bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating Respect in Couples
Authors: Eckstein Donna , Eckstein Sarah , Eckstein Daniel
Published: November 2013

Respect is one of the cornerstones of healthy relationships. The article features the Couple’s Respect Questionnaire as a tool for couples to explore specific examples and qualities of respect in their relationship. The four Rs are presented as core components of respect. They consist of Respect for differences, Responsibility (ability to respond respectfully), Review (a willingness to review), and Release (a willingness to release). Following a profile of the assessed behaviors, a stepwise procedure is outlined to increase a couple’s respect and understanding of behavioral and personality differences.
Couples and Addiction
Authors: Sherrell Renee , Gutierrez Daniel
Published: November 2013

Despite the value of couples-based treatment for addiction disorders, couples therapy continues to be a rare treatment modality in mental health/addiction agencies. This article reviews and provides case illustrations for three established theories for working with addicted couples.
Safety and Efficacy Outcomes of Preoperative Aspirin in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Ma Xiaochun , Ma Chi , Yun Yan , Zhang Qian , Zheng Xia
Published: November 2013

Background:

The administration of aspirin is traditionally discontinued prior to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), given a potential risk of excessive postoperative bleeding. Few studies have previously suggested the benefits of continuing aspirin until the time of surgery. The primary aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of preoperative aspirin therapy on several clinically important outcomes in patients undergoing CABG.

Methods:

A meta-analysis of eligible studies of patients undergoing CABG, reporting preoperative aspirin in comparison with no aspirin/placebo and our outcomes, was carried out. The safety outcomes included postoperative bleeding, packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion requirements, and reoperation for bleeding. The efficacy outcomes included perioperative myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), and mortality.

Results:

In 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs; n = 1538), preoperative aspirin increased postoperative bleeding (difference in means = 132.30 mL; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 47.10-217.51; P = .002), PRBC transfusion requirements (difference in means = 0.67 units; 95% CI 0.10-1.24; P = .02), and reoperation for bleeding (odds ratio [OR] = 1.76; 95% CI 1.05-2.93; P = .03). In 19 observational studies (n = 19551), preoperative aspirin increased postoperative bleeding (difference in means = 132.74 mL; 95% CI 45.77-219.72; P = .003) and PRBC transfusion requirements (difference in means = 0.19 units; 95% CI 0.02-0.35; P = .02) but not reoperation for bleeding (OR = 1.13; 95% CI 0.91-1.42; P = .27). Subgroup analyses for RCTs demonstrated that aspirin given at doses ≤ 100 mg/d might not increase the postoperative bleeding, and the dose of 325 mg/d might not be a cutoff value that has clinical and statistical significance. No statistically significant differences in the rate of perioperative MI, CVAs, or mortality were seen between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

Preoperative aspirin therapy is associated with increased postoperative bleeding, PRBC transfusion requirements, and reoperation for bleeding in patients undergoing CABG. Doses lower than 100 mg/d may minimize the risk of bleeding. Additional RCTs are needed to assess the effects of preoperative aspirin on the safety and efficacy outcomes in patients undergoing CABG.
Increased Erythrocyte Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Are Associated With Improved Attention and Behavior in Children With ADHD in a Randomized Controlled Three-Way Crossover Trial
Authors: Milte Catherine M. , Parletta Natalie , Buckley Jonathan D. , Coates Alison M. , Young Ross M. , Howe Peter R. C.
Published: November 2013

Objective: To investigate effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on attention, literacy, and behavior in children with ADHD. Method: Ninety children were randomized to consume supplements high in EPA, DHA, or linoleic acid (control) for 4 months each in a crossover design. Erythrocyte fatty acids, attention, cognition, literacy, and Conners’ Parent Rating Scales (CPRS) were measured at 0, 4, 8, 12 months. Results: Fifty-three children completed the treatment. Outcome measures showed no significant differences between the three treatments. However, in children with blood samples ( n = 76-46), increased erythrocyte EPA + DHA was associated with improved spelling ( r = .365, p < .001) and attention ( r = −.540, p < .001) and reduced oppositional behavior ( r = −.301, p < .003), hyperactivity ( r = −.310, p < .001), cognitive problems ( r = −.326, p < .001), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) hyperactivity ( r = −.270, p = .002) and DSM-IV inattention ( r = −.343, p < .001). Conclusion: Increasing erythrocyte DHA and EPA via dietary supplementation may improve behavior, attention, and literacy in children with ADHD.
Cultivating Healthy Eating, Exercise, and Relaxation (CHEER)
Authors: Sperry Steffanie , Knox Brian , Edwards Denise , Friedman Andrea , Rodriguez Mario , Kaly Perry , Albers Michelle , Shaffer-Hudkins Emily
Published: November 2013

