bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dr John McLennan MD (Aberdeen), FRCP (Lond) (1801–1874) and the Medical School of Bombay that failed
Authors: Pandya Sunil K
Published: April 2017

In 1826, Dr John McLennan was asked by Governor Mounstuart Elphinstone of Bombay to set up the first school to teach modern medicine to Indian citizens. He was expected to create textbooks on a variety of subjects in local languages and teach medicine to poorly educated students in their native tongues. Despite his valiant efforts, the school was deemed a failure and was abolished by the Government in 1832. Sir Robert Grant, appointed Governor of Bombay in 1835, analysed records pertaining to this medical school and concluded that the school failed since Dr McLennan was not provided the assistance he needed and as his suggestions for access to a hospital to teach medicine were not heeded. Dr McLennan provided able support to Dr Charles Morehead on his appointment as Principal and Professor of Medicine at the newly created Grant Medical College in Bombay in 1845. Dr Morehead dedicated his classic ‘Clinical researches on diseases in India' to Dr McLennan. Dr McLennan headed the Board of Examiners created to assess the competence of the first batch of medical students emerging from this College. The system of evaluation set up by him remains admirable. Dr McLennan retired from service as Physician-General, full of honours.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhang Haiyang , Zhang Yan , Li Shuang , Wang Xinyi , Wang Xia , Wang Cheng , Liu Bin , Zen Ke , Zhang Chen-yu , Zhang Chunni , Ba Yi
Published: April 2017

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha plays a crucial role in regulating the biosynthesis of mitochondria, which is closely linked to the energy metabolism in various tumors. This study investigated the regulatory role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, the changes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha messenger RNA levels between normal human liver and hepatocellular carcinoma tissue were examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Knockdown of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha was conducted by RNA interference in the human liver cell line L02, while overexpression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha was conducted by adenovirus encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha complementary DNA in the human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. Cellular morphological changes were observed via optical and electron microscopy. Cellular apoptosis was determined by Hoechst 33258 staining. In addition, the expression levels of 21,400 genes in tissues and cells were detected by microarray. It was shown that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha expression was significantly downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma compared with normal liver tissues. After knockdown of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha expression in L02 cells, cells reverted to immature and dedifferentiated morphology exhibiting cancerous tendency. Apoptosis occurred in the HepG2 cells after transfection by adenovirus encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha. Microarray analysis showed consistent results. The results suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha acts as a tumor suppressor in the formation and development of hepatocellular carcinoma and that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha may be a potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Expression of tripartite motif-containing protein 28 in primary breast carcinoma predicts metastasis and is involved in the stemness, chemoresistance, and tumor growth
Authors: Damineni Surekha , Balaji Sai A , Shettar Abhijith , Nayanala Swetha , Kumar Neeraj , Kruthika Banavathy S , Subramanian Kalyanasundaram , Vijayakumar M , Mukherjee Geetashree , Gupta Vaijayanti , Kondaiah Paturu
Published: April 2017

The prediction of who develops metastasis has been the most difficult aspect in the management of breast cancer patients. The lymph node metastasis has been the most useful predictor of prognosis and patient management. However, a good proportion of patients with lymph node positivity remain disease free for 5 years or more, while about a third of those who were lymph node negative develop distant metastasis within the same period. This warrants a robust biomarker(s), preferably gene expression based. In order to elucidate gene-based biomarkers for prognosis of breast cancers, gene expression profiling of primary tumors and follow-up for over 5 years has been performed. The analysis revealed a network of genes centered around the tripartite motif-containing protein 28 as an important indicator of disease progression. Short hairpin RNA–mediated knockdown of tripartite motif-containing protein 28 in breast cancer cells revealed a decreased expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers and increased expression of epithelial markers, decreased migration and invasion, and increased chemosensitivity to doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, and methotrexate. Furthermore, knockdown of tripartite motif-containing protein 28 resulted in the decrease of stemness as revealed by sphere formation assay as well as decreased expression of CD44 and Bmi1. Moreover, tripartite motif-containing protein 28 knockdown significantly reduced the tumor size and lung metastasis in orthotopic tumor xenograft assay in immunocompromised mice. The tumor size was further reduced when these mice were treated with doxorubicin. These data provide evidence for tripartite motif-containing protein 28 as a biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Cytokine evaluation in untreated and radioimmunotherapy-treated tumors in an immunocompetent rat model
Authors: Elgström Erika , Ohlsson Tomas G , Eriksson Sophie E
Published: April 2017

