bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of hCLP46 enhances Notch activation and regulates cell proliferation in a cell type‐dependent manner
Authors: Chu Q. , Liu L. , Wang W.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Human CAP10‐like protein 46 kDa (hCLP46), also known as Poglut1, has been shown to be an essential regulator of Notch signalling. hCLP46 is overexpressed in primary acute myelogenous leukaemia, T‐acute lymphoblastic leukaemia samples and other leukaemia cell lines. However, effects of hCLP46 overexpression, up to now, have remained unknown.

Materials and methods

In this study, we established stable 293TRex cell lines inducibly overexpressing hCLP46, and knocked down hCLP6 with a specific small interfering RNA to explore function of the protein in Notch signalling and cell proliferation.

Results

hCLP46 overexpression enhanced Notch1 activation in 293Trex cells in a ligand‐dependent manner, with increased Notch signalling enhancing Hes1 expression. We further verified that overexpression of hCLP46 inhibited proliferation of 293TRexs and was correlated with increases in cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27, whereas reduced hCLP46 expression moderately increased cell proliferation. In addition, p21 and p27 protein levels were higher when Notch signalling was activated by EDTA treatment.

Conclusions

Taken together, hCLP46 enhanced Notch activation and inhibited 293TRex cell proliferation through CDKI signalling.
What's Wrong with Rex? Hegel on Animal Defect and Individuality
Authors: Rand Sebastian
Published: May 2013

In his Logic, Hegel argues that evaluative judgments are comparisons between the reality of an individual object and the standard for that reality found in the object's own concept. Understood in this way, an object is bad (ugly, etc.) insofar as it fails to be what it is according to its concept. In his recent Life and Action, Michael Thompson has suggested that we can understand various kinds of natural defect (i.e., defects in living things) in a similar way, and that if we do, we can helpfully see intellectual and moral badness—irrationality and vice—as themselves varieties of natural defect. In this paper, I argue that Hegel's position on animal individuality denies the claim that irrationality and vice are forms of natural defect. Hegel's account of the individuality proper to the animal organism in the Philosophy of Nature clearly disallows evaluative judgments about animals and thereby establishes a well‐defined conceptual distinction between natural defect and intellectual or ethical—i.e., broadly spiritual or geistliche—defect. Hegel thus provides a way of maintaining the difference between nature and spirit within his broader commitment to a post‐Kantian conception of substantial form.
Sharpen your pencils: implications of recognizing atrial fibrillation after stroke
Authors: Krieger D. W.
Published: May 2013

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Locomotor Activity of Captive Greenfinches Involves Two Different Behavioural Traits
Authors: Männiste Marju , Sepp Tuul , Hõrak Peeter
Published: May 2013

Activity budgets of animals often show consistent differences between individuals across time, which qualifies them as personality traits. In the case of captive birds, locomotor activity can be divided into two major components – frequency of hopping and flapping flight bouts, which may conceive different information about individual condition. This idea was tested in a 2*2 factorial experiment in wild‐caught captive greenfinches (Carduelis chloris), injected with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or temporarily exposed to an image of a predator. We predicted that LPS injection would reduce both types of activity via induction of sickness syndrome and that predator image treatment would either increase or decrease different components of activity. Both behavioural traits were similarly consistent in time over a 10‐d period but the correlations between them depended on measurement context. LPS treatment reduced flapping and hopping frequencies and total locomotor activity. Exposure to the predator image had no effect on flapping frequency, but it decreased hopping frequency and total locomotor activity among the birds that were initially most active. The effects of both treatments on behaviour were relatively long‐lasting, that is, detectable at least 87 h after LPS injection and 44 h after exposure to the predator image. Our findings demonstrate the existence of two components of locomotor activity that responded similarly to the physiological but differently to the psychological stressor. The distinction between such components thus increases the information content of activity recordings of caged birds, which is likely to reveal novel aspects of covariation between different aspects of stress responsiveness and other performance parameters.
Effects of tramadol on viscero‐visceral hyperalgesia in a rat model of endometriosis plus ureteral calculosis
Authors: Lopopolo Mariangela , Affaitati Giannapia , Fabrizio Alessandra , Massimini Francesca , Lapenna Domenico , Giamberardino Maria Adele , Costantini Raffaele
Published: May 2013