Attrition from weight management programs and difficulty maintaining success are of significant concern for pediatric overweight patients. Patient and family variables associated with completing and maintaining outcomes from a healthy weight program include understanding and buy-in for treatment, parental motivation, and valuing of weight loss to quality of life. Such findings highlight the need for comprehensive intervention that involves family members and addresses motivation and relapse prevention. The present study describes a family-centered and mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral intervention implemented with a 15-year old, clinically obese male with associated symptoms including elevated blood pressure and sleep apnea. This pilot implementation resulted in improved pre–post outcomes in regard to weight, blood pressure, and health-promoting behaviors. Improvements in healthy lifestyle were maintained 1-year post-treatment. These results add to the growing literature on ecologically relevant intervention for obese adolescents at risk for future health complications. Technical issues and clinical implications related to recruitment and retention are discussed.
Simplified Habit Reversal and Treatment Fading for Chronic Skin Picking in an Adolescent With Autism
Authors: Cavalari Rachel N. S. , DuBard Melanie , Luiselli James K.
Published: November 2013

We evaluated the effects of simplified habit reversal (HR) that combined competing response training and differential reinforcement on skin picking by an adolescent female with autism attending a classroom at a specialized school. The competing response training procedure allowed her to manipulate preferred sensory stimuli independently and when instructed by classroom staff. Differential reinforcement included praise and tokens that she received following intervals without skin picking and when she performed competing response training. Compared with a baseline phase, skin picking decreased with simplified HR and during a subsequent phase when treatment was faded by implementing differential reinforcement without competing response training. We discuss the clinical implications of these findings.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Amputation and Revascularization
Authors: Hughes Kakra , Seetahal Shiva , Oyetunji Toluloupe , Rose David , Greene Wendy , Chang David , Cornwell Edward , Obisesan Thomas
Published: November 2013

This study investigates whether ethnic minorities presenting with critical limb ischemia (CLI) are more likely to undergo major limb amputation compared to white patients. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used to identify all patients admitted with CLI; lower extremity revascularization; and major lower extremity amputation from 1998 to 2005. The NIS identified 240 139 patients presenting with CLI—68.2% white, 19.5% black, 9.0% Hispanic, and 1.24% Asian. In all, 83 328 patients underwent revascularization—73.7% white, 15.9% black, 7.4% Hispanic, and 1.1% Asian. The majority of the interventions were open. In all, 111 548 patients underwent a major lower extremity amputation—61% white, 25.4% black, 10.1% Hispanic, and 1.1% Asian. The mean Charlson comorbidity scores for amputation were 2.1 for whites, 2.0 for blacks, 2.3 for Hispanics, and 2.5 for Asians (for all data, P < .05).Blacks make up a disproportionately higher proportion of patients admitted for CLI and undergoing amputation, with a lower proportion undergoing revascularization.
Neck-Targeted, Stand-Alone Coiling for Successful Treatment of Type 1A Endoleak Following Endovascular Repair
Authors: Arici Vittorio , Quaretti Pietro , Bozzani Antonio , Moramarco Lorenzo Paolo , Rossi Mauro , Carlino Marianna
Published: November 2013

Endovascular repair is a standard of treatment for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm who are unfit for open surgery. Type 1A endoleak (T1A-E) is defined as persistent blood flow outside the lumen of the endograft due to a failure of the graft to seal the proximal landing zone adequately. Accordingly, T1A-E treatment is mandatory, and endovascular options, when possible, consist of standard adjuncts as cuffs and stents or sometimes mere ballooning. Alternatively, different embolization techniques have been described in little or case series. We describe a successful management of large T1A-E with solely coil embolization of the isolated leakage area.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Lessen Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Yoon Eun Jin , Kim Yu Kyeong , Kim Hye-Ri , Kim Sang Eun , Lee Youngjo , Shin Hyung Ik
Published: November 2013

Background. It is suggested that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can produce lasting changes in corticospinal excitability and can potentially be used for the treatment of neuropathic pain. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the effects of tDCS are unknown. Objective. We investigated the underlying neural mechanisms of tDCS for chronic pain relief using [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG-PET). Methods. Sixteen patients with neuropathic pain (mean age 44.1 ± 8.6 years, 4 females) due to traumatic spinal cord injury received sham or active anodal stimulation of the motor cortex using tDCS for 10 days (20 minutes, 2 mA, twice a day). The effect of tDCS on regional cerebral glucose metabolism was evaluated by [18F]FDG-PET before and after tDCS sessions. Results. There was a significant decrease in the numeric rating scale scores for pain, from 7.6 ± 0.5 at baseline to 5.9 ± 1.8 after active tDCS ( P = .016). We found increased metabolism in the medulla and decreased metabolism in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex after active tDCS treatment compared with the changes induced by sham tDCS. Additionally, an increase in metabolism after active tDCS was observed in the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex and insula. Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that anodal stimulation of the motor cortex using tDCS can modulate emotional and cognitive components of pain and normalize excessive attention to pain and pain-related information.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Light Therapy for Fatigue Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Sinclair Kelly L. , Ponsford Jennie L. , Taffe John , Lockley Steven W. , Rajaratnam Shantha M. W.
Published: November 2013

