bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of TGF‐β‐ and EGFR‐based signaling pathways using an agent‐based model of epithelial restitution
Authors: Stern Jordan R. , Christley Scott , Zaborina Olga , Alverdy John C. , An Gary
Published: October 2012

Damage to an epithelial surface disrupts its mechanical and immunologic barrier function and exposes underlying tissues to a potentially hostile external environment. Epithelial restitution occurs quickly to reestablish the barrier and comprises a major part of the immediate host response to injured tissue. Pathways involving transforming growth factor beta and activation of epidermal growth factor receptor are both of critical importance, although cross‐pathway interactions have been poorly characterized. Agent‐based modeling has been showed to be useful in integrating disparate bodies of knowledge and showing the dynamic consequences of pathway structures and cellular population behavior and is used herein to create an in silico analog of an in vitro scratch assay. The In Vitro Scratch Agent‐Based Model consists of agents representing individual epithelial cells in a simulated extracellular matrix. Agents sense signals from the damaged environment and produce effector molecules, leading to their healing behavior. The In Vitro Scratch Agent‐Based Model qualitatively matched wound healing dynamics when compared against data from traditional experiments. Putative cross‐talk mechanisms were then instantiated into the In Vitro Scratch Agent‐Based Model and their relative plausibility examined, suggesting interaction at the receptor tyrosine kinase level. This highlights the utility of dynamic knowledge representation in the integration of pathways previously studied in separate contexts.
Resolvin D2 prevents secondary thrombosis and necrosis in a mouse burn wound model
Authors: Bohr Stefan , Patel Suraj J , Sarin Dhruv , Irimia Daniel , Yarmush Martin L. , Berthiaume Francois
Published: October 2012

Deep partial thickness burns are subject to delayed necrosis of initially viable tissues surrounding the primary zone of thermally induced coagulation, which results in an expansion of the burn wound, both in area and depth, within 48 hours postburn. Neutrophil sequestration and activation leading to microvascular damage is thought to mediate this secondary tissue damage. Resolvins, a class of endogenous mediators derived from omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been shown to regulate the resolution of inflammation. We hypothesized that exogenous resolvins could mitigate the deleterious impact of the inflammatory response in burn wounds. Using two different mouse burn injury models involving significant partial thickness injuries, we found that a systemically administered single dose of resolvin D2 (RvD2) as low as 25 pg/g bw given within an interval of up to 4 hours postburn effectively prevented thrombosis of the deep dermal vascular network and subsequent dermal necrosis. By preserving the microvascular network, RvD2 enhanced neutrophil access to the dermis, but prevented neutrophil‐mediated damage through other anti‐inflammatory actions, including inhibition of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and neutrophil platelet–endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1. In a clinical context, RvD2 may be therapeutically useful by reducing the need for surgical debridement and the area requiring skin grafting.
Factors Associated with Infantile Eczema in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Li Yun‐Ling , Zheng Lei , Jin Hai‐Yan , Xu Xia , Song Li‐Li
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  The removal of aggravating factors is important to reduce the severity of infantile eczema, but there are few studies on the assessment and identification of the aggravating factors in infantile eczema. Parents of children with infantile eczema ages 1 to 10 months (N = 250) were recruited. Parents were required to complete a questionnaire. Two hundred forty‐two (96.8%) children had skin dryness, 80% bathed with soap or shower gel, 82% often perspired, 84.8% wore tight‐fitting clothes, 80.8% dressed in five layers of thick clothing, 85.6% were in contact with wool or feathers, and 59.2% were exposed to sunlight (>20 minutes/day). Eczema severity was greater after vaccination in 20%. Two hundred thirty‐five mothers avoided eating potential food allergens (e.g., milk, egg whites, and fish), but this failed to improve the severity of symptoms in 93.6% of the children. Thirty patients had Neocate as a substitute for cow’s milk, which resulted in symptom severity improvement in 10%. Thirty children were given food allergens, which exacerbated symptoms in 13.3%. One hundred twenty‐eight (51.2%) of the children were treated with corticosteroid ointment; 62.5% had the ointment applied for only 2 to 3 days, and 6.2% had the corticosteroid ointment applied to weeping lesions. The vast majority of parents did not know about the aggravating factors for infantile eczema. The results demonstrated a strong need for educational programs to help parents understand and control infantile eczema.
Predicting Road Test Performance in Adults with Cognitive or Visual Impairment Referred to a Veterans Affairs Medical Center Driving Clinic
Authors: Niewoehner Patricia M. , Henderson Rochelle R. , Dalchow Jami , Beardsley Tracy L. , Stern Robert A. , Carr David B.
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To develop a screening battery for office‐based clinicians that would assist with the prediction of impaired driving performance and deciding who should proceed to road testing in a sample of adults with cognitive or visual deficits.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Driving evaluation clinic at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in St. Louis, Missouri.

