bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the role of psychological distress in linking childhood maltreatment and alcohol use in young adulthood
Authors: Shin Sunny H. , Hassamal Sameer , Groves Lauren Peasley
Published: September 2015

Background and Objectives

Childhood maltreatment is related to alcohol use as well as psychological distress in young adulthood. Few studies have examined whether psychological distress mediates the relationship between child maltreatment and alcohol use. We examined the role of psychological distress in linking child maltreatment subtypes (ie, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect) to four patterns of alcohol use, including frequency of alcohol use, binge drinking, alcohol‐related problems, and alcohol dependence.

Methods

We used a community sample of young adults (N = 337), who completed an interview assessing exposure to childhood maltreatment, current psychological distress, and drinking behaviors.

Results

Emotional abuse was associated with psychological distress, whereas psychological distress was related to more pathological drinking behaviors such as alcohol‐related problems and alcohol dependence. Subsequent analyses indicated significant mediated effects between emotional abuse and alcohol‐related problems and alcohol dependence via psychological distress, even after controlling for demographic factors, other maltreatment subtypes, parental alcoholism, and peer alcohol use.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Findings suggest that among four types of childhood maltreatment, emotional abuse might be the major driver of pathological drinking among child maltreatment victims. Interventions aimed at negative emotionality may be useful in preventing and treating problematic drinking among the victims of childhood emotional abuse. (Am J Addict 2015;XX:1–9)
Polysomnographic sleep disturbances in nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, cocaine, opioid, and cannabis use: A focused review
Authors: Garcia Alexandra N. , Salloum Ihsan M.
Published: September 2015

Background and Objectives

In the United States, approximately 60 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders and about 22 million Americans report substance dependence or use disorders annually. Sleep disturbances are common consequences of substance use disorders and are likely found in primary care as well as in specialty practices. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effects of the most frequently used substances—nicotine, alcohol, opioids, cocaine, caffeine, and cannabis—have on sleep parameters measured by polysomnography (PSG) and related clinical manifestations.

Methods

We used electronic databases such as PubMED and PsycINFO to search for relevant articles. We only included studies that assessed sleep disturbances using polysomnography and reviewed the effects of these substances on six clinically relevant sleep parameters: Total sleep time, sleep onset latency, rapid‐eye movement, REM latency, wake after sleep onset, and slow wave sleep.

Results

Our review indicates that these substances have significant impact on sleep and that their effects differ during intoxication, withdrawal, and chronic use. Many of the substance‐induced sleep disturbances overlap with those encountered in sleep disorders, medical, and psychiatric conditions. Sleep difficulties also increase the likelihood of substance use disorder relapse, further emphasizing the need for optimizing treatment interventions in these patients.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

Our review highlights the importance of systematically screening for substance use in patients with sleep disturbances and highlights the need for further research to understand mechanisms underlying substances‐induced sleep disturbances and on effective interventions addressing these conditions. (Am J Addict 2015;9999:1–9)
Is Voting Habit Forming? New Evidence from Experiments and Regression Discontinuities
Authors: Coppock Alexander , Green Donald P.
Published: September 2015

Field experiments and regression discontinuity designs test whether voting is habit forming by examining whether a random shock to turnout in one election affects participation in subsequent elections. We contribute to this literature by offering a vast amount of new statistical evidence on the long‐term consequences of random and quasi‐random inducements to vote. The behavior of millions of voters confirms the persistence of voter turnout and calls attention to theoretically meaningful nuances in the development and expression of voting habits. We suggest that individuals become habituated to voting in particular types of elections. The degree of persistence appears to vary by electoral context and by the attributes of those who comply with an initial inducement to vote.
Veto Rhetoric and Legislative Riders
Authors: Hassell Hans J. G. , Kernell Samuel
Published: September 2015

Riders to appropriations bills have long been a favorite congressional instrument for forcing presidents to accept unwanted policies. To resist unwanted riders, presidents have increasingly resorted to veto threats. Are such threats credible, and do they influence legislation? To answer these questions, we analyze the legislative histories of hundreds of threatened and unthreatened riders from 1985 through 2008. We find that threats are effective in bringing the final legislation closer to the president's preferences. Threats achieve their success, in large part, by interrupting the textbook legislative process in the Senate—spawning filibusters, prompting leaders to punt bills to conference, and encouraging the use of other “unorthodox” procedures. Unlike conventional models that regard veto threats as minimally effective, the findings presented here depict veto rhetoric as integral to identifying critical riders separating the legislative parties that must be resolved in order to avoid gridlock and pass annual appropriations legislation.
The effect of a forced‐air warming blanket on patients' end‐tidal and transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressures during eye surgery under local anaesthesia: a single‐blind, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sukcharanjit S. , Tan A. S. B. , Loo A. V. P. , Chan X. L. , Wang C. Y.
Published: September 2015

