bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superior Sagittal Sinus Thrombosis Complicating Typhoid Fever in a Teenager
Authors: Okunola P. O. , Ofovwe G. E. , Abiodun M. T. , Azunna C. P.
Published: November 2012

Cerebral venous sinus (sinovenous) thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare life-threatening disorder in childhood that is often misdiagnosed. CSVT encompasses cavernous sinus thrombosis, lateral sinus thrombosis, and superior sagittal sinus thrombosis (SSST). We present an adolescent girl who was well until two weeks earlier when she had a throbbing frontal headache and fever with chills; she later had dyspnoea, jaundice, melena stool, multiple seizures, nuchal rigidity, and monoparesis of the right lower limb a day before admission. Urine test forSalmonellatyphi Vi antigen was positive, and Widal reaction was significant. Serial cranial computerized tomography scans revealed an expanding hypodense lesion in the parafalcine region consistent with SSST or a parasagittal abscess. Inadvertent left parietal limited craniectomy confirmed SSST. She recovered completely with subsequent conservative management. Beyond neuropsychiatric complications of Typhoid fever, CSVT should be highly considered when focal neurologic deficits are present.
Preliminary Analysis of the Nonsynonymous Polymorphism rs17563 in BMP4 Gene in Brazilian Population Suggests Protection for Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Araújo Tânia Kawasaki , Simioni Milena , Félix Têmis Maria , de Souza Liliane Todeschini , Fontes Marshall Ítalo Barros , Monlleó Isabella Lopes , Souza Josiane , Fett-Conte Agnes Cristina , Secolin Rodrigo , Lopes-Cendes Iscia , Maurer-Morelli Cláudia Vianna , Gil-da-Silva-Lopes Vera Lúcia
Published: November 2012

Cleft lip with or without palate (CL±P) is common congenital anomalies in humans. Experimental evidence has demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein 4 gene (Bmp4) is involved in the etiology of CL±P in animal models. The nonsynonymous polymorphism rs17563 T>C (p.V152A) in the BMP4 gene has been associated to the risk of nonsyndromic CL±P in Chinese population and microforms from different ethnic backgrounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of BMP4 gene in CL±P in Brazilian sample using genetic association approach. Our sample was composed by 123 patients with nonsyndromic CL±P and 246 controls, in which absence of CL±P was confirmed in 3 generations. The rs17563 polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-RFLP technique. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate allele and genotype association. Our data showed statistical power to detect association (86.83%) in this sample. Logistic regression results showed significant association between C allele and CL±P (P=0.00018, OR =0.40, and 95% CI = 0.25–0.65), as well as CC genotype and CL±P (P=0.00018, OR =0.35, and 95% CI = 0.19–0.66). So, there is a strong association between nonsyndromic CL±P and BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism in our sample and the C allele had a protective effect against the occurrence of nonsyndromic CL±P.
Low-Dose Radiation Activates Akt and Nrf2 in the Kidney of Diabetic Mice: A Potential Mechanism to Prevent Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Xing Xiao , Zhang Chi , Shao Minglong , Tong Qingyue , Zhang Guirong , Li Cai , Cheng Jie , Jin Shunzi , Ma Jisheng , Wang Guanjun , Li Xiaokun , Cai Lu
Published: November 2012

Repetitive exposure of diabetic mice to low-dose radiation (LDR) at 25 mGy could significantly attenuate diabetes-induced renal inflammation, oxidative damage, remodeling, and dysfunction, for which, however, the underlying mechanism remained unknown. The present study explored the effects of LDR on the expression and function of Akt and Nrf2 in the kidney of diabetic mice. C57BL/6J mice were used to induce type 1 diabetes with multiple low-dose streptozotocin. Diabetic and age-matched control mice were irradiated with whole body X-rays at either single 25 mGy and 75 mGy or accumulated 75 mGy (25 mGy daily for 3 days) and then sacrificed at 1–12 h for examining renal Akt phosphorylation and Nrf2 expression and function. We found that 75 mGy of X-rays can stimulate Akt signaling pathway and upregulate Nrf2 expression and function in diabetic kidneys; single exposure of 25 mGy did not, but three exposures to 25 mGy of X-rays could offer a similar effect as single exposure to 75 mGy on the stimulation of Akt phosphorylation and the upregulation of Nrf2 expression and transcription function. These results suggest that single 75 mGy or multiple 25 mGy of X-rays can stimulate Akt phosphorylation and upregulate Nrf2 expression and function, which may explain the prevention of LDR against the diabetic nephropathy mentioned above.
A Case of Acute Prosthesis Migration after Femoral Head Replacement due to Osteomalacia by FGF23-Induced Tumor
Authors: Hayashi Shinya , Nishiyama Takayuki , Fujishiro Takaaki , Hashimoto Shingo , Kanzaki Noriyuki , Kawamoto Teruya , Akisue Toshihiro , Nishida Kotaro , Kurosaka Masahiro
Published: November 2012