Background. Fatigue is a common, persistent complaint following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Effective treatment is not well established. Objective. The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of 4 weeks of light therapy for fatigue in patients with TBI. Methods. We undertook a randomized, placebo-controlled study of 4-week, 45 min/morning, home-based treatment with short wavelength (blue) light therapy (λmax = 465 nm, 84.8 µW/cm2, 39.5 lux, 1.74 × 1014 photons/cm2/s) compared with yellow light therapy (λmax = 574 nm, 18.5 µW/cm2, 68 lux, 1.21 × 1012 photons/cm2/s) containing less photons in the short wavelength range and a no treatment control group (n = 10 per group) in patients with TBI who self-reported fatigue and/or sleep disturbance. Assessments of fatigue and secondary outcomes (self-reported daytime sleepiness, depression, sleep quality, and sustained attention) were conducted over 10 weeks at baseline (week −2), midway through and at the end of light therapy (weeks 2 and 4), and 4 weeks following cessation of light therapy (week 8). Results. After controlling age, gender, and baseline depression, treatment with high-intensity blue light therapy resulted in reduced fatigue and daytime sleepiness during the treatment phase, with evidence of a trend toward baseline levels 4 weeks after treatment cessation. These changes were not observed with lower-intensity yellow light therapy or no treatment control conditions. There was also no significant treatment effect observed for self-reported depression or psychomotor vigilance performance. Conclusions. Blue light therapy appears to be effective in alleviating fatigue and daytime sleepiness following TBI and may offer a noninvasive, safe, and nonpharmacological alternative to current treatments.
Intensive Rehabilitation Increases BDNF Serum Levels in Parkinsonian Patients
Authors: Frazzitta Giuseppe , Maestri Roberto , Ghilardi Maria Felice , Riboldazzi Giulio , Perini Michele , Bertotti Gabriella , Boveri Natalia , Buttini Sara , Lombino Franco Luis , Uccellini Davide , Turla Marinella , Pezzoli Gianni , Comi Cristoforo
Published: November 2013

Background. Exercise may decrease the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in humans and reduce PD symptoms in animal models. The beneficial effects have been linked to increased levels of neurotrophic factors. Objective. We examined whether intensive rehabilitation treatment reduces motor disability in patients in the early stages of PD and increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels. Methods. Thirty participants in the early stages of PD treated with rasagiline were randomly assigned to 3 hours of rehabilitation treatment that included aerobic exercise for 28 days (Group 1) or to not therapy (control; Group 2). BDNF serum levels were assessed at time T0 (baseline, before treatment), T1 (10 days), T2 (20 days), and T3 (28 days). At T0 and T3, we assessed the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III in both groups, as well as the UPDRS II and total, Berg Balance Scale, and 6-minute walking test only in Group 1. Results. BDNF levels significantly increased at T1 in Group 1, an increase that was maintained throughout the treatment period. At T3 compared to T0, UPDRS III scores significantly improved in Group 1 along with scores for UPDRS II, total, Berg Balance Scale, and 6-minute walking test. Conclusions. Intensive rehabilitation treatment increases the BDNF levels and improves PD signs in patients in the early stages of the disease. These results are in line with studies on animal models of PD and healthy subjects.
Randomized Trial of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Hearing Aids for Tinnitus Management
Authors: Shekhawat Giriraj Singh , Searchfield Grant D. , Stinear Cathy M.
Published: November 2013

Background. The perception of sound in the absence of an external sound is tinnitus. Tinnitus can have a severe negative impact on quality of life. Objective. This trial investigated whether multisession anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the left temporoparietal area would enhance sound therapy from hearing aids. Methods. Forty participants (mean age = 54 years) experiencing chronic tinnitus (minimum 2 years) completed a 7-month long double-blind randomized clinical trial. Participants were randomized into 2 groups: control receiving sham tDCS and experimental receiving tDCS. Each group underwent multisession (5 consecutive sessions with 24-hour gap) anodal tDCS (2 mA intensity and 20 minutes duration) of the left temporoparietal area, followed by hearing aid use for 6 months. The impact of tDCS and hearing aid use on tinnitus was assessed using questionnaires (primary measure: Tinnitus Functional Index) and minimum masking level measurement. Results. There was a significant reduction in the overall Tinnitus Functional Index score with time, F(2, 37) = 11.9, P = .0001, for both the groups. Similar patterns were seen for secondary measures. tDCS appeared to have a positive effect on minimum masking levels but not questionnaire responses. Conclusions. After 3 months of hearing aid use, there were significant improvements in tinnitus, which were sustained at 6 months of use. The hearing aid effects appeared independent of tDCS. Further investigations of tDCS or other neuromodulators priming the auditory system for sound therapy based tinnitus treatments are warranted.
Limitations on the “better information system” solution to the problem of lapsed government operating funds
Authors: Brimberg Jack , Hurley WJ
Published: November 2013

Among top-level defense managers, there is a general belief that a better information system should be able to resolve the endemic problem of lapsed funding, that is, funding that goes unspent at the end of a fiscal year. We argue against this point of view by modeling the decision process for activity expenditures as a two-stage process where some of the cost uncertainty is resolved before the end of the year. Our main result is that an improved information system cannot eliminate lapsed funding, and may in fact have very little impact at all.
Key factors that affect the performance of flares against a heat-seeking air-to-air missile
Authors: Harini Venkatesan Raghav , Sinha Nandan Kumar
Published: November 2013