The effects of tramadol versus placebo administration on behavioral indicators of ureteral pain, pelvic pain and referred lumbar muscle hyperalgesia were investigated in a rat model of viscero‐visceral hyperalgesia from endometriosis plus ureteral calculosis (endo + stone). Fifty female Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent surgical induction of endometriosis and, 2 weeks later, were randomly assigned to five groups (10 each), to be treated i.p., twice a day, with tramadol (0.625, 1.25, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg) or saline for 5 days (14–18th day postendometriosis; prestone treatment). On the 21st day, they underwent laparotomy for stone formation in the upper left ureter (dental cement injection). All were video‐taped 24 h nonstop for 7 days before and 4 days after stone formation (14–25th day postendometriosis) to record ureteral and pelvic pain behaviors. Lumbar sensitivity (L1) was tested bilaterally, daily over the same period, by verifying presence/absence of vocalization upon muscle pinching at a predefined pressure (calibrated forceps). Additional fifty endo + stone rats underwent the same protocol, except that treatment was performed on 21st–25th day (poststone treatment). Tramadol vs. saline significantly reduced number and duration of ureteral crises, duration of pelvic behavior, and incidence of muscle hyperalgesia (P < 0.0001), with a dose‐dependent effect. Prestone treatment was significantly more effective than poststone treatment for the 1.25 dose for all parameters and 2.5 dose for pelvic and muscle parameters (0.003 > P < 0.02). Tramadol, even at low doses, is thus highly protective against pain from ‘viscero‐visceral hyperalgesia’ in endometriosis plus ureteral calculosis; it can represent a valid therapeutic approach in women with these comorbidities.
Nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 1 regulates expression of proteasome genes in hepatocytes and protects against endoplasmic reticulum stress and steatosis in mice
Authors: Lee Candy S. , Ho Daniel V. , Chan Jefferson Y.
Published: May 2013

The ubiquitin–proteasome system is important in maintaining protein homeostasis. NFE2‐related factor 1 (Nrf1), a transcription factor in the cap ‘n’ collar basic‐leucine zipper family, regulates expression of cytoprotective genes. It was previously shown that liver‐specific knockout of Nrf1 (Nrf1LKO) leads to hepatic cell death, steatohepatitis and cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying these pathologies are not clear. Here, we report that Nrf1 is critical for proteasome gene expression in the liver. Liver‐specific knockout of Nrf1 results in impaired basal and induced expression of proteasome genes, and diminished proteasome activity in hepatocytes. In addition, our findings demonstrated that endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway was also activated in Nrf1LKO livers. Inhibition of proteasome activity leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress in Nrf1‐deficient hepatocytes, prompting the development of steatosis in the liver. Our results indicate that Nrf1 plays an integral role in the maintenance of proteasome function in hepatocytes and in the prevention of liver steatosis development. Moreover, these results highlight an association between proteasome dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress and steatosis.
pH‐Evoked Dural Afferent Signaling Is Mediated by ASIC3 and Is Sensitized by Mast Cell Mediators
Authors: Yan Jin , Wei Xiaomei , Bischoff Christina , Edelmayer Rebecca M. , Dussor Gregory
Published: May 2013

Background

Prior studies have shown that decreased meningeal pH activates dural afferents via opening of acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs), suggesting one pathophysiological mechanism for the generation of headaches. The studies described here further examined the ASIC subtype mediating pH‐induced dural‐afferent activation and examined whether sensitization influences pH responses.

Objective

Given the potential importance of meningeal mast cells to headache, the goal of this study was to evaluate dural afferent responses to pH following sensitization with mast cell mediators.

Methods

Cutaneous allodynia was measured in rats following stimulation of the dura with decreased pH alone or in combination with mast cell mediators. Trigeminal ganglion neurons retrogradely labeled from the dura were stained with an ASIC3 antibody using immunohistochemistry. Current and action potentials evoked by changes in pH alone or in combination with mast cell mediators were measured in retrogradely labeled dural afferents using patch‐clamp electrophysiology.

Results

pH‐sensitive dural afferents generated currents in response to the ASIC3 activator 2‐guanidine‐4‐methylquinazoline (GMQ), approximately 80% of these neurons express ASIC3 protein, and pH‐evoked behavioral responses were inhibited by the ASIC3 blocker APETx2. Following exposure to mast cell mediators, dural afferents exhibited increased pH‐evoked excitability, and cutaneous allodynia was observed at higher pH than with pH stimuli alone.

Conclusions

These data indicate that the predominant ASIC subtype responding to decreased meningeal pH is ASIC3. Additionally, they demonstrate that in the presence of inflammation, dural afferents respond to even smaller decreases in pH providing further support for the ability of small pH changes within the meninges to initiate afferent input leading to headache.
Assessing knowledge skills in the NHS: a training needs analysis approach
Authors: Hamilton Seona
Published: May 2013

This feature discusses the use of a training needs analysis exercise carried out by library staff at the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC) Library Network to support the development of a fit for purpose programme of information skills training. A survey was designed based on a well‐known information skills competency framework and used to gain an understanding of the knowledge skills needed by staff and how library training could best support these. The survey received a good response rate and led to the successful writing of a training plan for the Library Network for the delivery of information skills training.

H.S.
The status of health librarianship and libraries in the Republic of Ireland (SHELLI): a mixed methods review to inform future strategy and sustainability
Authors: Harrison Janet , Creaser Claire , Greenwood Helen
Published: May 2013

Background

This paper summarises the main points of a review of the Status of Health Librarianship & Libraries in Ireland (SHELLI). The review was commissioned to gain a broad understanding of what was happening in practice in Ireland; acquire knowledge about international best practice, and to inform strategic plans to develop and sustain health libraries and librarianship in Ireland.

