bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of adenovirus 36‐induced obesity and inflammation by mulberry extract
Authors: Na Ha‐Na , Park Sooho , Jeon Hyun‐Jung , Kim Hyun‐Bok , Nam Jae‐Hwan
Published: March 2014

Adenovirus 36 (Ad36) is known to be associated with human obesity and to trigger inflammation in murine models. However, to date no clinical drugs for treating virus‐induced obesity have been developed. Therefore, in this study, the anti‐obesity and anti‐inflammation effects of mulberry extract on Ad36 were evaluated in mice. The mulberry extract‐fed group showed a reduction in total body weight and in epidermal fat pads. A combination of various mulberry components (1‐deoxynojirimycin, kuromanin chloride and resveratrol) and a mulberry extract prevented viral replication by 50% and 70%, respectively, compared with an untreated Ad36‐infected group. Moreover, the extract decreased both concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, such as MCP‐1 and TNF‐α, and the numbers of infiltrating immune cells and macrophages in epidermal fat pads. In conclusion, dietary mulberry extract might offer an avenue for the development of therapeutic approaches for treating or preventing virus‐induced obesity and inflammation‐related metabolic diseases.
New properties of wheat bran: anti‐biofilm activity and interference with bacteria quorum‐sensing systems
Authors: González‐Ortiz Gemma , Quarles Van Ufford H. C. , Halkes S. Bart A. , Cerdà‐Cuéllar Marta , Beukelman Cees J. , Pieters Roland J. , Liskamp Rob M. J. , Pérez José F. , Martín‐Orue Susana M.
Published: March 2014

Some plant extracts, have been demonstrated to interfere with the microbial metabolism of several pathogenic bacteria. Within this antimicrobial properties it has been described the potential to inhibit or destroy biofilms or to interfere in quorum‐sensing (QS) systems. However, to our knowledge, no study exploring this potential of wheat‐bran (WB) has been published. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the anti‐biofilm activity of WB against a cow mastitis strain of Staphylococcus aureus and also its possible interference with bacterial QS systems. The potential of inhibition and destruction of the biofilm was studied by different in vitro assays. Also, we tested the ability of WB to interfere in bacterial QS by degrading acyl‐homoserine lactones (AHL) as one of the most studied QS signal molecules for Gram‐negative bacteria. The soluble extract of WB at 0.5% showed anti‐biofilm activity, inhibiting biofilm formation and also destroying it. Similarly, the > 300 kDa fraction from WB had significant anti‐biofilm activity in both in vitro assays. The WB also showed a potential to interfere with bacterial QS systems, as it was demonstrated to contain certain lactonase activity able to reduce AHL concentration in the medium. The present study reveals two additional beneficial properties of WB extract never explored before, which may be related to the presence of defence compounds in the plant extract able to interfere with microbial biofilms and also QS systems.
Fairness Perceptions of Work−Life Balance Initiatives: Effects on Counterproductive Work Behaviour
Authors: Beauregard T. Alexandra
Published: March 2014

This study examined the impact of employees' fairness perceptions regarding organizational work−life balance initiatives on their performance of counterproductive work behaviour (CWB). Moderating effects of adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism were also explored. Quantitative data collected from 224 public sector employees demonstrated significant main and moderating effects of informational justice, adaptive perfectionism and maladaptive perfectionism onCWB. Adaptive perfectionism weakened the link between informational justice andCWB, while maladaptive perfectionism strengthened it. Qualitative data collected from 26 employees indicate that both the social exchange and job stress models are useful frameworks for understandingCWBin the context of work−life balance initiatives;CWBemerged as both a negative emotional reaction to unfairness and as a tool used by employees to restore equity in the exchange relationship with their employer. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The association between academic self‐beliefs and reading achievement among children at risk of reading failure
Authors: Fives Allyn , Russell Dan , Kearns Norean , Lyons Rena , Eaton Patricia , Canavan John , Devaney Carmel , O'Brien Aoife
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates whether children's academic self‐beliefs are associated with reading achievement and whether the relationship is modified by gender and/or age. Data were collected from children at risk of reading failure, that is, emergent readers (6‐ to 8‐year‐olds) in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas reading at a level below the population mean. The authors' own measure of attitude to reading and perceived competence was used. The study found a significant positive association between attitude to reading in class and vocabulary and phonemic awareness and a significant negative association between perceived competence at reading in class and single‐word reading and spelling. Girls' attitude to reading and perceived competence were more positively associated with reading achievement, and this was most evident in the first grade. Perceived competence was inflated among those with the poorest reading and also among boys, in association with reading‐related skills found most challenging by children in this sample.
Template Matching for Auditing Hospital Cost and Quality
Authors: Silber Jeffrey H. , Rosenbaum Paul R. , Ross Richard N. , Ludwig Justin M. , Wang Wei , Niknam Bijan A. , Mukherjee Nabanita , Saynisch Philip A. , Even‐Shoshan Orit , Kelz Rachel R. , Fleisher Lee A.
Published: March 2014

Objective

Develop an improved method for auditing hospital cost and quality.

Data Sources/Setting

Medicare claims in general, gynecologic and urologic surgery, and orthopedics fromIllinois,Texas, andNewYork between 2004 and 2006.

