bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factual argumentation—a core model for assertions making
Authors: Doerr Martin , Kritsotaki Athina , Boutsika Katerina
Published: March 2011

Modeling human argumentation should shed light on how knowledge described in information systems could be better accessed, structured, and used for real life research purposes. Current argumentation models are either not analytical enough or restricted to formal logic. For that purpose, we seek a model of human argumentation in which reasoning may not only consist of falsification or verification but more generally of strengthening or weakening hypotheses, and a way to connect this model to an ontology of the domain of discourse. We have studied examples of factual argumentation in empirical research in archaeology. Based on this and other empirical material, we propose an innovative integrated model of factual argumentation that includes evolution, composition, and revision of arguments. It makes explicit both the processes of argument-making and the states of belief at a particular point in time in a composite inference, and connects explicitly to a domain ontology, free of tacit background knowledge. We have implemented the model in a more restricted form and tested it with published archaeological examples. Future work may generalize the model to other kinds of argumentation.
An empirical investigation of virtual world projects and metaverse technology capabilities
Authors: Owens Dawn , Mitchell Alanah , Khazanchi Deepak , ZIgurs Ilze
Published: March 2011

Metaverses are immersive three-dimensional virtual worlds (VWs) where people interact with each other and their environment, using the metaphor of the real world but without its physical limitations. Unique technology capabilities of metaverses have the potential to enhance the conduct of virtual projects, but little is known about virtual worlds in this context. Virtual project teams struggle in meeting stated project outcomes due to challenges related to communication, shared understanding, and coordination. One way to address these challenges is to consider the use of emerging technologies, such as metaverses, to minimize the impact on virtual project teams. Applying a theoretical foundation for virtual teams in metaverses that includes both technology capabilities and the social interaction that takes place in the metaverse environment, we conducted an empirical investigation of project teams in a virtual world setting. The study examined the interplay of communication, representation, interaction, and team process tools with behaviors that led to role clarity, shared understanding, and coordination. While each individual technology capability contributed to project execution and outcomes, much of the power of the environment emerged through the interplay of social behaviors and technology capabilities. The results have intriguing implications for how metaverse technology capabilities might provide new ways to address gaps in the current research and practice of virtual project management and virtual teams.
Porting with Autotools
Authors: Neville-Neil George
Published: March 2011

A piece of C code I’ve been working on recently needs to be ported to another platform, and at work we’re looking at Autotools, including Automake and Autoconf, to achieve this. The problem is that every time I attempt to get the code building with these tools I feel like a rat in a maze. I can almost get things to build but not quite.
Evaluation of physiology lectures conducted by students: comparison between evaluation by staff and students
Authors: Kommalage Mahinda , Gunawardena Sampath
Published: March 2011

As a peer-assisted learning process, minilectures on physiology were conducted by students. During this process, students lecture to their colleagues in the presence of faculty staff members. These lectures were evaluated by faculty staff and students simultaneously. The aim of this study was to compare feedback from faculty members and students on 66 minilectures conducted by students. Their perception of different qualities of lecture was assessed using a questionnaire. There were significant correlations between students and faculty members for many qualities of the lecture, including the speed of the lecture, retaining attention, clear introduction, and the overall quality of the lecture. However, ratings for gesture, eye contact, language usage, illustration usage, audiovisuals, voice usage, and important points stressed were significantly different between students and faculty members. Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the degree of effect of different aspects of a lecture on its overall quality. Aspects such as gesture, eye contact, and language usage showed very low β-values, suggesting a poor contribution of these factors to the overall quality of the lecture for both students and faculty members. The speed of the lecture, retaining attention, and clear introduction were qualities that faculty members and students rated equally, and these were the main contributors to the overall quality of the lecture. Awareness about the possible discrepancy between ratings given by faculty members and students may be important when interpreting the evaluation results of formal lectures by these two groups.
Neural control of the circulation
Authors: Thomas Gail D.
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this brief review is to highlight key concepts about the neural control of the circulation that graduate and medical students should be expected to incorporate into their general knowledge of human physiology. The focus is largely on the sympathetic nerves, which have a dominant role in cardiovascular control due to their effects to increase cardiac rate and contractility, cause constriction of arteries and veins, cause release of adrenal catecholamines, and activate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. These effects, as well as the control of sympathetic outflow by the vasomotor center in the medulla and the importance of sensory feedback in the form of peripheral reflexes, especially the baroreflexes, are discussed in the context of cardiovascular regulation.
Lung regional stress and strain as a function of posture and ventilatory mode
Authors: Perchiazzi Gaetano , Rylander Christian , Vena Antonio , Derosa Savino , Polieri Debora , Fiore Tommaso , Giuliani Rocco , Hedenstierna Göran
Published: March 2011