Methods

A Mixed Methods approach was used: a literature review; an online survey distributed to health librarians; Semi structured interviews with key stakeholders; a focus group drawing participants from the survey. All evidence was triangulated.

Results

New roles for health librarians needed development and the changing educational needs of health librarians warranted attention. Increased collaboration across institutional boundaries needed more consideration, especially in relation to access to e‐resources. Marketing of library services was crucial. Irish health library standards, needed to be updated and enforced and a proper evidence base established. The literature provided a number of examples of potentially useful initiatives.

Conclusions

A strategic plan of action was drawn up in three areas: (i) to identify champions and promote visibility of health service libraries, (ii) to establish a body of evidence and (iii) to support service development and staff mentoring.
Trials of Endovascular Therapies or Collaterals?
Authors: Liebeskind David S.
Published: May 2013

Several landmark clinical trials of endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke have recently jolted the concerted multidisciplinary efforts to develop effective revascularization strategies. Further consideration of these four endovascular stroke trials published in the last year suggests a more fundamental question: are these trials of specific treatments or have the results simply reflected the importance of underlying pathophysiology? Data from IMS III, MR RESCUE, SWIFT and TREVO2 consistently demonstrate the dramatic impact of collateral perfusion in acute ischemic stroke. Such collateral, or parallel, trials of the underlying pathophysiology in stroke reveal that diagnosis or selection of optimal candidates may be paramount to the specific drug or device therapy. Future trials of endovascular therapies may harness the influential role of collaterals as critical selection criteria for intervention, with triage based on imaging rather than time alone. Treating the optimal patient may be more important than chasing an elusive magical therapy.
Exploring the Rural‐Agrarian Linkages of Human Trafficking: A Study of the Indian Punjab
Authors: Kumar Suneel
Published: May 2013

This article explores the rural‐agrarian linkages of human trafficking in the Indian Punjab. The study argues that ongoing agrarian crises, high risk‐taking ability of some agrarian castes and low level of education in rural areas are fuelling the illicit business of human trafficking of Punjabis to foreign green pastures. Rural‐agrarian communities are the main victims of the traffickers' exploitation.

The study has wider policy implications as it suggests policy‐makers should formulate a comprehensive policy framework for rural areas of Punjab to ensure the “3P” paradigm – prevention, protection and prosecution – of human trafficking.
Serious statin‐associated myotoxicity and rhabdomyolysis in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders: a case series
Authors: Gabb G. M. , Vitry A. , Limaye V. , Alhami G.
Published: May 2013

Background

Statins are associated with skeletal muscle adverse effects. These are generally considered mild and reversible, with more severe toxicity occurring rarely. There is little known regarding statin myotoxicity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who are at high cardiovascular risk and likely to receive statins.

Aims

To describe features of serious statin‐associated myotoxicity (SSAM) occurring in Indigenous Australians and increase awareness of this condition.

Methods

Observational case series of SSAM in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders. Cases were identified from personal clinical experience, referrals, reports to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, medical literature, an Internet search and reports from a histopathology laboratory. Information was collected onto a standardised data collection form.

Results

Fifteen cases of serious myotoxicity in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders exposed to statins were identified from 2006 to 2012. The mean age was 55 (range 35–69). Painless weakness was the most common presentation. Interacting drugs were involved in seven cases. Biopsies were done in eight cases, three showed inflammatory polymyositis and five necrotising myositis. Three patients died and two had permanent severe disability. Resolution of symptoms after statin cessation was variable.

Conclusions

SSAM has occurred in the Indigenous Australian population with some fatalities. Awareness of the potential for SSAM is essential for early recognition and effective management to reduce probability of avoidable catastrophic harm. Safe, as well as effective use of medication, is essential for optimum health outcomes. Effective pharmacovigilance and therapeutic risk management are important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
KinaseAKTcontrols innate immune cell development and function
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Xiao , Yang Hui , Liu Huanrong , Lu Yun , Han Limei , Liu Guangwei
Published: May 2013

The critical roles of kinaseAKTin tumour cell proliferation, apoptosis and protein synthesis have been widely recognized. ButAKTalso plays an important role in immune modulation. Recent studies have confirmed that kinaseAKTcan regulate the development and functions of innate immune cells (neutrophil, macrophage and dendritic cell). Studies have shown that different isoforms of kinaseAKThave different effects in regulating immunity‐related diseases, mainly through the mammalian target of rapamycin‐dependent or ‐independent pathways. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the immune modulating effects of kinaseAKTon innate immune cell development, survival and function.
A general combined model to describe tree‐diameter distributions within subtropical and temperate forest communities
Authors: Lai Jiangshan , Coomes David A. , Du Xiaojun , Hsieh Chang‐fu , Sun I‐Fang , Chao Wei‐Chun , Mi Xiangcheng , Ren Haibao , Wang Xugao , Hao Zhanqing , Ma Keping
Published: May 2013