Participants

Seventy‐seven individuals aged 23 to 91 with diagnoses of cognitive or visual impairment or both referred to an occupational therapy based driving clinic by VAMC providers because of concerns regarding driving safety.

Measurements

Predictor variables included tests of visual and cognitive functioning and activities of daily living. The major outcome was pass or fail on a standardized performance‐based on‐road driving test.

Results

Thirty percent of the referrals failed the road test. The best predictors of driving performance were the Trail‐Making Test Part A and the Mazes Test from the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery.

Conclusion

Measures of visual search, psychomotor speed, and executive functioning accurately predicted road test performance in a significant number of participants. These brief tests may assist clinicians in deciding who should proceed with a road test in a driver rehabilitation clinic or perhaps to whom it should be recommended to cease driving.
Advancing the Field of Elder Abuse: Future Directions and Policy Implications
Authors: Dong XinQi
Published: October 2012

Elder abuse, sometimes called elder mistreatment or elder maltreatment, includes psychological, physical, and sexual abuse; neglect (caregiver neglect and self‐neglect); and financial exploitation. Evidence suggests that one in 10 older adults experiences some form of elder abuse, but only one in 25 cases is reported to social services agencies. At the same time, elder abuse is associated with significant morbidity and premature mortality. Despite these findings, there is a great paucity in research, practice, and policy addressing the pervasive issues of elder abuse. Through my experiences as a American Political Sciences Association Congressional Policy Fellow and Health and Aging Policy Fellow working with the Administration on Community Living (ACL) (previously known as the Administration on Aging) for the last 2 years, I will describe the major functions of the ACL and highlight two major pieces of federal legislation: The Older Americans Act and the Elder Justice Act. I will also highlight major research gaps and future policy relevant research directions for the field of elder abuse.
China's New Political Discourse
Authors: WEIWEI ZHANG
Published: October 2012

At the turn of the 20th Century when Western power was at its height, Sun Yat‐Sen sought to blend the Confucian tradition of meritocratic governance and Western‐style democracy in his vision for modern China. With the “rise of the rest” in the 21st Century—led by China—perhaps the political imagination is open once again, this time not only to Western ideas flowing East, but Eastern ideas flowing West as well.

The political imagination has been pried open anew not only because of the sustained success of non‐Western modernity in places like Singapore and China, but because democracy itself has become so dysfunctional across the West, from its ancient birthplace in Greece to its most advanced outpost in California. That liberal democracy is the best form of governance ever achieved in the long arc of history is no longer self‐evident. Today, democracy, which has been captured by a short‐term, special‐interest political culture, has to prove and improve itself by incorporating elements of meritocracy and the long‐term perspective. If not, political decay beckons.

In this section, we evaluate the tradeoeffs and ponder the possibilities of combining a more knowledegable democracy with a more accountable meritocracy.
All Choices are Ugly for Europe
Authors: BLAIR TONY
Published: October 2012

Three years into the protracted Eurocrisis “all choices are ugly,” as former British prime minister Tony Blair comments. Indeed, the high cost of bad options is prompting some to question whether Europe is worth saving the euro.

Along with Tony Blair, the former Italian prime minister Romano Prodi as well as two of the best financial minds around—Nouriel Roubini and Mohamed el‐Erian—warn of the dire consequences of a euro breakup. One of France's most prominent philosophers, André Glucksmann, wonders whether the idea of a united Europe—a reaction to the horrors of World War II—can hold everyone together in the future when peace is the norm.
A Euro Breakup: Cardiac Arrest for Europe
Authors: EL‐ERIAN MOHAMED , ROUBINI NOURIEL
Published: October 2012

Three years into the protracted Eurocrisis “all choices are ugly,” as former British prime minister Tony Blair comments. Indeed, the high cost of bad options is prompting some to question whether Europe is worth saving the euro.

Along with Tony Blair, the former Italian prime minister Romano Prodi as well as two of the best financial minds around—Nouriel Roubini and Mohamed el‐Erian—warn of the dire consequences of a euro breakup. One of France's most prominent philosophers, André Glucksmann, wonders whether the idea of a united Europe—a reaction to the horrors of World War II—can hold everyone together in the future when peace is the norm.
Europe, Land of Anguish and Nostalgia
Authors: GLUCKSMANN ANDRÉ
Published: October 2012

Three years into the protracted Eurocrisis “all choices are ugly,” as former British prime minister Tony Blair comments. Indeed, the high cost of bad options is prompting some to question whether Europe is worth saving the euro.