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) was recently identified as an important factor involved in the development of hypophosphatemic rickets and osteomalacia. We experienced a rare case of acute prosthesis migration after hemihip arthroplasty due to FGF23-induced tumor. The patient underwent femoral head replacement because of femoral neck fracture, but prosthesis migration was occurred at 1 week after operation. The patient took various examinations, and FGF23-induced tumor was found in his right wrist. The tumor was resected, and he underwent total hip arthroplasty 8 month later. Finally, he was able to obtain free gait without pain.
Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma in an Ovarian Benign Mixed Mucinous Cystadenoma and Brenner Tumour: A Case Report
Authors: Ibrahim Amar , Al-Jafari Mohammad Salih
Published: November 2012

This is a case of a 71-year-old woman, who presented with a large abdominal mass. Microscopic examination revealed metastatic renal cell carcinoma in an otherwise massively enlarged benign ovarian tumour of mixed mucinous cystadenoma and Brenner tumour. Clinicopathological and radiological assessment together with a thorough evaluation of gross and histological features, including the use of immunohistochemical stains, is essential to confirm the diagnosis and rule out the possibility of primary clear cell carcinoma of ovary, as this has important prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Multiple Extrauterine Adenomyomas Presenting in Upper Abdomen and Pelvis: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Moghadamfalahi Mana , Metzinger Daniel S.
Published: November 2012

Adenomyomas are benign tumors composed of smooth muscle and endometrial tissue. These tumors usually arise from the myometrium. Extrauterine adenomyomas are rare with only a few case reports available in the literature. Here, we report an unusual case of multiple adenomyomas in a 39-year-old woman six years after hysterectomy for multiple leiomyomata. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of extrauterine adenomyoma presenting as an upper abdominal mass.
Carleson Measure and Tent Spaces on the Siegel Upper Half Space
Authors: Zhao Kai
Published: November 2012

The Hausdorff capacity on the Heisenberg group is introduced. The Choquet integrals with respect to the Hausdorff capacity on the Heisenberg group are defined. Then the fractional Carleson measures on the Siegel upper half space are discussed. Some characterized results and the dual of the fractional Carleson measures on the Siegel upper half space are studied. Therefore, the tent spaces on the Siegel upper half space in terms of the Choquet integrals are introduced and investigated. The atomic decomposition and the dual spaces of the tent spaces are obtained at the last.
Twelve-Year-Old Girl with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Kitic Ivana , Boskovic Aleksandra , Stankovic Ivica , Prokic Dragan
Published: November 2012

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a slowly progressive cholestatic liver disease of autoimmune etiology. The initial presentation of PBC is varies from asymptomatic, abnormal liver biochemical tests to overt cirrhosis. Unlike other autoimmune liver diseases, PBC has rarely been reported in childhood. We report a case of primary biliary cirrhosis in a 12-year-old girl. In addition to characteristic histology features, strongly positive antimitochondrial antibodies, increased liver enzyme levels, increased serum quantitative immunoglobulin M levels, and cholestasis were discovered. She had been treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. In the world literature, we found only few pediatric patients of primary biliary cirrhosis. Aetiology, pathogenesis, the long-term natural history, and prognosis remain obscure. Due to increased awareness of early-onset PBC, rather than typical older ones, further pediatric cases may be discovered.
Dietary Intake of Lignans and Risk of Esophageal and Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A Cohort Study in Sweden
Authors: Lin Yulan , Wolk Alicja , Håkansson Niclas , Lagergren Jesper , Lu Yunxia
Published: November 2012

High intake of phytoestrogen lignans has been found to be associated with decreased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma in our previous population-based case–control study in Sweden. To further evaluate this possible association, we tested the hypothesis of an inverse association between dietary lignan intake and risk of esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma using a prospective design. In a population-based cohort study in Sweden, 81,670 participants who were cancer-free at baseline were followed up during 1998 to 2009. All participants completed a 96-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which was used to assess dietary exposure to lignans (secoisolariciresinol, matairesinol, lariciresinol, pinoresinol, medioresinol, and syringaresinol). All cases of esophageal, gastroesophageal junctional, and gastric adenocarcinoma were identified through linkage to the Swedish Cancer Register. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI), with adjustment for potential confounding factors. During an average follow-up of 9.9 years, a total of 211 cases were identified, including 83 cases of esophageal or junctional adenocarcinoma, and 128 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma. There was no statistically significant association between dietary intake of lignans and any of the studied adenocarcinomas. Compared with participants in the lowest quartile of lignan intake, the adjusted HR of the highest quartile was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.46–2.00; Ptrend = 0.70) for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction, and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.52–1.55: Ptrend = 0.78) for gastric adenocarcinoma. No clear support for a protective role of dietary intake of lignans in the development of esophageal or gastric adenocarcinoma was found. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(2); 308–12. ©2012 AACR.
Local Ischemic Postconditioning during Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wei Yong , Ruan Lei , Zhou Genqing , Zhao Liqun , Qi Baozhen , Ouyang Ping , Jin Zhimin , Zhang Cuntai , Liu Shaowen
Published: November 2012