The size distribution of trees in natural forests is a fundamental attribute of forest structure. Previous attempts to model tree size distributions using simple functions (such as power or Weibull functions) have had limited success, typically overestimating the number of large stems observed. We describe a model which assumes that the dominant mortality process is asymmetric competition when trees are smaller, and size‐independent processes (e.g. disturbance) when trees are larger. This combination of processes leads to a size distribution which takes the form of a power distribution in the small tree phase and a Weibull distribution in the large tree phase. Analyses of data from four large‐scale (≥ 24 ha each) subtropical and temperate forest plots totalling 99 ha and approximately 0.4 million trees provide support for this model in two respects: (a) the combined function provided unbiased predictions and (b) power‐law functions fitted to small trees had exponents that deviated from the universal exponent of –2 predicted by metabolic scaling theory, gradually decreasing from subtropical evergreen to temperate deciduous forests along the latitudinal gradient.
Sintering of Multilayered Porous Structures: Part I‐Constitutive Models
Authors: Olevsky Eugene , Molla Tesfaye Tadesse , Frandsen Henrik Lund , Bjørk Rasmus , Esposito Vincenzo , Ni De Wei , Ilyina Aleksandra , Pryds Nini
Published: May 2013

Theoretical analyses of shrinkage and distortion kinetics during sintering of bilayered porous structures are carried out. The developed modeling framework is based on the continuum theory of sintering; it enables the direct assessment of the cofiring process outcomes and of the impact of process controlling parameters. The derived “master sintering curve”‐type solutions are capable of describing and optimizing the generic sintering shrinkage and distortion kinetics for various material systems. The approach utilizes the material‐specific parameters, which define the relative kinetics of layer shrinkages such as the relative intensity of sintering, and employs the conversion between real and specific times of sintering. A novel methodology is also developed for the determination of the ratio of the shear viscosities of the layer's fully dense materials. This new technique enables the determination of all input parameters necessary for modeling sintering of bilayers using experimental techniques similar to optical dilatometry applied to each individual layer and to a symmetric trilayered porous structure based on the two‐layer materials utilized in the bilayered system. Examples of sintering different porous bilayered systems are presented to justify the capability of the model in predicting and optimizing sintering kinetics.
Characterization of Solid‐State Reaction of Barium Carbonate and Titanium Dioxide by Spatially Resolved Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroaki , Kakibayashi Hiroshi , Taniguchi Yoshihumi , Cheng I‐Kuan , Lee Ting‐Tai , Hu Ching‐Li , Lee Chun‐Te , Fujimoto Masayuki
Published: May 2013

A mixture of ultrafine submicrometer‐sized BaCO3 powder and TiO2 (rutile) powder was calcined in air at 700°C, 800°C, and 900°C, and then quenched to liquid nitrogen temperature in each case. The cross‐sectional quenched specimens were characterized by spatially resolved electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (SR‐EELS). The energy‐loss near‐edge structures (ELNES) were sequentially extracted at 1.3 to 5.3 nm in width from SR‐EELS image obtained from the rectangularly cut SR‐EELS slit aperture put on the synthesized BaTiO3 layer and TiO2 rutile powder. The ELNES of Ti‐L2,3 edges and Ba‐M4,5 edges clearly show fine structure changes from the surface of BaTiO3 layer to the TiO2 bulk region reflected from crystallinity of synthesized BaTiO3, lattice distortion of TiO2 caused by Ba diffusion, and lattice misfit between BaTiO3 and TiO2 without formation of Ba2TiO4 and other titanate phases.
Orderly‐Layered Tetravalent Manganese‐Doped Strontium Aluminate Sr4Al14O25:Mn4+: An Efficient Red Phosphor for Warm White Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Peng Mingying , Yin Xuewen , Tanner Peter A. , Liang Chuqi , Li Pengfei , Zhang Qinyuan , Qiu Jianrong
Published: May 2013

Searching for an efficient non rare earth‐based oxide red phosphor, particularly excitable by light in the wavelength from 380 to 480 nm and unexcitable by green light, is essential for the development of warm white light emitting diodes (WLEDs). Here, we report a promising and orderly‐layered candidate: Sr4Al14O25:Mn4+ with CIE color coordinates (0.722, 0.278). It has higher luminescence efficiency particularly upon blue excitation and is much cheaper than the commercial red phosphor 3.5MgO·0.5MgF2·GeO2:Mn4+ (MMG:Mn4+). In sharp contrast to Eu2+‐doped (oxy)nitrides, the phosphor can be synthesized by a standard solid‐state reaction at 1200°C in air. The effects of flux boron content, environment, and preparation temperature, sintering dwelling time as well as Mn concentration have been systematically investigated for establishing the optimal synthesis conditions. The low temperature emission spectra reveal that there are at least three types of Mn4+ ions in Sr4Al14O25:Mn4+ due to the substitution for the distorted octahedral Al3+ sites. The AlO6 layers where Mn4+ prefers to reside are well separated from one another by AlO4 tetrahedra in one dimension parallel to axis a. This scenario can efficiently isolate Mn4+ ions from local perturbations, thereby enabling the high efficiency of luminescence. The energy transfer rates and mechanism are discussed.
Chemical Analysis with High Spatial Resolution by Rutherford Backscattering and Raman Confocal Spectroscopies: Surface Hierarchically Structured Glasses
Authors: Reinosa Julián Jiménez , Marero David Martín y , del Campo Adolfo , de la Rubia Miguel Ángel , Fernández José Francisco
Published: May 2013