Along with Tony Blair, the former Italian prime minister Romano Prodi as well as two of the best financial minds around—Nouriel Roubini and Mohamed el‐Erian—warn of the dire consequences of a euro breakup. One of France's most prominent philosophers, André Glucksmann, wonders whether the idea of a united Europe—a reaction to the horrors of World War II—can hold everyone together in the future when peace is the norm.
The population increase of common guillemotsUria aalgeon Skomer Island is explained by intrinsic demographic properties
Authors: Meade Jessica , Hatchwell Ben J. , Blanchard Julia L. , Birkhead Tim R.
Published: October 2012

The population of common guillemotsUria aalgeon Skomer Island, Wales has been monitored since 1963, and in the last 30 yr has increased at an almost constant rate of 5% yr−1. A previous attempt to model the population based on intrinsic demographic parameters estimated over just five years failed to explain the observed population increase, probably because the estimate of juvenile survival was too low. This raised the possibility that immigration fuelled the population increase. Here we use > 30 yr of detailed field observations to re‐estimate key population parameters (productivity, adult survival and juvenile survival) in order to model the population. We show that the observed rate of increase can be explained by these intrinsic parameters, and we therefore conclude that immigration is not necessary to generate the observed population growth.
Ornamental bill color rapidly signals changing condition
Authors: Rosenthal Malcolm F. , Murphy Troy G. , Darling Nancy , Tarvin Keith A.
Published: October 2012

Ornamental bill color is postulated to function as a condition‐dependent signal of individual quality in a variety of taxonomically distant bird families. Most red, orange, and yellow bill colors are derived from carotenoid pigments, and carotenoid deposition in ornamentation may trade off with their use as immunostimulants and antioxidants or with other physiological functions. Several studies have found that bill color changes in response to physiological perturbations, but how quickly such changes can occur remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that carotenoid‐based orange bill color of American goldfinches Spinus tristis responds dynamically to rapid changes in physiological stress and reflects short‐term changes in condition. We captured male and female goldfinches and measured bill color in the field and again under captive conditions several hours later. The following day, the captive birds were injected with either immunostimulatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or a control saline and changes in bill color were measured over a five day period. Yellow saturation of the bill decreased within 6.5 h between the field and captivity measures on the first day, presumably in response to capture stress. Over the longer experimental period, bill hue and luminance decreased significantly, whereas saturation significantly increased in both LPS and control groups. Bill hue and luminance decreased significantly more in birds treated with LPS than in control birds. Among LPS treated birds, individuals expressing high bill color at the beginning of the experiment lost more color than ‘low‐color’ birds, but still retained higher color at the end of the experiment, suggesting that birds that invest heavily in bill coloration are able to sustain high costs in the face of a challenge. Bill color change may have resulted from rapid reallocation of carotenoids from ornamentation to immune function. However, the complex shifts in bill color over time suggest that bill color may be influenced by multiple carotenoid compounds and/or changes in blood flow or chemistry in vessels just beneath the translucent keratinized outer layer of the bill. We conclude that bill color is a dynamic, condition‐dependent trait that strategically and reliably signals short‐term fluctuations in physiological condition.
Wing moult and mass change in free‐living mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Authors: Fox Anthony D. , King Roy , Owen Myrfyn
Published: October 2012

Captured free‐living male mallard Anas platyrhynchos at Abberton in southern Britain showed peak mass gain immediately prior to simultaneous remex moult. Individuals of both sexes were heavier before shedding wing feathers than when flightless confirming literature accounts that show mallard accumulate fat stores in anticipation of moult to contribute to meeting energy needs during remex re‐growth. Over the course of four seasons, males lost 13 17% of initial body mass on average during re‐growth of flight feathers, females 13 23%. Based on energy expenditure of 1.3 times BMR, male mallard were estimated to be able to fulfil 42 60% and females 41 82% of their energy needs throughout moult from stores. Free‐flying male mallard fed ad libitum in a predator‐free environment did not differ in starting body mass or rate of mass loss during wing moult compared to free‐living Abberton birds, suggesting depletion of fat stores, irrespective of available sources of exogenous energy. Based on this evidence, we reject that the hypotheses that mass loss in moulting mallard is due to 1) simple energy stress and 2) restrictions on feeding and consider that 3) attaining the ability to fly at an earlier stage on incompletely grown flight feathers is not the primary factor shaping this trait. Rather, we consider the accumulation and subsequent depletion of fat stores, together with reductions in energy expenditure, enable mallard to re‐grow feathers as rapidly as possible by exploiting habitats that offer safety from predators, but do not necessarily enable them to balance energy budgets during the flightless period of remex feather re‐growth.
Covariation between bill colouration and fitness components in a nocturnal bird
Authors: Avilés Jesús M. , Parejo Deseada
Published: October 2012

Vividly coloured chromatic signals play a key role in social and sexual signalling in diurnal birds, but their role is considered negligible in favour of achromatic (i.e. white, pure grey and black colourations) signals in nocturnal species. Here we studied colour variation and potential signalling of the yellow bill – a trait functioning as sexual signal in diurnal raptors during the breeding season in females of a truly nocturnal raptor, the little owl Athene noctua. We found that yellow‐red chroma of the bill was highly variable between individuals and positively correlated with female fitness prospects (i.e. brood size at fledging). In addition, we found that females with brighter bills were larger in size and produced owlets with a higher mass at fledging. This study suggests that yellow bill colouration in female little owls may potentially play a role in sexual signalling and may constitute the first evidence of chromatic colour signalling in a nocturnal bird.
Body size and coexistence in gamasid mites parasitic on small mammals: null model analyses at three hierarchical scales
Authors: Korallo‐Vinarskaya Natalia P. , Vinarski Maxim V. , Khokhlova Irina S. , Krasnov Boris R.
Published: October 2012