Deploying flare decoys against heat-seeking threats involves various parameters such as flare timing, flare ejection velocity, direction of ejection and the number of flares used. In this study, an attempt has been made to identify the key parameters among these that impact the performance of flares the most. For this, engagement studies involving six-degrees-of-freedom models for an air-to-air heat-seeking missile and a fighter aircraft were carried out using the CADAC++ simulation environment. The effect of flare parameters was studied using their impact on missile envelopes. Studies show that the effectiveness of the flare decoys is a strong function of the flare timing and the number of flares used.
Transient Epileptic Amnesia
Authors: Lapenta Leonardo , Brunetti Valerio , Losurdo Anna , Testani Elisa , Giannantoni Nadia Mariagrazia , Quaranta Davide , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo , Della Marca Giacomo
Published: November 2013

Transient epileptic amnesia is a seizure disorder, usually with onset in the middle-elderly and good response to low dosages of antiepileptic drugs. We describe the clinical, electroencephalography (EEG), and neuroimaging features of 11 patients with a temporal lobe epilepsy characterized by amnesic seizures as the sole or the main symptom. We outline the relevance of a detailed clinical history to recognize amnesic seizures and to avoid the more frequent misdiagnoses. Moreover, the response to monotherapy was usually good, although the epileptic disorder was symptomatic of acquired lesions in the majority of patients.
TiO2 nanocoatings for architectural heritage: Self-cleaning treatments on historical stone surfaces
Authors: Goffredo Giovanni B , Quagliarini Enrico , Bondioli Federica , Munafò Placido
Published: November 2013

The development and application of nano-engineered surface treatments on stones could become a useful tool for the realization of smart systems to better preserve and maintain architectural surfaces. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be used to realize transparent self-cleaning coatings applicable directly on preexisting surfaces, limiting cleaning actions and conservation processes, thus reducing their costs. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the potential use of TiO2 on stone surfaces, especially in the field of architectural heritage. An aqueous colloidal dispersion based on titanium dioxide, obtained by sol–gel and hydrothermal processes, was applied by spray coating on travertine, a limestone largely used in buildings, both historical and modern. The maintenance in the original appearance of treated substrates was evaluated monitoring both colour and gloss changes produced by the treatments. Physical changes induced to stone by titanium dioxide were studied by wettability analyses. The efficiency of TiO2 photocatalysis was assessed by depolluting and soiling removal tests under ultraviolet light. The effects of deposited amount of titania on treated surfaces were also evaluated. Obtained results seem to allow the use of selected TiO2 treatments on the selected substrate, travertine, without altering in an evident and harmful way the original properties of limestone. Photoinduced effects (hydrophilicity, degradation of pollutants and decolourization of soiling) are very evident, and the combination of these properties may lead to an actual self-cleaning effect.
Moral Boundaries and Dilemmas
Authors: Ekland-Olson Sheldon
Published: November 2013

We ask a single question: How do we, through our customs, laws, religion, and common practice, go about justifying the violation of these deeply important, perhaps universal, moral imperatives, all the while holding tightly to their importance? The short answer is this: With empathy and logic we draw boundaries and through political debate we set priorities to resolve dilemmas. An infusing theme running throughout is the life-defining importance of assessed social worth. From time to time science, technology, and crystallizing events disturb, clarify, and inform existing understandings of the implied sense of social worth. New resolutions of dilemmas and definitions of life’s protective boundaries are called for. In this manner moral systems evolve. We will find they do so along a jagged and often contentious path.
Inequality, Advocacy, and the Foreclosure Crisis
Authors: Squires Gregory D.
Published: November 2013

Inequality has been a critical missing link in most policy debates over the causes and consequences of, and potential responses to, the foreclosure and related economic crises of recent years. This paper examines the impact of various trajectories of inequality on these events, the role of advocacy groups attempting to respond to these challenges, pushback from the industry, and potential next steps for ameliorating the costs. A key finding is that solutions to the nation’s banking crises will require addressing fundamental political forces that created the challenges and persist as ongoing barries to effective resolution.
An Analysis of Consumers’ Reactions to Travel Websites’ Discrimination by Computer Platform
Authors: Mattila Anna S. , Choi Choongbeom
Published: November 2013

A study of 124 consumers found distinct differences in the consumers’ responses to a policy once used by Orbitz, in which prices were determined according to the computer platform used to search for bookings. The policy arose when Orbitz noticed that Macintosh users were generally willing to accept higher prices than PC users. This observation was converted into a price discrimination mechanism. The study found that Mac users took a dim ethical view of this rate fence and, moreover, indicated that they were less willing to use Orbitz as a result. Men and women in the study reacted differently from each other, however. Men expressed more outrage when they were Mac users, while women were more likely to consistently view this form of price discrimination as unreasonable and of questionable ethics. Since the hospitality industry uses many price discrimination rules, two implications of this study are choose rate fences carefully and consider explaining the rationale for any price discrimination policies.
Radiographic Evidence of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Athletes With Athletic Pubalgia
Authors: Economopoulos Kostas J. , Milewski Matthew D. , Hanks John B. , Hart Joseph M. , Diduch David R.
Published: November 2013

Background:

Two of the most common causes of groin pain in athletes are femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and athletic pubalgia. An association between the 2 is apparent, but the prevalence of radiographic signs of FAI in patients undergoing athletic pubalgia surgery remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of radiologic signs of FAI in patients with athletic pubalgia.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that patients with athletic pubalgia would have a high prevalence of underlying FAI.

