bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of chemical and mechanical stimuli in mediating bone fracture healing
Authors: Zhang Lihai , Richardson Martin , Mendis Priyan
Published: December 2011

1. Bone is a remarkable living tissue that provides a framework for animal body support and motion. However, under excessive loads and deformations, bone is prone is to damage through fracture. Furthermore, once the bone is weakened by osteoporosis, bone fracture can occur even after only minimal trauma.

2. Various techniques have been developed to treat bone fractures. Successful treatment outcomes depend on a fundamental understanding of the biochemical and biomechanical environments of the fracture site. Various cell types (e.g. mesenchymal stem cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts) within the fracture site tightly control the healing process by responding to the chemical and mechanical microenvironment. However, these mechanochemical regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood at the system level owing to the large range of variables, such as age, sex and disease‐associated material properties of the tissue.

3. Computational modelling can play an important role in unravelling this complexity by combining mechanochemical interactions, revealing the dominant controlling processes and optimizing system behaviour, thereby enabling the development and evaluation of treatment strategies for individual patients.
Management of T1 colorectal carcinoma with special reference to criteria for curative endoscopic resection
Authors: Nakadoi Koichi , Tanaka Shinji , Kanao Hiroyuki , Terasaki Motomi , Takata Sayaka , Oka Shiro , Yoshida Shigeto , Arihiro Koji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: December 2011

Background and Aim:  In guidelines 2010 for the treatment of colorectal cancer from the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR), the criteria for identifying curable T1 colorectal carcinoma after endoscopic resection were well/moderately differentiated or papillary histologic grade, no vascular invasion, submucosal invasion depth less than 1000 µm and budding grade 1 (low grade). We aimed to expand these criteria.

Methods:  A total of 499 T1 colorectal carcinomas, resected endoscopically or surgically, were analyzed. Relationships between clinicopathologic findings and lymph node metastasis were evaluated.

Results:  Lymph node metastasis was found in 41 (8.22%) of the 499 cases. The incidence of lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in lesions featuring poorly differentiated/mucinous adenocarcinoma, submucosal invasion ≥ 1800 µm, vascular invasion, and high‐grade tumor budding than in other lesions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed all of these variables to be independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis. When cases that met three of the JSCCR 2010 criteria (i.e. all but invasion < 1000 µm) were considered together, the incidence of lymph node metastasis was only 1.2% (3/249, 95% confidence interval: 0.25–3.48%), and there were no cases of lymph node metastasis without submucosal invasion to a depth of ≥ 1800 µm.

Conclusions:  Even in cases of colorectal carcinoma with deep submucosal invasion, the risk of lymph node metastasis is minimal under certain conditions. Thus, even for such cases, endoscopic incisional biopsy can be suitable if complete en bloc resection is achieved.
Symptoms and quality of life in underweight gastroesophageal reflux disease patients and therapeutic responses to proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Hongo Michio , Miwa Hiroto , Kusano Motoyasu ,   J‐FAST group
Published: December 2011

Background and Aim:  A correlation to obesity has been reported in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, insufficient data have been obtained regarding underweight GERD patients. Post hoc analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate subjective symptoms and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in underweight GERD patients (body mass index [BMI] < 18.5) and to evaluate therapeutic response to proton pump inhibitors.

Methods:  A total of 2646 patients who underwent endoscopy were classified by BMI and analyzed. Rabeprazole was administered for 8 weeks. Subjective symptoms and HRQOL were assessed using questionnaires (F‐Scale and SF‐8™).

Results:  Baseline endoscopy revealed 29.2% of patients had non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD). Underweight status was identified in 5.8% of GERD patients, and mean baseline symptoms score and SF‐8 physical component summary (PCS) score were 18.6 and 42.4, respectively, reflecting greater impairment compared with the values of 15.4 and 45.6 in normal‐weight patients (BMI ≥ 22 but < 25). Treatment with rabeprazole resulted in a decrease from 18.6 at baseline to 6.7 at week 8 in underweight reflux esophagitis subjects, and from 15.0 to 6.3 in underweight NERD patients. PCS score improved in underweight patients. These changes were about the same as in normal‐weight or obese patients.