We studied body size ratio in gamasid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) parasitic on Palearctic small mammals at 3 hierarchical scales, namely infracommunities (an assemblage of mites harboured by an individual host), component communities (an assemblage of mites harboured by a host population), and compound communities (an assemblage of mites harboured by a host community). We used null models and asked a) whether body size distributions in these communities demonstrate non‐random patterns; b) whether these patterns indicate segregation or aggregation of body sizes of coexisting species; and c) whether patterns of body size distribution are scale‐dependent, that is, differ among infracommunities, component communities, and compound communities. In most mite assemblages, the observed pattern of body size distribution did not differ from that expected by chance. However, meta‐analyses demonstrated that component and compound communities of gamasid mites consistently demonstrated a tendency to reduced body size overlap, while we did not find any clear trend in mite body size distribution across infracommunities. We discuss reasons for scale‐dependence of body size distribution pattern in parasite communities and propose ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that allowed the reduced body size overlap in component and compound communities of ectoparasites to arise.
Patterns in the abundance of kangaroo populations in arid Australia are consistent with the exploitation ecosystems hypothesis
Authors: Letnic Mike , Crowther Mathew S.
Published: October 2012

The exploitation ecosystems hypothesis (EEH) makes predictions about trophic interactions along gradients of primary productivity. The EEH has been shown to apply to a wide range of terrestrial environments but its applicability to arid environments has received little attention. One reason for this is that arid environments may not satisfy the assumptions of the EEH because dearth of water may limit biological activity in both temporal and spatial contexts. The EEH predicts that herbivore biomass should increase linearly with primary productivity in the absence of predators; but when predators are present herbivore biomass will remain relatively constant due to top down regulation. We tested this prediction in an arid environment using rainfall as a proxy of primary productivity and an index of the abundance of the dominant herbivores (kangaroos Macropus spp.). We compared an index of kangaroo abundance at 18 areas situated along a gradient of mean annual rainfall in areas where a top predator (the dingo Canis lupus dingo) was rare and common. We also explored the relationship between the density of artificial water points (AWPs) and kangaroo abundance to investigate if the resource subsidy provided by AWPs allows kangaroos to persist in high numbers. Consistent with the EEH, kangaroo abundance showed a weak relationship with mean annual rainfall in the presence of dingoes but increased with increasing annual rainfall in the absence of dingoes. The density of AWPs was a poor predictor of kangaroo abundance. Our analysis of macro‐ecological patterns suggests that kangaroo populations are primarily top down regulated in the presence of dingoes, but are bottom up regulated in the absence of dingoes. Our findings provide evidence that top down regulation can prevail over bottom up regulation of herbivore populations in arid ecosystems and highlights the usefulness of the EEH as a predictor of macro‐ecological patterns of species abundance.
How the aphids got their spots: predation drives self‐organization of aphid colonies in a patchy habitat
Authors: Kummel Miroslav , Brown David , Bruder Andrea
Published: October 2012

Using a 30 day time series of aphid Aphis helianthi and coccinellid counts on 107 mapped racemes of Yucca glauca, we demonstrate progressive, predation‐induced self‐organization of aphid colonies on individual racemes into extremely low and extremely high population sizes. This was driven by a two‐attractor structure of density dependence that developed only in the presence of coccinellid predators. Foraging movements of the coccinellids among plants produced a power law relationship (average power = 0.142) between aphid and coccinellid numbers. This resulted in increased predation pressure on mid‐size colonies and decreased predation pressure on small and large populations. A field‐parameterized mathematical model predicts a two‐attractor structure in broad agreement with our observations. The overall system was integrated by the influence of the largest aphid populations, which determined the total number of coccinellids present, and thus the predation pressure throughout the system. Our study provides clear evidence of predator‐driven self‐organization of prey populations in a patchy environment.
Perceived factors which shape decision‐making around the time of residential care admission in older adults: A qualitative study
Authors: Heppenstall Claire P , Keeling Sally , Hanger H Carl , Wilkinson Tim J
Published: October 2012

Aim

To understand the perceived factors that shape decision‐making around the time of residential care admission in older people.

Method

Two qualitative methods (telephone interviews at intervals post discharge from geriatric inpatient care and face‐to‐face interviews with older people and their family carers) were used as part of a multiphase mixed methods study of a cohort of 144 older people discharged from medical wards in a subacute assessment, treatment and rehabilitation facility.

Results

Key topics and themes were derived from interviews: the role of the informal carer and other community supports, attitudes to decision‐making and loneliness were key aspects of social context. Physical health, the experience of repeated hospital admissions and health professionals' attitudes to repeated admissions were also seen as important.