Surgical drapes used during eye surgery are impermeable to air and hence risk trapping air underneath them. We investigated the effect of a forced‐air warming blanket on carbon dioxide accumulation under the drapes in patients undergoing eye surgery under local anaesthesia without sedation. Forty patients of ASA physical status 1 and 2 were randomly assigned to either the forced‐air warmer (n = 20) or a control heated overblanket (n = 20). All patients were given 1 l.min−1 oxygen. We measured transcutaneous and end‐tidal carbon dioxide partial pressures, heart rate, arterial pressure, respiratory rate, temperature and oxygen saturation before and after draping, then every 5 min thereafter for 30 min. The mean (SD) transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressure in the forced‐air warming group stayed constant after draping at 5.7 (0.2) kPa but rose to a maximum of 6.4 (0.4) kPa in the heated overblanket group (p = 0.0001 for the difference at time points 15 min and later). We conclude that forced‐air warming reduces carbon dioxide accumulation under the drapes in patients undergoing eye surgery under local anaesthesia.
Effectiveness of chest compression feedback during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in lateral tilted and semirecumbent positions: a randomised controlled simulation study
Authors: Song Y. , Oh J. , Chee Y. , Cho Y. , Lee S. , Lim T. H.
Published: September 2015

Feedback devices have been shown to improve the quality of chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation for patients in the supine position, but no studies have reported the effects of feedback devices on chest compression when the chest is tilted. Basic life support‐trained providers were randomly assigned to administer chest compressions to a manikin in the supine, 30° left lateral tilt and 30° semirecumbent positions, with or without the aid of a feedback device incorporated into a smartphone. Thirty‐six participants were studied. The feedback device did not affect the quality of chest compressions in the supine position, but improved aspects of performance in the tilted positions. In the lateral tilted position, the median (IQR [range]) chest compression rate was 99 (99–100 [96–117]) compressions.min−1 with and 115 (95–128 [77–164]) compressions.min−1 without feedback (p = 0.05), and the proportion of compressions of correct depth was 55 (0–96 [0–100])% with and 1 (0–30 [0–100])% without feedback (p = 0.03). In the semirecumbent position, the proportion of compressions of correct depth was 21 (0–87 [0–100])% with and 1 (0–26 [0–100])% without feedback (p = 0.05). Female participants applied chest compressions at a more accurate rate using the feedback device in the lateral tilted position but were unable to increase the chest compression depth, whereas male participants were able to increase the force of chest compression using the feedback device in the lateral tilted and semirecumbent positions. We conclude that a feedback device improves the application of chest compressions during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation when the chest is tilted.
Moxifloxacin superior to cefuroxime in reducing bacterial adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis on hydrophobic intraocular lenses
Authors: Benbouzid Fathalah , Kodjikian Laurent , Hartmann Daniel , Renaud François , Baillif Stéphanie
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To compare the anti‐adhesive effect of cefuroxime and moxifloxacin on the primary attachment phase of Staphylococcus epidermidis on hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Methods

Forty hydrophobic acrylic IOLs were used. Two groups of IOLs were soaked in a moxifloxacin (Mox‐T1: 0.5 mg/0.1 ml) or a cefuroxime (Cef‐T1: cefuroxime 1 mg/0.1 ml) solution before incubation in a S. epidermidis bacterial suspension. Two other groups were incubated in the bacterial suspension before antibiotics (Cef‐T2 and Mox‐T2) were added. The control group (Ctrl) consisted of IOLs incubated in the bacterial suspension. After incubation, IOLs were sonicated and vortexed. The resultant suspension was spread over a nutritive agar plate. Bacterial colonies were counted after 24 hr of incubation.

Results

Mean number of colony‐forming units per IOL was Cef‐T1: 184 × 103 (SE: 5.24; SD: 28.21), Cef‐T2: 117 × 103 (SE: 5.74; SD: 30.37), Mox‐T1: 1.27 × 103 (SE: 0.12; SD: 0.61), Mox‐T2: 25 × 103 (SE:1.98; SD: 9.72) and Ctrl: 361 × 103 (SE: 26.9; SD: 107.6). The number of adhering bacteria did not vary whether cefuroxime was added before or after IOL incubation in the bacterial suspension (p = 0.132). Moxifloxacin was more effective in reducing the number of adhering bacteria when used before IOL incubation (p < 0.001). Overall for T1 and T2, moxifloxacin was more effective than cefuroxime in reducing bacterial adhesion on IOLs (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Moxifloxacin and cefuroxime significantly reduced S. epidermidis adhesion on hydrophobic acrylic IOLs. The anti‐adhesive effect was superior with moxifloxacin.
Inverse gradient of nitrergic and purinergic inhibitory cotransmission in the mouse colon
Authors: Mañé N. , Viais R. , Martínez‐Cutillas M. , Gallego D. , Correia‐de‐Sá P. , Jiménez M.
Published: September 2015

Aim

Gastrointestinal smooth muscle relaxation is accomplished by the neural corelease of ATP or a related purine and nitric oxide. Contractions are triggered by acetylcholine and tachykinins. The aim of this work was to study whether regional differences in neurotransmission could partially explain the varied physiological roles of each colonic area.

Methods

We used electrophysiological and myography techniques to evaluate purinergic (L‐NNA 1 mm incubated tissue), nitrergic (MRS2500 0.3 μm incubated tissue) and cholinergic neurotransmission (L‐NNA 1 mm and MRS2500 0.3 μm incubated tissue) in the proximal, mid and distal colon of CD1 mice (n = 42).