The tumor microenvironment can act so as to stimulate or reject tumor cells. Among the determining factors are cytokines produced, for example, by infiltrating immune cells, tumor cells, and fibroblasts. External radiotherapy has been shown to be able to activate an immune response against tumor cells with cytokine signaling as an important part of the activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytokines present in the tumor microenvironment and whether the cytokine profile changed during tumor regression induced by radioimmunotherapy with the beta emitter 177Lu. Immunocompetent rats with colon carcinoma tumors were injected with 400 MBq/kg 177Lu-mAb, and the tumors were excised after 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 days post injection (4 rats/day on days 1–6 and 8 rats on day 8). Tumors from 10 untreated rats were used as control tissue. The tumors were divided into half: one half was prepared for cytokine analysis with a cytokine array kit and the other half was used for histological analysis. A total of 18 of the 29 cytokines evaluated were detected in this tumor model, and the majority of these act in a pro-inflammatory manner or stimulate the infiltration of immune cells. The differences between treated tumors and control tumors were small, thus the cytokine profile in the untreated tumors did not transfer to an anti-inflammatory profile during tumor regression induced by radioimmunotherapy with 177Lu. Histological evaluation demonstrated a heterogeneous pattern of ongoing cell death and the formation of granulation tissue.
Protocadherin 7 inhibits cell migration and invasion through E-cadherin in gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Hong-Fang , Ma Ran-Ran , He Jun-Yi , Zhang Hui , Liu Xiao-Ling , Guo Xiang-Yu , Gao Peng
Published: April 2017

The protocadherin 7 is a member of the protocadherin family that expressed aberrantly in many types of human cancers. However, its expression, function, and underlying mechanisms are little known in gastric cancer. In this study, we detected protocadherin 7 expression in gastric cancer tissues and non-tumorous gastric mucosa tissues by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The association of protocadherin 7 expression with the clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis was subsequently analyzed. MTS ((3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium)) and transwell assays were performed to assess the effect of protocadherin 7 on proliferation, migration, and invasion in gastric cancer cell lines. Moreover, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to detect the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers. Protocadherin 7 expression was decreased gradiently from normal tissue to gastric cancer, especially in gastric cancer tissue with lymph node metastasis. Low expression of protocadherin 7 was significantly associated with Lauren’s classification ( p = 0.0005), lymph node metastases ( p = 0.0002), and tumor node metastasis stage ( p = 0.0221), as well as poor prognosis ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, down-regulation of protocadherin 7 in gastric cancer cell lines significantly increased their migration and invasion abilities (both p < 0.05), while it had no influence on the gastric cancer cell proliferation ( p > 0.05). Additionally, our results demonstrated that E-cadherin expression was down-regulated in gastric cancer cells with protocadherin 7 depletion. Our data indicated that protocadherin 7 may play important roles in the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer, and protocadherin 7 could suppress cell migration and invasion through E-cadherin inhibition. Protocadherin 7 can serve as a novel biomarker for diagnostic and prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.
Long non-coding RNA colon cancer–associated transcript 1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate cyclin-dependent kinase 1 expression by sponging miR-490-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Dou Chunqing , Sun Liyuan , Jin Xin , Han Mingming , Zhang Bao , Li Tao
Published: April 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma is an aggressive neoplasm and is one of the most common human cancers. Recently, long non-coding RNAs have been demonstrated to participate in pathogenesis of many diseases including the progression in several cancers. In this study, we found that the long non-coding RNA colon cancer–associated transcript 1 was upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues (p < 0.05), and high colon cancer–associated transcript 1 expression level was positively associated with tumor volume (p < 0.05) and American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (p < 0.05) in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Luciferase reporter assays and RNA-pulldown assays showed that colon cancer–associated transcript 1 is a target of miR-490-3p. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis indicated that colon cancer–associated transcript 1 regulated cyclin-dependent kinase 1 expression as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging miR-490-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Furthermore, colon cancer–associated transcript 1 silencing decreased hepatocellular carcinoma cells proliferation and invasion and overexpression promoted cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. These data demonstrated that the colon cancer–associated transcript 1/miR-490-3p/cyclin-dependent kinase 1 regulatory pathway promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Inhibition of colon cancer–associated transcript 1 expression may be a novel therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Identification and validation of a novel autophagy gene expression signature for human bladder cancer patients
Authors: Eissa Sanaa , Matboli Marwa , Awad Nahla , Kotb Yousif
Published: April 2017