Conclusions:  Japanese GERD patients are often obese, as reported previously, but some GERD patients are underweight. Baseline symptoms and QOL in underweight GERD patients tended to be more severe than in normal‐weight patients, but therapeutic response with proton pump inhibitors was about the same as in normal‐weight or obese patients.
Genetic variation in PNPLA3 but not APOC3 influences liver fat in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hyysalo Jenni , Stojkovic Ivana , Kotronen Anna , Hakkarainen Antti , Sevastianova Ksenia , Makkonen Janne , Lundbom Nina , Rissanen Aila , Krauss Ronald M , Melander Olle , Orho‐Melander Marju , Yki‐Järvinen Hannele
Published: December 2011

Background and Aim:  A recent study in Indian subjects suggested common variants in apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) (T‐455C at rs2854116 and C‐482T at rs2854117) to contribute to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), plasma apoC3 and triglyceride concentrations. Our aim was to determine the contribution of genetic variation in APOC3 on liver fat content and plasma triglyceride and apoC3 concentrations in a larger European cohort.

Methods:  A total of 417 Finnish individuals were genotyped for rs2854116 and rs2854117 in APOC3 and the known rs738409 in patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) influencing liver fat. Plasma apoC3 concentration was measured enzymatically, and liver fat by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results:  APOC3 wild‐type homozygotes and variant allele (T‐455C or C‐482T or both) carriers did not differ with regard to liver fat, apoC3 concentrations, triglyceride‐, high density lipoprotein‐, fasting plasma glucose, insulin‐, alanine aminotransferase‐ and aspartate aminotransferase‐concentrations, nor was there a difference in prevalence of NAFLD. In contrast, carriers of the PNPLA3 GG genotype at rs738409 had a 2.7‐fold (median 11.3%) higher liver fat than those with the CC (median 4.2%) genotype. The PNPLA3 rs738409 was also an independent predictor of liver fat, together with age, gender, and body mass index.

Conclusion:  Genetic variants in PNPLA3 but not APOC3 contribute to the variance in liver fat content due to NAFLD.
Comparative study of histological features between core needle biopsy and surgical excision in phyllodes tumor
Authors: Choi Junjeong , Koo Ja Seung
Published: December 2011

We analyzed histopathological features of core needle biopsy (CNB) and surgical excision specimen comparatively in 129 patients with surgically proven phyllodes tumor (PT). Stromal characteristics including cellularity, atypia, mitosis, overgrowth, tissue fragmentation, and the tumor margin were assessed. Benign/borderline/malignant phyllodes tumor (PT) were diagnosed in 90 (69.8%)/30 (23.3%)/9 (7.0%) patients. Among the 90 cases of benign PTs, 67 cases (74.4%) were diagnosed concordantly in CNB. For borderline and malignant PTs, three out of eight (26.6%) and four out of nine (44.4%) cases were diagnosed concordantly in CNBs. All 50 cases of discordant diagnosis were underestimated in matched CNBs, especially in their stromal cellularity and mitosis. The size of tumor is larger in discordant cases of PT (P= 0.013). The concordant rate of diagnosis between CNB and surgical excision was about 60% and accordingly, grading of PT based on the histological findings in CNBs has limitation. The discordance comes from heterogeneous stromal properties of PTs.
Link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and coronary artery disease: Implication for clinical practice
Authors: BOSCHETTO PIERA , BEGHÉ BIANCA , FABBRI LEONARDO M. , CECONI CLAUDIO
Published: December 2011

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are global epidemics that incur significant morbidity and mortality. These diseases are frequently found in combination, and they can also be found independent of the common causal factors, primarily smoking. Both conditions are systemic disorders with overlapping mechanisms and pathophysiologic processes. CAD has a strong effect on the severity and prognosis of COPD and vice versa, including acute exacerbations. Even the most recent practical clinical recommendations driven by Clinical Practice Guidelines still focus on one disease at a time, and do not provide advice for the management of patients with associated chronic conditions. COPD should be approached in a more comprehensive manner, including the treatment of cardiac comorbidities, particularly CAD. To focus treatment on these comorbidities might modify the natural course of the disease in patients with COPD who may not find relief from treatment of COPD alone.
Pre‐treatment diagnosis of endometrial cancer through a combination of CA125 and multiplication of neutrophil and monocyte
Authors: Kim Bo Wook , Jeon Young Eun , Cho Hanbyoul , Nam Eun Ji , Kim Sang Wun , Kim Sunghoon , Kim Young Tae , Kim Jae‐Hoon
Published: December 2011

Aim:  This study aimed to investigate the clinical value of pre‐treatment leukocyte differential counts and the prediction of endometrial cancer using leukocyte markers.