Copper and iron in glasses constitute classical aims of study because of the optical effects that they produce. Structured materials are also interesting due to the incorporated functionalities derived from their spatial organization. Here, CuO and Fe2O3 were incorporated into a standard glass, from which glass coatings with different thicknesses were studied. Whereas iron cations dissolved in the glassy matrix, copper cations saturated it and crystallized at the surface, forming a hierarchical microstructure. The surface microstructure consisted of crystallizations of Tenorite (CuO) forming interconnected walls. The walls surrounding areas of glassy matrix gave rise to a cells microstructure. Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry provided the composition of the samples with high depth resolution, and Raman Confocal Microscopy determined the phases location and their distribution forming the microstructure. The joint information from both techniques allowed high chemical and spatial resolution of the main cations location for the hierarchical surface microstructure.
Deducing the Fatigue Crack Growth Rates of Natural Flaws in Silicon Nitride Ceramics: Role of R‐Curves
Authors: Härtelt Martin , Fünfschilling Stefan , Schwind Thomas , Riesch‐Oppermann Heinz , Fett Theo , Kruzic Jamie J.
Published: May 2013

Fatigue failure is a concern when high‐strength, high‐toughness silicon nitride ceramics are used in mechanical components and the growth of natural flaws will determine the usable upper bound strength. In this study a fracture resistance curve (R‐curve) model is incorporated into an established method for deducing natural flaw growth rates from a combination of strength and fatigue life data for smooth specimens. Experimental data for a commercial silicon nitride, SL200, were examined. When compared with results deduced using a constant fracture toughness model, the new method gives more physically realistic growth rate results. Specifically, by incorporating the R‐curve the deduced fatigue threshold is equal to the reported intrinsic toughness for crack propagation of 2.2 MPa√m, whereas the constant fracture toughness model gives a physically unrealistic threshold value. Furthermore, much better agreement is achieved with the growth rates measured using macroscopic compact‐tension specimens. Overall, it is concluded that the R‐curve effect should not be ignored when deducing the fatigue crack growth rates of natural flaws in high‐toughness silicon nitride ceramics.
The effects of risk on initial trust formation
Authors: Johansen Svein Tvedt , Selart Marcus , Grønhaug Kjell
Published: May 2013

This paper seeks to expand our understanding of initial trust by looking at how variation in risk influences the nature of trust and the process of initial trust formation. Four hypotheses were tested in two experiments involving participants with and without work experience. A first hypothesis suggested a positive relationship between a general propensity to trust and initial trust; a second hypothesis, a negative relationship between risk and initial trust; whereas a third hypothesis posited that risk would increase the importance participants place on benevolence and integrity. A fourth hypothesis suggested that risk would have a positive and moderating influence on the effect of out‐of‐role behavior when presented after role‐conformant in‐role behavior. Findings are presented and discussed and practical implications suggested.
Deciding on suitability for treatment
Authors: Lesser Harry
Published: May 2013

This paper considers a particular argument from statistics, which concerns a treatment that is self‐administered: it is argued that, since whenever the treatment is undertaken by people over 60, they fail to do it properly and incur grave infections; it should be withheld from this age group. Various objections to the argument, that the sample was too small, that poor training may be the explanation and that there are great variations in the capacities of the elderly, are considered. The conclusion is that it can be just and right to use evidence of this sort, but not in cases such as this, when it would be practicable and more reliable to ‘screen’ patients individually. A further conclusion is that, especially but not only in matters involving training and education, (1) the situation may change and (2) the facts may admit of more than one explanation.
Illness perception, time perception and phenomenology – an extended response to Borrett
Authors: Gergel Tania L.
Published: May 2013

Borrett joins other phenomenologists in using phenomenological ideas on temporality to explain how illness affects the individual's experience of time. Unlike others, he attempts to synthesize this use of phenomenology with a biomedical understanding of the relation between time and illness. My paper expands on Borrett's ideas by reviewing current medical scholarship on time and illness perception, including Heidegger's ideas on temporality. The first section considers questions and suggestions emerging from contemporary medicine. After a short review of theories of time perception, I describe and critique how Borrett and others use phenomenological temporality in a medical context. My conclusion suggests how Heideggerian temporality might help with the questions and recommendations emerging within diverse medical fields.
Mental disorders are not brain disorders
Authors: Banner Natalie F.
Published: May 2013