Study Design

A template of 300 representative patients was constructed and then used to match 300 patients at hospitals that had a minimum of 500 patients over a 3‐year study period.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

From each of 217 hospitals we chose 300 patients most resembling the template using multivariate matching.

Principal Findings

The matching algorithm found close matches on procedures and patient characteristics, far more balanced than measured covariates would be in a randomized clinical trial. These matched samples displayed little to no differences across hospitals in common patient characteristics yet found large and statistically significant hospital variation in mortality, complications, failure‐to‐rescue, readmissions, length of stay,ICUdays, cost, and surgical procedure length. Similar patients at different hospitals had substantially different outcomes.

Conclusion

The template‐matched sample can produce fair, directly standardized audits that evaluate hospitals on patients with similar characteristics, thereby making benchmarking more believable. Through examining matched samples of individual patients, administrators can better detect poor performance at their hospitals and better understand why these problems are occurring.
Measurements of the Foramen Magnum and Mandible in Relation to Sex UsingCBCT
Authors: İlgüy Dilhan , İlgüy Mehmet , Ersan Nilüfer , Dölekoğlu Semanur , Fişekçioğlu Erdoğan
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pre‐existingCBCTimages of a large sample of adult females and males to provide data on foramen magnum and mandibular measures of sexual dimorphism for use as a reference sample in cases of establishing identity in unknown fragmentary skulls. The study group consisted of 161 adult patients. 3D images of the patients were assessed retrospectively. FM measurements were obtained from reformatted axial sections. Six mandibular measurements were taken. According to the results, the study identified four mandibular measurements as final predictors of sex which are as follows: the gonial angle (G‐angle) and ramus length (Ramus‐L), gonion–gnathion length (G–G‐L) and bigonial breadth (BG‐Br). It was found that the cross‐validated grouped overall predictive accuracy was 83.2% forFMand mandible measurements. It could correctly identify males in 77.3% and females in 87.4% of the cases. To assess sexual dimorphism, the gonial angle and ramus, gonion–gnathion lengths, and bigonial breadth of the mandible and sagittal diameter of theFMmay be used onCBCTimages.
Antiapoptotic activity of 30 kDa lipoproteins family from fat body tissue of silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Pakkianathan Britto Cathrin , Singh Nitin Kumar , König Simone , Krishnan Muthukalingan
Published: March 2014

The family of 30 kDa lipoproteins (LP1–5) is abundant in silkworm pupa fat body (FB) and hemolymph. One of its members, the 29 kDa protein decreased in concentration from peripheral (PP) FB tissue but was sustained in perivisceral (PV) FB tissue at the time of apoptosis. This study investigated the correlation of the 30 kDa proteins with FB apoptosis. Two protein fractions were purified, a 29 and a 30/31 kDa protein fraction, and they were used to test for activity against actinomycin D‐induced apoptosis in the FB tissues. Concentrations as little as 50 μg/mL of the 29 kDa protein fraction efficiently inhibited apoptosis. Less antiapoptotic activity was detected for the higher MW fraction; DNA fragmentation was observed in FB tissue treated with 50 μg/mL of the 30/31 kDa fraction. The viability of the cells in the 29 kDa protein‐supplemented culture was 40% higher than in the 31 kDa protein‐supplemented culture. However, the 30 kDa lipoproteins were not able to prevent scheduled FB degeneration during silkworm metamorphosis. Thus, it is hypothesized that the antiapoptotic 29 kDa protein needs to be proteolytically degraded by a regulatory mechanism to allow programmed cell death of FB tissue.
The Irish Parliament and the Regulatory Impulse, 1692–1800: The Case of the Coal Trade
Authors: Magennis Eoin
Published: March 2014

The legislative activity of the 18th‐century Irish parliament has become clearer in recent decades. So, too, has the regulatory impulse and how this impacted upon markets and the economy in Britain and Ireland. Recent research on the regulation of Britain's economy between 1650 and 1850 has identified four areas in which the legislature and executive intervened: import/export trade; manufacturing production; labour markets and the domestic/internal market. This article aims to explore what such a regulatory impulse meant in the 18th‐century Irish parliament. The article focuses on the 18th‐century Irish coal trade as a case study, one which shows the influences of the belief in the possibilities for the economic improvement of Ireland, the concerns about high prices in a necessity of life for the urban poor and the residual anglophobia that such subjects could raise.
Peel's Other Repeal: The Test and Corporation Acts, 1828
Authors: Gaunt Richard A.
Published: March 2014

This article considers Robert Peel's role in the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts in 1828. Traditionally overshadowed by the larger campaign to secure catholic emancipation in 1829, the repeal legislation assumes importance in Peel's political career for three reasons. It was Peel's first major challenge as leader of the house of commons in Wellington's ministry; his handling of the issue revealed all his strengths and weaknesses in the role. Peel's insistence on the active participation of the anglican Church hierarchy in passing repeal with appropriate safeguards (through a declaration to be taken by the majority of officeholders) foreshadowed his later tactics in settling contentious Church issues by negotiation with the Church's leaders (leading to the formation of the Ecclesiastical Commission in 1835). The success of Russell's original repeal motion challenged the expectation (shared by Peel) that repeal would follow, rather than precede, emancipation. The necessity of confronting repeal head‐on formed a backdrop to that ‘ripening’ of Peel's views which commentators and historians have detected during this period.
Functional MRI in clinical practice: A pictorial essay
Authors: van Heerden Jolandi , Desmond Patricia M , Phal Pramit M
Published: March 2014

