of Recidivism
Authors: Folkes Stephanie E. F. , Hilton N. Zoe , Harris Grant T.
Published: December 2012

Use of weapons is a risk factor for domestic violence severity, especially lethality. It is not clear, however, whether access to firearms itself increases assault severity, or whether it is characteristic of a subgroup of offenders who are more likely to commit severe and repeated domestic assault. This reanalysis of 1,421 police reports of domestic violence by men found that 6% used a weapon during the assault and 8% had access to firearms. We expected that firearm use would be rare compared to other weapons and that actual weapon use rather than firearm access would increase the severity of domestic assaults. Firearm access was associated with assault severity, but this was mostly attributable to use of nonfirearm weapons. Weapon use was associated with older age, lower education, and relationship history as well as to assault severity. Victims were most concerned about future assaults following threats and actual injuries. Although firearm access and weapon use were related to actuarial risk of domestic violence recidivism, neither predicted the occurrence or severity of recidivism. We conclude that, consistent with previous research in the United States and Canada, firearm use in domestic violence is uncommon even among offenders with known firearm access. Weapon use is characteristic of a subgroup of offenders who commit more severe domestic violence, and seizure of weapons may be an effective intervention.
Police Decision Making in Sexual Assault Cases
Authors: Tasca Melinda , Rodriguez Nancy , Spohn Cassia , Koss Mary P.
Published: December 2012

As the initial gatekeepers of the criminal justice system, police officers hold considerable discretion in the investigation of offenses and in the decision to make an arrest. This is particularly true with sexual assault given the unique nature of these cases. Yet most research in this area has focused on prosecutors’ charging decisions rather than police outcomes for reports of sexual assaults. In an effort to address this gap in the literature, we rely on official records collected from all sexual assaults reported to police in a large Arizona city in 2003 ( N = 220) to examine the effects of crime seriousness, evidentiary strength, victim blame, and believablity factors on suspect identification and arrest. Results revealed that both legal and extralegal factors influenced whether police identify and arrest a suspect. These findings raise questions surrounding the role that police play in securing victim cooperation and the extent to which stereotypes of “legitimate” victims shape police officers’ willingness to investigate sexual assault cases.
Initial investigation of the blood-brain barrier in MS lesions at 7 tesla
Authors: Gaitán María I , Sati Pascal , Inati Souheil J , Reich Daniel S
Published: December 2012

Background:

We previously described two dynamics of contrast enhancement in scans of active multiple sclerosis lesions: Medium-sized, early lesions enhance centrifugally, whereas larger, slightly older lesions enhance centripetally. Due to technical limitations, our previous study did not characterize lesions < 5 mm in diameter, cortical enhancement, and anatomical structures within lesions.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to obtain initial observations of these important aspects of lesion development on a 7 tesla scanner at high spatial resolution.

Methods:

We scanned eight patients, acquiring precontrast T2*-weighted scans, T1-weighted scans before and after contrast, and high-resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced scans during and up to 30 min after contrast.

Results:

We detected 15 enhancing lesions, obtaining dynamic data in 10: Five lesions < 4 mm enhanced centrifugally (initial central enhancement expanded outward), and five lesions > 4 mm enhanced centripetally (initial peripheral enhancement gradually filled the lesion). A leukocortical lesion initially showed enhancement in its white matter portion, which gradually spread into the cortex. Seventy-three percent of lesions were clearly perivenular.

Conclusion:

Most active lesions are perivenular, and the smallest lesions enhance centrifugally. This supports the idea that lesions grow outward from a central vein.
Intergroup Contact and Rice Allocation via a Modified Dictator Game in Rural Cameroon
Authors: Thomae Manuela , Zeitlyn David , Griffiths Sascha S. , Van Vugt Mark
Published: December 2012