Material and Methods:  Medical records of 238 women with pathologically confirmed endometrial cancer between March 2000 and June 2009 at two Korean hospitals were reviewed and compared to 596 healthy people visiting the Health Promotion Center in Gangnam Severance Hospital. For all study subjects, leukocyte differential counts and CA125 levels in serum obtained prior to operation were recorded. Multiplication of neutrophil and monocyte (MNM) was determined by multiplying neutrophil and monocyte counts then dividing by 10 000. Differences between endometrial cancer patients and healthy controls were compared. The sensitivity and specificity for each marker as well as the combined use of CA125 and other leukocyte markers were assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results:  Mean white blood cell (WBC) counts were 6676 (6440–6913) cells/µL in endometrial cancer patients compared to 5663 (5542–5784) cells/µL in healthy controls (P < 0.001). The area under curve (AUC) for CA125 was 0.689 with a sensitivity of 49.13% and specificity of 83.1% using an optimal cut‐off value of 18.7 U/mL. The AUC for MNM was 0.696 with a sensitivity of 62.9% and specificity of 69.1%. The combination of CA125 and MNM showed a higher AUC of 0.760 than use of CA125 or MNM alone.

Conclusion:  The combination of MNM and CA125 is a simple and cost‐effective method for predicting endometrial cancer.
Acupuncture therapy for infants: a preliminary report on reasons for consultation, feasibility, and tolerability
Authors: Gentry Katherine R. , McGinn Kathleen L. , Kundu Anjana , Lynn Anne M.
Published: December 2011

Objectives/aims:  The aim of this retrospective review was to determine the feasibility, safety, and potential therapeutic effects of acupuncture in an inpatient infant population and to obtain data that would support the design of a randomized, controlled trial of acupuncture in infants.

Background:  Hospitalized infants are often exposed to sedative and analgesic medications to facilitate intensive and invasive medical care. With increasing concern about the potential neurotoxic effects of common analgesic and sedative medications, minimizing an infant’s exposure to such agents is desirable. Acupuncture can be therapeutic in adults and children, but data in infants are lacking.

Methods/materials:  We performed a retrospective chart review of infants who received acupuncture during hospitalizations between 2008 and 2010. Demographic data, diagnoses, reason for acupuncture consult, ventilator settings, sedative/analgesic medication regimens, details of acupuncture therapy, and adverse effects were among data collected.

Results:  Ten infants were identified in this review, seven of whom had agitation issues, two of whom had feeding difficulties, and one had both symptoms. Six of the eight infants with agitation had a decrease in the use of sedative and analgesic medications over the acupuncture therapy period, and four of five initially requiring mechanical ventilation were successfully weaned. One of the three infants with oral aversion transitioned rapidly to oral intake. Acupuncture therapy was well tolerated, and there were no complications observed.

Conclusions:  In this small group of hospitalized infants, acupuncture was found to be safe, well tolerated, and therapeutic. More studies are warranted to define the role of acupuncture in this population.
Short‐term outcome following percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence: a single‐centre prospective study
Authors: Hotouras A. , Thaha M. A. , Boyle D. J. , Allison M. E. , Currie A. , Knowles C. H. , Chan C. L. H.
Published: December 2011

Aim  Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is increasingly being used as a treatment for faecal incontinence (FI). The evidence for its efficacy is limited to a few studies involving small numbers of patients. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of PTNS in patients with urge, passive and mixed FI.