In clinical practice, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a valuable non‐invasive tool particularly during preoperative work‐up of brain tumour and epilepsy patients. In this pictorial essay, we review expected areas of eloquent cortical activation during the four major clinical paradigms, discuss pitfalls related to fMRI and look at clinical examples where fMRI was particularly valuable in preoperative planning.
Periodontal disease in Thai patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Khantisopon Nuttapong , Louthrenoo Worawit , Kasitanon Nuntana , Sivasomboon Chate , Wangkaew Suparaporn , Sang‐In Supatra , Jotikasthira Nitaya , Bandhaya Panwadee
Published: March 2014

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who attended a rheumatology clinic in a university hospital.

Methods

All consecutive patients with RA who attended the rheumatology clinic between June 2009 and January 2010 were asked to enroll in this study. All participants answered questionnaires, which included demographic data, medical history, medications used and smoking habits. A full mouth periodontal examination, including gingival index, plaque index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level was performed. Only cases that had at least 20 teeth were included in this study. Rheumatoid arthritis parameters, including number of tender and swollen joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF), hand radiographs, Disease Activity Index (DAS) and health status using the Thai Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), were determined. The association between RA parameters and periodontal condition was examined.

Results

There were 196 participants (87.2% female) with a mean age of 51.7 ± 9.70 years, mean disease duration of 9.62 ± 7.0 years and mean DAS score of 4.64 ± 1.25. Eighty‐two per cent were RF‐positive. Moderate and severe periodontitis were found in 42% and 57%, respectively. Higher age, male gender, previous or current smoking and high level of plaque score were associated with severe periodontal disease. No differences in RA parameters were found between groups of patients who had moderate and severe periodontitis.

Conclusions

We found a high prevalence of periodontitis in Thai patients with RA. However, there was no association between RA parameters and periodontal conditions.
A novel therapeutic approach in pulmonary arterial hypertension as a complication of adult‐onset Still's disease: targeting IL‐6
Authors: Kadavath Sabeeda , Zapantis Ekaterini , Zolty Ronald , Efthimiou Petros
Published: March 2014

Adult‐onset Still's Disease (AOSD), often though as the adult variant of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), has an incidence of 1–3 cases per 1 million. Cardinal manifestations include fever, arthritis, skin rash, sore throat, hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Prolongation in diagnosing this disease results from its similarity to infectious, malignant and rheumatic diseases and lack of biomarkers. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare pulmonary complication of AOSD, and we are aware of only six cases reported in literature to date. Here we present a patient with AOSD who has developed pulmonary hypertension as a complication. We report a case of AOSD complicated by PAH treated successfully with tocilizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody to human interleukin (IL)‐6 receptor. A Pubmed and Medline search for evidence of pulmonary hypertension in AOSD and use of IL‐6 inhibition in management was performed. Data for this study was collected from the patient's chart records. No infectious or neoplastic cause of her disease was identified and after extensive diagnostic workup, the patient was diagnosed with AOSD fulfilling Yamaguchi criteria. After initiation of IL‐6 therapy the patient was followed over time to monitor the hemodynamic changes in pulmonary vasculature. Following treatment with Tocilizumab, the patient showed dramatic improvement in her clinical symptoms and remains in remission, through combination of tocilizumab (8 mg/kg), methotrexate and prednisone. Improvement of systemic symptoms, right heart catheterization (RHC) findings and the VECTRA‐DA score served as a measure of treatment response. Tocilizumab has been effective in demonstrating marked improvement in both the clinical and laboratory parameters. Tocilizumab is an effective novel treatment for AOSD with PAH. This is the first documented report of successful use of tocilizumab in AOSD patients presenting with PAH. Prospective comparative studies could help validate its efficacy and safety.
Effect of Dionaea muscipula extract and plumbagin on maceration of potato tissue by Pectobacterium atrosepticum
Authors: Szpitter A. , Narajczyk M. , Maciag‐Dorszynska M. , Wegrzyn G. , Lojkowska E. , Krolicka A.
Published: March 2014

Pectobacterium atrosepticum (Pba) is a plant pathogen that causes major crop losses. Dionaea muscipula extracts and their antibacterial constituent, plumbagin, inhibit Pba growth in vitro. However, this effect is reduced when the extracts are added to bacterial cultures present on potato tubers or suspended in potato tuber filtrate (PF). To explain this, we examined the response mechanism of Pba cells to Dionaea extract and plumbagin and compared it with the effect of a bactericidal peptide – CAMEL. The addition of the extract and plumbagin to a Pba1043 culture in stationary phase increased the extracellular pectate lyase (Pel) activity in the presence of PF. While the addition of the Dionaea extract and plumbagin caused a dramatic reduction in RNA and protein synthesis in Pba1043, it did not result in cellular damage. PF alone increased the expression of Pba genes encoding protein components of cellular efflux pump systems: ompX, acrA and emrA. Application of both PF and plumbagin resulted in a synergistic stimulation of acrA gene expression. Plumbagin added to potato tubers inoculated with a field isolate Pba5A/1/2005 increased extracellular Pel activity and reduced tissue maceration but did not affect bacterial counts per gram of tissue. These results show that plumbagin in the presence of compounds from potato tuber stimulates Pel production/secretion in Pba cells and increases the expression of the acrA gene. This may be the molecular basis for the less pronounced effects of Dionaea extract on Pba in planta relative to those observed in vitro.
Antifungal and enzymatic evaluation of plant crude extracts derived from cinnamon and rosemary against Sclerotinia carrot rot
Authors: Ojaghian M.R. , Chen Y. , Chen S. , Cui Z.‐q. , Xie G.‐L. , Zhang J.
Published: March 2014