We sought to identify and validate a novel urinary autophagy transcript signature in patients with bladder cancer and evaluate its clinical utility. We performed an initial screening for seven autophagy transcript–based panel (autophagy-related protein 12 (ATG12); WD repeat domain, phosphoinositide interacting 2 (WIPI2); FYVE and coiled-coil domain-containing protein 1 (FYCO1); microtubule-associated protein light chain (MAPLC3); RB1-inducible coiled-coil 1 (RB1CC1); tachylectin-II-like beta-propeller domain 1 (TECPR1); and Unc-51-like kinase (ULK1)) that was identified based on bioinformatics analysis followed by SYBR Green–based polymerase chain reaction array validation in paired tissue and urine samples. Afterward, we evaluated the expression of differentially expressed autophagy transcripts in an independent validation set with reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in urine sediments of 140 patients with bladder cancer, 68 patients with benign urological lesions, and 74 healthy controls (age and sex matched). The expression levels of ATG12, FYCO1, TECPR1, and ULK1 in paired bladder tissue and urine samples were significantly lower in bladder cancer than in control group (p < 0.001). In the validation set, the receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses demonstrated that each urinary autophagy transcripts showed high sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing bladder cancer from non–bladder cancer patients (ATG12, 75.4% and 86.1%; FYCO1, 87% and 75.7%; ULK1, 85.5% and 75.6%; and TECPR1, 90% and 81.9%). We document and validate a novel autophagy transcript signature for human bladder cancer diagnosis: bilharzial and non-bilharzial types.
Bovine leukemia virus seroprevalence among cattle presented for slaughter in the United States
Authors: Bauermann Fernando V. , Ridpath Julia F. , Dargatz David A.
Published: April 2017

Infection with bovine leukemia virus (BLV) results in economic loss because of reduced productivity, especially reduced milk production, and early culling. In the United States, studies in 1996, 1999, and 2007 showed BLV infection to be widespread, especially in dairy herds. We updated information herein on BLV seroprevalence in the United States, using samples submitted for testing and found negative for antibodies for Brucella by the Kentucky Eastern Regional Federal Brucellosis Laboratory. From October 2014 through August 2015, 2,000 samples from all regions of the contiguous United States were selected and tested for BLV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall percentage of samples positive for BLV antibody was 38.6%. Based on the animal’s origin, the percent positive by region ranged from 32.5% (Mountain West region) to 54.3% (Northeast region; p < 0.05). The positive rate for slaughter plants that processed mainly dairy animals (dairy plants; 47.6%) was higher than the positive rate at slaughter plants that processed mainly beef animals (beef plants; 33.6%; p < 0.05). The results suggest that BLV infection remains widespread in all regions of the United States and that rates may differ between beef and dairy cattle.
Severe brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome is associated with hypercoagulability in dogs
Authors: Crane Courtney , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Abelson Amanda L. , deLaforcade Armelle
Published: April 2017

We evaluated whether dogs with severe brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) developed a hypercoagulable state similar to people with obstructive sleep apnea. Five dogs with grade 3 BOAS were included as well as 5 healthy control Labrador Retrievers. Venous blood samples were collected from each dog for performance of thromboelastography and determination of hematocrit and platelet count. Groups were compared using a t-test, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Thromboelastography results identified that all BOAS dogs were hypercoagulable compared to the Labradors, having significantly shortened clotting time with increased angle, maximal amplitude, and clot rigidity. BOAS dogs also had evidence of delayed fibrinolysis. These results are consistent with, but more severe than, those previously documented in apparently healthy Bulldogs. Together, these findings support the presence of a hypercoagulable state in brachycephalic dogs, and suggest that this state is amplified by increasing severity of BOAS.
Detection of Brucella canis infection in dogs by blood culture and bacterial identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Purvis Tanya J. , Krouse Donna , Miller Dawn , Livengood Julia , Thirumalapura Nagaraja R. , Tewari Deepanker
Published: April 2017

Brucella canis was recovered from dogs that were canine brucellosis suspect by blood culture using a modified lysis method. Organism identity was established by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The instrument-provided security library identified the isolates as Brucella species. The isolates were further identified as B. canis with the help of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. The mass spectral profiles from characterized B. canis isolates, when added to the MALDI-TOF MS standard reference library, allowed successful presumptive identification of B. canis.
Expression of Glut-1 in Normal Endometrium and Endometrial Lesions: Analysis of 336 Cases
Authors: Němejcová Kristýna , Rosmusová Jana , Bártů Michaela , Důra Miroslav , Tichá Ivana , Dundr Pavel
Published: April 2017