Method  A prospective cohort of 100 patients with FI was studied. Continence scores were determined before treatment and following 12 sessions of PTNS using a validated questionnaire [Cleveland Clinic Florida (CCF)‐FI score]. The deferment time and average number of weekly incontinence episodes before and after 12 sessions of treatment were estimated from a bowel dairy kept by the patient. Quality of life was assessed prior to and on completion of 12 sessions of PTNS using a validated questionnaire [Rockwood Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life (QoL)].

Results  One hundred patients (88 women) of median age of 57 years were included. Patients with urge FI (n = 25) and mixed FI (n = 60) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the mean CCF‐FI score (11.0 ± 4.1 to 8.3 ± 4.8 and 12.8 ± 3.7 to 9.1 ± 4.4) with an associated improvement in the QoL score. This effect was not observed in patients with purely passive FI (n = 15).

Conclusion  The study demonstrates that PTNS benefits patients with urge and mixed FI, at least in the short term.
Linagliptin monotherapy provides superior glycaemic control versus placebo or voglibose with comparable safety in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, placebo and active comparator‐controlled, double‐blind study
Authors: Kawamori R. , Inagaki N. , Araki E. , Watada H. , Hayashi N. , Horie Y. , Sarashina A. , Gong Y. , von Eynatten M. , Woerle H. J. , Dugi K. A.
Published: December 2011

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of linagliptin 5 and 10 mg vs. placebo and voglibose in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: This study enrolled patients with inadequately controlled T2DM who were previously treated with one or two oral antidiabetics or were drug naÏve. After a 2 to 4‐week washout and placebo run‐in, 561 patients were randomized (2 : 2 : 2 : 1) to double‐blind treatment with linagliptin 5 or 10 mg qd, voglibose 0.2 mg tid or placebo. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with linagliptin vs. placebo after 12 weeks and vs. voglibose after 26 weeks.

Results: Baseline characteristics were well balanced across treatment groups (overall mean HbA1c was 8.01%). The adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) treatment differences at week 12 were −0.87% (−1.04, −0.70; p < 0.0001) and −0.88% (−1.05, −0.71; p < 0.0001) for linagliptin 5 and 10 mg vs. placebo and at week 26 were −0.32% (−0.49, −0.15; p = 0.0003) and −0.39% (−0.56, −0.21; p < 0.0001) for linagliptin 5 and 10 mg vs. voglibose. At week 12, mean HbA1c was 7.58, 7.48 and 8.34% in patients receiving linagliptin 5 mg, linagliptin 10 mg and placebo, respectively. At week 26, mean HbA1c was 7.63% with linagliptin 5 mg, 7.50% with linagliptin 10 mg and 7.91% with voglibose. Drug‐related adverse event rates were comparable across treatment groups over 12 weeks (9.4% linagliptin 5 mg, 8.8% linagliptin 10 mg and 10.0% placebo) and 26 weeks (11.3% linagliptin 5 mg, 10.6% linagliptin 10 mg and 18.5% voglibose). There were no documented cases of hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions: Linagliptin showed superior glucose‐lowering efficacy and comparable safety and tolerability to both placebo and voglibose in Japanese patients with T2DM.
STATE‐LEVEL CAPITAL AND INVESTMENT: UPDATES AND IMPLICATIONS
Authors: YAMARIK STEVEN
Published: December 2011

This paper presents state‐by‐state capital stock and gross investment estimates for 1990–2007. I follow the methodology of Garofalo and Yamarik (The Review of Economics and Statistics, 84, 2002, 316–23) and apportion the national capital stock to the individual states using one‐digit NAICS income data. I then test the soundness of the data by estimating a Cobb–Douglas production function and a Solow growth model using a variety of panel data estimators. Under both models, I obtain estimates of the output elasticity for capital that are plausible and close to the observed national income share of one‐third. (JEL O47, O51, R11)
Global patterns of mobile carbon stores in trees at the high‐elevation tree line
Authors: Hoch Günter , Körner Christian
Published: December 2011

Aim  Across all latitudes, high‐elevation tree lines represent a drastic change in the dominant plant life‐form, from upright trees to low‐stature alpine plants. Although associated with low temperatures, the physiological mechanisms controlling this boundary are still not clear. The growth‐limitation hypothesis assumes a direct low‐temperature restriction of tissue formation at otherwise sufficient photoassimilation. In order to test this hypothesis, we present a global synthesis of previously published and new data on tree carbon supply status at high‐elevation tree lines.