The objective of this study was to assess the antifungal potential of plant crude extracts derived from cinnamon and rosemary against three isolates ofSclerotinia sclerotiorumunderin vitroandin vivoconditions. The crude extracts were obtained using two different solvents including ethyl acetate (EA) and ethanol. The results showed that crude extracts of cinnamon are able to reduce mycelial growth of isolate 2 at volatile and contact phase by 35.4% and 78.2%, respectively. Furthermore, sclerotial myceliogenic at contact phase and carpogenic germination of isolate 2 were inhibited by 94.3% and 68.1%, respectively. In general, rosemary extracts showed less inhibitory efficacy than cinnamon. As the most effective treatment,EAextract of cinnamon was analysed using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. The results showed the presence of 33 components and the major constituents were E‐cinnamaldehyde (66.4%) followed by Alpha‐Muurolene (4.86%), Alpha‐Copaene (4.73%) and2H‐1‐Benzopyran‐2‐one (3.72%). The enzyme analysis showed that the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase decrease in the inoculated carrots after application of plant crude extracts indicating that they cannot be considered as resistance inducers against Sclerotinia carrot rot. In conclusion, cinnamon extract was found to be more effective against the pathogen. Although crude extracts of cinnamon and rosemary were able to reduce severity of carrot rot during storage,EAextract of cinnamon (2 g L−1) was found to have practically significant effect against the disease.
Dexmedetomidine for preventing sevoflurane‐related emergence agitation in children: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: SUN L. , GUO R. , SUN L.
Published: March 2014

Emergence agitation (EA) is a common problem after sevoflurane anesthesia in children. Prophylactic dexmedetomidine has been directed at this issue; however, the efficacy remains controversial. We therefore conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine on the incidence of sevoflurane‐related EA. A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify RCTs that compared dexmedetomidine with placebo about the reduction in the incidence of sevoflurane‐related EA for children. Heterogeneity between studies was anticipated; therefore, random effects models were chosen to calculate the pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), and I2 statistics were used to assess statistical heterogeneity. The funnel plot and Egger test were used to assess potential publication bias. Subgroup analysis was run to explore the possible effects of age, surgical procedure, regional block/local anesthetics, supplemental analgesic, propofol, N2O, pre‐medication and methodological quality on the incidence of EA using dexemedetomidine. Totally, 15 RCTs were included (518 patients received dexmedetomidine and 413 had placebo). Dexmedetomidine reduced the incidence of sevofurane‐related EA (pooled RR = 0.351; 95% CI: 0.275–0.449; P = 0.965; heterogeneity test, I2 = 0.0%), and it also resulted in a lower incidence of severe EA (pooled RR = 0.119; 95% CI: 0.033–0.422; P = 0.962; heterogeneity test, I2 = 0.0%). All subgroup analyses for potential sources of heterogeneity showed a lower incidence of sevoflurane‐related EA after dexmedetomidine administration. This meta‐analysis demonstrated that dexemedetomidine was effective in reducing the incidence of sevoflurane‐induced EA in children as compared with placebo.
Macrocytosis, Macrocytic Anemia, and Genetic Polymorphisms of Alcohol Dehydrogenase‐1B and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase‐2 in Japanese Alcoholic Men
Authors: Yokoyama Akira , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Brooks Philip J. , Mizukami Takeshi , Matsui Toshifumi , Kimura Mitsuru , Matsushita Sachio , Higuchi Susumu , Maruyama Katsuya
Published: March 2014

Background

Oxidation of ethanol by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) generates acetaldehyde (AcH), which is converted to acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2). Roughly 40% of East Asians are ALDH2‐deficient due to an inactive enzyme encoded by the ALDH2*2 allele. ALDH2‐deficient individuals have a dramatically elevated risk of esophageal cancer from alcohol consumption.

Methods

We investigated the relationship between ALDH2*2, ADH1B*2 (encoding a highly active ADH) and erythrocyte abnormalities, in a population of Japanese alcoholic men (N = 1,238).