Background: Glucose transporter-1 (Glut-1) is a membrane glycoprotein that is, together with other glucose transporters, responsible for the regulation of glucose uptake. An increased expression of this protein seems to be a general feature of several malignant tumors that are able to reprogram their metabolism and switch from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis. Methods: We performed comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis of Glut-1 expression in 336 endometrial samples, including tumors, nontumor lesions, and normal tissues. Results: Expression of Glut-1 was found in 87% of endometrioid carcinomas (160/184 cases), 100% of serous carcinomas (29/29 cases), 100% of clear cell carcinomas (17/17 cases), 50% of polyps with atypical hyperplasia (8/16 cases), 12.5% of polyps with non-atypical hyperplasia (3/24 cases), 77% of hyperplasias with atypias (10/13 cases), 9% of hyperplasias without atypias (1/11 cases), 87% of secretory endometrium samples (13/15 cases), and in none of the nonsecretory endometrium samples (0/27 cases). In endometrioid carcinomas, Glut-1 was expressed in a marked geographical pattern. In nontumor lesions, its expression was more common in atypical hyperplasia and polyps with atypical hyperplasia compared with polyps with non-atypical hyperplasia and hyperplasias without atypia ( P = .00032). Conclusion: Our study confirms the high expression of Glut-1 not only in endometrioid carcinomas but also in other carcinomas of endometrium including clear cell and serous types. Glut-1 expression can be used as a surrogate marker in differential diagnosis between hyperplasia with and without atypia. Because of common Glut-1 expression in malignant tumors, therapeutic strategies influencing this protein or its signaling pathways can be beneficial.
Water Clear Cell Adenoma of the Parathyroid Gland: A Forgotten Cause of Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: El Hussein Siba , Poppiti Robert
Published: April 2017

Water clear cell adenoma of the parathyroid gland is a rare neoplasm composed of large clear cells with foamy cytoplasm and mild nuclear pleomorphism, compressing the residual nonneoplastic parathyroid tissue. The differential diagnosis includes a variety of neoplasms with clear cell features. In this article, we provide an overview of the entity with a historical perspective, in order to help pathologists in distinguishing it from other neoplasms in their daily practice.
Argon Exposure Induces Postconditioning in Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion
Authors: Lemoine Sandrine , Blanchart Katrien , Souplis Mathieu , Lemaitre Adrien , Legallois Damien , Coulbault Laurent , Simard Christophe , Allouche Stéphane , Abraini Jacques H. , Hanouz Jean-Luc , Rouet René , Sallé Laurent , Guinamard Romain , Manrique Alain
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose:

Cardioprotection against ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) damages remains a major concern during prehospital management of acute myocardial infarction. Noble gases have shown beneficial effects in preconditioning studies. Because emergency proceedings in the context of myocardial infarction require postconditioning strategies, we evaluated the effects of argon in such protocols on mammalian cardiac tissue.

Experimental Approaches:

In rat, cardiac I/R was induced in vivo by transient coronary artery ligature and cardiac functions were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Hypoxia–reoxygenation (H/R)-induced arrhythmias were evaluated in vitro using intracellular microelectrodes on both rat-isolated ventricle and a model of border zone in guinea pig ventricle. Hypoxia–reoxygenation loss of contractile force was assessed in human atrial appendages. In those models, postconditioning was induced by 5 minutes application of argon at the time of reperfusion.

Key Results:

In the in vivo model, I/R produced left ventricular ejection fraction decrease (24%) and wall motion score increase (36%) which was prevented when argon was applied in postconditioning. In vitro, argon postconditioning abolished H/R-induced arrhythmias such as early after depolarizations, conduction blocks, and reentries. Recovery of contractile force in human atrial appendages after H/R was enhanced in the argon group, increasing from 51% ± 2% in the nonconditioned group to 83% ± 7% in the argon-treated group ( P < .001). This effect of argon was abolished in the presence of wortmannin and PD98059 which inhibit prosurvival phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and MEK/extracellular receptor kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), respectively, or in the presence of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore opener atractyloside, suggesting the involvement of the reperfusion injury salvage kinase pathway.

Conclusion and Implications:

Argon has strong cardioprotective properties when applied in conditions of postconditioning and thus appears as a potential therapeutic tool in I/R situations.
Potato Chips, Cookies, and Candy Oh My! Public Commentary on Proposed Rules Regulating Competitive Foods
Authors: Dinour Lauren M. , Pole Antoinette
Published: April 2017

Background. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish nutritional standards for all foods sold in schools participating in federally funded meal programs. These foods, known as competitive foods, are commonly found in school cafeterias, vending machines, fundraisers, and snack bars and are associated with unhealthy dietary patterns. However, little is known about the regulatory process and opportunities for public participation to improve school food. Aims. This study investigates public commentary on the USDA’s proposed rules governing competitive foods in schools. Methods. On February 8, 2013, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service solicited public comments via Regulations.gov. A corpus of 247,871 public comments was obtained. Duplicate and near-duplicate comments were removed resulting in 3,032 unique comments. Two researchers content analyzed 10% of the sample, removing nonrelevant comments ( n = 249). Results. A majority of commenters are women, and mention their affiliation. Comments tend to be short, and exhibit low levels of complexity. An overwhelming majority of comments expressed concerns about the public health of youth vis-à-vis the new rule, whereas a small but vocal minority opposed the rule for financial and labor reasons and/or opposition to further government regulation. Discussion. Commentary on proposed rules should be specific, avoiding off-topic remarks. Commenters should be strategic, include their credentials, and provide a rationale for their position. Conclusion. The rules governing competitive foods are poised to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic, and public commentary may shape these rules.
Sternocostoclavicular Hyperostosis: An Insufficiently Recognized Clinical Entity
Authors: Sugase Taro , Akimoto Tetsu , Kanazawa Hidenori , Kotoda Atsushi , Nagata Daisuke
Published: April 2017