Economic games in field settings have been subject to criticism concerning their ecological validity. We use social identity theory and the intergroup contact hypothesis as a framework to illustrate how economic games can be applied to field settings with higher ecological validity. A quasi-experiment in two rural Cameroonian villages studied participants’ allocation of rice to co-inhabitants of their village. The villages are characterized by different degrees of contact between the ethnic groups and the sexes. Our results indicate that women who are segregated from each other disadvantage other women more than men or women who experience higher amounts of contact. These findings are interesting from a theoretical and methodological perspective since we utilized a nonmonetary stake in naturalistic intergroup settings.
A Case of Atypical Absence Seizures After Electroconvulsive Treatment in a Patient With Treatment-Resistant Depression
Authors: Burakgazi Evren , Dalkilic Alican , Moghal Usman , Shah Umang , Carran Melissa
Published: December 2012

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been used to treat severe treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Multiple psychotropic medications are usually prescribed in high doses prior to or concomitantly with ECT. Little is known about the interaction of ECT with psychotropic medications. ECT is known to induce seizures, but its tendency to induce absence seizures is not. We present a case of a 44-year-old female, on multiple psychotropic medications, who had frequent atypical absence seizures for many days after ECT. Electroencephalography (EEG) confirmed atypical absence seizures by the presence of typical 2.5 to 3 Hz generalized sharp and slow waves with disorganized background activity.
Overview, hurdles, and future work in adaptive designs: perspectives from a National Institutes of Health-funded workshop
Authors: Coffey Christopher S , Levin Bruce , Clark Christina , Timmerman Cate , Wittes Janet , Gilbert Peter , Harris Sara
Published: December 2012

Background

The clinical trials community has a never-ending search for dependable and reliable ways to improve clinical research. This exploration has led to considerable interest in adaptive clinical trial designs, which provide the flexibility to adjust trial characteristics on the basis of data reviewed at interim stages. Statisticians and clinical investigators have proposed or implemented a wide variety of adaptations in clinical trials, but specific approaches have met with differing levels of support. Within industry, investigators are actively exploring the benefits and pitfalls associated with adaptive designs (ADs). For example, a Drug Information Association (DIA) working group on ADs has engaged regulatory agencies in discussions. Many researchers working on publicly funded clinical trials, however, are not yet fully engaged in this discussion. We organized the Scientific Advances in Adaptive Clinical Trial Designs Workshop to begin a conversation about using ADs in publicly funded research. Held in November of 2009, the 1½-day workshop brought together representatives from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the pharmaceutical industry, nonprofit foundations, the patient advocacy community, and academia. The workshop offered a forum for participants to address issues of ADs that arise at the planning, designing, and execution stages of clinical trials, and to hear the perspectives of influential members of the clinical trials community. The participants also set forth recommendations for guiding action to promote the appropriate use of ADs. These recommendations have since been presented, discussed, and vetted in a number of venues including the University of Pennsylvania Conference on Statistical Issues in Clinical Trials and the Society for Clinical Trials annual meeting.

Purpose

To provide a brief overview of ADs, describe the rationale behind conducting the workshop, and summarize the main recommendations that were produced as a result of this workshop.

Conclusions

There is a growing interest in the use of adaptive clinical trial designs. However, a number of logistical barriers need to be addressed in order to obtain the potential advantages of an AD. Currently, the pharmaceutical industry is well ahead of academic trialists with respect to addressing these barriers. Academic trialists will need to address important issues such as education, infrastructure, modifications to existing funding models, and the impact on Data and Safety Monitoring Boards (DSMB) in order to achieve the possible benefits of adaptive clinical trial designs.
Ocular symptoms secondary to meningeal carcinomatosis in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma: a case report
Authors: Sabater Alfonso L , Sadaba Luis M , de Nova Elisa
Published: December 2012

Background

Meningeal carcinomatosis (MC) is a rare complication associated with hematologic and solid tumors. MC develops when malignant cells gain access to the leptomeningeal space, producing several clinical symptoms. Loss of vision and ocular motility deficit are the most frequent ocular symptoms reported. Fundus examination usually appears normal, although optic nerve alterations like optic atrophy or papilledema have been described. MC diagnosis is usually completed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Indicated treatment for MC usually involves intrathecal chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy, although survival rate is extremely low.