Results

Macrocytosis (mean corpuscular volume [MCV] ≥100 fl) and macrocytic anemia (MCV ≥100 fl and hemoglobin <13.5 g/dl) were found in 62.4 and 24.1% of the subjects, respectively. Age‐adjusted daily alcohol consumption did not differ according to ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes. However, macrocytosis and macrocytic anemia were strongly associated with the ALDH2*1/*2 genotype multivariate odds ratios (ORs; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.85 [1.95 to 4.18] and 3.68 [2.64 to 5.15], respectively, versus ALDH2*1/*1). In comparison with the ADH1B*1/*1 and ALDH2*1/*1 genotype combination, the ADH1B*1/*1 and ALDH2*1/*2 genotype combination and the ADH1B*2 allele and ALDH2*1/*2 genotype combination increased stepwise the ORs (95% CI) for macrocytosis (1.65 [0.92 to 2.94] and 4.07 [2.33 to 7.11], respectively, p for difference in OR = 0.015) and macrocytic anemia (2.80 [1.52 to 5.15] and 5.32 [3.29 to 8.62], respectively, p for difference in OR = 0.045). Genotype effects were more prominent on the risks of the more advanced erythrocyte abnormalities. Older age, cigarette smoking, and low body mass index independently increased the risks of the erythrocyte abnormalities. Consumption of beer, which contains folate, decreased the risks, whereas consumption of alcoholic beverages lacking folate did not.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the erythrocyte abnormalities in alcoholics are attributable to high AcH exposure as well as to nutritional deficiencies and may be prevented by folate.
Maternal and Neonatal Plasma MicroRNA Biomarkers for Fetal Alcohol Exposure in an Ovine Model
Authors: Balaraman Sridevi , Lunde E. Raine , Sawant Onkar , Cudd Timothy A. , Washburn Shannon E. , Miranda Rajesh C.
Published: March 2014

Background

Plasma or circulating miRNAs (cirmiRNAs) have potential diagnostic value as biomarkers for a range of diseases. Based on observations that ethanol (EtOH) altered intracellular miRNAs during development, we tested the hypothesis that plasma miRNAs were biomarkers for maternal alcohol exposure, and for past in utero exposure, in the neonate.

Methods

Pregnant sheep were exposed to a binge model of EtOH consumption resulting in an average peak blood alcohol content of 243 mg/dl, for a third‐trimester‐equivalent period from gestational day 4 (GD4) to GD132. MiRNA profiles were assessed by quantitative PCR analysis in plasma, erythrocyte, and leukocytes obtained from nonpregnant ewes, and plasma from pregnant ewes 24 hours following the last binge EtOH episode, and from newborn lambs, at birth on ~GD147.

Results

Pregnant ewe and newborn lamb cirmiRNA profiles were similar to each other and different from nonpregnant female plasma, erythrocyte, or leukocyte miRNAs. Significant changes in cirmiRNA profiles were observed in the EtOH‐exposed ewe and, at birth, in the in utero, EtOH‐exposed lamb. CirmiRNAs including miR‐9, ‐15b, ‐19b, and ‐20a were sensitive and specific measures of EtOH exposure in both pregnant ewe and newborn lamb. Additionally, EtOH exposure altered guide‐to‐passenger strand cirmiRNA ratios in the pregnant ewe, but not in the lamb.

Conclusions

Shared profiles between pregnant dam and neonate suggest possible maternal‐fetal miRNA transfer. CirmiRNAs are biomarkers for alcohol exposure during pregnancy, in both mother and neonate, and may constitute an important shared endocrine biomarker that is vulnerable to the maternal environment.
Episodic Heavy Drinking and 20‐Year Total Mortality Among Late‐Life Moderate Drinkers
Authors: Holahan Charles J. , Schutte Kathleen K. , Brennan Penny L. , Holahan Carole K. , Moos Rudolf H.
Published: March 2014

Background

Analyses of moderate drinking have focused overwhelmingly on average consumption, which masks diverse underlying drinking patterns. This study examined the association between episodic heavy drinking and total mortality among moderate‐drinking older adults.

Methods

At baseline, the sample was comprised of 446 adults aged 55 to 65; 74 moderate drinkers who engaged in episodic heavy drinking and 372 regular moderate drinkers. The database at baseline also included a broad set of sociodemographic, behavioral, and health status covariates. Death across a 20‐year follow‐up period was confirmed primarily by death certificate.

Results

In multiple logistic regression analyses, after adjusting for all covariates, as well as overall alcohol consumption, moderate drinkers who engaged in episodic heavy drinking had more than 2 times higher odds of 20‐year mortality in comparison with regular moderate drinkers.

Conclusions

Among older moderate drinkers, those who engage in episodic heavy drinking show significantly increased total mortality risk compared to regular moderate drinkers. Episodic heavy drinking—even when average consumption remains moderate—is a significant public health concern.
Consequences of Adolescent or Adult Ethanol Exposure on Tone and Context Fear Retention: Effects of an Acute Ethanol Challenge During Conditioning
Authors: Broadwater Margaret , Spear Linda P.
Published: March 2014

Background

An acute ethanol (EtOH) challenge prior to fear conditioning typically disrupts fear retention to contextual cues to a greater degree than fear retention to a discrete tone cue, and adolescent rats are less sensitive than adults to these EtOH‐induced disruptions of context fear memory. Given that some research suggests that repeated EtOH exposure during adolescence may “lock‐in” adolescent‐typical EtOH sensitivity into adulthood, the purpose of this study was to determine whether adults exposed to EtOH as adolescents would be less sensitive to EtOH‐induced disruptions of context fear.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were given 4 g/kg intragastric EtOH (25% v/v) or water every 48 hours for a total of 11 exposures during adolescence (postnatal day [P] 28 to 48) or adulthood (P70–90). After a 22‐day non‐EtOH period, animals were acutely challenged with 1 g/kg intraperitoneal EtOH or saline 10 minutes prior to tone or context (noncued) fear conditioning. Tone and context fear retention was subsequently examined.