Location  Global; 13 regions between 68° N and 45° S.

Methods  Late‐season concentrations of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) in foliage and branch wood were measured at three elevations across the tree line ecotones, from upper tall forests (timber line) to the edges of aborescent tree growth (tree line). Year‐round records of −10 cm soil temperatures were taken at the tree line.

Results  Despite large differences in elevation and season length, the mean growing season temperature at the tree line was similar (approximately 6.6 °C) between all sites. NSC concentrations were not depleted at any of the elevation gradients between timber line and tree line, indicating no shortage of C at the uppermost tree stands. Tested across all sites, NSC concentrations in fact significantly increased with elevation. On average, NSC increased by 18% in leaves and 26% in branch wood from the lowest to the highest stands, primarily due to higher starch concentrations rather than free sugars. Hence, these responses do not reflect osmotic adjustments to lower temperatures at the end of the growing season.

Main conclusions  This global data set contributes to a mechanistic understanding of tree line formation based on biological principles across climatic zones and tree genera. No evidence of C shortage was found at the high‐elevation tree line in either seasonal and non‐seasonal regions. The increasing trend of NSC concentrations with elevation is in line with the growth‐limitation hypothesis.
Food‐Retail Development and the Myth of Everyday Low Prices: The Case of Brazil
Authors: Monteiro Guilherme , Farina Elizabeth , Nunes Rubens
Published: December 2011

This article analyses the changes in Brazilian food retailing by investigating the co‐existence of, and the pricing variation across, large supermarket chains and small independent supermarkets. It uses cointegration tests to show that, despite the widespread belief that small supermarkets are inefficient and charge higher prices, they in fact charge lower prices. Accordingly, in contrast to the prevailing literature on food‐retail development, competition in food retail is complex and cannot be described as a simple Darwinian process of market concentration. The article explores the survival of small retail and its consequences for the current discussion on modern food retail in developing countries.
Millennium Development Goal Achievements and Policies in Education and Health: What Has Been Learnt?
Authors: Lay Jann
Published: December 2011

This article reviews the effectiveness and efficiency of key policy instruments for MDG (Millennium Development Goals) achievement, focusing on the role of demand‐ and supply‐side factors in education and health‐service utilisation. It comes to the following conclusions. First, specific policy interventions can have a considerable impact on social‐service utilisation. Second, demand‐side policies have proved extremely effective in the education sector, but may need more consideration in the health sector. Third, policy effectiveness and efficiency are highly dependent on initial conditions and the specificities of the respective policy. Fourth, complementarities between MDG targets are likely to be very important.
Fair Trade Certification: The Case of Tea Plantation Workers in India
Authors: Makita Rie
Published: December 2011

This article analyses the impact of Fair Trade certification by focusing on its interactions with the patron–client relations traditionally established between management and workers in tea plantations in India. It argues that the invisibility of Fair Trade among workers, which generally reinforces existing patron–client relations through Fair Trade premiums, inversely hides the patronage of the management, and that workers are empowered when a premium is invested in a community development project led by an independent third‐party organisation.
The role of maternal factors in sibling relationship quality: a multilevel study of multiple dyads per family
Authors: Jenkins Jennifer , Rasbash Jon , Leckie George , Gass Krista , Dunn Judy
Published: December 2011

Background:  Although many children grow up with more than one sibling, we do not yet know if sibling dyads within families show similarities to one another on sibling affection and hostility. In the present study the hypotheses were tested that (a) there will be significant between family variation in change in sibling affection and hostility and (b) this between family variation will be explained by maternal affective climate, operationalized as positive and negative ambient parenting, differential parenting and maternal malaise.

Methods:  A general population sample of families with single and multiple sibling dyads were visited twice, 2 years apart. Up to 2 children in a family acted as informants; 253 relationships were rated in 118 families. A cross‐classified, multilevel model was fit to separate between‐family and within‐family variance in sibling relationships while simultaneously controlling for informant and partner influences.