As advances in neuroscience and genetics reveal complex associations between brain structures, functions and symptoms of mental disorders, there have been calls for psychiatric classifications to be reconfigured, to conceptualize mental disorders as disorders of the brain. In this paper, I argue that this view is mistaken, and that the level at which we identify mental disorders is, and should be, the person, not the brain. This is not to deny physicalism or argue that the mental realm is somehow distinct from the physical, but rather to suggest the things that are going ‘wrong’ in mental disorder are picked out at the person‐level: they are characterized by breaches in epistemic, rational, evaluative, emotional, social and moral norms. However, as our scientific understanding of the brain becomes advanced, what makes an identified neurobiological difference in brain structure or functioning indicative of pathology is its association with these behaviours at the person‐level. Instead of collapsing psychiatry into biomedicine, biomedicine may benefit from drawing closer to the expertise of psychiatry, as it is able to accommodate social, psychological and biological explanations while focusing on the person, within their environment.
Complications in right‐sided paraaortic lymphadenectomy: ventral tributaries of the inferior vena cava
Authors: Turyna Radovan , Kachlik David , Kucera Eduard , Kujal Petr , Feyereisl Jaroslav , Baca Vaclav
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to describe the distribution and structure of ventral tributaries leading into the inferior vena cava where right‐sided paraaortic lymphadenectomy is performed. The study examined 21 retroperitoneal specimens by graphic reconstruction, statistical evaluation, and histological examination of ventral tributaries (VTs). Seventy VTs were identified. The average number per specimen was 3.33. There were 20, 40, and 40% of VTs found in Levels I, II, and III, respectively. During the preparation, we observed an unusual arrangement of the IVC wall, into which VTs were led through a preformed sleeve‐like channel and anchored near the lumen. This finding is a key mechanism that explains the ease with which VTs are extracted during surgery. Knowledge of the distribution and histological structure of VTs allows proper orientation of the retroperitoneal area of the front wall of inferior vena cava, which is essential for uncomplicated right‐sided paraaortic lymphadenectomy. The histological structure of the VT ostium within the wall of the inferior vena cava explains why injury is easy during the procedure.
Effective three‐dimensional evaluation analysis of upper airway form during oral appliance therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Furuhashi A. , Yamada S. , Shiomi T. , Sasanabe R. , Aoki Y. , Yamada Y. , Kazaoka Y.
Published: May 2013

The oral appliance (OA) is considered to be an effective treatment modality for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Upper airway enlargement during OA therapy is critical, and lateral cephalometry has been used for the two‐dimensional evaluation of upper airway form during this therapy. However, this method cannot provide an accurate three‐dimensional (3D) view of upper airway form. To confirm the effects of OA on the upper airway in patients with OSAS, we performed CT in the presence and absence of OA in 15 Japanese patients (12 males, 3 females) who responded to OA therapy. CT in the presence and absence of OA was consecutively performed for each patient, and upper airway cross‐sectional area in six arbitrary planes parallel to the palatal plane was measured. Next, 3D image reconstruction was performed; morphological changes in upper airway form were evaluated, and upper airway volume at three levels from the palatal plane to the deepest point of the epiglottis was measured. The cross‐sectional area of two planes in the posterior soft palate region significantly increased in the presence of OA compared with that in the absence of OA. In the presence of OA, upper airway cross‐sectional area and volume significantly increased in the posterior soft palate region compared with those in the posterior tongue region. 3D CT image reconstruction accurately confirmed morphological changes in the upper airway during OA therapy. Continued use of this 3D evaluation is expected to improve the results of OA therapy in the future.
Income Taxes, Subsidies to Education, and Investments in Human Capital
Authors: MENDOLICCHIO CONCETTA , PAOLINI DIMITRI , PIETRA TITO
Published: May 2013

We study a two‐sector economy with investments in human and physical capital and imperfect labor markets. Investments are irreversible and noncontractible, due to random matching between firms and workers. Income is allocated according to the Nash bargaining mechanism. At equilibrium, given the distribution of the agents across sectors, there is underinvestment in both human and physical capital, due to the holdup problem generated by bargaining and noncontractibility. Self‐selection of the agents into the two sectors typically induces too many workers to invest in high skills. Compared to the constrained efficient allocation, at each equilibrium, there are too many people investing too little effort in the high‐skill sector. We also study the effects of several tax policies on total expected surplus.
Content of plasmatic glycerol and activity of hepatic glycerol kinase in broiler chickens fed diets containing different sources and concentrations of glycerine
Authors: Bernardino V. M. P. , Rodrigues P. B. , de Paula Naves L. , Rosa P. V. , Zangerônimo M. G. , Gomide E. M. , Saldanha M. M. , Alvarenga R. R.
Published: May 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three sources of glycerine (crude glycerine from soya bean oil – CGSO, mixed crude glycerine from frying oil and lard – MCG, and a semipurified glycerine from soya bean oil – SPGSO) in four concentrations in the diet (17.5, 35.0, 52.5 and 70.0 g of each type of glycerine per kg of feed) on the levels of plasmatic glycerol and the activity of the hepatic enzyme glycerol kinase in broilers of 22–35 days old (experiment I) and 33–42 days old (experiment II). The highest (p < 0.05) plasmatic glycerol level was detected in broilers fed diet containing CGSO. Independent of the source, increasing the concentration of glycerine led to a linear increase (p < 0.05) in the plasmatic glycerol concentration. In experiment I, all the diets containing glycerine resulted in increased concentrations of plasmatic glycerol, in relation to the control diet without glycerine. However, in experiment II, only the diet containing 17.5 g of CGSO per kg of feed and the diets formulated with any of the three types of glycerine in the inclusion concentrations of 35, 52.5 and 70 g/kg of feed resulted in higher plasmatic glycerol levels than those observed in the control broilers. The source of glycerine influenced the glycerol kinase activity only in experiment II, where the use of CGSO in the diet increased the enzyme activity. For both experiments, the glycerol kinase activity increased with the inclusion of glycerine in the diet. In conclusion, based on the absence of saturation of the glycerol kinase activity for the three glycerine sources and for both rearing periods evaluated, the broilers can metabolize the glycerol (at the level of the phosphorylation of the glycerol to glycerol‐3‐phosphate in the liver) present in the glycerine when the diet is supplemented with up to 70 g of glycerine per kg of feed.
Serum autoantibodies positivity prevalence in patients with chronic HCV and impact on pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment response
Authors: Khairy Marwa , El‐Raziky Maissa , El‐Akel Wafaa , Abdelbary Mohamed S. , Khatab Hany , El‐Kholy Badawy , Esmat Gamal , Mabrouk Mahassen
Published: May 2013