Results

Regardless of age or exposure history, typical deficits in context fear retention were evident after EtOH challenge during conditioning. Similarly, tone fear retention was disrupted in all animals that were trained in the presence of EtOH, which was somewhat surprising given the relative resistance of tone fear retention to an acute EtOH challenge.

Conclusions

These results do not support the notion of a “lock‐in” of adolescent‐typical EtOH sensitivity as there was no influence of exposure age on sensitivity to the disruptive effects of an acute EtOH challenge. Thus, it appears that not all adolescent‐like EtOH sensitivities persist into adulthood after prior EtOH exposure during adolescence.
Clarifying the Measurement and the Role of the Behavioral Inhibition System in Alcohol Misuse
Authors: Keough Matthew T. , O'Connor Roisin M.
Published: March 2014

Background

In response to conflicting reward (Behavioral Approach System [BAS]) and/or punishment cues (Fight‐Flight‐Freeze System [FFFS]) the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) inhibits behavior, leading to increased attention to threat, high anxiety, and behavioral ambivalence. The role of BIS in alcohol misuse is complex, as anxiety promotes self‐medication drinking, while attention to threat (e.g., negative outcomes of heavy drinking) may reduce risk. Theory suggests that a concurrent strong BAS may bias BIS‐conflict in favor of alcohol approach, while a concurrent strong FFFS may increase the likelihood of alcohol avoidance. However, few studies measure BIS as a conflict system, and no studies incorporate such a measure into examinations of alcohol misuse. Our study goals were to (i) test the Motivational Flanker Task (MFT) as a new laboratory measure of the BIS, BAS, and FFFS; and (ii) use the MFT, in conjunction with self‐report measures, to test BAS and FFFS as moderators of the BIS‐alcohol misuse relation. We hypothesized that an elevated BIS would predict heavy drinking and alcohol‐related problems, but only when BAS was high. Further, we expected an elevated BIS to be associated with reduced alcohol misuse, but only when FFFS was high.

Methods

Students (N = 198) completed self‐reports of BIS/BAS/FFFS and drinking behavior, and 2 reaction time tasks: MFT and Point Scoring Reaction Time Task (PSRTT). The PSRTT is a published measure of the revised BIS.

Results

MFT BIS conflict was associated with self‐report and PSRTT measures. MFT BAS, but not FFFS, was associated with self‐reports. As expected, elevated BIS was associated with heavy drinking, but only when BAS‐Drive and BAS‐Fun Seeking was also high. FFFS was not supported as a moderator of the BIS‐alcohol misuse association.

Conclusions

Results support the MFT as a promising measure of the revised BIS. Considering the joint effects of BIS and BAS clarified risk for alcohol misuse.
‘Does Farming Pay in Victoria?’ Profit Potential of the Farming Industry in Mid‐Nineteenth‐Century Victoria
Authors: Ostapenko Dmytro
Published: March 2014

The conventional view of the fortunes of European newcomers who cropped land in mid‐nineteenth‐century Victoria is confined to a description of their difficulties. This article critically assesses the scope for profit‐making in the local farming sector in the late 1830s to early 1870s. The microeconomic environment in which early colonial farmers operated is reconstructed in this article with the use of modern Michael Porter's five forces of competition model. The article shows the high profit potential of crop farming – even when on a small scale – throughout the period, with the exception of the last few years when intensified competition among farmers affected their profits.
Evaluation of anti‐Mullerian hormone in the first trimester as a predictor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and other adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Shand Antonia W. , Whitton Katherine , Pasfield Adam , Nassar Natasha , McShane Monika , Han XuGuang , Henry Amanda
Published: March 2014

Background

Prediction of pre‐eclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes with biomarkers has been proposed. AMH is an ovary‐specific growth factor, used to predict ovarian reserve, which changes with age similar to the change in age‐related fertility.

Aims

The aim of the study was to determine whether AMH tested in the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with pregnancy hypertension or adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective cohort study of women who delivered singleton fetuses ≥20 weeks' gestation at Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, Australia (n = 331). AMH was tested in 2011 via Beckman‐Coulter Gen II ELISA method on frozen serum collected at the time of first trimester aneuploidy screening (10–13 + 6 weeks' gestation). Outcome data were obtained from the hospital database (ObstetriX). Main outcome measures were pregnancy hypertension (pre‐eclampsia and gestational hypertension) and composite adverse pregnancy outcome.

Results

The median AMH level was 9.7pmol/L (interquartile range (IQR) 3.9–17.3). There was a trend towards women with pregnancy hypertension having lower AMH levels than women without pregnancy hypertension (median 5.1pmol/L, IQR 1.5–13.2 vs 9.4 IQR 3.9–17.3; P = 0.06). After adjusting for BMI ≥25, parity ≥1 and age ≥35, women with an AMH less than the 10th centile had a 3.3‐fold increased risk of pregnancy hypertension (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.2–8.7, P = 0.01). There were no other associations between low AMH concentration and adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes.