Results:  Thirty‐seven percent of the variance in change in sibling affection and 32% of the variance in change in sibling hostility was between family variance. The measured maternal affective climate including, maternal malaise and maternal ambient and differential hostility and affection explained between family differences.

Conclusions:  Sibling relationship quality clusters in families and is partly explained by maternal affective climate.
Unraveling the effect of genes and environment in the transmission of parental antisocial behavior to children’s conduct disturbance, depression and hyperactivity
Authors: Silberg Judy L. , Maes Hermine , Eaves Lindon J.
Published: December 2011

Background:  A critical issue in devising effective interventions for the treatment of children’s behavioral and emotional problems identifying genuine family environmental factors that place children at risk. In most twin and family studies, environmental factors are confounded with both direct genetic risk from parents and the indirect effect of genes influencing parents’ ability to provide an optimal rearing environment. The present study was undertaken to determine whether parental psychopathology, specifically parental antisocial behavior (ASP), is a genuine environmental risk factor for juvenile conduct disturbance, depression and hyperactivity, or whether the association between parental ASP and children’s behavioral and emotional problems can be explained as a secondary consequence of the intergenerational transmission of genetic factors.

Methods:  An extended children of twins design comprised of data collected on 2,674 adult female and male twins, their spouses, and 2,454 of their children was used to test whether genetic and/or family environmental factors best accounted for the association between parental antisocial behavior and children’s behavioral problems. An age‐matched sample of 2,826 juvenile twin pairs from the Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent Behavioral Development was also included to examine developmental differences in gene expression by partitioning child‐specific transmissible effects from those effects that persist into adulthood. The fit of alternative models was evaluated using the statistical program Mx.

Results:  We found distinct patterns of transmission between parental antisocial behavior and juvenile conduct, depression and hyperactivity. Genetic and family environmental factors accounted for the resemblance between parents’ ASP and children’s conduct disturbance. Family environmental factors alone explained the association between child depression and parental ASP, and the impact of parental ASP on hyperactivity was entirely genetic.

Conclusions:  These findings underscore differences in the contribution of genetic and environmental factors on the patterns of association between parental antisocial behavior and juvenile psychopathology, having important clinical implications for the prevention and amelioration of child behavioral and emotional problems.
The prion protein unstructured N‐terminal region is a broad‐spectrum molecular sensor with diverse and contrasting potential functions
Authors: Béland Maxime , Roucou Xavier
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 853–868.

The physiological function of the prion protein (PrPC) and its conversion into its infectious form (PrPSc) are central issues to understanding the pathogenesis of prion diseases. The N‐terminal moiety of PrPC (NH2‐PrPC) is an unstructured region with the characteristic of interacting with a broad range of partners. These interactions endow PrPC with multifunctional and sometimes contrasting capabilities, including neuroprotection and neurotoxicity. Recently, binding of β‐sheet rich conformers to NH2‐PrPC demonstrated a probable neurotoxic function for PrPC in Alzheimer’s disease. NH2‐PrPC also enhances the propagation of prions in vivo and is the target of the most potent antiprion compounds. Another level of complexity is provided by endoproteolysis and release of most of NH2‐PrPC into the extracellular space. Further studies will be necessary to understand how NH2‐PrPC regulates the physiological function of PrPC and how it is involved in the corruption of its normal function in diseases.
The deletion of STOP/MAP6 protein in mice triggers highly altered mood and impaired cognitive performances
Authors: Fournet Vincent , Schweitzer Annie , Chevarin Caroline , Deloulme Jean‐Christophe , Hamon Michel , Giros Bruno , Andrieux Annie , Martres Marie‐Pascale
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 99–114.