A 79-year-old male chronic hemodialysis patient with no history of central venous catheterization was referred to our hospital with progressive swelling of the left upper limb ipsilateral to a forearm arteriovenous fistula. Radiological assessments revealed marked hyperostosis in the ribs, sternum, and clavicles with well-developed ossification of the sternocostoclavicular ligaments. Such characteristic structural abnormalities and our failure to identify the left subclavian vein with contrast material despite the abundant dilated collaterals in the left shoulder area encouraged us to diagnose our patient with sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis (SCCH) complicated by central vein obstruction. The structural impact of the sternocostoclavicular region as a potential risk for inducing central vein obstruction and the diagnostic concerns of SCCH in this patient are also discussed.
BCR-ABL V280G Mutation, Potential Role in Imatinib Resistance: First Case Report
Authors: Azevedo Ana P , Reichert Alice , Afonso Celina , Alberca Maria D , Tavares Purificação , Lima Fernando
Published: April 2017

Introduction:

The identification of BCR-ABL expression as the defining leukemogenic event in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and the introduction of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors in 2001 have revolutionized disease management, leading to a reduction in mortality rates and accordingly an increase in the estimated prevalence of CML.

Case report:

Based on medical records and clinical follow-up, the authors present the case of a Philadelphia chromosome–positive CML patient who developed resistance to imatinib. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing revealed a V280G BCR-ABL mutation.

Discussion and conclusions:

This is the first report describing a new BCR-ABL kinase domain mutation—V280G—that might be associated with resistance to imatinib. Approximately 15% to 30% of patients treated with imatinib discontinue treatment due to resistance or intolerance. More than 90 BCR-ABL mutations were detected so far, conferring variable degrees of drug resistance, with consequent clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic impact.
Role of Transporters in Central Nervous System Drug Delivery and Blood-Brain Barrier Protection: Relevance to Treatment of Stroke
Authors: Brzica Hrvoje , Abdullahi Wazir , Ibbotson Kathryn , Ronaldson Patrick T
Published: April 2017

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. The only approved pharmacologic treatment for ischemic stroke is thrombolysis via recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA). A short therapeutic window and serious adverse events (ie, hemorrhage, excitotoxicity) greatly limit r-tPA therapy, which indicates an essential need to develop novel stroke treatment paradigms. Transporters expressed at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) provide a significant opportunity to advance stroke therapy via central nervous system delivery of drugs that have neuroprotective properties. Examples of such transporters include organic anion–transporting polypeptides (Oatps) and organic cation transporters (Octs). In addition, multidrug resistance proteins (Mrps) are transporter targets in brain microvascular endothelial cells that can be exploited to preserve BBB integrity in the setting of stroke. Here, we review current knowledge on stroke pharmacotherapy and demonstrate how endogenous BBB transporters can be targeted for improvement of ischemic stroke treatment.
Secondary school students’ preferences for popular music and perceptions of popular music learned in school music education in Mainland China
Authors: Ho Wai-Chung
Published: April 2017

This study examined popular music and school music education as cultural constructs of teenage students amid the shifting cultural and social dynamics of contemporary China. Data were drawn from questionnaires completed by 6,780 secondary students (mainly ages 12 through 17) from three cities—Beijing, Changsha, and Shanghai. The survey results revealed the extent of Chinese youths’ preferences for a variety of popular music styles in their daily lives, the relationship between their preference for popular idols and their music learning, and their views on learning popular music in school music education. The discussion in this article focuses on the dynamics of teaching popular music and learning other music styles (not limited to either popular or classical music) within the school environment in relation to teenage students’ daily music experiences and school music learning, school music teachers, and teacher education in contemporary China.
Presidential coattails in coalitional presidentialism
Authors: Borges André , Turgeon Mathieu
Published: April 2017

Research on presidential coattails in elections has focused nearly exclusively on two-party systems like the United States. Much less is known, however, about presidential coattails in multiparty systems where electoral and governing coalitions are common currency. Under coalitional presidentialism, we argue that presidential coattails are diffused, benefiting the president’s party but also her coalition party members, especially those most strongly associated with the coalition itself. Using electoral data from Chile and Brazil, two widely studied but distinct cases of coalitional presidentialism, we find strong evidence supporting this claim. The results carry important implications for students of coalitional presidentialism, presidential coattails, and party systems, more generally.
Macroeconomic Effects of Monetary Policy Shocks
Authors: Abeygunawardana Kishan , Amarasekara Chandranath , Tilakaratne C. D.
Published: April 2017