Objectives: To investigate current evidence linking ischemic postconditioning (IPC) to cardioprotection in patients receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We performed searches of PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases from January 1998 to May 2011 for identifying relevant studies comparing IPC with usual care in patients undergoing primary PCI. A meta-analysis of eligible studies was assessed by Review Manager 5.0. Results: Thirteen studies were eligible. Compared to the control, observed outcomes such as peak creatine kinase [weighted mean difference (WMD) –537.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) –779.32 to –295.65 IU/l], peak creatine kinase-myocardial band (WMD –61.11, 95% CI –76.56 to –45.66 U/l), complete ST-segment resolution (risk ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.77), blush grade during reflow (WMD 0.64, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.78), corrected TIMI frame count, single-photon emission computed tomography determining infarct size, long-term left ventricular ejection fraction and short-term and long-term wall motion score indexes were improved in IPC group, with less occurrence of heart failure during the 3-month to 3.4-year follow-up. Conclusions: Though current evidence indicates that IPC provides potential cardioprotection to patients receiving primary PCI, larger adequately powered studies should be undertaken to confirm its advantages.
Clinical Value of Serum 5-HT Level in Diagnosis and Treatment of Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Yang Changhai , Tang Kunlong , Wang Baolong
Published: November 2012

Objective: To investigate serum 5-HT level in premature ejaculation (PE) patients and evaluate its clinical value in diagnosis and treatment of PE. Methods: 71 patients were recruited in this study. Their serums were collected before and after sertraline treatment, while serums from 64 normal males were also collected as a control. Serum 5-HT level was detected by ELISA. SPSS 17.0 software was used to analyze the level of serum 5-HT and the ROC curve was drawn. Results: The average serum 5-HT level of PE patients was 61.9 ng/ml in our study, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (120.6 ng/ml), with statistical significance (p < 0.01). After sertraline treatment, the average serum 5-HT level in PE patients was 98.9 ng/ml, which was significantly higher than that before sertraline treatment. Sensitivity and specificity for serum 5-HT as a predictive diagnostic tool for PE were 92.2 and 93.0%, respectively, and the cutoff value of serum 5-HT was 86.4 ng/ml. Conclusions: Our study showed that serum 5-HT level may be used as a functional diagnostic tool for PE and an indicator in PE treatment.
Exercising for Metabolic Control: Is Timing Important?
Authors: Haxhi Jonida , Scotto di Palumbo Alessandro , Sacchetti Massimo
Published: November 2012

Atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus are leading causes of mortality in the world and both disorders are closely related to the postprandial phenomena. Regular exercise is being strongly advocated as a precious tool in easing the global burden of chronic disease. Although exercise intensity, duration and frequency are well established in current guidelines for healthy and diabetic individuals, there is still no consensus on the optimal timing of exercise in relation to the last meal. The present paper reviews the existing literature on the ‘when?’ of aerobic exercise for metabolic control in healthy and diabetic individuals. Effective control of postprandial phenomena might prove to be a useful tool in the prevention of chronic disease. Exercise appears to influence glycemic and triglyceridemic responses differently depending on the meal composition and time lapse from meals. In healthy individuals, fasted-state exercise favors postprandial triglyceridemic control and the insulin sensitivity related to it. However, there is a lack of data on this matter in diabetic patients. On the other hand, when postprandial glycemia is of concern, aerobic exercise works better when performed after a meal, both in healthy and in diabetic patients.
Enhancement of Antigen-Specific Immunoglobulin G Responses by Anti-CD48
Authors: Yuan Dorothy , Guo Yuhong , Thet Suwannee
Published: November 2012

CD48 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein expressed ubiquitously on many cell types. Despite the poor ability to signal on its own, CD48 can activate cells via interaction with its counter receptors CD2 and CD244 as well as influence the function of other cell surface molecules by costimulatory activities. We show, herein, that injection of anti-CD48 antibodies into mice can augment the antibody response to a T-independent antigen, NP-Ficoll, that is representative of antigenic determinants expressed on the surface of various pathogens, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. In C57BL/6 mice, enhancement of the response is dependent on natural killer (NK) cells as well as on the presence of CD2 and CD244, ligands for CD48, suggesting a requirement for direct interaction between NK and B cells. Interestingly, in this case, despite a similar augmentation by anti-CD48 in BALB/C mice, the response is independent of NK or T cells, suggesting that help for this response can be derived from other innate cell types. These results provide a pathway by which CD48, when appropriately activated, can influence the course of an antigen-specific antibody response via the innate system.
Response of the Renal Inner Medulla to Hypoxia: Possible Defense Mechanisms
Authors: Kim Namhee , Voicu Laura , Hare Gregory M.T. , Cheema-Dhadli Surinder , Chong Chee Kiong , Chan Stephen K.W. , Bichet Daniel G. , Halperin Mitchell L. , Mazer C. David
Published: November 2012