The microtubule‐associated Stable Tubulie Only Polypeptide (STOP; also known as MAP6) protein plays a key role in neuron architecture and synaptic plasticity, the dysfunctions of which are thought to be implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric diseases. The deletion of STOP in mice leads to severe disorders reminiscent of several schizophrenia‐like symptoms, which are also associated with differential alterations of the serotonergic tone in somas versus terminals. In STOP knockout (KO) compared with wild‐type mice, serotonin (5‐HT) markers are found to be markedly accumulated in the raphe nuclei and, in contrast, deeply depleted in all serotonergic projection areas. In the present study, we carefully examined whether the 5‐HT imbalance would lead to behavioral consequences evocative of mood and/or cognitive disorders. We showed that STOP KO mice exhibited depression‐like behavior, associated with a decreased anxiety‐status in validated paradigms. In addition, although STOP KO mice had a preserved very short‐term memory, they failed to perform well in all other learning and memory tasks. We also showed that STOP KO mice exhibited regional imbalance of the norepinephrine tone as observed for 5‐HT. As a consequence, mutant mice were hypersensitive to acute antidepressants with different selectivity. Altogether, these data indicate that the deletion of STOP protein in mice caused deep alterations in mood and cognitive performances and that STOP protein might have a crucial role in the 5‐HT and norepinephrine networks development.
Effect of annual applications of pelletized dolomitic lime on soil chemical properties and grass productivity
Authors: Higgins S. , Morrison S. , Watson C. J.
Published: December 2011

Lime in pelletized form is potentially more convenient for farmers than ground limestone, as it can be applied using conventional fertilizer‐spreading equipment. Pelletized lime is intended to maintain an optimum soil pH when applied annually at a rate of 350 kg lime/ha/yr. Interactions between lime and N fertilizer rate were examined by applying 0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg N/ha/yr (as calcium ammonium nitrate) in combination with 0, 175, 350 and 525 kg pelletized dolomitic lime/ha/yr over 3 yr to a permanent grassland sward used for silage production in County Down, Northern Ireland. Equal rates of ground lime, from the same source as the pelletized lime, were applied as a comparison. Effects on soil chemical properties, grass dry matter (DM) yield and herbage nutrient removal were examined. Lime maintained or slightly increased the soil pH, particularly in the top 2.5 cm of the profile, but there was no difference in the performance of pelletized lime compared to ground lime in any of the parameters measured. Lime had no significant effect on grass DM yield or grass quality; however, there was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in yield at the first cut, particularly in year 2, when the highest lime rate (525 kg lime/ha/yr) was applied in the absence of N fertilizer. The dolomitic nature of the lime (11% Mg) resulted in significant (P < 0.001) increases in soil and herbage magnesium levels, and this could be beneficial for reducing the incidence of grass tetany in grazing animals. The P content of the herbage was also significantly higher in plots receiving lime, which suggests that lime may have enhanced the mineralization of P or stimulated root growth.
Aesthetics of loss: biodiversity, banal violence and biotic subjects
Authors: Yusoff Kathryn
Published: December 2011

As we take stock of biodiversity loss, part of the challenge has been to ‘make present’ those barely visible sites of life and death that characterise this extinction event. In this act of making present is the question of how non‐human beings come into being through representational acts. While there are numerous attempts in conservational practices to bring to the fore the relational ties between beings to stress care or affinity across human–non‐human worlds, the difficult relations of loss and violence are often excluded from the scene. But, in giving up on violence, which is so clearly part of the relation in biodiversity loss, what do we forego? If, as Judith Butler suggests, grief itself can be made into a resource for politics, which rather than rendering inaction instead cements a commitment to identification, and thus gives itself to relation, might violence lead us somewhere other than into the dark night? Rather, this paper suggests that we consider violence as a constitutive part of our relation to the diversity and dynamism of life on earth. Two things crucially change when we allow violence to be part of the frame; firstly, we begin to understand some of the risks associated with our conceptualisation of relations and the framing of subjects; secondly, by shifting the visual and conceptual frame we begin to address how non‐human populations are indirectly targeted and thus can begin to reconstitute our relations in ways that eschew this violence. I argue that an engagement with economies of loss challenges us to reconfigure our understandings of relations beyond our social to our worldly sensibilities. In conclusion the paper suggests that relational approaches to biodiversity loss must be attentive to the ties that are uncovered through violence as much as those made through care.
Management of asthma by pregnant women attending an Australian maternity hospital
Authors: Sawicki Emilia , Stewart Kay , Wong Swee , Paul Eldho , Leung Laura , George Johnson
Published: December 2011

Aims:  The safety of preventive asthma medicines during pregnancy has already been established. The aim of this study was to assess asthma management by women during pregnancy.