During positive-pressure ventilation parenchymal deformation can be assessed as strain (volume increase above functional residual capacity) in response to stress (transpulmonary pressure). The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between stress and strain on the regional level using computed tomography in anesthetized healthy pigs in two postures and two patterns of breathing. Airway opening and esophageal pressures were used to calculate stress; change of gas content as assessed from computed tomography was used to calculate strain. Static stress-strain curves and dynamic strain-time curves were constructed, the latter during the inspiratory phase of volume and pressure-controlled ventilation, both in supine and prone position. The lung was divided into nondependent, intermediate, dependent, and central regions: their curves were modeled by exponential regression and examined for statistically significant differences. In all the examined regions, there were strong but different exponential relations between stress and strain. During mechanical ventilation, the end-inspiratory strain was higher in the dependent than in the nondependent regions. No differences between volume- and pressure-controlled ventilation were found. However, during volume control ventilation, prone positioning decreased the end-inspiratory strain of dependent regions and increased it in nondependent regions, resulting in reduced strain gradient. Strain is inhomogeneously distributed within the healthy lung. Prone positioning attenuates differences between dependent and nondependent regions. The regional effects of ventilatory mode and body positioning should be further explored in patients with acute lung injury.
Upregulation of D2-class signaling in dopamine-denervated striatum is in part mediated by D3receptors acting on CaV2.1 channels via PIP2depletion
Authors: Prieto G. Aleph , Perez-Burgos Azucena , Palomero-Rivero Marcela , Galarraga Elvira , Drucker-Colin Rene , Bargas Jose
Published: March 2011

The loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra compacta followed by striatal dopamine depletion is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. After dopamine depletion, dopaminergic D2receptor (D2R)-class supersensitivity develops in striatal neurons. The supersensitivity results in an enhanced modulation of Ca2+currents by D2R-class receptors. However, the relative contribution of D2R, D3R, and D4R types to the supersensitivity, as well as the mechanisms involved, have not been elucidated. In this study, whole cell voltage-clamp recordings were performed to study Ca2+current modulation in acutely dissociated striatal neurons obtained from rodents with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions in the substantia nigra compacta. Selective antagonists for D2R, D3R, and D4R types were used to identify whether the modulation by one of these receptors experiences a selective change after dopaminergic denervation. It was found that D3R-mediated modulation was particularly enhanced. Increased modulation targeted CaV2.1 (P/Q) Ca2+channels via the depletion of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, an intracellular signaling cascade hard to detect in control neurons and hypothesized as being amplified by dopamine depletion. An imbalance in the striatal expression of D3R and its splice variant, D3nf, accompanied enhanced D3R activity. Because CaV2.1 Ca2+channels mediate synaptic GABA release from the terminals of striatal neurons, reinforcement of their inhibition by D3R may explain in part the profound decrease in synaptic strength in the connections among striatal projection neurons observed in the dopamine-depleted striatum.
Repeated whisker stimulation evokes invariant neuronal responses in the dorsolateral striatum of anesthetized rats: a potential correlate of sensorimotor habits
Authors: Mowery Todd M. , Harrold Jon B. , Alloway Kevin D.
Published: March 2011

The dorsolateral striatum (DLS) receives extensive projections from primary somatosensory cortex (SI), but very few studies have used somesthetic stimulation to characterize the sensory coding properties of DLS neurons. In this study, we used computer-controlled whisker deflections to characterize the extracellular responses of DLS neurons in rats lightly anesthetized with isoflurane. When multiple whiskers were synchronously deflected by rapid back-and-forth movements, whisker-sensitive neurons in the DLS responded to both directions of movement. The latency and magnitude of these neuronal responses displayed very little variation with changes in the rate (2, 5, or 8 Hz) of whisker stimulation. Simultaneous recordings in SI barrel cortex and the DLS revealed important distinctions in the neuronal responses of these serially connected brain regions. In contrast to DLS neurons, SI neurons were activated by the initial deflection of the whiskers but did not respond when the whiskers moved back to their original position. As the rate of whisker stimulation increased, SI responsiveness declined, and the latencies of the responses increased. In fact, when whiskers were deflected at 5 or 8 Hz, many neurons in the DLS responded before the SI neurons. These results and earlier anatomic findings suggest that a component of the sensory-induced response in the DLS is mediated by inputs from the thalamus. Furthermore, the lack of sensory adaptation in the DLS may represent a critical part of the neural mechanism by which the DLS encodes stimulus-response associations that trigger motor habits and other stimulus-evoked behaviors that are not contingent on rewarded outcomes.
Biomolecular Interaction Study of Cyclolinopeptide A with Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Rempel Ben , Gui Bo , Maley Jason , Reaney Martin , Sammynaiken Ramaswami
Published: March 2011

The kinetics, energetics, and structure of Cyclolinopeptide A binding with Human Serum Albumin were investigated with surface plasmon resonance and circular dichroism. The complex is formed through slow recognition kinetics that is temperature sensitive in the range of 20°C–37°C. The overall reaction was observed to be endothermic (ΔH=204 kJmol−1) and entropy driven (ΔS=746 Jmol−1K−1) with overall small changes to the tertiary structure.
The Influence of Education and Home Environment on the Cognitive Outcomes of Preschool Children in Germany
Authors: Biedinger Nicole
Published: March 2011