Conclusions

Social context as an essential component of older people's decisions to enter aged residential care is highlighted in this qualitative study.
Not in Australia. Migration, work and age discrimination
Authors: Biggs Simon , Fredvang Marthe , Haapala Irja
Published: October 2012

Perceptions of older people are changing both nationally and internationally, with policy developments that emphasise the value of older workers and the extension of working life to accommodate a longer life‐course. For national economies older workers produce benefits of increasing tax dollars and personal savings and reduce claims on the state through pensions. In terms of migration, older adults bring assets and other benefits generated elsewhere into the host economy, as skilled workers or as active retirees. It has also been argued that older societies may be more productive as a consequence of the contribution of older citizens. Nations that create barriers to older migration, such as is currently the case for Australia, run the risk not only of perpetuating age discrimination, but also of failing to take advantage of population change in a global context. The authors critically examine this area and raise a series of questions for future policy.
Sprague-Dawley and Fischer Female Rats Differ in Acute Effects of Fluoxetine on Sexual Behavior
Authors: Miryala Chandra Suma J. , Hiegel Cindy , Uphouse Lynda
Published: October 2012

Introduction

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine, leads to sexual dysfunction in a substantial proportion of women. In studies with the Fischer inbred rat, the 5-HT1A receptor has been implicated in this sexual dysfunction. Whether this association with 5-HT1A receptors holds for other rat strains is not known.

Aim

The effects of acute fluoxetine on sexual behavior in two strains of rats that differ in their response to a 5-HT1A receptor agonist were examined. Whether the strain difference is comparable in naturally cycling and hormonally primed, ovariectomized rats was determined.

Methods

Proestrous rats and ovariectomized rats, hormonally primed with estradiol benzoate and progesterone, were treated with varying doses of fluoxetine. Sexual behavior was examined before and after treatment with the SSRI.

Main Outcome Measures

Lordosis to mount ratios, lordosis quality, and proceptive behaviors were quantified. Sprague-Dawley and Fischer females were compared on each of these measures. The IC50 for inhibition of lordosis behavior was determined.

Results

In both the intact and the hormonally primed, ovariectomized model, Sprague-Dawley females were less sensitive to the effects of fluoxetine on sexual behavior. In both groups, fluoxetine showed dose dependency in behavioral inhibition, but a higher dose was required for Sprague-Dawley than for Fischer females. Naturally cycling, proestrous rats required a higher dose of fluoxetine than hormonally primed ovariectomized rats to produce significant inhibition of sexual behavior. Thus, the strain difference in the response to fluoxetine does not parallel strain differences in the response to a 5-HT1A receptor agonist.

Conclusions

Acute treatment with fluoxetine inhibits lordosis behavior in both Fischer and Sprague-Dawley females and the strain difference cannot be explained by reported strain differences in the response to a 5-HT1A receptor agonist. Fluoxetine's inhibition of female rat sexual behavior may involve effects of the SSRI in addition to activation of the 5-HT1A receptor.
Perceived Effects of Sexually Explicit Media Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Psychometric Properties of the Pornography Consumption Effects Scale (PCES)
Authors: Hald Gert Martin , Smolenski Derek , Rosser B.R. Simon
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Researchers have proposed that consumption of Sexually Explicit Media (SEM) may not only adversely influence sexual attitudes and behaviors of Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) but (also) play a positive role in the development and sexual education of MSM, be a major source of sexual information for MSM, and provide validation, understanding, and confirmation of MSM's sexual orientation. However, such claims are in urgent need of empirical validation as is the development of psychometrically sound and easily implemented instruments able to reliably assist such validations.

Aims

To investigate how MSM who consume SEM self-perceive the impact of SEM on their sexually-transmitted-infections-related sexual risk behaviors (i.e., anal intercourse), sexual knowledge, enjoyment of sex, interest in sex, attitudes toward sex, and understanding of their sexual orientation. Further, to provide a thorough psychometric validation of a reduced and reworked version of the Pornography Consumption Effects Scale (PCES).

Main Outcome Measure

A revised version of the PCES by Hald and Malamuth.

Methods

Online cross-sectional survey study of 1,333 US adult Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Results

This study found that 97% of MSM reported positive effects of SEM consumption on their sexual knowledge, enjoyment of and interest in sex, attitudes toward sex, and understanding of their sexual orientation. Only 3% reported any negative effects of their SEM consumption. SEM consumption was found to significantly increase consumers' interest in having protected anal intercourse while not significantly influencing their interests in having unprotected anal intercourse. The revised version of the PCES showed excellent psychometric performance.