Case presentation

A 66-year old man with stage IV metastatic lung adenocarcinoma, presented to the Ophthalmology Department with a two-month history of double vision, soft headaches and dizziness episodes. The patient presented a best visual corrected acuity of 0.7 in his right eye and 0.8 in his left eye. Diplopia was corrected with 6-prism diopters base-out prism in right eye. Funduscopy showed a bilateral papilledema, juxtapapillary exudates and splinter hemorrhages. Brain MRI showed a diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement in cortical sulcus. Lumbar puncture was performed and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology revealed malignant cells compatible with a diagnosis of MC. Intrathecal chemotherapy was administered.

Conclusion

MC is a serious complication of systemic cancer patients, involving a poor prognosis. Early diagnosis is extremely important, although treatment is frequently aimed to reduce the symptoms and extend survival. Eye symptoms may be the chief complaint, so MC should be considered in any patient with vision loss or diplopia accompanied by neurologic symptoms and in the absence of an intraocular cause, especially in the context of systemic cancer.
Effectiveness of a psycho-educational group program for major depression in primary care: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Casañas Rocío , Catalán Rosa , del Val Jose Luis , Real Jordi , Valero Sergi , Casas Miquel
Published: December 2012

Background

Studies show the effectiveness of group psychoeducation in reducing symptoms in people with depression. However, few controlled studies that have included aspects of personal care and healthy lifestyle (diet, physical exercise, sleep) together with cognitive-behavioral techniques in psychoeducation are proven to be effective.

The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a psychoeducational program, which includes aspects of personal care and healthy lifestyle, in patients with mild/moderate depression symptoms in Primary Care (PC).

Methods

In a randomized, controlled trial, 246 participants over 20 years old with ICD-10 major depression were recruited through nurses/general practitioners at 12 urban Primary Care Centers (PCCs) in Barcelona. The intervention group (IG) (n=119) received a group psychoeducational program (12 weekly, 1.5 h sessions led by two nurses) and the control group (CG) (n=112) received usual care. Patients were assessed at baseline and at, 3, 6 and 9 months. The main outcome measures were the BDI, EQ-5D and remission based upon the BDI.

Results

231 randomized patients were included, of whom 85 had mild depression and 146 moderate depression. The analyses showed significant differences between groups in relation to remission of symptoms, especially in the mild depression group with a high rate of 57% (p=0.009) at post-treatment and 65% (p=0.006) at 9 month follow up, and only showed significant differences on the BDI at post-treatment (p=0.016; effect size Cohen’s d’=.51) and at 6 and 9 month follow-up (p= 0.048; d’=.44).

In the overall and moderate sample, the analyses only showed significant differences between groups on the BDI at post-treatment, p=0.02 (d’=.29) and p=0.010 (d’=.47), respectively.

The psychoeducation group improved significantly on the EQ-5D at short and long-term.

Conclusions

This psychoeducational intervention is a short and long-term effective treatment for patients with mild depression symptoms. It results in a high remission rate, is recommended in PC and can be carried out by nurses with previous training. In moderate patients, group psychoeducation is effective in the short-term.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials.gov identifier NCT00841737
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro studies of doxorubicin-loaded magnetic nanoparticles grafted to smart copolymers on A549 lung cancer cell line
Authors: Akbarzadeh Abolfazl , Samiei Mohammad , Joo Sang Woo , Anzaby Maryam , Hanifehpour Younes , Nasrabadi Hamid Tayefi , Davaran Soodabeh
Published: December 2012

Background

The aim of present study was to develop the novel methods for chemical and physical modification of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with polymers via covalent bonding entrapment. These modified SPIONs were used for encapsulation of anticancer drug doxorubicin.

Method

At first approach silane–grafted magnetic nanoparticles was prepared and used as a template for polymerization of the N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and methacrylic acid (MAA) via radical polymerization. This temperature/pH-sensitive copolymer was used for preparation of DOX–loaded magnetic nanocomposites. At second approach Vinyltriethoxysilane-grafted magnetic nanoparticles were used as a template to polymerize PNIPAAm-MAA in 1, 4 dioxan and methylene-bis-acrylamide (BIS) was used as a cross-linking agent. Chemical composition and magnetic properties of Dox–loaded magnetic hydrogel nanocomposites were analyzed by FT-IR, XRD, and VSM.