Educational inequality is a well-established topic among the scientific community in Western countries. Major individual differences emerge well before children arrive at school. Therefore the following analysis deals with the explanation of early differences in cognitive outcomes. However, there is not much research done in Germany. The main question is if the strong effect of the educational background and the home environment on their outcomes and on the improvement exists as well. To test this, data of the project “Preschool Education and Educational Careers among Migrant Children” was used. The results of structural equation models confirm that the home environment and the education of the parents are important for children's outcomes at the age of 3 to 4. In addition both factors also play a major role for the explanation of the improvement of the cognitive abilities. The results show that in Germany the home environment and parental education are important predictors of cognitive abilities. As a main result the study shows that it is very important to control for earlier abilities of the children and to encourage low educated parents to be active with their children, since in that way they can compensate for their lower educational background.
Stability of Rotation Pairs of Cycles for the Interval Maps
Authors: Sun Taixiang , Xi Hongjian , Liang Hailan , He Qiuli , Peng Xiaofeng
Published: March 2011

Let C0(I) be the set of all continuous self‐maps of the closed interval I, and P(u, v) = {f ∈ C0(I) : f has a cycle with rotation pair (u, v)} for any positive integer v > u. In this paper, we prove that if (2mns, 2mnt)⊣(γ, λ), then P(2mns, 2mnt) ⊂   int  P(γ, λ), where m ≥ 0 is integer, n ≥ 1 odd, 1 ≤ s < t with s, t coprime, and 1 ≤ γ < λ.
BioSig: The Free and Open Source Software Library for Biomedical Signal Processing
Authors: Vidaurre Carmen , Sander Tilmann H. , Schlögl Alois
Published: March 2011

BioSig is an open source software library for biomedical signal processing. The aim of the BioSig project is to foster research in biomedical signal processing by providing free and open source software tools for many different application areas. Some of the areas where BioSig can be employed are neuroinformatics, brain-computer interfaces, neurophysiology, psychology, cardiovascular systems, and sleep research. Moreover, the analysis of biosignals such as the electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocorticogram (ECoG), electrocardiogram (ECG), electrooculogram (EOG), electromyogram (EMG), or respiration signals is a very relevant element of the BioSig project. Specifically, BioSig provides solutions for data acquisition, artifact processing, quality control, feature extraction, classification, modeling, and data visualization, to name a few. In this paper, we highlight several methods to help students and researchers to work more efficiently with biomedical signals.
The Animal Model of Spinal Cord Injury as an Experimental Pain Model
Authors: Nakae Aya , Nakai Kunihiro , Yano Kenji , Hosokawa Ko , Shibata Masahiko , Mashimo Takashi
Published: March 2011

Pain, which remains largely unsolved, is one of the most crucial problems for spinal cord injury patients. Due to sensory problems, as well as motor dysfunctions, spinal cord injury research has proven to be complex and difficult. Furthermore, many types of pain are associated with spinal cord injury, such as neuropathic, visceral, and musculoskeletal pain. Many animal models of spinal cord injury exist to emulate clinical situations, which could help to determine common mechanisms of pathology. However, results can be easily misunderstood and falsely interpreted. Therefore, it is important to fully understand the symptoms of human spinal cord injury, as well as the various spinal cord injury models and the possible pathologies. The present paper summarizes results from animal models of spinal cord injury, as well as the most effective use of these models.
Physicians' Colorectal Cancer Screening Discussion and Recommendation Patterns
Authors: Zapka Jane M. , Klabunde Carrie N. , Arora Neeraj K. , Yuan Gigi , Smith Judith Lee , Kobrin Sarah C.
Published: March 2011

Background: Primary care physician (PCP) actions are pivotal to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening performance, and guidelines recommend discussion with patients about test options and potential benefits and harms. This article profiles patterns of discussion about and recommendations for screening and explores potential associations with multilevel factors (patient, clinician, practice, and environment).

Methods: In 2009, we analyzed data from 1,266 physicians responding to the 2006–2007 National Survey of Primary Care Physicians' Recommendations and Practices for Breast, Cervical, Colorectal, and Lung Cancer Screening (absolute response rate = 69.3%; cooperation rate = 75.0%). Descriptive statistics examined physicians' reports of discussion and recommendations. Multivariate analyses assessed the associations of these practices with multilevel factors.

Results: Although few respondents reported discussion of all options, 46% usually discuss more than one option; the vast majority of these respondents discuss fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and colonoscopy (49%) or FOBT, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy (32%). Of physicians who discuss more than one option, a majority reported usually recommending one or more test options, most commonly colonoscopy alone (43%) and FOBT and colonoscopy (43%). Several personal characteristics (specialty), perceived patient characteristics (prefer physician to decide), practice characteristics (geographic location), and community barriers (specialist availability) were independently associated with discussion and/or recommendation patterns.

Conclusions: PCPs do not discuss the full menu of test options, but many report selecting one or two options for discussion and recommendation. To ensure that patients' perspectives and concerns are elicited and considered, patient decision-making approaches should be considered.