Results

Purinergic electrophysiological responses elicited by single pulses (28 V) were greater in the distal (IJPfMAX = −35.3 ± 2.2 mV), followed by the mid (IJPfMAX = −30.6 ± 1.0 mV) and proximal (IJPfMAX = −11.7 ± 1.1 mV) colon. In contrast, nitrergic responses decreased from the proximal colon (IJPsMAX = −11.4 ± 1.1 mV) to the mid (IJPsMAX = −9.1 ± 0.4 mV), followed by the distal colon (IJPsMAX = −1.8 ± 0.3 mV). A similar rank of order was observed in neural mediated inhibitory mechanical responses including electrical field stimulation‐mediated responses and neural tone. ADPβs concentration–response curve was shifted to the left in the distal colon. In contrast, NaNP responses did not differ between regions. Cholinergic neurotransmission elicited contractions of a similar amplitude throughout the colon.

Conclusion

An inverse gradient of purinergic and nitrergic neurotransmission exists through the mouse colon. The proximal and mid colon have a predominant nitrergic neurotransmission probably due to the fact that their storage function requires sustained relaxations. The distal colon, in contrast, has mainly purinergic neurotransmission responsible for the phasic relaxations needed to propel dehydrated faeces.
Deficiency of heat shock transcription factor 1 suppresses heat stress‐associated increase in slow soleus muscle mass of mice
Authors: Ohno Y. , Egawa T. , Yokoyama S. , Nakai A. , Sugiura T. , Ohira Y. , Yoshioka T. , Goto K.
Published: September 2015

Aim

Effects of heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) deficiency on heat stress‐associated increase in slow soleus muscle mass of mice were investigated.

Methods

Both HSF1‐null and wild‐type mice were randomly assigned to control and heat‐stressed groups. Mice in heat‐stressed group were exposed to heat stress (41 °C for 60 min) in an incubator without anaesthesia.

Results

Significant increase in wet and dry weights, and protein content of soleus muscle in wild‐type mice was observed seven days after the application of the heat stress. However, heat stress had no impact on soleus muscle mass in HSF1‐null mice. Neither type of mice exhibited much effect of heat stress on HSF mRNA expression (HSF1, HSF2 and HSF4). On the other hand, heat stress upregulated heat shock proteins (HSPs) at the mRNA (HSP72) and protein (HSP72 and HSP110) levels in wild‐type mice, but not in HSF1‐null mice. The population of Pax7‐positive nuclei relative to total myonuclei of soleus muscle in wild‐type mice was significantly increased by heat stress, but not in HSF1‐null mice. Furthermore, the absence of HSF1 gene suppressed heat stress‐associated phosphorylation of Akt and p70 S6 kinase (p‐p70S6K) in soleus muscle.

Conclusion

Heat stress‐associated increase in skeletal muscle mass may be induced by HSF1 and/or HSF1‐mediated stress response that activates muscle satellite cells and Akt/p70S6K signalling pathway.
−141C insertion/deletion polymorphism of the dopamine D2 receptor gene is associated with schizophrenia in Chinese Han population: Evidence from an ethnic group‐specific meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Xiaofeng , Huang Yinglin , Chen Kaiyuan , Li Duolu , Han Chao , Kan Quancheng
Published: September 2015

Accumulate evidence has implicated dopamine D2 receptor gene polymorphisms in the etiology of schizophrenia. A single nucleotide polymorphism, −141C insertion/deletion (Ins/Del) (rs1799732), in the promoter region of the dopamine D2 receptor gene has been linked to schizophrenia; however, the data are inconclusive. This study investigated whether the −141C polymorphism is associated with the risk of schizophrenia in different ethnic groups by performing a meta‐analysis. A total of 24 case–control studies examining the association between −141C Ins/Del polymorphism and schizophrenia were identified according to established inclusion criteria. Significant association was revealed between −141C Ins/Del polymorphism and schizophrenia risk in dominant genetic model (Ins/Ins + Ins/Del versus Del/Del) (odds ratio = 0.33, 95% confidence interval = 0.14–0.81, z = 2.41, P = 0.02) in Chinese Han but not in Caucasian, Japanese or India populations. Our results indicate that −141C Ins/Del polymorphism might be a susceptibility factor for schizophrenia in Chinese Han population.
The impact of obesity on oesophageal acid exposure time on and off proton pump inhibitor therapy
Authors: Shah S. L. , Lacy B. E. , DiBaise J. K. , Vela M. F. , Crowell M. D.
Published: September 2015

Background

Obesity is associated with increased oesophageal acid exposure time (AET) in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GER), and may decrease the effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Aim

To evaluate the effects of increased body mass on the ability of PPI therapy to decrease AET in patients with reflux symptoms.

Methods

Acid exposure time profiles collected from adult patients using wireless pH‐metry while on or off PPI therapy was retrospectively reviewed. Patients were separated into five body mass index (BMI) categories as defined by the World Health Organization. A multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association between abnormal AET and BMI groups while controlling for age, gender and pH capsule placement methods.