Results

The results demonstrate the feasibility of drug encapsulation of the magnetic nanoparticles with NIPAAm–MAA copolymer via covalent bonding. The key factors for the successful prepardtion of magnetic nanocomposites were the structure of copolymer (linear or cross-linked), concentration of copolymer and concentration of drug. The influence of pH and temperature on the release profile of doxorubicin was examined. The in vitro cytotoxicity test (MTT assay) of both magnetic DOx–loaded nanoparticles was examined. The in vitro tests showed that these systems are no toxicity and are biocompatible.

Conclusion

IC50 of DOx–loaded Fe3O4 nanoparticles on A549 lung cancer cell line showed that systems could be useful in treatment of lung cancer.
Differential Lumbar Spinal Cord Responses among Wild Type, CD4 Knockout, and CD40 Knockout Mice in Spinal Nerve L5 Transection-Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Cao Ling , Beaulac Holly , Eurich Adriana
Published: December 2012

Background:

Our previous studies have indicated that both lumbar spinal cord-infiltrating CD4+ T cells and microglial CD40 contribute to the maintenance of mechanical hypersensitivity in a murine model of neuropathic pain spinal nerve L5 transection (L5Tx). To further delineate the CD4 and CD40-mediated mechanisms involved in the development of L5Tx-induced neuropathic pain behaviors, we examined the lumbar spinal cord mononuclear cells of wild type (WT) BALB/c, BALB/c-CD4 knockout (KO), and BALB/c-CD40 KO mice via flow cytometry.

Results:

In WT mice, L5Tx induced significant but transient (at day 3 and/or day 7) increases of the total numbers of mononuclear cells, microglial cells (CD45loCD11b+), and infiltrating leukocytes (CD45hi) in the ipsilateral side of the spinal cord. In CD4 KO mice, significant elevation of microglia was detected only on day 7 post-L5Tx, while no significant increase in infiltrating leukocytes post-L5Tx was observed. CD40 KO mice did not exhibit any of the changes observed in WT mice. Furthermore, neutralizing CD40 antibody treatment indicated an early involvement of CD40 signaling in the development of L5Tx-induced mechanical hypersensitivity.

Conclusions:

Altogether, data indicate that both CD4 and CD40 play a role in L5Tx-induced leukocyte infiltration into the lumbar spinal cord but have differential contributions to spinal cord microglial activation following peripheral nerve injury.
The utility of FDG-PET for assessing outcomes in oligometastatic cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy: a cohort study
Authors: Solanki Abhishek A , Weichselbaum Ralph R , Appelbaum Daniel , Farrey Karl , Yenice Kamil M , Chmura Steven J , Salama Joseph K
Published: December 2012

Background

Studies suggest that patients with metastases limited in number and destination organ benefit from metastasis-directed therapy. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is commonly used for metastasis directed therapy in this group. However, the characterization of PET response following SBRT is unknown in this population. We analyzed our cohort of patients to describe the PET response following SBRT.

Methods

Patients enrolled on a prospective dose escalation trial of SBRT to all known sites of metastatic disease were reviewed to select patients with pre- and post-therapy PET scans. Response to SBRT was characterized on PET imaging based on standard PET response criteria and compared to CT based RECIST criteria for each treated lesion.

Results

31 patients had PET and CT data available before and after treatment for analysis in this study. In total, 58 lesions were treated (19 lung, 11 osseous, 11 nodal, 9 liver, 6 adrenal and 2 soft tissue metastases). Median follow-up was 14 months (range: 3–41). Median time to first post-therapy PET was 1.2 months (range; 0.5-4.1). On initial post-therapy PET evaluation, 96% (56/58) of treated metastases responded to therapy. 60% (35/58) had a complete response (CR) on PET and 36% (21/58) had a partial response (PR). Of 22 patients with stable disease (SD) on initial CT scan, 13 had CR on PET, 8 had PR, and one had SD. Of 21 metastases with PET PR, 38% became CR, 52% remained PR, and 10% had progressive disease on follow-up PET. 10/35 lesions (29%) with an initial PET CR progressed on follow-up PET scan with median time to progression of 4.11 months (range: 2.75-9.56). Higher radiation dose correlated with long-term PET response.

Conclusions

PET response to SBRT enables characterization of metastatic response in tumors non-measurable by CT. Increasing radiation dose is associated with prolonged complete response on PET.