Conclusion

The study found that MSM generally report positive effects of their consumption of sexually explicit materials in areas related to their sexual knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and orientation. This finding could have important implications for the sexual health and well-being of MSM by suggesting that SEM-based education and intervention might hold considerable overall health potential for MSM.
Expression of Aquaporin Proteins in Vagina of Diabetes Mellitus Rats
Authors: Pei Lijun , Jiang Jun , Jiang Rui , Ouyang Fang , Yang Haifan , Cheng Yong , Fan Zhongcai
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins that facilitate water movement across biological membranes. Vaginal lubrication may be mediated by blood flow and other potential mechanisms related to transudation of fluid. The most common female sexual dysfunction in diabetes is inadequate vaginal lubrication.

Aim

To investigate the expression of AQP1–3 in vaginal tissue of diabetes mellitus rats.

Methods

Female Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 20) were randomly divided into group A (12-week-old nondiabetic control, N = 5), group B (16-week-old nondiabetes control, N = 5), group C (12-week-old diabetes mellitus rats, N = 5), and group D (16-week-old diabetes mellitus rats, N = 5). Vaginal fluid was measured by fluid weight absorbed by cotton swabs after pelvic nerve electrostimulation and anterior vaginal tissue was dissected for determining the expression of AQP1–3 by immunohistochemical study and Western blot.

Main Outcome Measures

The expression of AQP1–3 was determined in the vagina of diabetes mellitus rats by Western blot.

Results

There are no significant differences in serum estradiol concentrations of rats among these groups (P > 0.05). Vaginal fluid was significantly lower in group C (2.7 ± 0.67 mg) and group D (2.5 ± 1.03 mg) than in group A (5.74 ± 1.23 mg) and group B (5.5 ± 1.08 mg) (P < 0.05), respectively. The protein expressions of AQP1–3 were significantly lower in group C (43.40 ± 4.83, 60.60 ± 12.80, and 59.60 ± 6.95) and group D (20.81 ± 2.86, 47.80 ± 11.43, and 54.20 ± 5.26) than in group A (116.62 ± 3.21, 110.81 ± 8.044, and 108.80 ± 4.97) and group B (122.12 ± 14.54, 111.21 ± 15.07, and 106.40 ± 4.16) (P < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusions

Decreased vaginal fluid in diabetes mellitus rats after electrostimulation may be partly due to estrogen-independent decreases of AQP1–3 in vaginal tissue.
Intravenous Alfacalcidol Once Versus Twice or Thrice Weekly in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Alghareeb Abdulrazak , Sabry Alaa , Bawadekji Hassan , Alsaran Khalid
Published: October 2012

Secondary hyperparathyroidism remains a serious problem in hemodialysis patients. The use of vitamin D analogs still constitutes a basis for its treatment. This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous administration of alfacalcidol once versus twice or thrice weekly in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Twenty‐nine end‐stage renal disease patients maintained on hemodialysis for more than one year were included in this prospective study after signing the consent. These patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism had been on intravenous alfacalcidol twice or thrice per week and were followed up to 4 months (stage 1). Then they were shifted to intravenous alfacalcidol once weekly starting with the last total weekly intravenous dose for another 4 months (stage 2). The dose of alfacalcidol was adjusted according to intact parathyroid hormone, serum calcium and phosphorus levels, and calcium‐phosphorus product. Intact parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus, calcium‐phosphorus product were measured monthly. Parathyroid ultrasound was done as a baseline and then repeated at the end of stage 1 and stage 2. The intact parathyroid hormone was reduced from 49.72 ± 2.72 pmol/L (mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM] during stage 1 to 42.13 ± 2.15 pmol/L during stage 2 (P = 0.005). Dose of alfacalcidol was reduced from 18.80 ± 1.15 µg/month (mean ± SEM) in stage 1 to 15.18 ± 1.27 µg/month in stage 2 (P = 0.008), and consequently the cost of alfacalcidol was reduced from 21.05 ± 1.25 US$/month (mean ± SEM) during stage 1 to 16.87 ± 1.40 US$/month during stage 2 (P = 0.008). Although the phosphorus level increased from 1.56 ± 0.36 mmol/L (mean ± SD) in stage 1 to 1.70 ± 0.46 mmol/ L in stage 2 (P = 0.003), and calcium‐phosphorus product increased from 3.48 ± 0.82 mmol2/L2 (mean ± SD) in stage 1 to 3.76 ± 1.00 mmol2/L2 in stage 2 (P = 0.017), they remained in the target levels recommended by the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines. No serious effects were observed during stage 1 and stage 2, respectively. Intravenous alfacalcidol once weekly is effective, safe and less costly in suppressing intact parathyroid hormone compared to twice or thrice weekly administration in chronic hemodialysis patients.
Effect of Timing of the First Cannulation on Survival of Arteriovenous Hemodialysis Grafts
Authors: Feldman Leonid , Shani Michal , Mursi Jabir , Beberashvili Ilia , Bass Arie , Weissgarten Joshua , Rabin Igor
Published: October 2012