This study examines the impact of monetary policy shocks on output, prices and interest rates in Sri Lanka during the period 2003–2012. It finds a strong transmission of policy rate shocks onto the money market rates and the government securities market yields. However, banking sector interest rates exhibit a smaller and slower impact compared to money and government securities market rates. The study also finds a weak policy interest rate transmission onto the real sector and prices. The direction of relationships between variables and policy shocks is in conformity with the existing theoretical and empirical priors. The existence of a large informal economy, volatile excess market liquidity, shallowness of financial markets, relatively less flexible interest rates on deposit and loan products, and fiscal accommodation by monetary policy at times are identified as reasons for weak transmission.
Effects of a nine-month occupational intervention on health-related quality of life
Authors: Ojala Birgitta , Nygård Clas-Håkan , Huhtala Heini , Nikkari Seppo T.
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of vocationally outpatient oriented rehabilitation on an intervention group, compared with a control group that did not take part in the intervention. The groups were compared for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) by the quantitative indicator RAND 36. Data were obtained by a self-report at baseline and at nine months follow-up. Differences between base-line and follow-up were analyzed within group and between the groups. The study population consisted of 751 municipal employees aged between 26 and 64 years; an intervention with 463 women and 115 men ( n = 578), and a control group with 138 women and 35 men ( n = 173). In this study we focused on those who had answered to all questions in RAND 36, thus 581 remained. Of these, 388 were in the intervention group (mean age 49.0 years) and 110 in the control group (mean age 48.4 years). Intervention was based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Participants in the 9-month outpatient intervention group showed statistically significant increase in all eight RAND 36 areas. Most improvement was seen in the psychosocial functioning index ( p = 0.002). Although there were no statistically significant changes in RAND 36 components in the control group, difference in changes between groups were seen in energy and fatigue ( p < 0.001), social functioning ( p = 0.032) and general health perceptions 0.027 in favor of the intervention group. The results suggest that a cognitive behavioral intervention as an early rehabilitation program is effective in increasing employees’ quality of life, as measured by RAND 36.
Prevalence of loneliness over ten years among the oldest old
Authors: Nyqvist Fredrica , Cattan Mima , Conradsson Mia , Näsman Marina , Gustafsson Yngve
Published: April 2017

Aims: This study examined the prevalence of loneliness among the oldest old within a 10-year period and studied the influence of various sociodemographic, social and health characteristics on loneliness. Methods: The study used population-based data from the Umeå85+/GErontological Regional DAtabase-study (GERDA) for the years 2000–2002, 2005–2007 and 2010–2012 including 85-year-old, 90-year-old and ⩾95-year-old participants. A final sample of 304 participants in 2000–2002, 329 participants in 2005–2007 and 401 participants in 2010–2012 was included in the analyses. Results: Although the level of loneliness was already high in 2000–2002 (49.3% reported frequent loneliness), the results showed limited changes in loneliness during the 10-year study period. Loneliness was closely related to living alone, depressive symptoms and living in institutional settings. Conclusions: Although societal changes such as solitary living and growing urbanization suggest a changing trend in loneliness, we found that the prevalence of loneliness was relatively stable in this study. Nevertheless, loneliness is common among the oldest old and a focus on social issues related to living arrangements and on depressive symptoms is important in understanding loneliness.
Towards a postponement of activities of daily living dependence and mobility limitations: Trends in healthy life years in old age in Sweden
Authors: Lagergren Mårten , Johnell Kristina , Schön Pär , Danielsson Maria
Published: April 2017

Aims: To investigate the development of healthy life expectancy from 65 years (HLE65) in Sweden in the period 1980–2011 using the health indicators activities of daily living (ADL) and mobility limitations within the framework of the postponement, compression and expansion theories. Methods: Sources of data for the HLE computations were Swedish national mortality statistics and the nationwide Swedish Surveys of Living Conditions, conducted biennially by Statistics Sweden since 1974. We used the Sullivan method for calculations of HLE and a decomposition into mortality and disability effects was made. Results: Life expectancy at age 65 (LE65) increased by 3.1 years for women and 4.0 years for men from 1980–1985 to 2006–2011. HLE65 calculated according to ADL and mobility limitations increased more rapidly than LE65 for both men and women ( p<0.05). Conclusions: Our results for trends in the Swedish LE65 and HLE65, computed on the basis of ADL and mobility limitations and using the Swedish Surveys of Living Conditions study, are in line with the postponement hypothesis and there is also a tendency for compression. Thus the years with ADL dependence and mobility limitations are postponed to a higher age and the numbers of these years have decreased.
Job satisfaction is more than a fruit basket, health checks and free exercise: Cross-sectional study among 10,000 wage earners
Authors: Andersen Lars L. , Fishwick David , Robinson Edward , Wiezer Noortje M. , Mockałło Zofia , Grosjean Vincent
Published: April 2017