Study Design:

Case series.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients evaluated at our institution with athletic pubalgia who underwent surgical treatment (ie, for sports hernia) from 1999 to 2011 was performed. The radiographs of patients with athletic pubalgia were reviewed for radiographic signs of FAI. Alpha angles were measured using frog-leg lateral radiographs. Pincer lesions were identified by measuring the lateral center-edge angle and identifying the presence of a “crossover” sign on anteroposterior radiographs. Phone follow-up was performed 2 years or more after the initial sports hernia surgery to evaluate recurrent symptoms.

Results:

Forty-three patients underwent 56 athletic pubalgia surgeries. Radiographic evidence of FAI was identified in at least 1 hip in 37 of 43 patients (86%). Cam lesions were identified in 83.7% of the population; the alpha angle averaged 66.7° ± 17.9° for all hips. Pincer lesions were present in 28% of the hips. Eight patients had recurrent groin pain, 3 patients had revision athletic pubalgia surgery, and 1 had hip arthroscopy.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrates a high prevalence of radiographic FAI in patients with athletic pubalgia.

Clinical Relevance:

Underlying FAI may be a cause of continued groin pain after athletic pubalgia surgery. Patients with athletic pubalgia should be evaluated closely for FAI.
Negative Exposure
Authors: Van Loo Katie J. , Rydell Robert J.
Published: November 2013

This research examined whether simply watching videos of a man behaving dominantly toward a woman during a math-related interaction hurts women’s math performance. Men and women watched videos of male–female interactions related to math (stereotype-relevant) or studying (stereotype-neutral) in which the male was dominant, the female was dominant, or the two were equally dominant. Women who watched a video of a dominant male in a math interaction showed reduced math performance and had greater worries about confirming negative in-group math stereotypes than when the video showed a studying interaction; however, women who watched a video of a man and woman equal in dominance or a dominant female did not show such performance decrements and worries. These effects did not occur for men. This work suggests that brief video exposure to male dominant behavior aimed at a female in a math context can lead women to experience stereotype threat and underperform.
How I treat unexplained refractory iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Hershko Chaim , Camaschella Clara
Published: November 2013

Endoscopic gastrointestinal workup fails to establish the cause of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in a substantial proportion of patients. In patients referred for hematologic evaluation with unexplained or refractory IDA, screening for celiac disease, autoimmune gastritis, Helicobacter pylori, and hereditary forms of IDA is recommended. About 4% to 6% of patients with obscure refractory IDA have celiac disease, and autoimmune gastritis is encountered in 20% to 27% of patients. Stratification by age cohorts in autoimmune gastritis implies a disease presenting as IDA many years before the establishment of clinical cobalamin deficiency. Over 50% of patients with unexplained refractory IDA have active H pylori infection and, after excluding all other causes of IDA, 64% to 75% of such patients are permanently cured by H pylori eradication. In young patients with a history suggestive of hereditary iron deficiency with serum ferritin higher than expected for IDA, mutations involving iron trafficking and regulation should be considered. Recognition of the respective roles of H pylori, autoimmune gastritis, celiac disease, and genetic defects in the pathogenesis of iron deficiency should have a strong impact on the current diagnostic workup and management of unexplained, or refractory, IDA.
Some new iterated Hardy-type inequalities: the case "Equation missing"
Authors: Gogatishvili Amiran , Mustafayev Rza , Persson Lars-Erik
Published: November 2013

In this paper we characterize the validity of the Hardy-type inequality

∥

∥

∫
s
∞

h
(
z
)

d
z
∥

p
,
u
,
(
0
,
t
)

∥

q
,
w
,
(
0
,
∞
)

≤
c

∥
h
∥

1
,
v
,
(
0
,
∞
)

,

where

0
<
p
<
∞

,

0
<
q
≤
+
∞

, u, w and v are weight functions on

(
0
,
∞
)

. It is pointed out that this characterization can be used to obtain new characterizations for the boundedness between weighted Lebesgue spaces for Hardy-type operators restricted to the cone of monotone functions and for the generalized Stieltjes operator.

MSC:26D10, 46E20.
Solving a class of functional equations using fixed point theorems
Authors: Liu Zeqing , Dong Haijiang , Kang Shin Min
Published: November 2013

This paper is concerned with solvability of a class of functional equations arising in dynamic programming of multistage decision processes. Using the fixed point theorems due to Banach and Liu-Ume-Kang and iterative algorithms, some sufficient conditions which ensure the existence, uniqueness and iterative approximations of solutions for the functional equation in the Banach spaces

B
C
(
S
)

and

B
(
S
)

and the complete metric space

B
B
(
S
)

are provided. Four examples are constructed to illustrate the results presented in this paper.

MSC:49L20, 90C39.
Riemann-Liouville fractional Hermite-Hadamard inequalities. Part II: for twice differentiable geometric-arithmetically s-convex functions
Authors: Liao YuMei , Deng JianHua , Wang JinRong
Published: November 2013

Motivated by the definition of geometric-arithmetically s-convex functions in (Shuang et al. in Analysis 33:197-208, 2013) and second-order fractional integral identities in (Zhang and Wang in J. Inequal. Appl. 2013:220, 2013; Wang et al. in Appl. Anal. 2012, doi:10.1080/00036811.2012.727986), we establish some interesting Riemann-Liouville fractional Hermite-Hadamard inequalities for twice differentiable geometric-arithmetically s-convex functions via beta function and incomplete beta function.