Results

The study group comprised 968 patients with 336 (34.7%) studied on a PPI and 632 (65.3%) studied off PPI therapy. AET (total greater than 5.3%) was found more frequently in the overweight (67%) and obese classes (74–80%) compared to those who were normal weight (40%) while off acid‐suppressing medications (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found between these groups when studied on acid‐suppressing medications, and the proportion of patients with abnormal AET across BMI classes was similar regardless of taking a PPI either once or twice daily.

Conclusions

This is the largest study to report on the relationship between BMI and oesophageal acid exposure time in patients with GER on and off PPI therapy. We conclude that obesity is related to increased acid exposure time, but with no significant difference in acid exposure time among different weight‐based groups when taking a once or twice‐daily PPI.
Bevacizumab dosing strategy in paediatric cancer patients based on population pharmacokinetic analysis with external validation
Authors: Han Kelong , Peyret Thomas , Quartino Angelica , Gosselin Nathalie H. , Gururangan Sridharan , Casanova Michela , Merks Johannes H. M. , Massimino Maura , Grill Jacques , Daw Najat C. , Navid Fariba , Jin Jin , Allison David E.
Published: September 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of bevacizumab and various dosing strategies for this agent in paediatric patients.

Methods

Data were collected from 232 paediatric patients (1971 concentrations) in five studies, with a wide range of age (0.5 – 21 years), body weight (BWT; 5.9 – 125 kg), and regimens (5 – 15 mg kg–1 biweekly or triweekly). Data from 152 patients (1427 concentrations) and 80 patients (544 concentrations) were used for model building and external validation, respectively. Steady‐state exposure was simulated under BWT‐based, body surface area (BSA)‐based, ideal body weight (IBW)‐based, and tier‐based doses. NONMEM and R were used for analyses.

Results

Typical estimates of clearance, central volume of distribution (V1), and median half‐life were 9.04 ml h–1, 2851 ml, and 19.6 days, respectively. Clearance decreased with increasing albumin. Clearance and V1 increased with BWT and were higher in male patients. Clearance and V1 were lower in children with primary central nervous system (CNS) tumours than in children with sarcomas, resulting in 49% higher trough (Cmin) and 29% higher peak (Cmax) concentrations. BWT‐adjusted clearance and V1 remained unchanged across ages. Paediatric Cmin was similar to adult Cmin under all dosing strategies. Paediatric Cmax exceeded adult Cmax under tier‐based doses.

Conclusions

BWT‐adjusted pharmacokinetic parameter estimates in paediatric patients were similar to those in adults, and similar across ages. Bevacizumab exposure was higher in children with primary CNS tumours than in children with sarcomas. BSA‐based, IBW‐based, and tier‐based doses offered no substantial advantage over the BWT‐based dose currently used in adults for bevacizumab. Given the similarity in pharmacokinetics among many monoclonal antibodies, this may help to develop practical paediatric dosing guidelines for other therapeutic antibodies.
Investigating pulmonary and systemic pharmacokinetics of inhaled olodaterol in healthy volunteers using a population pharmacokinetic approach
Authors: Borghardt Jens Markus , Weber Benjamin , Staab Alexander , Kunz Christina , Formella Stephan , Kloft Charlotte
Published: September 2015

Aims

Olodaterol, a novel β2‐adrenergic receptor agonist, is a long‐acting, once‐daily inhaled bronchodilator approved for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of the present study was to describe the plasma and urine pharmacokinetics of olodaterol after intravenous administration and oral inhalation in healthy volunteers by population pharmacokinetic modelling and thereby to infer its pulmonary fate.

Methods

Plasma and urine data after intravenous administration (0.5–25 μg) and oral inhalation (2.5–70 μg via the Respimat® inhaler) were available from a total of 148 healthy volunteers (single and multiple dosing). A stepwise model building approach was applied, using population pharmacokinetic modelling. Systemic disposition parameters were fixed to estimates obtained from intravenous data when modelling data after inhalation.

Results

A pharmacokinetic model, including three depot compartments with associated parallel first‐order absorption processes (pulmonary model) on top of a four‐compartment body model (systemic disposition model), was found to describe the data the best. The dose reaching the lung (pulmonary bioavailable fraction) was estimated to be 49.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 46.1, 52.7%] of the dose released from the device. A large proportion of the pulmonary bioavailable fraction [70.1% (95% CI 66.8, 73.3%)] was absorbed with a half‐life of 21.8 h (95% CI 19.7, 24.4 h).

Conclusions

The plasma and urine pharmacokinetics of olodaterol after intravenous administration and oral inhalation in healthy volunteers were adequately described. The key finding was that a high proportion of the pulmonary bioavailable fraction had an extended pulmonary residence time. This finding was not expected based on the physicochemical properties of olodaterol.
The Effect of a Selective Inhibitor of Phosphodiesterase‐9 on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Cytotoxicity in Neutrophils from Patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia
Authors: Barbosa Maritza Cavalcante , de Jesus dos Santos Talyta Ellen , Santos Thayna Nogueira dos , Pedrosa Alano Martins , Elias Darcielle Bruna Dias , Leal Luzia Kalyne Almeida Moreira , de Araújo Lopes Amanda , Sasahara Greyce Luri , Gonçalves Lemes Romélia Pinheiro
Published: September 2015