Background/Aims: Owing to the precarious blood supply to the renal medulla and the high metabolic requirement of the medullary thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop, this nephron segment should be especially vulnerable when its supply of O2 declines. Methods: Rats were exposed to 8 or 21% O2 at different time points up to 5 h, and samples were collected for urine flow rate, urine (Uosm) and renal papillary (RPosm) osmolality, urinary excretion of Na+, Cl–, K+ and Mg2+, blood gases, erythropoietin and vasopressinase activity in plasma. Other groups of rats were pretreated with desmopressin acetate (dDAVP) or underwent bilateral nephrectomy (BNX) 1 h prior to the exposure. Results: Hypoxic rats had water diuresis (WD) within 2.5 h, as evidenced by lower Uosm (333 ± 42 mosm/l) and RPosm (869 ± 57 mosm/l), thus suggesting that hypoxia led to a failure to achieve osmotic equilibrium within the renal papilla. Circulating vasopressinase activity increased, which was partially renal in origin because it was lower after BNX. The renal concentrating ability during hypoxia was maintained with dDAVP pretreatment, suggesting that dDAVP may have improved O2 delivery and the active reabsorption of Na+ in the renal medullary region. Conclusions: WD or high vasopressinase activity may be valuable diagnostic tools to assess renal medullary hypoxia. Pretreatment with dDAVP may prevent these changes during hypoxia.
HIV Disease Activity as a Modulator of Lipoprotein(a) and Allele-Specific Apolipoprotein(a) Levels
Authors: Enkhmaa Byambaa , Anuurad Erdembileg , Zhang Wei , Abbuthalha Adnan , Li Xiao-Dong , Dotterweich William , Pollard Richard B. , Asmuth David M. , Berglund Lars
Published: November 2012

Objective—

Mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular risk of lipoprotein(a) are poorly understood. We investigated the relationship of apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) size, lipoprotein(a), and allele-specific apo(a) levels with HIV disease activity parameters in a biethnic population.

Methods and Results—

Lipoprotein(a) and allele-specific apo(a) levels were determined in 139 white and 168 black HIV-positive patients. Plasma HIV RNA viral load and CD4+ T-cell count were used as surrogates for disease activity. Lipoprotein(a) and allele-specific apo(a) levels were higher in blacks than whites (for both
P
<0.001). Apo(a) allele size distribution was similar between the 2 ethnic groups, with a median apo(a) size of 28 kringle 4 repeats. Allele-specific apo(a) levels were positively associated with CD4+ T-cell count (
P
=0.027) and negatively with plasma HIV RNA viral load (
P
<0.001). Further, allele-specific apo(a) levels associated with smaller (<28 kringle 4) atherogenic apo(a) sizes were higher in subjects with CD4+ T-cell counts of ≥350 (
P
=0.002).

Conclusion—

Allele-specific apo(a) levels were higher in subjects with high CD4+ T-cell count or low plasma HIV RNA viral load. The findings suggest that HIV disease activity reduced allele-specific apo(a) levels. Higher allele-specific apo(a) levels associated with atherogenic small apo(a) sizes might contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in HIV-positive subjects with improved disease status.
Locomotion Without a Brain: Physical Reservoir Computing in Tensegrity Structures
Authors: Caluwaerts K. , D'Haene M. , Verstraeten D. , Schrauwen B.
Published: November 2012

Embodiment has led to a revolution in robotics by not thinking of the robot body and its controller as two separate units, but taking into account the interaction of the body with its environment. By investigating the effect of the body on the overall control computation, it has been suggested that the body is effectively performing computations, leading to the term morphological computation. Recent work has linked this to the field of reservoir computing, allowing one to endow morphologies with a theory of universal computation. In this work, we study a family of highly dynamic body structures, called tensegrity structures, controlled by one of the simplest kinds of “brains.” These structures can be used to model biomechanical systems at different scales. By analyzing this extreme instantiation of compliant structures, we demonstrate the existence of a spectrum of choices of how to implement control in the body-brain composite. We show that tensegrity structures can maintain complex gaits with linear feedback control and that external feedback can intrinsically be integrated in the control loop. The various linear learning rules we consider differ in biological plausibility, and no specific assumptions are made on how to implement the feedback in a physical system.
Stochastic Optimal Control Methods for Investigating the Power of Morphological Computation
Authors: Rückert Elmar A. , Neumann Gerhard
Published: November 2012

One key idea behind morphological computation is that many difficulties of a control problem can be absorbed by the morphology of a robot. The performance of the controlled system naturally depends on the control architecture and on the morphology of the robot. Because of this strong coupling, most of the impressive applications in morphological computation typically apply minimalistic control architectures. Ideally, adapting the morphology of the plant and optimizing the control law interact so that finally, optimal physical properties of the system and optimal control laws emerge. As a first step toward this vision, we apply optimal control methods for investigating the power of morphological computation. We use a probabilistic optimal control method to acquire control laws, given the current morphology. We show that by changing the morphology of our robot, control problems can be simplified, resulting in optimal controllers with reduced complexity and higher performance. This concept is evaluated on a compliant four-link model of a humanoid robot, which has to keep balance in the presence of external pushes.
Toward Anthropomimetic Robotics: Development, Simulation, and Control of a Musculoskeletal Torso
Authors: Wittmeier Steffen , Alessandro Cristiano , Bascarevic Nenad , Dalamagkidis Konstantinos , Devereux David , Diamond Alan , Jäntsch Michael , Jovanovic Kosta , Knight Rob , Marques Hugo Gravato , Milosavljevic Predrag , Mitra Bhargav , Svetozarevic Bratislav , Potkonjak Veljko , Pfeifer Rolf , Knoll Alois , Holland Owen
Published: November 2012