Background & Aims

Prevalence of serum autoantibodies in chronic hepatitis C (HCV) patients is higher than that in the general population. Interferon may induce autoimmune manifestations in patients treated with peg‐interferon and ribavirin. Effect of autoantibody seropositivity and treatment response are limited and controversial.

To detect the prevalence of serum autoantibodies in patients with chronic HCV and impact on histopathology and treatment response.

Methods

Retrospective study including 3673 Egyptian chronic HCV naïve patients enrolled in the Egyptian national programme for HCV treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin in the years 2007–2010. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) was determined by ELISA considered positive with a titre ≥1:40 by indirect immunofluorescence. ANA‐positive patients pre treatment workup including serum aminotransferases, thyroid profile and liver biopsy, follow‐up during treatment and sustained virological response (SVR) were assessed compared to ANA‐negative patients.

Results

Serum ANA was positive in 1.6% of the studied patients. There were no statistically significant differences concerning the demographic, biochemical and histopathological data in ANA positive and negative patients. SVR was comparable between ANA‐positive and ANA‐negative patients (67.8% and 61.3% respectively). Follow‐up treatment; ANA‐positive patients' did not experience statistically significant haematological complications, flare‐up of serum transaminases, thyroid dysfunction. No systemic autoimmune disorders developed during follow‐up.

Conclusions

ANA positivity is not a factor in chronic HCV disease progression and does not affect the treatment response. Pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy is safe and effective in autoantibodies‐positive chronic HCV patients with no need for further follow‐up or worry during the treatment in absence of systemic autoimmune disorders.
The Impact of Truancy on Educational Attainment during Compulsory Schooling: a Bivariate Ordered Probit Estimator with Mixed Effects
Authors: Buscha Franz , Conte Anna
Published: May 2013

This paper investigates the relationship between educational attainment in compulsory schooling and truancy. Using data from the Youth Cohort Study (YCS) of England and Wales and the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE), we estimate the impact of truancy on indicators of educational performance. The YCS measures both truancy and attainment as ordered responses. Our bivariate ordered probit model with mixed effects deals with both the ordered nature of the data and the potential endogeneity of truancy. In addition, it allows us to estimate the distribution of the truancy effect on educational attainment.
Phylogeography of Silver Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera L.) across China: aggregate effects of refugia, introgression and riverine barriers
Authors: Dong Lu , Heckel Gerald , Liang Wei , Zhang Yanyun
Published: May 2013

The role of Pleistocene glacial cycles in forming the contemporary genetic structure of organisms has been well studied in China with a particular focus on the Tibetan Plateau. However, China has a complex topography and diversity of local climates, and how glacial cycles may have shaped the subtropical and tropical biota of the region remains mostly unaddressed. To investigate the factors that affected the phylogeography and population history of a widely distributed and nondeciduous forest species, we analysed morphological characters, mitochondrial DNA sequences and nuclear microsatellite loci in the Silver Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera). In a pattern generally consistent with phenotypic clusters, but not nominal subspecies, deeply divergent mitochondrial lineages restricted to different geographic regions were detected. Coalescent simulations indicated that the time of main divergence events corresponded to major glacial periods in the Pleistocene and gene flow was only partially lowered by drainage barriers between some populations. Intraspecific cytonuclear discordance was revealed in mitochondrial lineages from Hainan Island and the Sichuan Basin with evidence of nuclear gene flow from neighbouring populations into the latter. Unexpectedly, hybridization was revealed in Yingjiang between the Silver Pheasant and Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) with wide genetic introgression at both the mtDNA and nuclear levels. Our results highlight a novel phylogeographic pattern in a subtropical area generated from the combined effects of climate oscillation, partial drainage barriers and interspecific hybridization. Cytonuclear discordance combined with morphological differentiation implies that complex historical factors shaped the divergence process in this biodiversity hot spot area of southern China.
Factors related to prediabetes among postpartum Thai women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Youngwanichsetha Sununta , Phumdoung Sasitorn
Published: May 2013

Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus are at risk of developing prediabetes. Using a cross‐sectional analytic design, the factors related to prediabetes among Thai women (n = 210) with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus were investigated. The main outcomes measured were two‐hour plasma glucose after taking a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test at a six week postpartum visit. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation. The study showed that the incidence of prediabetes among postpartum Thai women was 26.67%. Factors associated with prediabetes were: (i) being over 35 years of age; (ii) three or more pregnancies; (iii) recurrent gestational diabetes mellitus; (iv) high plasma glucose before taking a 100 g glucose tolerance test and high postprandial plasma glucose during pregnancy; and (v) being overweight or obese at six weeks' postpartum. The results showed that nursing interventions need to be implemented to reduce plasma glucose and body mass index in order to prevent or reverse prediabetes.
Do Thai parents discuss sex and AIDS with young adolescents? A qualitative study
Authors: Meechamnan Chutima , Fongkaew Warunee , Chotibang Jutamas , McGrath Barbara Burns
Published: May 2013

This qualitative study explored parents' and young adolescents' perceptions of communication related to sex and HIV/AIDS. Focus group discussions and group discussion were conducted among 67 adolescents and 30 parents. For the adolescents, group discussion using participatory activities was conducted, followed by five focus group discussions. Group discussions using participatory activities were conducted among parents. Thematic analysis indicated that the adolescents received inadequate information about sex and AIDS from their parents, whom they feared as providing negative judgment, and this represented a key barrier to such discussions. Their parents, on the other hand, reported that they believed their children were still too young to learn about and engage in sexual activities. The parents perceived barriers to communication included a lack of confidence and feelings of embarrassment. Nevertheless, they also recognized their important role in their child's sexual education. Collectively, these results draw attention to the need for a culturally appropriate program to strengthen parent–child communication skills for the topics of sex and HIV/AIDS.
Ammonium first: natural mosses prefer atmospheric ammonium but vary utilization of dissolved organic nitrogen depending on habitat and nitrogen deposition
Authors: Liu Xue‐Yan , Koba Keisuke , Makabe Akiko , Li Xiao‐Dong , Yoh Muneoki , Liu Cong‐Qiang
Published: May 2013

Mosses, among all types of terrestrial vegetation, are excellent scavengers of anthropogenic nitrogen (N), but their utilization of dissolved organic N (DON) and their reliance on atmospheric N remain uncharacterized in natural environments, which obscures their roles in N cycles.

Natural 15N abundance of N sources (nitrate (), ammonium () and DON in deposition and soil) for epilithic and terricolous mosses was analyzed at sites with different N depositions at Guiyang, China. Moss assimilation was inhibited substantially by the high supply of and DON. Therefore, contributions of and DON to moss N were partitioned using isotopic mass‐balance methods.

The N contributions averaged 56% and 46% from atmospheric , and 44% and 17% from atmospheric DON in epilithic and terricolous mosses, respectively. In terricolous mosses, soil and soil DON accounted for 16% and 21% of bulk N, which are higher than current estimations obtained using 15N‐labeling methods. Moreover, anthropogenic deposition suppressed utilization of DON and soil N because of the preference of moss for under elevated deposition.

These results underscore the dominance of, and preference for, atmospheric in moss N utilization, and highlight the importance of considering DON and soil N sources when estimating moss N sequestration and the impacts of N deposition on mosses.
Silencing of the chalcone synthase gene inCasuarina glaucahighlights the important role of flavonoids during nodulation
Authors: Abdel‐Lateif Khalid , Vaissayre Virginie , Gherbi Hassen , Verries Clotilde , Meudec Emmanuelle , Perrine‐Walker Francine , Cheynier Véronique , Svistoonoff Sergio , Franche Claudine , Bogusz Didier , Hocher Valérie
Published: May 2013

Nitrogen‐fixing root nodulation is confined to four plant orders, including > 14 000Leguminosae, one nonlegume genusParasponiaandc. 200 actinorhizal species that form symbioses with rhizobia andFrankiabacterial species, respectively. Flavonoids have been identified as plant signals and developmental regulators for nodulation in legumes and have long been hypothesized to play a critical role during actinorhizal nodulation. However, direct evidence of their involvement in actinorhizal symbiosis is lacking.

Here, we usedRNAinterference to silence chalcone synthase, which is involved in the first committed step of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, in the actinorhizal tropical treeCasuarina glauca. Transformed flavonoid‐deficient hairy roots were generated and used to study flavonoid accumulation and further nodulation.

Knockdown of chalcone synthase expression reduced the level of specific flavonoids and resulted in severely impaired nodulation. Nodule formation was rescued by supplementing the plants with naringenin, which is an upstream intermediate in flavonoid biosynthesis.

Our results provide, for the first time, direct evidence of an important role for flavonoids during the early stages of actinorhizal nodulation.