The aim of the study was to investigate the possible anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects of BAY 73‐6691 on neutrophils from SCA patients. This study included 35 patients with a molecular diagnosis of SCA, whose neutrophils were isolated and treated with BAY 73‐6691 at the concentrations 100, 10, 1.0 and 0.1 μg/mL. LDH release and MTT assays were performed to verify cell viability. To evaluate oxidative stress, the following parameters were determined by spectrophotometric assays: NO and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). As inflammatory markers, myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were evaluated by colorimetric assay and TNF‐α by enzyme immunoassay. The results showed that neutrophils from SCA patients not treated with hydroxyurea (HU) had significantly lower NO levels and catalase and SOD activity, as well as significantly higher MDA, MPO and TNF‐α levels when compared with neutrophils from SCA patients treated with HU and neutrophils from control group. Treatment of SCA neutrophils with BAY 73‐6691 resulted in 94%, 200% and 168% increase in NOx levels, SOD and catalase activity, respectively. In addition, there was a reduction of approximately 46% and 45% in TNF‐α and MPO levels, respectively. In SCAHU neutrophils, there was a 30% and 44% increase in NOx levels and SOD activity, respectively, and a 28% and 37% decrease in TNF‐α and MPO levels, respectively. However, these effects were observed at cytotoxic doses only. The results of this study are original and demonstrate that inhibition of phosphodiesterase‐9 in neutrophils from SCA patients with BAY 73‐6691 was able to increase the NO bioavailability and attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation in neutrophils from patients not treated with HU.
Augmented Case-Only Designs for Randomized Clinical Trials with Failure Time Endpoints
Authors: Dai James Y. , Zhang Xinyi Cindy , Wang Ching-Yun , Kooperberg Charles
Published: September 2015

Under suitable assumptions and by exploiting the independence between inherited genetic susceptibility and treatment assignment, the case-only design yields efficient estimates for subgroup treatment effects and gene-treatment interaction in a Cox model. However it cannot provide estimates of the genetic main effect and baseline hazards, that are necessary to compute the absolute disease risk. For two-arm, placebo-controlled trials with rare failure time endpoints, we consider augmenting the case-only design with random samples of controls from both arms, as in the classical case-cohort sampling scheme, or with a random sample of controls from the active treatment arm only. The latter design is motivated by vaccine trials for cost-effective use of resources and specimens so that host genetics and vaccine-induced immune responses can be studied simultaneously in a bigger set of participants. We show that these designs can identify all parameters in a Cox model and that the efficient case-only estimator can be incorporated in a two-step plug-in procedure. Results in simulations and a data example suggest that incorporating case-only estimators in the classical case-cohort design improves the precision of all estimated parameters; sampling controls only in the active treatment arm attains a similar level of efficiency.
Learning outside of classroom: Exploring the active part of an informal online English learning community in China
Authors: Sun Yanyan , Franklin Teresa , Gao Fei
Published: September 2015

This study explored how the GRE Analytical Writing Section Discussion Forum, an informal online language learning community in China, functioned to support its members to improve their English writing proficiency. The Community of Inquiry (CoI) model was used as the theoretical framework to explore the existence of teaching presence, cognitive presence and social presence in the GRE Analytical Writing Section Discussion Forum. The transcript analysis of postings in the GRE Analytical Writing Section Discussion Forum was used to find the existence of teaching, cognitive presence and social presence, and an adapted CoI survey was sent to members to measure their perceived teaching, cognitive and social presences. The results showed strong evidences of teaching presence, cognitive presence and social presence, and high levels of perceived teaching, cognitive and social presences in the GRE Analytical Writing Section Discussion Forum. The well‐designed technological environment, distributed teaching presence shared by moderators and members, and extensive evidences of social presence in the discussion forum worked together to support learning in the GRE Analytical Writing Section Discussion Forum.
The effectiveness of three serious games measuring generic learning features
Authors: Bakhuys Roozeboom Maartje , Visschedijk Gillian , Oprins Esther
Published: September 2015

Although serious games are more and more used for learning goals, high‐quality empirical studies to prove the effectiveness of serious games are relatively scarce. In this paper, three empirical studies are presented that investigate the effectiveness of serious games as opposed to traditional classroom instruction on learning features as well as learning outcomes. All three studies used a similar longitudinal case‐control study design and measured the same set of learning features (control, challenge, feedback, engagement and social interaction). Learning outcomes were measured by self‐report and knowledge tests. Results of the three studies show that students that played the serious games scored higher on features associated with high‐quality learning. Furthermore, the studies show that serious gaming is more effective on self‐reported learning outcomes than traditional classroom instruction. Effects of serious gaming on the knowledge tests were not found. The studies serve as a first step to the development of a generic evaluation framework for serious gaming.
Effectiveness of collaborative learning with 3D virtual worlds
Authors: Cho Young Hoan , Lim Kenneth Y. T.
Published: September 2015

Virtual worlds have affordances to enhance collaborative learning in authentic contexts. Despite the potential of collaborative learning with a virtual world, few studies investigated whether it is more effective in student achievements than teacher‐directed instruction. This study investigated the effectiveness of collaborative problem solving and collaborative observation using virtual worlds. Secondary school students (n = 101) participated in the study as part of their coursework in three geography classes. This study found that collaborative problem solving and observation were more effective in facilitating and maintaining intrinsic motivation than teacher‐directed instruction. Students in the collaborative observation condition outperformed those in the other conditions when it came to knowledge gains. Lastly, collaborative problem solving and observation were more beneficial for group performance than teacher‐directed instruction. These results were discussed in regard to the impacts of interactive learning and the cognitive load of using virtual worlds.
The role of emotion dysregulation in insomnia: Longitudinal findings from a large community sample
Authors: Jansson‐Fröjmark Markus , Norell‐Clarke Annika , Linton Steven J.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this longitudinal investigation was to examine the association between emotion regulation and future insomnia (incidence and persistence).