Anthropomimetic robotics differs from conventional approaches by capitalizing on the replication of the inner structures of the human body, such as muscles, tendons, bones, and joints. Here we present our results of more than three years of research in constructing, simulating, and, most importantly, controlling anthropomimetic robots. We manufactured four physical torsos, each more complex than its predecessor, and developed the tools required to simulate their behavior. Furthermore, six different control approaches, inspired by classical control theory, machine learning, and neuroscience, were developed and evaluated via these simulations or in small-scale setups. While the obtained results are encouraging, we are aware that we have barely exploited the potential of the anthropomimetic design so far. But, with the tools developed, we are confident that this novel approach will contribute to our understanding of morphological computation and human motor control in the future.
Decision-making in security and defense policy: Towards supranational inter-governmentalism?
Authors: Howorth Jolyon
Published: November 2012

For scholars and practitioners of European politics alike, the distinction between supranationalism and inter-governmentalism has always been fundamental. This distinction has underpinned the various schools of European integration theory, just as it has remained crucial for European governments keen to demonstrate that the Member States remain in charge of key policy areas. Nowhere is this considered to be more central than in the area of foreign and security policy, which has consciously been set within the rigid intergovernmental framework of Pillar Two of the Maastricht Treaty and, under the Lisbon Treaty, remains subject to the unanimity rule. However, scholarship on the major decision-making agencies of the foreign and security policy of the EU suggests that the distinction is not only blurred but increasingly meaningless. This article demonstrates that, in virtually every case, decisions are shaped and even taken by small groups of relatively well-socialized officials in the key committees acting in a mode which is as close to supranational as it is to intergovernmental.
Getting on board: Organizational socialization and the contribution of social capital
Authors: Korte Russell , Lin Shumin
Published: November 2012

When starting a new job, newcomers strive to learn the tasks and expectations of their work, decipher the unwritten rules or norms of the culture, and achieve membership in the organization. The literature on the socialization of newcomers in organizations typically links success to the ability of the newcomer to learn to fit in. Yet recent empirical studies identified coworkers and managers as sharing the responsibility for successful socialization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the orientation and socialization processes (also known as onboarding) from the broader perspective of social capital. The concept of social capital generally describes the value and resources of social relations and network ties afforded to members of social networks or groups. Through a set of in-depth interviews with newly hired engineers in a large manufacturing organization, newcomers reported how they learned about and integrated into the social networks that made up their workplace. Overall, it was the quality of the relationships newcomers formed with coworkers and managers that was the primary driver of socialization outcomes.
MAOA and Aggression
Authors: McDermott Rose , Dawes Chris , Prom-Wormley Elizabeth , Eaves Lindon , Hatemi Peter K.
Published: November 2012

Political scientists tend to focus on environmental triggers as the primary precipitating cause for political violence. However, little has been done to explain why certain individuals faced with certain pressures resort to violence, while others confronting the same situation seek out diplomatic and peaceful resolutions to conflict. Here, using two independent samples, we explore the interaction between genetic disposition and violent early life events and their influence on engaging in physical violence. We find that individuals with the low-activity form of monoamine oxidase-A, who are exposed to violence in youth have a greater likelihood of engaging in physical aggression later in adulthood. Our findings hold important implications for the value of environmental intervention in communities besieged by political violence in order to reduce the likelihood of the intergenerational transfer of its propensity.
Early Executive Function Predicts Reasoning Development
Authors: Richland Lindsey E. , Burchinal Margaret R.
Published: November 2012

Analogical reasoning is a core cognitive skill that distinguishes humans from all other species and contributes to general fluid intelligence, creativity, and adaptive learning capacities. Yet its origins are not well understood. In the study reported here, we analyzed large-scale longitudinal data from the Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development to test predictors of growth in analogical-reasoning skill from third grade to adolescence. Our results suggest an integrative resolution to the theoretical debate regarding contributory factors arising from smaller-scale, cross-sectional experiments on analogy development. Children with greater executive-function skills (both composite and inhibitory control) and vocabulary knowledge in early elementary school displayed higher scores on a verbal analogies task at age 15 years, even after adjusting for key covariates. We posit that knowledge is a prerequisite to analogy performance, but strong executive-functioning resources during early childhood are related to long-term gains in fundamental reasoning skills.
Failure indentation analysis of composite sandwich plates via hierarchical models
Authors: Giunta Gaetano , Catapano Anita , Belouettar Salim
Published: November 2012

In this study, an indentation failure analysis of sandwich composite plates via several higher-order theories is presented. The unified formulation by Carrera is adopted in order to derive displacement based or mixed, refined theories based on an equivalent single layer approach or a layerwise one. In this manner, out-of-plane normal and transverse shear stresses responsible for the indentation failure can be accurately described. A closed form, Navier-type solution is assumed. Simply supported plates made of fibre-reinforced polymeric skins and foam cores are investigated. The side-to-thickness ratio, a/ h, and the indenter side dimension are considered as analysis parameters. The effect of skins' lamination and thickness is also investigated. Failure indentation is described in terms of failure loading value and failure position. The variation of displacement and stress fields near the indentation area are also presented. The accuracy of the proposed theories is assessed towards Pagano's three-dimensional exact solution. The obtained results show that higher-order models are required to accurately describe the indentation failure of sandwich plates.
Beliefs and attitudes regarding human papillomavirus vaccination among college-age women
Authors: Schaefer Ziemer Kathryn , Hoffman Mary Ann
Published: November 2012