Impact: Attention to informed decision making in CRC screening will be important for enhancing patient-centered quality care. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(3); 509–21. ©2011 AACR.
Disclosing Individual CDKN2A Research Results to Melanoma Survivors: Interest, Impact, and Demands on Researchers
Authors: Christensen Kurt D. , Roberts J. Scott , Shalowitz David I. , Everett Jessica N. , Kim Scott Y.H. , Raskin Leon , Gruber Stephen B.
Published: March 2011

Background: Whether to return individual research results from cancer genetics studies is widely debated, but little is known about how participants respond to results disclosure or about its time and cost burdens on investigators.

Methods: We recontacted participants at one site of a multicenter genetic epidemiologic study regarding their CDKN2A gene test results and implications for melanoma risk. Interested participants were disclosed their results by telephone and followed for 3 months.

Results: Among 39 patients approached, 27 were successfully contacted, and 19 (70% uptake) sought results, including three with mutations. Prior to disclosure, participants endorsed numerous benefits of receiving results (mean = 7.7 of 9 posed), including gaining information relevant to their children's disease risk. Mean psychological well-being scores did not change from baseline, and no decreases to melanoma prevention behaviors were noted. Fifty-nine percent of participants reported that disclosure made participation in future research more likely. Preparation for disclosure required 40 minutes and $611 per recontact attempt. An additional 78 minutes and $68 was needed to disclose results.

Conclusion: Cancer epidemiology research participants who received their individual genetic research results showed no evidence of psychological harm or false reassurance from disclosure and expressed strong trust in the accuracy of results. Burdens to our investigators were high, but protocols may differ in their demands and disclosure may increase participants' willingness to enroll in future studies.

Impact: Providing individual study results to cancer genetics research participants poses potential challenges for investigators, but many participants desire and respond positively to this information. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(3); 522–9. ©2011 AACR.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy Does Not Influence Lung Cancer Risk: Results from the California Teachers Study
Authors: Clague Jessica , Reynolds Peggy , Sullivan-Halley Jane , Ma Huiyan , Lacey James V. , Henderson Katherine D. , Ursin Giske , West Dee , Chang Shine , Delclos George L. , Du Xianglin L. , Forman Michele R. , Bernstein Leslie
Published: March 2011

Background: Results from studies examining the association between hormone therapy (HT) and lung cancer risk disagree.

Methods: We examined the associations between HT use and lung cancer risk among 60,592 postmenopausal women enrolled in the prospective California Teachers Study cohort. Between 1995 and 2007, a total of 727 women had a diagnosis of lung cancer. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were fit using age as the time metric.

Results: No measure of HT use was associated with lung cancer risk (all Ptrend values ≥0.4). In addition, no variations in risk by smoking status (never, ever, former, current), type of HT [estrogen (E)-alone, E + progestin (P) use], type of menopause, or lung cancer histology were observed.

Conclusions: Our findings do not support an association between HT and lung cancer.

Impact: This large-scale, prospective study, which capitalizes on the detailed hormone use, smoking history, and type of menopause information available within this unique cohort, was unable to find any association between intake of HT and lung cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(3); 560–4. ©2011 AACR.
Obesity and Thyroid Cancer Risk among U.S. Men and Women: A Pooled Analysis of Five Prospective Studies
Authors: Kitahara Cari M. , Platz Elizabeth A. , Freeman Laura E. Beane , Hsing Ann W. , Linet Martha S. , Park Yikyung , Schairer Catherine , Schatzkin Arthur , Shikany James M. , Berrington de González Amy
Published: March 2011

Background: Thyroid cancer incidence has risen dramatically in the United States since the early 1980s. Although the prevalence of obesity has doubled during this time period, the relationship between obesity and thyroid cancer is uncertain.

Methods: We examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and thyroid cancer risk in a pooled analysis of five prospective U.S. studies, including 413,979 women and 434,953 men. Proportional hazards models with attained age as the time metric were adjusted for education, race, marital status, smoking, alcohol intake, and (where appropriate) cohort and sex.

Results: Over follow-up (mean = 10.3 years), 768 women and 388 men were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The risk of thyroid cancer was greater with increasing BMI [per 5 kg/m2: HR in women, 1.16 (95% CI, 1.08–1.24); HR in men, 1.21 (95% CI, 0.97–1.49)]. There was no significant heterogeneity between studies (both P > 0.05). For women and men combined, the HRs for overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (≥30 kg/m2) compared with normal-weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) were 1.20 (95% CI, 1.04–1.38) and 1.53 (95% CI, 1.31–1.79), respectively. We found no significant effect modification by other factors, and the results did not differ significantly by histologic type. A significant positive association for BMI in young adulthood (ages 18–20) with thyroid cancer risk was also observed [per 5-kg/m2 increase: HR, 1.18 (95% CI, 1.03–1.35)].

Conclusion: BMI was positively associated with thyroid cancer risk in both men and women.