Design

A longitudinal study in the general population.

Methods

A survey was sent out to 5,000 individuals in the community. To those who returned the baseline questionnaire (n = 2,333), two follow‐up surveys, 6 and 18 months later, were sent out and then completed by 1,887 and 1,795 individuals, respectively. The survey contained information about demographic factors, insomnia symptomatology, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, anxiety, and depression.

Results

The findings suggested that emotion regulation at baseline was not associated with the incidence or persistence of insomnia. Overall, the effect sizes were very small to medium. When examining changes in emotion regulation over time, a different pattern emerged. Partial support was established for the notion that decreases in emotion regulation were related to incident and persistent insomnia, as a decrease in emotion regulation was associated with a higher likelihood of future insomnia. Yet, the effect sizes were very small to small.

Conclusion

This study does partly point towards a longitudinal association between emotion dysregulation and insomnia. This might have implications for the conceptualization and management of insomnia as well as for future research.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Previous research has indicated that emotion dysregulation might be enhanced in patients with insomnia.

A number of limitations have however hindered progress in understanding how emotion dysregulation is related to insomnia, such as limited research on the topic and relying solely on cross‐sectional data.

What does this study add?

The current investigation showed that emotion dysregulation is a risk factor for the development of incident and persistent insomnia.

This study also shows that increased emotion dysregulation over time heightens the risk of incident and persistent insomnia.
Are synesthetes exceptional beyond their synesthetic associations? A systematic comparison of creativity, personality, cognition, and mental imagery in synesthetes and controls
Authors: Chun Charlotte A. , Hupé Jean‐Michel
Published: September 2015

Synesthesia has historically been linked with enhanced creativity, but this had never been demonstrated in a systematically recruited sample. The current study offers a broad examination of creativity, personality, cognition, and mental imagery in a small sample of systematically recruited synesthetes and controls (n = 65). Synesthetes scored higher on some measures of creativity, personality traits of absorption and openness, and cognitive abilities of verbal comprehension and mental imagery. The differences were smaller than those reported in the literature, indicating that previous studies may have overestimated group differences, perhaps due to biased recruitment procedures. Nonetheless, most of our results replicated literature findings, yielding two possibilities: (1) our study was influenced by similar biases, or (2) differences between synesthetes and controls, though modest, are robust across recruitment methods. The covariance among our measures warrants interpretation of these differences as a pattern of associations with synesthesia, leaving open the possibility that this pattern could be explained by differences on a single measured trait, or even a hidden, untested trait. More generally, this study highlights the difficulty of comparing groups of people in psychology, not to mention neuropsychology and neuroimaging studies. The requirements discussed here – systematic recruitment procedures, large battery of tests, and large cohorts – are best fulfilled through collaborative efforts and cumulative science.
Stable 18O and 13C isotope records of Viviparus diluvianus (Kunth, 1865) shells from Holsteinian (MIS 11) lakes of eastern Poland as palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic proxies
Authors: Szymanek Marcin , Bińka Krzysztof , Nitychoruk Jerzy
Published: September 2015

The oxygen and carbon stable isotope composition of Viviparus diluvianus shells was determined in the palaeolakes of the Holsteinian interglacial (MIS 11) in eastern Poland: the Ortel Królewski, Hrud, Ossówka, Roskosz and Szymanowo lakes. The occurrence of V. diluvianus covers the Taxus zone, the so‐called intra‐interglacial cooling period (Pinus‐Larix zone), the climatic optimum (Carpinus‐Abies zone) and the post‐optimal period with an undefined pollen zone. The isotope record of V. diluvianus shells allowed palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. δ18O and δ13C vary from −8.7‰ in the post‐optimal period to −4.8‰ in the optimal period, and from −10.6‰ at the beginning of the Taxus zone to −4.2‰ at the climatic optimum, respectively. A positive correlation of the isotope curves indicates closed‐water bodies, and only at Roskosz was some occasional overflow inferred. Higher oxygen isotopes correspond to an increase in temperature and/or enhanced evaporation, which is well marked in the Carpinus‐Abies zone, whereas samples enriched in 13C are correlated with periods demonstrating a lower water level and higher productivity in the lakes. Episodes of lake shallowing and dense aquatic vegetation occurred in the Pinus‐Larix zone and during the climatic optimum. The isotope ratios for the climatic optimum significantly exceed those of the other periods, thus pointing to warmer conditions. An estimation of relative changes of average summer temperatures using the δ18O/temperature gradient yielded variation of 1–2 °C within the lakes. Absolute temperature reconstructions indicate the effects of specific local conditions. Hence, V. diluvianus shells offer a reliable proxy in qualitative studies of interglacial lake records.
International migration and trade agreements: The new role of PTAs
Authors: Orefice Gianluca
Published: September 2015