Research on the human papillomavirus vaccine has largely focused on parents’ attitudes toward vaccinating their young daughters. Yet, little is known about the factors that influence human papillomavirus vaccination in college-age women who are still eligible for the vaccine. This study examined attitudes toward the human papillomavirus vaccine in 150 college-age women who had received the vaccine and 58 who had not. The Health Belief Model was used to predict vaccine intentions and to compare vaccinated and unvaccinated women. Women’s self-efficacy, social environment, and perceptions of the vaccine predicted vaccine intentions and behaviors. Interventions might include these factors to promote vaccination.
Evaluation of a psychosocial health programme in the context of violence and conflict
Authors: Ley Clemens , Rato Barrio María
Published: November 2012

A psychosocial health programme using movement, games and sport was developed and evaluated in the rural area of Guatemala, with two groups of women who suffered violence. Participatory observation and 32 interviews were conducted; 33 of the 56 participants filled out initial and final questionnaires. Research challenges were discussed and contextualised. Various health factors such as sense of coherence and self-esteem improved. The psychosocial approach and culturally grounded use of movement, games and sport as active and participatory tools in combination with verbal expression, provide a significant way to foster health in the context of violence and conflict.
Mapping actor roles in social media: Different perspectives on value creation in theories of user participation
Authors: Bechmann Anja , Lomborg Stine
Published: November 2012

While media studies have been locked into a classic producer-text-audience model, most theories of social media suggest some degree of collapse between the producer and audience. In this article, we address social media in terms of processes of value creation. The aim of the article is to demonstrate that social media are either addressed in terms of economic and socio-political value creation, that is, power, exploitation and business revenues, or in terms of value creation as sense-making, that is, creative explorations of the self and management of social relationships in everyday life. These different interests in value creation, we argue, have consequences for the conceptualization of the media user as a participatory agent. With specific focus on the notion of value creation in social media, we uncover implicit conceptions of the social media user guiding industry and user-centric perspectives, respectively. We demonstrate that while studying the same phenomenon, the two perspectives operate with very different conceptions of the producer/user nexus. We then discuss whether the literature is inconsequential in the analytic treatment of its own suggested collapse by questioning if, and if so how, this collapse is in fact taking place. Finally, we offer a mapping of the multifarious actor roles identified in the literature review to nuance the understanding of the producer/user nexus in social media and use it to identify and discuss possible opportunities for collapse and cross-fertilization of user-centric and industry perspectives in future studies of social media.
Inhibition of B16F-10 Melanoma–Induced Lung Metastasis in C57BL/6 Mice by Aerva lanata via Induction of Apoptosis
Authors: Siveen Kodappully Sivaraman , Kuttan Girija
Published: November 2012

In this study, the antimetastatic potential of the ethanolic extract of Aerva lanata was evaluated using the B16F-10 melanoma–induced lung metastasis model. Metastasis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by injecting highly metastatic B16F-10 melanoma cells through the lateral tail vein. Simultaneous treatment with A lanata inhibited tumor nodule formation in the lungs (70.53%), and there was a 65.3% increase in the survival rate of metastatic tumor–bearing animals. These results correlated with biochemical parameters such as lung collagen hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and uronic acid contents; serum sialic acid and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels; and histopathological analysis. In vitro studies using B16F-10 cells showed that A lanata inhibited migration of tumor cells, cell invasion through type-I collagen-coated polycarbonate filter and activation of matrix metalloproteinases. Treatment with A lanata induced apoptotic response, characterized by apoptotic morphology, a typical ladder of DNA fragmentation, and detection of 3′ hydroxyl ends in DNA by TUNEL assay. There was an increase in the percentage of cells in the sub-G0/G1 phase indicating cell cycle arrest. A lanata treatment resulted in downregulation of bcl-2 and cyclin-D1 expression and upregulation of p53, bax, caspase-9, caspase-3, p21, and p27 gene expression in B16F-10 cells. Proinflammatory cytokine production and gene expression were also found to be downregulated in A lanata–treated cells.
Association Between Race, Place, and Preventive Health Screenings Among Men
Authors: Thorpe Roland J. , Bowie Janice V. , Wilson-Frederick Shondelle M. , Coa Kisha I. , LaVeist Thomas A.
Published: November 2012

African American men consistently report poorer health and have lower participation rates in preventive screening tests than White men. This finding is generally attributed to race differences in access to care, which may be a consequence of the different health care markets in which African American and White men typically live. This proposition is tested by assessing race differences in use of preventive screenings among African American and White men residing within the same health care marketplace. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between race and physical, dental, eye and foot examinations, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, and colon and prostate cancer screenings in men in the Exploring Health Disparities in Integrated Communities in Southwest Baltimore Study. After adjusting for covariates, African American men had greater odds of having had a physical, dental, and eye examination; having had their blood pressure and cholesterol checked; and having been screened for colon and prostate cancer than White men. No race differences in having a foot examination were observed. Contrary to most findings, African American men had a higher participation rate in preventive screenings than White men. This underscores the importance of accounting for social context in public health campaigns targeting preventive screenings in men.
Friends, Family, and Foes
Authors: Murphy Alexandrea Danielle , Gordon Derrick , Sherrod Hans , Dancy Victoria , Kershaw Trace
Published: November 2012