Impact: Our study provides strong evidence that obesity is an independent risk factor for thyroid cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(3); 464–72. ©2011 AACR.
The Analysis of Depression and Subsequent Cancer Risk in Taiwan
Authors: Liang Ji-An , Sun Li-Min , Muo Chih-Hsin , Sung Fung-Chang , Chang Shih-Ni , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: March 2011

Background: Patients with depression are suggestive of having a tendency toward a marginally significant association with the subsequent cancer risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between depression and cancer risk in Taiwan.

Methods: We used the data of the National Health Insurance system of Taiwan to assess this issue. The Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted to estimate the effects of depression on the cancer risk.

Results: In patients with depression, there was no significant change in the risk of developing overall cancer or for the site-specific cancer and all showed the same direction (positive) except for colorectal cancer, which had a negative direction.

Conclusions: This population-based study did not find Taiwanese patients with depression to have a higher risk to develop overall cancer or site-specific cancer.

Impact: Depression does not increase cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(3); 473–5. ©2011 AACR.
Chemoprevention of Intestinal Polyps in ApcMin/+ Mice Fed with Western or Balanced Diets by Drinking Annurca Apple Polyphenol Extract
Authors: Fini Lucia , Piazzi Giulia , Daoud Yahya , Selgrad Michael , Maegawa Shinji , Garcia Melissa , Fogliano Vincenzo , Romano Marco , Graziani Giulia , Vitaglione Paola , Carmack Susanne W. , Gasbarrini Antonio , Genta Robert M. , Issa Jean-Pierre , Boland C. Richard , Ricciardiello Luigi
Published: March 2011

The Western diet (WD) is associated with a higher incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) than the Mediterranean diet. Polyphenols extracted from Annurca apple showed chemopreventive properties in CRC cells. A multifactorial, four-arm study by using wild-type (wt) and ApcMin/+ mice was carried out to evaluate the effect on polyp number and growth of APE treatment (60 μmol/L) ad libitum in drinking water combined with a WD or a balanced diet (BD) for 12 weeks. Compared with APE treatment, we found a significant drop in body weight (P < 0.0001), severe rectal bleeding (P = 0.0076), presence of extraintestinal tumors, and poorer activity status (P = 0.0034) in water-drinking ApcMin/+ mice, more remarkably in the WD arm. In the BD and WD groups, APE reduced polyp number (35% and 42%, respectively, P < 0.001) and growth (60% and 52%, respectively, P < 0.0001) in both colon and small intestine. Increased antioxidant activity was found in wt animals fed both diets and in ApcMin/+ mice fed WD and drinking APE. Reduced lipid peroxidation was found in ApcMin/+ mice drinking APE fed both diets and in wt mice fed WD. In normal mucosa, mice drinking water had lower global levels of DNA methylation than mice drinking APE. APE treatment is highly effective in reducing polyps in ApcMin/+ mice and supports the concept that a mixture of phytochemicals, as they are naturally present in foods, represent a plausible chemopreventive agent for CRC, particularly in populations at high risk for colorectal neoplasia. Cancer Prev Res; 4(6); 907–15. ©2011 AACR.
Quantitative Detection of Serum Survivin and Its Relationship with Prognostic Factors in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: No Jae Hong , Jeon Yong-Tark , Kim Yong-Beom , Song Yong-Sang
Published: March 2011

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the clinical significance of serum survivin in ovarian cancer. Methods: A total of 65 patients with ovarian tumors including 21 epithelial ovarian cancer, 22 benign epithelial ovarian tumor, 13 dermoid cyst and 9 endometrioma cases were investigated. All histologic types of cancer were serous carcinoma except for 1 case of undifferentiated carcinoma. ELISA was employed to evaluate the serum survivin levels. For statistical analysis, we used Fisher’s exact test, Spearman’s correlation coefficient test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the log-rank test and Cox regression analysis. Results: The survivin level was higher in serous ovarian cancer than in benign epithelial tumors with marginal significance. In ovarian cancer, serum survivin was positively correlated with age, advanced stage and poor disease-free survival. Interestingly, high survivin level positivity was associated with positive peritoneal cytology and omental metastasis of ovarian cancer. Conclusions: Our data collectively suggest that serum survivin reflects the peritoneal metastasis of serous ovarian cancer and may thus be useful as a prognostic biomarker.
Anxiety as a Predictor of Improvements in Somatic Symptoms and Health Anxiety Associated with Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention in Hypochondriasis
Authors: Nakao Mutsuhiro , Shinozaki Yasuko , Ahern David K. , Barsky Arthur J.
Published: March 2011