MSC:26A33, 26A51, 26D15.
Some coincidence and common fixed point theorems for ordered Prešić-Reich type contractions
Authors: Shukla Satish , Radojević Slobodan , Veljković Zorica A , Radenović Stojan
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this paper is to prove some coincidence and common fixed point theorems for ordered Prešić-Reich type contractions in ordered metric spaces. Results of this paper generalize and extend several known results from metric spaces into product spaces when the underlying space is an ordered metric space. An example illustrates the case when new results can be applied while old ones cannot.
CEG: a database of essential gene clusters
Authors: Ye Yuan-Nong , Hua Zhi-Gang , Huang Jian , Rao Nini , Guo Feng-Biao
Published: November 2013

Background

Essential genes are indispensable for the survival of living entities. They are the cornerstones of synthetic biology, and are potential candidate targets for antimicrobial and vaccine design.

Description

Here we describe the Cluster of Essential Genes (CEG) database, which contains clusters of orthologous essential genes. Based on the size of a cluster, users can easily decide whether an essential gene is conserved in multiple bacterial species or is species-specific. It contains the similarity value of every essential gene cluster against human proteins or genes. The CEG_Match tool is based on the CEG database, and was developed for prediction of essential genes according to function. The database is available at http://cefg.uestc.edu.cn/ceg.

Conclusions

Properties contained in the CEG database, such as cluster size, and the similarity of essential gene clusters against human proteins or genes, are very important for evolutionary research and drug design. An advantage of CEG is that it clusters essential genes based on function, and therefore decreases false positive results when predicting essential genes in comparison with using the similarity alignment method.
A modified TALEN-based system for robust generation of knock-out human pluripotent stem cell lines and disease models
Authors: Frank Stefan , Skryabin Boris V , Greber Boris
Published: November 2013

Background

Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) have emerged as a tool for enabling targeted gene editing and disruption in difficult systems, such as human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). The modular architecture of TAL effectors theoretically enables targeting of any genomic locus and several cloning systems for custom TALEN assembly have recently been established. However, there is a lack of versatile TALEN expression systems applicable to hPSCs.

Results

Here, we extend an existing TALE assembly system by a dual set of expression vectors for efficient application of TALEN technology in hPSCs. This is characterized by improved TALEN architecture as well as antibiotic resistance and fluorescent reporter cassettes, thus enabling enrichment for transfected cells.

Improved functionality of the combined system was demonstrated by targeted disruption of the HPRT1 gene to create isogenic disease models of Lesch-Nyhan-Syndrome. Using female hPSCs, homozygous disruption of HPRT1 occurred at efficiencies of up to 15%. Differentiating isogenic knock-out cells both into central nervous system (CNS) as well as into sensory-like neurons recapitulated previously described phenotypes based on patient-specific induced PSCs and extended these findings to non-CNS neurons, respectively.

Conclusion

The combined vector system allows for flexible and affordable generation of knock-out hPSCs lines, thus enabling investigation of developmental processes as well as the generation of isogenic disease models without the need for patient material.
c-KIT signaling is targeted by pathogenic Yersiniato suppress the host immune response
Authors: Micheva-Viteva Sofiya N , Shou Yulin , Nowak-Lovato Kristy L , Rector Kirk D , Hong-Geller Elizabeth
Published: November 2013

Background

The pathogenic Yersinia species exhibit a primarily extracellular lifestyle through manipulation of host signaling pathways that regulate pro-inflammatory gene expression and cytokine release. To identify host genes that are targeted by Yersinia during the infection process, we performed an RNA interference (RNAi) screen based on recovery of host NF-κB-mediated gene activation in response to TNF-α stimulation upon Y. enterocolitica infection.

Results

We screened shRNAs against 782 genes in the human kinome and 26 heat shock genes, and identified 19 genes that exhibited ≥40% relative increase in NF-κB reporter gene activity. The identified genes function in multiple cellular processes including MAP and ERK signaling pathways, ion channel activity, and regulation of cell growth. Pre-treatment with small molecule inhibitors specific for the screen hits c-KIT and CKII recovered NF-κB gene activation and/or pro-inflammatory TNF-α cytokine release in multiple cell types, in response to either Y. enterocolitica or Y. pestis infection.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that pathogenic Yersinia exploits c-KIT signaling in a T3SS-dependent manner to downregulate expression of transcription factors EGR1 and RelA/p65, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study is the first major functional genomics RNAi screen to elucidate virulence mechanisms of a pathogen that is primarily dependent on extracellular-directed immunomodulation of host signaling pathways for suppression of host immunity.
Cloning and expression of an active aspartic proteinase from Mucor circinelloides in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Gama Salgado Jose Antonio , Kangwa Martin , Fernandez-Lahore Marcelo
Published: November 2013

Background

Extracellular aspartic proteinase (MCAP) produced by Mucor circinelloides in solid state fermentations has been shown to possess milk clotting activity and represents a potential replacement for bovine chymosin in cheese manufacturing. Despite its prospects in the dairy industry, the molecular characteristics of this enzyme remain unknown. This work focuses on MCAP cloning and optimization of heterologous expression in Pichia pastoris, and characterization of the enzyme.