This paper provides an empirical analysis of the relationship between preferential trade agreements (PTAs) and bilateral migration flows. Building on the empirical literature on the determinants of migration flows, I estimate a modified gravity model to assess the role of PTAs and their content on bilateral migration flows. Using a sample of 29 OECD destination countries over the period 1998–2008, I show a strong positive effect of PTAs on bilateral migration flows. I find that the content of PTAs also matters: when visa‐and‐asylum and labour market related provisions are included in PTAs, this further stimulates bilateral migration flows. Different estimation strategies, including instrumental variables, are employed to address the potential endogeneity bias problems related to PTAs and their content.
Design and Development of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Lysine ɛ‐Aminotransferase Inhibitors for Latent Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Parthiban Brindha Devi , Saxena Shalini , Chandran Manoj , Jonnalagadda Padma Sridevi , Yadav Renu , Srilakshmi Rudraraju Reshma , Perumal Yogeeswari , Dharmarajan Sriram
Published: September 2015

Lysine ɛ‐aminotransferase (LAT) is a protein involved in lysine catabolism, and it plays a significant role during the persistent/latent phase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), as observed by its up‐regulation by ~40‐fold during this stage. We have used the crystal structure of MTB LAT in external aldimine form in complex with its substrate lysine as a template to design and identify seven lead compounds with IC50 ranging from 18.06 to > 90 μm. We have synthesized 21 compounds based on the identified lead, and compound 21 [2,2′‐oxybis(N′‐(4‐fluorobenzylidene)acetohydrazide)] was found to be the most active with MTB LAT IC50 of 0.81 ± 0.03 μm. Compound 21 also showed a 2.3 log reduction in the nutrient‐starved MTB model and was more potent than standard isoniazid and rifampicin at the same dose level of 10 μg/mL.
A Splicing Reporter Tuned to Non‐AG Acceptor Sites Reveals that Luteolin Enhances the Recognition of Non‐canonical Acceptor Sites
Authors: Chiba Masanori , Ariga Hiroyoshi , Maita Hiroshi
Published: September 2015

Removal of an intron requires precise recognition of the splice donor and acceptor sites located at the 5′ and 3′ termini of introns. Although the roles of these sequences differ, mutations in both sites easily block normal splicing and produce an aberrant mRNA. For example, many splice‐site mutations occur in patients with inherited diseases. Several approaches have been evaluated to restore expression of a functional protein; however, because of the strict requirement for an AG dinucleotide at the 3′ terminus of a U2‐type intron, no method is available to correct splicing at a mutated sequence. To identify compounds that allow splicing at the non‐AG acceptor site, in the present study we constructed a reporter gene with a modified polypyrimidine tract. However, the modified polypyrimidine tract mediated splicing at adjacent non‐canonical acceptor sites, including the original mutated site. Further, we show that certain flavones such as luteolin and apigenin enhanced aberrant splicing at the non‐canonical acceptor site of the reporter gene. These results suggest that the reporter gene and luteolin may be useful for further screening to identify molecules that correct aberrant splicing caused by a disease‐associated splice acceptor site mutation.
Investigation of In vitro PDT Activities and In vivo Biopotential of Zinc Phthalocyanines Using 131I Radioisotope
Authors: Ince Mine , Er Ozge , Ocakoglu Kasim , Lambrecht Fatma Yurt , Colak Suleyman Gokhan , Soylu Hale Melis , Kayabasi Cagla , Gunduz Cumhur
Published: September 2015

Novel octylthio‐containing asymmetrically substituted Zn(II) phthalocyanine (Zn(II)Pc1) and a symmetric derivative (Zn(II)Pc2) have been prepared to investigate the biological potential and ability to photosensitize singlet oxygen for photodynamic therapy applications. In this study, the singlet oxygen generation potential and in vitro photodynamic activities of these compounds have been tested. Both ZnPcs reveal to be very efficient singlet oxygen generators and promising PSs for PDT applications. In vitro PDT activities of the compounds were evaluated in EMT‐6 murine mammary carcinoma and HeLa human cervix carcinoma cell lines. Moreover, Zn(II)Pc1 displayed the phototoxic effects in the mammary cancer cell line (6.25 μm concentration at 30 J/cm2 light dose and 12.5 μm concentration at 20 J/cm2 light dose), while Zn(II)Pc2 did not show any phototoxic effects both in two cell lines. Zn(II)Pcs were radiolabeled with 131I in high yields. Biodistribution studies revealed that the radiolabeled Zn(II)Pc1 showed significant uptake in l. intestine, pancreas, brain, and ovary, while Zn(II)Pc2 has significant uptake in ovary and pancreas in normal rats. Hence, these Pcs derivatives could be promising candidate for tumor nuclear imaging.
Foster carers' experiences of a paired reading literacy intervention with looked‐after children
Authors: Forsman Hilma
Published: September 2015