Background: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of hypochondriasis. In this study, we sought to determine whether there was a differential treatment effect for patients with greater levels of anxiety at the outset of treatment. Methods: A total of 182 hypochondriacal participants (139 women, mean = 42.1 years of age) were randomly assigned to a CBT or control group. All participants completed self-report measures of hypochondriasis that exceeded a predetermined threshold on 2 successive occasions. CBT consisted of 6, weekly 90-min sessions. The control subjects received the usual medical care during the same period. Three questionnaires (the Whiteley Index, the Health Anxiety Inventory, and the Somatic Symptom Inventory) were used to assess hypochondriacal symptoms, and the Symptom Checklist 90R was used to assess anxiety and other psychological symptoms. These were administered before the intervention and at 6 and 12 months after the completion of the intervention. Results: Scores on the 3 measures of hypochondriasis were significantly decreased after treatment in the CBT compared with the control group. Anxiety and other psychological symptoms also showed significant reductions in the CBT group. High levels of pretreatment anxiety predicted decreases in the 3 hypochondriasis scores after controlling for the effects of depression, age, sex, educational level, employment status, and marital status. Conclusions: High anxiety at entry into the CBT program predicted a better treatment outcome.
Establishment of Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumor Cells and Investigation of the Mechanism of Cisplatin Resistance Using This Cell Line
Authors: Shibata Kiyosumi , Umezu Tomokazu , Sakurai Maiko , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Yamamoto Eiko , Ino Kazuhiko , Nawa Akihiro , Kikkawa Fumitaka
Published: March 2011

Background: Cisplatin is used as a key drug for ovarian yolk sac tumor (YST), but relapse may occur. Details of the molecular mechanism responsible for cisplatin resistance remain unclear. Methods: We established cisplatin-resistant ovarian YST cells (NOY1-CR) from parent NOY1. To characterize these cells, we examined cross-resistance to other anticancer drugs. Then, cDNA microarray analysis was performed to quantify gene expression in NOY1 and NOY1-CR cells. The expression of several potential genes related to drug resistance was compared with parent cells by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Knockdown experiments using small interfering RNA (siRNA) were also performed to confirm the genetic association with drug resistance. Results: The IC50 for cisplatin of NOY1-CR was 22.3-fold higher than that for parent cells. NOY1-CR cells showed cross-resistance to some drugs, but not to VP-16 and bleomycin. Microarray analysis identified 315 up-regulated and 412 down-regulated genes in NOY1-CR cells. Knockdown of GSTA1, which was up-regulated in resistant cells, by GSTA1 siRNA restored cisplatin sensitivity in NOY1-CR cells. Conclusions: Our data suggest the molecular mechanisms of cisplatin resistance and show the potential for GSTA1 to become a novel therapeutic target for cisplatin-resistant ovarian YST.
Overweight of Adolescent Girls Is Associated with Self-Mutilative Behavior
Authors: Riala K. , Juutinen J. , Hakko H. , Räsänen P. ,   and the STUDY-70 workgroup
Published: March 2011

Background: The purpose of the present study was to examine the association of overweight with suicide ideation, self-mutilative behavior (SMB) and suicide attempts among underage psychiatric inpatient adolescents. Sampling and Methods: Data were collected from 439 adolescents (age = 12–17 years) admitted to psychiatric hospitalization between April 2001 and March 2006. Information on adolescents’ suicidal behavior and psychiatric DSM-IV diagnoses was obtained by using the Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children. An adolescent was defined as overweight if his/her BMI exceeded the 85th percentile BMI in the age- and sex-matched Finnish population. Results: Compared to adolescents without overweight, a 2.5-fold likelihood for SMB was found among overweight girls, but not among boys. Conclusions: Low self-esteem, depression or dysfunctional emotion regulation may be possible mediating factors between overweight and SMB.
Generalized Expectancies for Negative Mood Regulation and Major Depressive Disorder: The Role of Previous Depressive Episodes and Comorbid Mental Disorders
Authors: Pfeiffer Nils , Kaemmerer Annette , Mearns Jack , Catanzaro Salvatore J. , Backenstrass Matthias
Published: March 2011

Background: Generalized expectancies for negative mood regulation (NMR) have important consequences for the ability to regulate negative mood. This study tests two resulting hypotheses. NMR expectancies should correlate with the number of previous depressive episodes. Furthermore, there should be a correlation between NMR expectancies and the number of DSM-IV axis I disorders comorbid to depression. In order to test these hypotheses with an efficient instrument, this article presents the NMR-SF as a short form of the NMR Scale. Methods: During inpatient treatment, a sample of 40 depressed patients was interviewed by a clinical psychologist with the Structural Clinical Interview for DSM-IV to assess the number of previous depressive episodes as well as the number of axis I comorbidities. Patients completed the NMR-SF to measure NMR expectancies. Additionally, a nonclinical sample of 560 participants completed the NMR-SF to test its reliability and validity. Results: The findings indicate that the NMR-SF is reliable and valid. In the clinical sample, NMR expectancies did not correlate significantly with the number of previous depressive episodes. There was a significant correlation between NMR expectancies and the number of comorbid mental disorders. Conclusion: Previous depressive episodes do not seem to result in lower NMR expectancies. The findings are in line with the hypothesis that NMR expectancies are involved in the etiology of mental disorders comorbid to depression.
Long-Term Therapy with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Adherence, Side Effects and Predictors of Withdrawal – A ‘Real-Life’ Study
Authors: Galetke Wolfgang , Puzzo Letizia , Priegnitz Christina , Anduleit Norbert , Randerath Winfried J.
Published: March 2011