Results

The cloning of cDNA sequence encoding MCAP from M. circinelloides was performed using a fragment of approximately 1 kbp as a probe. The fragment was amplified using non-specific primers designed from the NDIEYYG and KNNYVVFN consensus motifs from aspartic proteinases of different fungi. Gene specific primers were designed to amplify a full-length cDNA using SMART™ RACE PCR. MCAP was expressed in P. pastoris under the control of the constitutive GAP promoter. It was shown that P. pastoris secreted non-glycosylated and glycosylated MCAPs with molecular weights of 33 and 37 kDa, respectively.

Conclusion

A novel MCAP was expressed in P. pastoris and efficiently secreted into the culture medium. The expression of the heterologous proteins was significantly increased due to advantages in codon usage as compared to other expression systems. The results suggest that P. pastoris could be exploited as a safe production platform for the milk clotting enzyme.
Limited utilization of serologic testing in patients undergoing duodenal biopsy for celiac disease
Authors: Wiland Homer O , Henricks Walter H , Daly Thomas M
Published: November 2013

Background

Clinical algorithms for the workup of celiac disease often recommend the use of serologic assays for initial screening, followed by duodenal biopsy for histologic confirmation. However, the majority of duodenal biopsies submitted to pathology for “rule out celiac” are negative. The objective of this study was to determine the underlying causes for this low diagnostic yield.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of pathology reports from 1432 consecutive duodenal biopsies submitted for pathologic assessment to “rule out celiac” and correlated biopsy results with results for concurrent serologic testing for celiac autoantibodies.

Results

The majority of patients had no record of serologic testing prior to biopsy, and evidence of positive serology results was found in only 5% of patients. Most duodenal biopsies were submitted as part of a multi-site GI sampling strategy that included biopsies from other locations. In this context, serologic results correlated with the likelihood of significant duodenal and non-duodenal findings, and were also helpful in evaluating patients with indeterminate duodenal histology.

Conclusions

The presence of a positive screening test for celiac autoantibodies does not appear to be a major driver in the decision to submit duodenal biopsies for evaluation of celiac disease, which accounts for the low incidence of findings in these samples. In patients where celiac serology testing was performed, the results were a good predictor of the likelihood of findings on biopsy.
Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus among pregnant women and hospitalized children in Palestine
Authors: Neirukh Tahani , Qaisi Ayda , Saleh Niveen , Rmaileh Areej Abu , Zahriyeh Eman Abu , Qurei Lina , Dajani Firas , Nusseibeh Taghreed , Khamash Hatem , Baraghithi Sabri , Azzeh Maysa
Published: November 2013

Background

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common cause of congenital infections. The maternal immune status plays a major role in the likelihood of congenital infection. The aim of this study is to shed light on the seroprevalence of HCMV in pregnant women, hospitalized children and newborns including cases of congenital infections in Palestine.

Methods

We analyzed HCMV IgG and IgM test results that had been ordered for pregnant women, hospitalized children and newborns in the years 2006–2012 at Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Hospital (MICH) in East Jerusalem. Furthermore, we reviewed the medical charts of newborns and HCMV IgM-positive children.

Results

HCMV IgG was positive in 96.6% of pregnant women, in 88% of hospitalized children and in 98.4% of hospitalized newborns. HCMV IgM was positive in 11.5% of pregnant women, in 11.7% of hospitalized children and in 2% of hospitalized newborns respectively. The HCMV avidity assay revealed that 95% of IgM-positive pregnant women had high avidity (>60%) indicating that most Palestinian women were undergoing a recurrent HCMV infection. Real time PCR on limited number of cases indicated that 62.5% of infants, mostly born to IgM-positive mothers and 83.3% of HCMV IgM-positive children had detectable HCMV DNA in their urine. Out of the 249 newborns tested during this study period, four (1.6%) were subjected to Gancyclovir treatment because of symptomatic congenital HCMV infection.

Conclusions

This is the first report to provide an insight into HCMV seroprevalence in Palestine. Despite the high rate of seropositivity, the importance of HCMV testing during pregnancy should not be underestimated. A comprehensive study with a long term follow-up examination of offspring born to HCMV IgM-positive mothers would be required to provide estimates of an accurate percentage of symptomatic congenital HCMV infection in Palestine.
Deliveries among teenage women – with emphasis on incidence and mode of delivery: a Swedish national survey from 1973 to 2010
Authors: Tyrberg Rasmus Birch , Blomberg Marie , Kjølhede Preben
Published: November 2013

Background

Since the 1970-ies Sweden has actively developed strategies in social care, education and health care in order to counteract the negative consequences of adolescent parenthood. The aims of this study are to determine the annual incidence of singleton delivery among adolescents 1973–2010 and analyse obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study, using data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register was conducted. All singleton deliveries in Sweden between 1973 and 2010 were included. Totally 1,941,940 women had 3,761,576 deliveries during the period. Analyses of obstetric and neonatal outcome were restricted to 1992–2010. Adolescents were subdivided into three groups: <16 years (n = 472), 16–17 years (n = 5376), 18–19 years (n = 23560). The reference group consisted of women age 20–30 years (n = 893505). Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for confounding factors and presented as crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval.