Conclusions

Women with a very low AMH (1.5 pmol/L) in early pregnancy may have an increased risk of pregnancy hypertension. No other adverse pregnancy outcomes were identified.
Acylated and unacylated ghrelin inhibit doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis in skeletal muscle
Authors: Yu A. P. , Pei X. M. , Sin T. K. , Yip S. P. , Yung B. Y. , Chan L. W. , Wong C. S. , Siu P. M.
Published: March 2014

Aim

Doxorubicin, a potent chemotherapeutic drug, has been demonstrated previously as an inducer of apoptosis in muscle cells. Extensive induction of apoptosis may cause excessive loss of muscle cells and subsequent functional decline in skeletal muscle. This study examined the effects of acylated ghrelin, a potential agent for treating cancer cachexia, on inhibiting apoptotic signalling in doxorubicin‐treated skeletal muscle. Unacylated ghrelin, a form of ghrelin that does not bind to GHSR‐1a, is also employed in this study to examine the GHSR‐1a signalling dependency of the effects of ghrelin.

Methods

Adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to saline control (CON), doxorubicin (DOX), doxorubicin with treatment of acylated ghrelin (DOX+Acylated Ghrelin) and doxorubicin with treatment of unacylated ghrelin (DOX+Unacylated Ghrelin). Mice in all groups that involved DOX were intraperitoneally injected with 15 mg of doxorubicin per kg body weight, whereas mice in CON group received saline as placebo. Gastrocnemius muscle tissues were harvested after the experimental period for analysis.

Results

The elevation of apoptotic DNA fragmentation and number of TUNEL‐positive nuclei were accompanied with the upregulation of Bax in muscle after exposure to doxorubicin, but all these changes were neither seen in the muscle treated with acylated ghrelin nor unacylated ghrelin after doxorubicin exposure. Protein abundances of autophagic markers including LC3 II‐to‐LC3 I ratio, Atg12‐5 complex, Atg5 and Beclin‐1 were not altered by doxorubicin but were upregulated by the treatment of either acylated or unacyated ghrelin. Histological analysis revealed that the amount of centronucleated myofibres was elevated in doxorubicin‐treated muscle while muscle of others groups showed normal histology.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data demonstrated that acylated ghrelin administration suppresses the doxorubicin‐induced activation of apoptosis and enhances the cellular signalling of autophagy. The treatment of unacylated ghrelin has similar effects as acylated ghrelin on apoptotic and autophagic signalling, suggesting that the effects of ghrelin are probably mediated through a signalling pathway that is independent of GHSR‐1a. These findings were consistent with the hypothesis that acylated ghrelin inhibits doxorubicin‐induced upregulation of apoptosis in skeletal muscle while treatment of unacylated ghrelin can achieve similar effects as the treatment of acylated ghrelin. The inhibition of apoptosis and enhancement of autophagy induced by acylated and unacylated ghrelin might exert myoprotective effects on doxorubicin‐induced toxicity in skeletal muscle.
Implementation Intention and Action Planning Interventions in Health Contexts: State of the Research and Proposals for the Way Forward
Authors: Hagger Martin S. , Luszczynska Aleksandra
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature on two planning intervention techniques in health behaviour research, implementation intentions and action planning, and to develop evidence‐based recommendations for effective future interventions and highlight priority areas for future research. We focused our review on four key areas: (1) definition and conceptualisation; (2) format and measurement; (3) mechanisms and processes; and (4) design issues. Overall, evidence supports the effectiveness of planning interventions in health behaviour with advantages including low cost and response burden. There is, however, considerable heterogeneity in the effects across studies and relatively few registered randomised trials that include objective behavioural measures. Optimally effective planning interventions should adopt “if–then” plans, account for salient and relevant cues, include examples of cues, be guided rather than user‐defined, and include boosters. Future studies should adopt randomised controlled designs, report study protocols, include fidelity checks and relevant comparison groups, and adopt long‐term behavioural follow‐up measures. Priority areas for future research include the identification of the moderators and mediators of planning intervention effects. Future research also needs to adopt “best practice” components of planning interventions more consistently to elucidate the mechanisms and processes involved.
The incidence and risk factors for developing depression after being diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease: a cohort study
Authors: Panara A. J. , Yarur A. J. , Rieders B. , Proksell S. , Deshpande A. R. , Abreu M. T. , Sussman D. A.
Published: March 2014

Background

Studies have found that depression is more frequent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than the general population. Clinicians are now trying to pinpoint risk factors for psychological impairment in the IBD population.

Aims

To examine the demographic and phenotypic variables associated with the development of depression among a diverse cohort of IBD patients. We also sought to describe psychotropic therapy prescribed to IBD patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) without a prior psychiatric diagnosis and followed in the gastroenterology clinics of the private university hospital and public safety net hospital at a large academic centre in Miami (Florida). Predictive variables included demographic characteristics, IBD phenotype, exposure to IBD medications, history of a surgical stoma or seton placement, extra‐intestinal manifestations, laboratory indices, aggressive disease and disease activity (based on imaging and endoscopic parameters). Proportional hazard regression models and stepwise Cox regression analysis were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Independent predictors of depression were female gender [HR: 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1–1.7), P = 0.01], aggressive disease [HR: 1.4 (95% CI: 1.02–1.9), P = 0.03] and active disease [HR: 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1–2.0), P = 0.04]. In the group that did develop a depressive disorder, 65% received pharmacologic therapy with one or more psychotropic agents.