Background: Long-term adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment is essential in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Objectives: The aim of the present study was to analyze treatment adherence under real-life conditions and factors associated with discontinuation of PAP therapy. Methods: Patients newly diagnosed with OSAS and started on PAP therapy were contacted by telephone after a minimum of 1 year. Side effects, quality of life, subjective treatment adherence and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores were assessed. Objective treatment adherence was calculated by reading the built-in run time counter of the PAP device. Anthropometric parameters, level of education, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), ESS score and the type of PAP therapy prescribed at the time of the first stay in the sleep lab were collected retrospectively. Results: Median follow-up was 13 months (range 7–18 months). Of 303 patients (69 female, 234 male) available for this study, 191 patients (63%) still used the PAP device regularly (‘users’), while 83 (27.4%) had definitively discontinued PAP treatment (‘nonusers’). In the nonusers group, 29 patients (34.9%) discontinued PAP treatment within the first 3 months. In the users group, subjective PAP usage was 6.6 ± 1.5 h/night and objective adherence was 4.7 ± 2.3 h/night. Objective nightly use of PAP treatment correlated significantly with baseline AHI (r = 0.13, p = 0.041) but not with sex, age, body mass index, ESS score or education level. Patients with a low AHI and ESS score and patients without a coexisting medical condition or with more than two comorbidities tended to discontinue PAP therapy more frequently. Conclusions: PAP treatment adherence has to be optimized in OSAS patients. When initiating PAP therapy, clinicians have to focus on those patients at risk for discontinuing treatment. Education sessions and closer follow-up are possible strategies to improve treatment adherence and to avoid treatment discontinuation.
Adaptive Cytoprotection and the Brain-Gut Axis
Authors: Ko J.K.S. , Cho C.H.
Published: March 2011

Adaptive cytoprotection is a concept to counteract against the gastric mucosal injury caused by stress, strong irritants and drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The process is mediated through diverse mediators and mechanisms. Studies on adaptive cytoprotection began from the discovery of prostaglandin (PG)-dependent and PG-independent pathways, followed by the investigation on the types and concentrations of mild irritants to be used. Upon the confirmation on the importance of the vagus nerve and the vago-vagal pathway in regulating the mucosal protective actions of the mild irritants, individual participating mediators for the neuronal modulatory processes were explored, including peptide neurotransmitters such as calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P. Further correlation with the sympathetic nervous system, the sensory afferent neurons and the enteric nervous system of the gastric mucosa had been made. A close working relationship between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the autonomic nervous system and the enteric nervous system was then proposed, with concurrent regulation of PG, nitric oxide and sensory neuropeptides by different mild irritants. Apart from these conventional concepts, there are now contemporary ideas on newer forms of adaptive cytoprotection such as ischemic preconditioning and heat-shock proteins, which will cast new light to novel approaches in facilitating gastric mucosal protection.
Endocannabinergic Modulation of Interleukin-1β in Mouse Hippocampus under Basal Conditions and after in vivo Systemic Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation
Authors: Csölle Cecília , Sperlágh Beáta
Published: March 2011

Objective: Cannabinoids play an important role in the suppression of proinflammatory cytokine production in the periphery and brain. In this study, we explored whether endogenous activation of cannabinoid (CB) 1 receptors (CB1Rs) affects interleukin (IL)-1β levels in the mouse hippocampus under basal conditions and following stimulation with in vivo bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 250 µg/kg i.p.). Methods: IL-1β levels were determined in the hippocampi of wild-type (WT), CB1R–/– and P2X7 receptor (P2X7R)–/– mice using an ELISA kit. Results: Basal but not LPS-induced IL-1β levels were downregulated when CB1R function was abrogated by genetic deletion, suggesting that endocannabinoids contributed to basal IL-1β content in the mouse hippocampus. AM251 (3 mg/kg i.p.), an antagonist of CB1Rs, also inhibited basal IL-1β protein in WT but not in CB1R–/– mice. In the absence of P2X7R, LPS-induced IL-1β production was lower, while the inhibitory effect of CB1R antagonists on basal IL-1β was significantly attenuated. The LPS-induced elevation in IL-1β production was decreased in the presence of AM251 and AM281, with no significant difference between WT and P2X7R–/– mice. Conclusions: CB1Rs are responsible for the modulation of basal IL-1β levels in the hippocampus, while the effects of CB1 antagonists on systemic LPS-induced IL-1β concentrations are independent of CB1Rs.
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Subclinical Viral and Toxoplasmosis Infections as Aetiology and How They Alter the Clinical Course
Authors: Kikidis Dimitrios , Nikolopoulos Thomas P. , Kampessis Georgios , Stamatiou Georgios , Chrysovergis Aristeidis
Published: March 2011