Previous studies have shown that paired reading, a structured literacy intervention, is a promising method for improving looked‐after children's literacy skills. The aim of this study was to explore variations in foster carers' experiences of conducting the intervention. Interviews were carried out with 15 Swedish foster carers with varying experiences in programme compliance and of practicing the method. Findings suggest that the intervention process starts with getting carers involved, which seems to be dependent on a positive carer attitude. Integrating the reading training in the everyday life is another important aspect, which evolves around motivating the child and prioritizing the reading sessions. Furthermore, the results emphasize the need of having a flexible approach when delivering the intervention. The results suggest that it is possible to engage foster carers in literacy training for looked‐after children and that paired reading can provide a model for competent reading and also result in improved child/carer relations. However, participants need support, and in some cases adjustments in the day‐to‐day delivery of the intervention are required.
British Rhinological Society 14th Annual Meeting The Central Convention Centre, Manchester. 15th May 2015
Authors: Hayes S. , Pender S. , Salib R. , Harries P.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common condition with 20% of patients developing nasal polyps (NP). Bacterial biofilms have been implicated as mediators of the inflammatory reaction in CRS; however, little data pertains to bacterial profiles in NP. Therefore, we conducted a preliminary study characterising bacterial profiles in NP.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted in nine patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery and five control patients undergoing trans−sphenoidal pituitary surgery. Non−polypoidal sinonasal mucosa and NPs were collected from each CRSwNP patient, and sinonasal mucosa, from controls. The bacterial profiles were assessed using fluorescence in situ hybridisation, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and immunohistochemistry.

Results

CLSM demonstrated surface−related bacterial biofilms on all samples of non−polypoidal sinonasal mucosa, but not on the epithelial surface of NP. However, subepithelial and intracellular bacteria were observed within host cells in all NP samples. No biofilms or intracellular bacteria were observed in control samples. Intracellular bacteria were identified as S. aureus. Immunohistochemical colocalisation identified mast cells (MC) as the S. aureus−harbouring host cells.

Conclusion

The observation of intracellular S. aureus is a novel finding and may have relevance to the pathogenesis of NP. Furthermore, S. aureus internalisation within MC potentially allows the establishment of a niche of viable intracellular bacterial reservoirs protected from extracellular antimicrobial compounds and with the ability to constantly seed bacteria thus sustaining the inflammatory reaction and leading to chronicity.
Hemangioma with dabskoid features: a rare histopathologic variant of acquired hemangioma
Authors: Llamas‐Velasco Mar , Angulo Jorge , Durán Rafael , Fraitag Silvie , Kutzner Heinz , Requena Luis
Published: September 2015

Dabska tumor, also known as papillary intralymphatic angioendothelioma (PILA), is a locally aggressive hemangiendothelioma characterized by intravascular papillary proliferations of atypical endothelial cells. Besides PILA, papillary tufts lined by hobnail endothelial cells have been rarely described in vascular proliferations. We report two cases of acquired hemangiomas, which focally showed this finding. We present a 15‐year‐old male and a 7‐year‐old girl with erythematous nodules. Both lesions were composed of capillary lobules intermingled with large sinusoidal spaces lined with a single layer of flat endothelial cells, which focally developed intravascular papillary proliferations lined by plump hyperchromatic endothelial cells and a central connective tissue core. Both types of cells were positive with CD31 and ERG and negative for Lyve‐1, Prox‐1 and podoplanin. Wilm's tumor 1 marker was strongly positive in the capillary hemangioma areas while negative in the intravascular tufts. Both lesions recurred after the first excision but we did not observe further recurrence or evidence of metastasis in the follow‐up. In summary, our cases expand the histopathologic findings that may be seen in conventional acquired capillary hemangiomas. The focal presence of dabskoid tufts within an otherwise conventional capillary hemangioma should be not misinterpreted as evidence of malignancy.
Dermatopathologic manifestations of intravenous drug use
Authors: Tse Julie Y. , Adisa Morayo , Goldberg Lynne J. , Nazarian Rosalynn M.
Published: September 2015

Background

The rate of intravenous drug use (IVDU) has been increasing nationally; however, cutaneous manifestations of IVDU have infrequently been investigated. We report a series of the clinicopathological correlation of IVDU in the skin.

Methods

A search of surgical pathology files between the years 2000 and 2014 was performed for cutaneous specimens from patients with a reported history of IVDU for which the histopathological findings could not be attributed to another etiology. Ten cases for which slides were available were included in the study.

Results

Patients had an average age of 39.7 years and had active or recent history of IVDU. Clinical impressions included ulcer, granulomatous dermatitis, vasculitis, pyoderma gangrenosum and hyperpigmentation at injection sites. Histopathology revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis (n = 2), dermal pigment deposition (n = 3), non‐specific ulceration/scarring (n = 4) and necrobiosis lipoidica‐like dermatitis (n = 1). No infectious etiology or polarizable foreign material was identified in any case.

Conclusions

Cutaneous manifestations of IVDU should be considered in the differential as an etiology for dermatopathologic findings in high‐risk patients. We report histopathological findings beyond the scope of those most commonly associated with IVDU. We aim to raise awareness of the cutaneous manifestations of IVDU to improve clinicopathological correlation and patient management in light of the ongoing epidemic.