Conclusions

We found female gender, aggressive disease and increased endoscopic/radiological activity to be independently associated with the development of depression in inflammatory bowel disease.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: meat consumption and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Luo J. , Yang Y. , Liu J. , Lu K. , Tang Z. , Liu P. , Liu L. , Zhu Y.
Published: March 2014

Background

The association between meat consumption and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still inconclusive.

Aim

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to quantitatively assess the relationship between meat intake and the risk of HCC.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE databases for relevant studies published before July 2013. The summary relative risks were pooled using the fixed‐effects model when no substantial heterogeneity was detected, otherwise, the random‐effects model was used. Heterogeneity and publication bias were also analysed.

Results

Finally, seven cohort studies and 10 case–control studies were included. The pooled relative risks (RRs) of HCC for the highest vs. lowest consumption levels were 1.10 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.85–1.42) for red meat, 1.01 (95% CI: 0.79–1.28) for processed meat and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.85–1.11) for total meat. Moreover, white meat and fish consumption were found to be inversely associated with HCC risk, the summary RRs were 0.69 (95% CI: 0.58–0.81) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.67–0.90) respectively, and the results remained quite stable after stratification by the confounding factors.

Conclusions

The present meta‐analysis indicates that a high level of white meat or fish consumption can reduce the risk of HCC significantly, while intake of red meat, processed meat or total meat is not associated with HCC risk. Our findings suggest that dietary intervention may be a promising approach for prevention of HCC, which still need to be confirmed by further well‐designed prospective studies and experimental research.
An Ethical Analysis of the Second Amendment: The Right to Pack Heat at Work
Authors: Martin William M. , LaVan Helen , Lopez Yvette P. , Naquin Charles E. , Katz Marsha
Published: March 2014

We examine the issues concerning the legality and ethicality of the Second Amendment right to bear arms balanced by the employer's duty to provide a safe workplace for its employees. Two court rulings highlight this balancing act: McDonald et al. v. City of Chicago et al. and District of Columbia v. Heller. “Stand Your Ground” and “Castle Doctrine” laws in the recent Trayvon Martin shooting on February 26, 2012 are also applicable. Various ethical frameworks examine the firearms debate by viewing the Second Amendment from three perspectives. These include a pro‐gun perspective drawing upon libertarianism and fundamental rights; a moderate gun perspective drawing upon consequentialism and stakeholder theory; and finally, an anti‐gun perspective drawing upon a Public Health Ethics and peace ethics approach. We explore the issue of gun control from a business perspective as employers face ethical decisions in responding to legislation that allows guns in the workplace and/or in employer parking lots while still being responsible to provide a safe workplace for their employees. We make recommendations regarding how companies should manage by proactively avoiding legal challenges to employees' rights to own and carry guns into the workplace. This includes emphasis on enhanced security, Human Resource policies and monitoring rapidly changing laws.
Bipolar II disorder in patients with a current diagnosis of recurrent depression
Authors: Mosolov Sergey , Ushkalova Anna , Kostukova Elena , Shafarenko Alexey , Alfimov Pavel , Kostyukova Anastasiya , Angst Jules
Published: March 2014

Objectives

The prevalence of bipolar II disorder (BD‐II) in Russia has never been studied. Therefore, we sought to identify patients meeting diagnostic criteria for BD‐II among patients with a current diagnosis of recurrent depressive disorder (RDD) through the use of the Russian versions of the Hypomania Checklist (HCL‐32) and Bipolarity Index scales for differentiating between BD‐II and RDD.

Methods

In a non‐interventional diagnostic study, we selected 409 patients aged between 18 and 65 years from two medical settings with (i) a current diagnosis of RDD, (ii) an illness duration of at least three years, and (iii) at least two affective episodes. The diagnosis was based on clinical assessment and confirmed by the Russian version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. All patients were assessed by the HCL‐32, the Bipolarity Index, and the Personal and Social Performance Scale.

Results

Among patients with a current diagnosis of RDD, 40.8% had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder (bipolar I disorder: 4.9%; BD‐II: 35.9%). The average time lag from onset to a correct diagnosis of BD‐II was 15 years and patients were treated only with antidepressants. The sensitivity of the Russian version of the HCL‐32 at the optimal cutoff point (≥14.0) was 83.7%, and its specificity was 71.9%. The Bipolarity Index showed significant differences between the total scores of the patients with BD‐II and RDD (31.8 versus 20.2; p < 0.0001). The optimal threshold was ≥22.0 (sensitivity 73.5%; specificity 72.3%).

Conclusions

In Russia, diagnostic errors are an important cause of the non‐detection of bipolar disorder, particularly BD‐II. The Russian version of the HCL‐32 and the Bipolarity Index, as additional tools, could be useful for bipolarity screening.