Aim: Workers who are satisfied with their job are the cornerstones of healthy and productive companies. This study investigated factors associated with job satisfaction in the general working population. Methods: From the 2010 round of the Danish Work Environment Cohort Study, currently employed wage earners ( N=10,427) replied to questions about work, lifestyle and health. Multinomial logistic regression controlled for sex, age, job group, smoking, body mass index, chronic disease and general health assessed the association between work factors and job satisfaction (very satisfied and satisfied, respectively, with unsatisfied as reference). Results: Psychosocial work factors – social support from superiors, social support from colleagues and influence at work – had the strongest association with job satisfaction. For example, for high social support from superiors, the odds ratio (OR) for being very satisfied with the job was 12.35 (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.71–17.51). With sedentary work as reference, the OR for being very satisfied with the job for ‘standing and walking work that is not strenuous’ was 1.57 (95% CI 1.06–2.33), while the opposite was seen for ‘heavy and strenuous work’ with an OR of 0.34 (95% CI 0.18–0.62). Only two out of five types of workplace health-promotion offers (physical exercise and healthy diet) were associated with job satisfaction. For example, for offers of physical exercise the OR for being very satisfied with the job was 1.84 (95% CI 1.33–2.55). Conclusions: While psychosocial work factors and to some extent physical work demands are important for job satisfaction, workplace health-promotion offers appear to play a minor role.
Public Mood, Previous Electoral Experience, and Responsiveness Among Federal Circuit Court Judges
Authors: Owens Ryan J. , Wohlfarth Patrick C.
Published: April 2017

Whether public opinion influences federal judges is a question that has long motivated—but often eluded—scholars. In this article, we examine two related questions: First, whether federal circuit court judges respond to circuit-level public opinion and, second, whether judges with extensive past elected political experience are even more responsive. The data show that circuit judges indeed respond to public opinion. The results also suggest that judges with greater past elected political experience may be more responsive. The results have implications for democratic control of the unelected judiciary, and suggest that appointing judges with electoral experience could, for better or worse, lead to a more majoritarian judiciary.
Simultaneous Assessment of the Efficacy and Toxicity of Marine Mollusc–Derived Brominated Indoles in an In Vivo Model for Early Stage Colon Cancer
Authors: Esmaeelian Babak , Benkendorff Kirsten , Le Leu Richard K. , Abbott Catherine A.
Published: April 2017

The acute apoptotic response to genotoxic carcinogens animal model has been extensively used to assess the ability of drugs and natural products like dietary components to promote apoptosis in the colon and protect against colorectal cancer (CRC). This work aimed to use this model to identify the main chemopreventative agent in extracts from an Australian mollusc Dicathais orbita, while simultaneously providing information on their potential in vivo toxicity. After 2 weeks of daily oral gavage with bioactive extracts and purified brominated indoles, mice were injected with the chemical carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM; 10 mg/kg) and then killed 6 hours later. Efficacy was evaluated using immunohistochemical and hematoxylin staining, and toxicity was assessed via hematology, blood biochemistry, and liver histopathology. Comparison of saline- and AOM-injected controls revealed that potential toxic side effects can be interpreted from blood biochemistry and hematology using this short-term model, although AOM negatively affected the ability to detect histopathological effects in the liver. Purified 6-bromoisatin was identified as the main cancer preventive agent in the Muricidae extract, significantly enhancing apoptosis and reducing cell proliferation in the colonic crypts at 0.05 mg/g. There was no evidence of liver toxicity associated with 6-bromoisatin, whereas 0.1 mg/g of the brominated indole tyrindoleninone led to elevated aspartate aminotransferase levels and a reduction in red blood cells. As tyrindoleninone is converted to 6-bromoisatin by oxidation, this information will assist in the optimization and quality control of a chemopreventative nutraceutical from Muricidae. In conclusion, preliminary data on in vivo safety can be simultaneously collected when testing the efficacy of new natural products, such as 6-bromoisatin from Muricidae molluscs for early stage prevention of colon cancer.
Assessment and provision of rehabilitation among patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke in China: Findings from the China National Stroke Registry II
Authors: Bettger Janet Prvu , Li Zixiao , Xian Ying , Liu Liping , Zhao Xingquan , Li Hao , Wang Chunxue , Wang Chunjuan , Meng Xia , Wang Anxin , Pan Yuesong , Peterson Eric D , Wang Yilong , Wang Yongjun
Published: April 2017

Background

Stroke rehabilitation improves functional recovery among stroke patients. However, little is known about clinical practice in China regarding the assessment and provision of rehabilitation among patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Aims

We examined the frequency and determinants of an assessment for rehabilitation among acute ischemic stroke patients from the China National Stroke Registry II.