The use of an arteriovenous graft as vascular access for hemodialysis is associated with a high rate of patency loss. The influence of timing of the first cannulation of the graft on graft survival has not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate an association between the timing of the first cannulation of the polytetrafluoroethylene arteriovenous graft and the incidence of 12‐month failure. This is a retrospective study on a cohort of chronic hemodialysis patients treated in a single center. According to the time, in weeks, between graft construction and its first successful cannulation, the grafts were divided into six groups: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th or more week after surgery. The primary outcome was primary graft failure at 12 months, defined as the first occurrence of graft thrombosis or any invasive access procedure. The secondary outcome was cumulative graft failure at 12 months, defined as complete loss of the access site for dialysis. Fifty‐eight patients with 64 newly‐created arteriovenous grafts were included in the study. In the whole cohort, the incidence of primary graft failure at 12 months was 72.2%, and the incidence of cumulative graft failure at 12 months was 40.7%. The incidences of primary graft failure and cumulative graft failure at 12 months did not differ significantly between the study groups. In our study, timing of the first cannulation of a new arteriovenous polytetrafluoroethylene graft had no significant impact on graft survival.
Measuring Artificial Recharge with Fiber Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing
Authors: Becker Matthew W. , Bauer Brian , Hutchinson Adam
Published: October 2012

Heat was used as a tracer to measure infiltration rates from a recharge basin. The propagation of diurnal oscillation of surface water temperature into the basin bed was monitored along a transect using Fiber Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (FODTS). The propagation rate was related to downward specific discharge using standard theory of heat advection and dispersion in saturated porous media. An estimate of the temporal variation of heat propagation was achieved using a wavelet transform to find the phase lag between the surface temperature diurnal oscillation and the correlated oscillation at 0.33 and 0.98 m below the bed surface. The wavelet results compared well to a constant velocity model of thermal advection and dispersion during periods of relatively constant discharge rates. The apparent dispersion of heat was found to be due primarily to hydrodynamic mechanisms rather than thermal diffusion. Specific discharge estimates using the FODTS technique also compared well to water balance estimates over a four month period, although there were occasional deviations that have yet to be adequately explained. The FODTS technique is superior to water balance in that it produces estimates of infiltration rate every meter along the cable transect, every half hour. These high resolution measurements highlighted areas of low infiltration and demonstrated the degradation of basin efficiency due to source waters of high suspended solids. FODTS monitoring promises to be a useful tool for diagnosing basin performance in an era of increasing groundwater demand.
Toward Identifying a Broader Range of Social Cognitive Determinants of Dietary Intentions and Behaviors
Authors: Hankonen Nelli , Absetz Pilvikki , Kinnunen Marja , Haukkala Ari , Jallinoja Piia
Published: October 2012

Background: Measurement of social cognitive variables is often restricted to long‐term and health‐related outcomes. A more comprehensive measurement of cognitive determinants would enable evidence‐based design of health behavior interventions with a focus on the most relevant targets. The purpose of this study was to examine the relative impact of different social cognitive determinants on fruit and vegetable (FV) and fast food consumption. Methods: Finnish male conscripts (N = 855, age M = 20) filled in questionnaires on social cognitive factors when entering the military service, and on food consumption frequency after two months. The data were analysed using structural equation modeling. Results: Physical well‐being expectation and bad taste expectation were most strongly related to both FV and fat avoidance intentions. Perceived weight gain risk predicted fat avoidance intention, whereas perceived risk for other health problems predicted FV intention. Social self‐efficacy was associated with FV intention only. Consumption of both FV and fast food was predicted by action planning and intention. Conclusions: A more careful evaluation of subtypes of social cognitions sheds light on the specific content behind motivation. Such understanding might help in designing more effective intervention messages.
A Study of the Use and Interpretation of Standardized Suicide Risk Assessment: Measures within a Psychiatrically Hospitalized Correctional Population
Authors: Horon Robert , McManus Todd , Schmollinger Justine , Barr Tiffany , Jimenez Megan
Published: October 2012

The reliability, validity, and utility of the Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (ASIQ), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS), and Reasons for Attempting Suicide Questionnaire (RASQ) with correctional mental health populations was evaluated. Evidence was found indicating good to excellent reliability for all measures. Each of the measures significantly differentiated multiple attempters from single attempters and nonattempters, providing evidence of convergent and divergent validity. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses revealed strong associations between multiple attempts and the ASIQ, BSS, and RASQ, but not the BHS. Implications for suicide risk assessment processes in correctional settings are discussed.
Adherence to antihypertensives: feasibility of two self-report instruments to investigate medication-taking behaviour in German community pharmacies
Authors: Ude Miriam , Leuner Kristina , Schüssel Katrin , Schulz Martin , Müller Walter E
Published: October 2012

Objective

To design and test the feasibility of two questionnaires in German community pharmacies exploring self-reported adherence to antihypertensives.

Methods

Two self-report questionnaires were designed for patients treated with antihypertensives. The 29-item-questionnaire (long form, LF) was completed by pharmacists interviewing patients who were on the premises filling a prescription. The short form (SF; 19 items) was sent by pharmacies to patients via mail. The acceptance of the instruments by patients and pharmacists as well as the feasibility to measure medication-taking behaviour was investigated. Adherence was investigated by using a modified 5-(LF) or 6-item (SF) Morisky score.