Aim: To explore in a prospective study the evidence of certain viral and toxoplasmosis infections in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). Methods: 84 consecutive patients with SSHL meeting certain criteria. All patients were assessed for specific IgM antibodies against cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, toxoplasma and Epstein-Barr virus. All were treated with intravenous steroids and assigned to two groups: 76 IgM negative (NV group) and 8 IgM positive (no history of acute infection – V group). Results: The mean hearing level at presentation was 86.5 dB HL (median, 100) in the V group and 60.7 dB HL (median, 61) in the NV group. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.003). The mean hearing level following treatment was 81.8 dB HL (median, 88) in the V group and 48.7 dB HL (median, 39) in the NV group. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.004). There was a considerable improvement in hearing after treatment only in the NV group (p < 0.000001). Conclusions: Recent subclinical viral or toxoplasmosis infections may be involved in the pathogenesis of SSHL (in approx. 10% of cases), suggesting that SSHL is not a single disease. When certain viruses or toxoplasmoses are involved, the hearing is much worse in comparison to patients with no such indication of infection. An alteration in treatment dosage or method of steroid administration may be needed in such cases.
Thrombolysis with Alteplase 4.5–6 Hours after Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhang Bin , Sun Xiao-jiang , Ju Chi-heng
Published: March 2011

Background: The safety of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis when administered between 4.5 and 6 h after acute ischemic stroke with alteplase has not been established. Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the safety of IV alteplase thrombolysis within a 6-hour time frame following ischemic stroke. Methods:Eligible patients were categorized as having treatment within 4.5 h or from 4.5 to 6 h and were evaluated for the following end points: disability at 90 days as measured by the modified Rankin Scale, incidence of mortality, and type 2 parenchymal hemorrhages. Results: 100 patients were enrolled in our study (58 within 4.5 h after stroke and 42 between 4.5 and 6 h). After 90 days, 47.6% of the patients in the 4.5–6 h group reached independence in comparison to 44.8% patients in the 4.5 h group (p = 0.840). The incidence of type 2 parenchymal hemorrhage in the patients treated between 4.5–6 h and those treated within 4.5 h were 7.1 and 8.6%, respectively (p = 1.00). The incidence of mortality was 7.1 and 17.2% for the 4.5–6 and 4.5 h groups, respectively (p = 0.228). Conclusions: IV thrombolysis in patients who fulfill the NINDS study criteria may still be considered up to 6 h after ischemic stroke.
Perivascular Nitric Oxide Delivery to Saphenous Vein Grafts Prevents Graft Stenosis after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Novel Sheep Model
Authors: Abbasi Kyomars , Shalileh Keivan , Anvari Maryam Sotudeh , Rabbani Shahram , Mahdanian Abolfazl , Ahmadi Seyed Hosein , Moshtaghi Naghmeh , Movahedi Namvar , Karimi Abbasali
Published: March 2011

Objectives: Graft stenosis is a major complication of coronary artery bypass grafting with autologous saphenous vein grafts. Nitric oxide (NO) is believed to prevent this phenomenon. We studied the effect of perivascular application of an NO donor on the degree of stenosis of such grafts in an ovine model. Methods: Twenty white Iranian ewes were randomized to coronary artery bypass grafting using autologous saphenous vein grafts with application of an elastomer gel containing diethylenetriamine NO adduct in 0.9% sodium chloride solution around the grafted vessel (intervention group) or with the gel containing the saline solution alone (controls). Graft vessels were studied after 1 year using spot angiography and histological examination. Results: The mean degree of stenosis was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the controls as found by histology (92.3 ± 5.5 vs. 80.9 ± 8.3%; p = 0.004). Although the difference in the angiographic score was not significant, the mean score was still lower in the intervention group (9.5 ± 11.3 vs. 12.0 ± 11.8). Conclusions: Perivascular application of an NO donor was, at least histologically, effective in reducing graft stenosis in our ovine model. This can be a step toward the development of drug-eluting coronary artery bypass grafts.
De novo Generation of an Axially Vascularized Processed Bovine Cancellous-Bone Substitute in the Sheep Arteriovenous-Loop Model
Authors: Beier J.P. , Hess A. , Loew J. , Heinrich J. , Boos A.M. , Arkudas A. , Polykandriotis E. , Bleiziffer O. , Horch R.E. , Kneser U.
Published: March 2011

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to generate an axially vascularized bone substitute. The arteriovenous (AV)-loop approach in a large-animal model was applied in order to induce axial vascularization in a clinically approved processed bovine cancellous bone (PBCB) matrix of significant volume with primary mechanical stability and to assess the course of increasing axial vascularization. Methods: PBCB constructs were implanted into 13 merino sheep together with a microsurgically created AV loop in an isolation chamber. The vascularization process was monitored by sequential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Explants were subjected to micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis, histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry for CD31 and CD45. Results: Increasing axial vascularization in PBCB constructs was quantified by histomorphometry and visualized by micro-CT scans. Intravital sequential MRI scans demonstrated a significant progressive increase in perfused volume within the matrices. Immunohistochemistry confirmed endothelial lining of newly formed vessels. Conclusion: This study demonstrates successful axial vascularization of a clinically approved, mechanically stable bone substitute with a significant volume by a microsurgical AV loop in a large-animal model. Thus microsurgical transplantation of a tissue-engineered, axially vascularized and mechanically stable bone substitute with clinically relevant dimensions may become clinically feasible in the future.