Methods

Data for 19,294 acute ischemic stroke patients admitted to 219 hospitals from June 2012 to January 2013 were analyzed. The multivariable logistic regression model with the generalized estimating equation method accounting for in-hospital clustering was used to identify patient and hospital factors associated with having a rehabilitation assessment during the acute hospitalization.

Results

Among 19,294 acute ischemic stroke patients, 11,451 (59.4%) were assessed for rehabilitation. Rates of rehabilitation assessment varied among 219 hospitals (IQR 41.4% vs 81.5%). In the multivariable analysis, factors associated with increased likelihood of a rehabilitation assessment ( p < 0.05) included disability prior to stroke, higher NIHSS on admission, receipt of a dysphagia screen, deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, carotid vessel imaging, longer length of stay, and treatment at a hospital with a higher number of hospital beds (per 100 units). In contrast, patients with a history of atrial fibrillation and hospitals with higher number of annual stroke discharges (per 100 patients) were less likely to receive rehabilitation assessment during the acute stroke hospitalization.

Conclusions

Rehabilitation assessment among acute ischemic stroke patients was suboptimal in China. Rates varied considerably among hospitals and support the need to improve adherence to recommended care for stroke survivors.
Factors promoting sense of coherence among university students in urban areas of Japan: individual-level social capital, self-efficacy, and mental health
Authors: Mato Mie , Tsukasaki Keiko
Published: April 2017

Objective:

Sense of coherence (SOC) is a concept that helps to explain the relation between personal intentionality as psychosocial factors and health-related behaviors. Thus, it is essential to enhance SOC when encouraging a healthy lifestyle. However, the factors that promote SOC have not been fully investigated among university students. The objective of this study was to clarify the general resistance resources (GRRs) that may promote the development of the SOC among university students. Therefore, we examined the relationship between SOC and social capital (SC), self-efficacy, and mental health.

Methods:

Participants included 443 students from nine academic departments at eight universities in the Kanto or Kinki metropolitan areas of Japan. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire. Individual-level cognitive and structural SC, generalized self-efficacy, mental health inventory (from SF-36v2), and SOC were measured. Confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling was conducted to verify the factor structure of the SOC-13 scale. Stepwise multiple regression analysis and two-way layout analysis of variance were performed with SOC as the dependent variable.

Results:

The factor structure of SOC indicated the optimal model fit in the second-order three-factor model of the 12 items. SOC was predicted by five variables: age, cognitive SC, structural SC, mental health, and self-efficacy. For students from urban areas, SOC was predicted by the interaction between cognitive and structural SC.

Conclusion:

SOC was significantly related to cognitive SC, structural SC, and self-efficacy as well as mental health in university students from urban areas. Furthermore, the combination of higher-level cognitive SC and higher-level structural SC exerted an inhibitory influence on SOC among students who previously and currently live in urban areas. Therefore, the findings indicated that both cognitive and structural SC as well as self-efficacy may act as GRRs that promote the development of SOC, and similarly, good mental health may promote a strong SOC.
Pituitary abscess in an HIV-1-infected patient
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Masayuki , Sarca Anamaria Daniela , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

Pituitary abscess is a rare occurrence among pituitary conditions, but one which carries life-threatening potential. An immunocompromised status is a risk factor for the development of a pituitary abscess; however, literature describes only one case among HIV-infected patients.

Methods and results:

We present here a case of pituitary abscess in an HIV-1-positive patient, who demonstrated a shock status, disturbance of consciousness and generalized skin rash with laboratory findings of hypovolemia, acute inflammatory reaction and blood electrolyte abnormality. We first diagnosed the dermal manifestation as atypical generalized zoster, however, the other clinical findings could not be explained by VZV infection only. Combination with anamnesis, head magnetic resonance imaging scan and endocrine function test helped us to diagnose pituitary abscess. Although the etiology of the pituitary abscess could not be detected, the patient was successfully treated with antibiotics but followed by panhypopituitarism as sequela.

Conclusion:

A pituitary abscess should be considered in HIV-infected patients with endocrinological abnormalities, visual field defects, and central nervous system infection signs or symptoms, regardless of CD4 T-cell counts.
Skipping politics: Measuring avoidance of political content in social media
Authors: Bode Leticia , Vraga Emily K. , Troller-Renfree Sonya
Published: April 2017

Selective exposure is a growing concern as people become more reliant on social media for political information. While self-reports often ask about exposure to political content on social media, existing research does not account for the fact that even those exposed to political content may still choose to ignore it. To effectively account for this, we employ corneal eye tracking software, such that we can observe users’ gaze and the amount of time they actually spend with political content. Consistent with expectations, the earlier a cue that a post is political, the faster a user skips over it. This trend is concentrated among those least interested in politics. Implications for how we think about social media and political information flows in the modern media environment are discussed.