Fathers can play an important role in child development and family functioning. However, little is known about the influence of paternal perceptions of fatherhood involvement or the influence of fathers’ peer networks. We explored the network characteristics (density, closeness, and degree centrality) and peer norms regarding sex, fatherhood, and other risk behaviors of 52 urban adult males in New Haven, Connecticut. Results identify that engagement in high-risk sexual behavior was associated with fatherhood involvement, with 88% of less involved fathers engaging in high-risk sexual behavior ( p = .004). Denser networks were positively correlated with unfavorable peer norms such as cheating on a partner or drinking or using drugs ( p < .05). Our findings suggest that peer networks are important to father’s health and behavior and that father’s behaviors may be affected by peer norms. Interventions designed for men may be strengthened by including peers in programming and by addressing norms and norm changing.
Marginal turbid band and light blue crest, signs observed in magnifying narrow-band imaging endoscopy, are indicative of gastric intestinal metaplasia
Authors: An Jin Kwang , Song Geun Am , Kim Gwang Ha , Park Do Youn , Shin Na Ri , Lee Bong Eun , Woo Hyun Young , Ryu Dong Yup , Kim Dong Uk , Heo Jeong
Published: November 2012

Background

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) usually appears in flat mucosa and shows few morphologic changes, making diagnosis using conventional endoscopy unreliable. Magnifying narrow-band imaging (NBI) endoscopy enables evaluation of detailed morphological features that correspond with the underlying histology. The aim of this study was to investigate and clarify the diagnostic efficacy of magnifying NBI endoscopic findings for the prediction and diagnosis of IM.

Methods

Forty-seven patients were prospectively enrolled, and magnifying NBI examinations were performed in the lesser curvature of the midbody and the greater curvature of the upper body. The marginal turbid band (MTB) was defined as an enclosing white turbid band on the epithelial surface/gyri; light blue crest (LBC), as a fine, blue-white line on the crest of the epithelial surface/gyri. Immediately after observation under magnifying endoscopy, biopsy specimens were obtained from the evaluated areas.

Results

The degree of IM significantly increased with increasing MTB/LBC positivity (MTB-/LBC-, 0.00 ± 0.00; MTB+/LBC-, 0.44 ± 0.51; MTB+/LBC+, 0.94 ± 0.24; p < 0.001). Moderate-to-severe IM was more common in MTB+/LBC+ areas than in MTB+/LBC- areas (p < 0.001). For the diagnosis of IM, MTB had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100%, 66.0%, and 81.7%, respectively, and the corresponding values for LBC were 72.1%, 96.0%, and 84.9%.

Conclusion

MTB and LBC observed in the gastric mucosa with magnifying NBI endoscopy are highly accurate indicators of the presence of IM. MTB likely represents a sign of early gastric IM, while LBC appears with progression to severe IM.
Localization of lipoprotein lipase and GPIHBP1 in mouse pancreas: effects of diet and leptin deficiency
Authors: Nyrén Rakel , Chang Chuchun L , Lindström Per , Barmina Anastasia , Vorrsjö Evelina , Ali Yusuf , Juntti-Berggren Lisa , Bensadoun André , Young Stephen G , Olivecrona Thomas , Olivecrona Gunilla
Published: November 2012

Background

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) hydrolyzes triglycerides in plasma lipoproteins and enables uptake of lipolysis products for energy production or storage in tissues. Our aim was to study the localization of LPL and its endothelial anchoring protein glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) in mouse pancreas, and effects of diet and leptin deficiency on their expression patterns. For this, immunofluorescence microscopy was used on pancreatic tissue from C57BL/6 mouse embryos (E18), adult mice on normal or high-fat diet, and adult ob/ob-mice treated or not with leptin. The distribution of LPL and GPIHBP1 was compared to insulin, glucagon and CD31. Heparin injections were used to discriminate between intracellular and extracellular LPL.

Results

In the exocrine pancreas LPL was found in capillaries, and was mostly co-localized with GPIHBP1. LPL was releasable by heparin, indicating localization on cell surfaces. Within the islets, most of the LPL was associated with beta cells and could not be released by heparin, indicating that the enzyme remained mostly within cells. Staining for LPL was found also in the glucagon-producing alpha cells, both in embryos (E18) and in adult mice. Only small amounts of LPL were found together with GPIHBP1 within the capillaries of islets. Neither a high fat diet nor fasting/re-feeding markedly altered the distribution pattern of LPL or GPIHBP1 in mouse pancreas. Islets from ob/ob mice appeared completely deficient of LPL in the beta cells, while LPL-staining was normal in alpha cells and in the exocrine pancreas. Leptin treatment of ob/ob mice for 12 days reversed this pattern, so that most of the islets expressed LPL in beta cells.