Results

Of 44 community pharmacies contacted, 18 agreed to participate. Patients' response rates were 428/915 (46.8%) for the SF and 249/760 (32.8%) for the LF. One hundred and seventy-nine patients (41.8%) and 70 patients (28.1%) reported adherence problems according to the SF and LF respectively.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to develop a self-report instrument for the detection of non-adherence in patients taking antihypertensives in this setting in Germany. Patients were willing to provide detailed information about their medication-taking behaviour. Underestimation of non-adherence may be more pronounced when applying the questionnaire in the pharmacy.
The Effect of Alkali Ions on the Incorporation of Aluminum in the Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C–S–H) Phase Resulting from Portland Cement Hydration Studied by 29Si MAS NMR
Authors: Skibsted Jørgen , Andersen Morten D.
Published: October 2012

The incorporation of aluminum in the calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) phases formed by hydration of three different white Portland cements has been investigated by 29Si MAS NMR. The principal difference between the three cements is their bulk Al2O3 contents and quantities of alkali (Na+ and K+) ions. 29Si MAS NMR allows indirect detection of tetrahedral Al incorporated in the silicate chains of the C–S–H structure by the resonance from Q2(1Al) sites. Analysis of the relative 29Si NMR intensities for this site, following the hydration for the three cements from 0.5 d to 30 weeks, clearly reveals that the alkali ions promote the incorporation of Al in the bridging sites of the dreierketten structure of SiO4 tetrahedra in the C–S–H phase. The increased incorporation of Al in the C–S–H phase with increasing alkali content in the anhydrous cement is in accord with a proposed substitution mechanism where the charge deficit, obtained by the replacement of Si4+ by Al3+ ions in the bridging sites, is balanced by adsorption/binding of alkali ions in the interlayer region most likely in the near vicinity of the AlO4 tetrahedra. This result is further supported by similar 29Si MAS NMR experiments performed for the white Portland cements hydrated in 0.30M NaOH and NaAlO2 solutions.
Discovery of biomarker combinations that predict periodontal health or disease with high accuracy from GCF samples based on high‐throughput proteomic analysis and mixed‐integer linear optimization
Authors: Baliban Richard C. , Sakellari Dimitra , Li Zukui , Guzman Yannis A. , Garcia Benjamin A. , Floudas Christodoulos A.
Published: October 2012

Aim

To identify optimal combination(s) of proteomic based biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples from chronic periodontitis (CP) and periodontally healthy individuals and validate the predictions through known and blind test sets.

Materials and Methods

GCF samples were collected from 96 CP and periodontally healthy subjects and analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry and the PILOT_PROTEIN algorithm. A mixed‐integer linear optimization (MILP) model was then developed to identify the optimal combination of biomarkers which could clearly distinguish a blind subject sample as healthy or diseased.

Results

A thorough cross‐validation of the MILP model capability was performed on a training set of 55 samples and greater than 99% accuracy was consistently achieved when annotating the testing set samples as healthy or diseased. The model was then trained on all 55 samples and tested on two different blind test sets, and using an optimal combination of 7 human proteins and 3 bacterial proteins, the model was able to correctly predict 40 out of 41 healthy and diseased samples.

Conclusions

The proposed large‐scale proteomic analysis and MILP model led to the identification of novel combinations of biomarkers for consistent diagnosis of periodontal status with greater than 95% predictive accuracy.
Genetic and Lifestyle Predictors of 15‐Year Longitudinal Change in Episodic Memory
Authors: Josefsson Maria , de Luna Xavier , Pudas Sara , Nilsson Lars‐Göran , Nyberg Lars
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To reveal distinct longitudinal trajectories in episodic memory over 15 years and to identify demographic, lifestyle, health‐related, and genetic predictors of stability or decline.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

The Betula Project, Umeå, Sweden.

Participants

One thousand nine hundred fifty‐four healthy participants aged 35 to 85 at baseline.

Measurements

Memory was assessed according to validated episodic memory tasks in participants from a large population‐based sample. Data were analyzed using a random‐effects pattern‐mixture model that considered the effect of attrition over two to four longitudinal sessions. Logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of stability or decline relative to average change in episodic memory.

Results

Of 1,558 participants with two or more test sessions, 18% were classified as maintainers and 13% as decliners, and 68% showed age‐typical average change. More educated and more physically active participants, women, and those living with someone were more likely to be classified as maintainers, as were carriers of the met allele of the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase gene. Less educated participants, those not active in the labor force, and men were more likely to be classified as decliners, and the apolipoprotein E ɛ4 allele was more frequent in decliners.

Conclusion

Quantitative, attrition‐corrected assessment of longitudinal changes in memory can reveal substantial heterogeneity in aging trajectories, and genetic and lifestyle factors predict such heterogeneity.