Results

The annual incidence of teenage births decreased significantly from 7.7 to 1.6%. Teenagers were more likely to deliver normally vaginally (aOR 1.70 (95%CI 1.64-1.75), less likely to have Caesarean section (aOR 0.61 (95%CI 0.58-0.64), and had a greater risk of delivering prematurely (< 28 weeks)(aOR 1.61 (95%CI 1.31-2.00), but did not have more small-for-gestational-age babies (aOR 1.07 (95%CI 0.99-1.14). Risks of placenta previa, postpartum haemorrhage > 1000 ml and perineal rupture were significantly lower among teenagers. Although the rate with Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes was similar the teenager’s neonates showed less fetal distress and meconium aspiration.

Conclusion

Adolescent births have steadily decreased in Sweden. Adolescents were more likely to be delivered vaginally than the adult women. The risks for obstetric maternal complications for adolescents were lower than for adult women except for the risk of prematurity.
Cytosolic and nuclear caspase-8 have opposite impact on survival after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Koschny Ronald , Brost Sylvia , Hinz Ulf , Sykora Jaromir , Batke Emanuela M , Singer Stephan , Breuhahn Kai , Stremmel Wolfgang , Walczak Henning , Schemmer Peter , Schirmacher Peter , Ganten Tom M
Published: November 2013

Background

An imbalance between proliferation and apoptosis is one of the main features of carcinogenesis. TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) induces apoptosis upon binding to the TRAIL death receptors, TRAIL receptor 1 (TRAIL-R1) and TRAIL-R2, whereas binding to TRAIL-R3 and TRAIL-R4 might promote cell survival and proliferation. The anti-tumor activity of TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 agonists is currently investigated in clinical trials. To gain further insight into the regulation of apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we investigated the TRAIL pathway and the regulators of apoptosis caspase-8, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 in patients with HCC regarding patient survival.

Methods

We analyzed 157 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent partial liver resection or orthotopic liver transplantation and healthy control liver tissue using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays for the expression of TRAIL-R1 to TRAIL-R4, caspase-8, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1. Immunohistochemical data were evaluated for potential associations with clinico-pathological parameters and survival.

Results

Whereas TRAIL-R1 was downregulated in HCC in comparison to normal liver tissue, TRAIL-R2 and –R4 were upregulated in HCC, especially in G2 and G3 tumors. TRAIL-R1 downregulation and upregulation of TRAIL-R2 and TRAIL-R4 correlated with tumor dedifferentiation (G2/G3). TRAIL-R3, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 showed no differential expression in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue. The expression levels of TRAIL receptors did not correlate with patient survival after partial hepatectomy. Interestingly, in tumor tissue, but not in normal hepatocytes, caspase-8 showed a strong nuclear staining. Low cytosolic and high nuclear staining intensity of caspase-8 significantly correlated with impaired survival after partial hepatectomy, which, for cytosolic caspase-8, was independent from tumor grade.

Conclusions

Assessment of TRAIL-receptor expression patterns may have therapeutic implications for the use of TRAIL receptor agonists in HCC therapy. Tumor-specific nuclear localisation of caspase-8 in HCC suggests an apoptosis-independent function of caspase-8 and correlates with patient survival.
A cyclic nucleotide sensitive promoter reporter system suitable for bacteria and plant cells
Authors: Wheeler Janet I , Freihat Lubna , Irving Helen R
Published: November 2013

Background

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) have roles in relaying external signals and modifying gene expression within cells in all phyla. Currently there are no reporter systems suitable for bacteria and plant cells that measure alterations in downstream gene expression following changes in intracellular levels of cyclic nucleotides. As the plant protein OLIGOPEPTIDE TRANSPORTER X (OPTX) is upregulated by cGMP, we fused the OPTX promoter to a luciferase reporter gene (OPTX:LUC) to develop a plant cell reporter of cGMP-induced gene expression. We prepared a second construct augmented with three mammalian cGMP response elements (OPTXcGMPRE:LUC) and a third construct containing five gibberellic acid response elements (OPTXGARE:LUC). All three constructs were tested in bacteria and isolated plant protoplasts.

Results

Membrane permeable cGMP enhanced luciferase activity of OPTX:LUC and OPTXGARE:LUC in protoplasts. Treatment with the plant hormone gibberellic acid which acts via cGMP also generated downstream luciferase activity. However, membrane permeable cAMP induced similar responses to cGMP in protoplasts. Significantly increased luciferase activity occurred in bacteria transformed with either OPTXcGMPRE:LUC or OPTXGARE:LUC in response to membrane permeable cAMP and cGMP. Bacteria co-transformed with OPTXcGMPRE:LUC or OPTXGARE:LUC and the soluble cytoplasmic domain of phytosulfokine receptor1 (PSKR1; a novel guanylate cyclase) had enhanced luciferase activity following induction of PSKR1 expression.

Conclusions

We have developed promoter reporter systems based on the plant OPTX promoter that can be employed in bacteria and isolated plant cells. We have shown that it can be used in bacteria to screen recombinant proteins for guanylate cyclase activity as increases in intracellular cGMP levels result in altered gene transcription and luciferase activity.