Conclusions

We conclude that both LPL and GPIHBP1 are present in mouse pancreas, and that LPL expression in beta cells is dependent on leptin.
Ku80 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and promotes cisplatin resistance
Authors: Ma Qingshan , Li Ping , Xu Minyu , Yin Jinzhi , Su Zhenzhong , Li Wei , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2012

Background

Ku80 is crucially implicated in DNA repair, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. In this study, we aimed to assess the expression of Ku80 in clinical lung adenocarcinoma specimens, and investigate its role in the regulation of cisplatin sensitivity in cisplatin resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cells A549/DDP.

Methods

Tumor specimens and medical records of 106 patients with operable lung adenocarcinoma were obtained from 1998 to 2003. Ku80 mRNA and protein levels of the tumor samples, cultured human lung adenocarcinoma cells A549 cells and their cisplatin resistant variant A549/DDP cells were examined by reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis. Ku80-specific siRNA or control scramble siRNA was transfected into A549/DDP cells, then cell sensitivity to cisplatin was examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthia-zol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometric analysis. In addition, the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP in the treated cells were detected by western blot analysis.

Results

Total 83.3% (20/24) cisplatin-resistant tumors had high Ku80 expression, while 8.3% (4/48) cisplatin-sensitive tumors had high Ku80 expression (p < 0.01). Univariate analysis indicated that overall survival and progression-free survival were significantly better in lung adenocarcinoma patients with low vs. high Ku80 expression level (p < 0.01). Ku80 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased in A549/DDP cells compared to parental A549 cells. siRNA mediated knockdown of Ku80 resensitized A549/DDP cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis.

Conclusions

Ku80 expression level could predict the outcome and the sensitivity to cisplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with lung adenocarcima. Ku80-siRNA could be utilized as a therapeutic strategy to resensitize nonresponders to cisplatin.
Moving Toward Quality Palliative Cancer Care: Parent and Clinician Perspectives on Gaps Between What Matters and What Is Accessible
Authors: Kassam Alisha , Skiadaresis Julia , Habib Sharifa , Alexander Sarah , Wolfe Joanne
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The National Consensus Project (NCP) published a set of standards for quality palliative care delivery. A key step before applying these guidelines to pediatric oncology is to evaluate how much families and clinicians value these standards. We aimed to determine which elements of palliative care are considered important according to bereaved parents and pediatric oncology clinicians and to determine accessibility of these elements.

Methods

We administered questionnaires to 75 bereaved parents (response rate, 54%) and 48 pediatric oncology clinicians (response rate, 91%) at a large teaching hospital. Outcome measures included importance ratings and accessibility of core elements of palliative care delivery.

Results

Fifteen of 20 core elements were highly valued by both parents and clinicians (defined as > 60% of parents and clinicians reporting the item as important). Compared with clinicians, parents gave higher ratings to receiving cancer-directed therapy during the last month of life (P < .01) and involvement of a spiritual mentor (P = .03). Of the valued elements, only three were accessible more than 60% of the time according to clinicians and parents. Valued elements least likely to be accessible included a direct admission policy to hospital, sibling support, and parent preparation for medical aspects surrounding death.

Conclusion

Parents and clinicians highly value a majority of palliative care elements described in the NCP framework. Children with advanced cancer may not be receiving key elements of palliative care despite parents and clinicians recognizing them as important. Evaluation of barriers to provision of quality palliative care and strategies for overcoming them are critical.
Mice Deficient in Surfactant Protein A (SP-A) and SP-D or in TLR2 Manifest Delayed Parturition and Decreased Expression of Inflammatory and Contractile Genes
Authors: Montalbano Alina P. , Hawgood Samuel , Mendelson Carole R.
Published: November 2012

Previously we obtained compelling evidence that the fetus provides a critical signal for the initiation of term labor through developmental induction of surfactant protein (SP)-A expression by the fetal lung and secretion into amniotic fluid (AF). We proposed that interactions of AF macrophage (Mφ) Toll-like receptors (TLRs) with SP-A, at term, or bacterial components, at preterm, result in their activation and migration to the pregnant uterus. Herein the timing of labor in wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice was compared with mice homozygous null for TLR2, SP-A, SP-D, or doubly deficient in SP-A and SP-D. Interestingly, TLR2−/− females manifested a significant (P < 0.001) delay in timing of labor compared with WT as well as reduced expression of the myometrial contraction-associated protein (CAP) gene, connexin-43, and Mφ marker, F4/80, at 18.5 d postcoitum (dpc). Whereas in first pregnancies, SP-A−/−, SP-D−/−, and SP-A/D−/− females delivered at term (∼19.5 dpc), in second pregnancies, parturition was delayed by approximately 12 h in SP-A−/− (P = 0.07) and in SP-A/D−/− (P <0.001) females. Myometrium of SP-A/D−/− females expressed significantly lower levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and CAP genes, connexin-43, and oxytocin receptor at 18.5 dpc compared with WT. F4/80+ AF Mφs from TLR2−/− and SP-A/D−/− mice expressed significantly lower levels of both proinflammatory and antiinflammatory activation markers (e.g. IL-1β, IL-6, ARG1, YM1) compared with gestation-matched WT AF Mφs. These novel findings suggest that the pulmonary collectins acting via TLR2 serve a modulatory role in the timing of labor; their relative impact may be dependent on parity.