Methods:  Pregnant women attending the out‐patient clinics of an Australian maternity hospital completed a questionnaire about their asthma medication use and symptoms. Parameters associated with changes in asthma medicine use are presented as odds ratio with a 95% confidence level. P‐values <0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results:  Participants (n = 102) self‐reported worsening of their asthma symptoms during pregnancy compared with the pre‐pregnancy period, both during the day (P = 0.003) and night (P = 0.044). The number of participants whose asthma was treated by a medical professional decreased from 81 (79.4%) before pregnancy to 67 (65.7%) during pregnancy (P = 0.008). The use of regular asthma medicines (preventers and symptom controllers alone or in combination) decreased during pregnancy (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively), while the use of intermittent therapies (relievers) increased (P = 0.004) during pregnancy.

Being treated by a medical professional during pregnancy (P = 0.033), a history of asthma medicine use before pregnancy (P = 0.015) and younger age of first asthma diagnosis (P = 0.046) were associated with the use of asthma medicines during pregnancy.

Conclusions:  Despite worsening of asthma symptoms, many pregnant women do not take regular preventive asthma medicines. Ongoing assessment of asthma control during pregnancy, medication review and adjustments in therapy by health professionals might facilitate asthma management.
Gianotti–Crosti Syndrome Following Childhood Vaccinations
Authors: Retrouvey Michele , Koch Laine H. , Williams Judith V.
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  A 19‐month‐old boy was evaluated for a skin eruption after recent vaccinations. Clinical and histopathologic findings supported a diagnosis of Gianotti–Crosti syndrome (GCS). This case report examines the link between GCS and vaccinations, particularly the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine and the varicella virus live vaccine.
Differential Effects of Single Versus Repeated Alcohol Withdrawal on the Expression of Endocannabinoid System‐Related Genes in the Rat Amygdala
Authors: Serrano Antonia , Rivera Patricia , Pavon Francisco J. , Decara Juan , Suárez Juan , Rodriguez de Fonseca Fernando , Parsons Loren H.
Published: December 2011

Background:  Endogenous cannabinoids such as anandamide and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) exert important regulatory influences on neuronal signaling, participate in short‐ and long‐term forms of neuroplasticity, and modulate stress responses and affective behavior in part through the modulation of neurotransmission in the amygdala. Alcohol consumption alters brain endocannabinoid levels, and alcohol dependence is associated with dysregulated amygdalar function, stress responsivity, and affective control.

Methods:  The consequence of long‐term alcohol consumption on the expression of genes related to endocannabinoid signaling was investigated using quantitative RT‐PCR analyses of amygdala tissue. Two groups of ethanol (EtOH)‐exposed rats were generated by maintenance on an EtOH liquid diet (10%): the first group received continuous access to EtOH for 15 days, whereas the second group was given intermittent access to the EtOH diet (5 d/wk for 3 weeks). Control subjects were maintained on an isocaloric EtOH‐free liquid diet. To provide an initial profile of acute withdrawal, amygdala tissue was harvested following either 6 or 24 hours of EtOH withdrawal.

Results:  Acute EtOH withdrawal was associated with significant changes in mRNA expression for various components of the endogenous cannabinoid system in the amygdala. Specifically, reductions in mRNA expression for the primary clearance routes for anandamide and 2‐AG (fatty acid amide hydrolase [FAAH] and monoacylglycerol lipase [MAGL], respectively) were evident, as were reductions in mRNA expression for CB1, CB2, and GPR55 receptors. Although similar alterations in FAAH mRNA were evident following either continuous or intermittent EtOH exposure, alterations in MAGL and cannabinoid receptor‐related mRNA (e.g., CB1, CB2, GPR55) were more pronounced following intermittent exposure. In general, greater withdrawal‐associated deficits in mRNA expression were evident following 24 versus 6 hours of withdrawal. No significant changes in mRNA expression for enzymes involved in 2‐AG biosynthesis (e.g., diacylglicerol lipase‐α/β) were found in any condition.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that EtOH dependence and withdrawal are associated with dysregulated endocannabinoid signaling in the amygdala. These alterations may contribute to withdrawal‐related dysregulation of amygdalar neurotransmission.
Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Exposure and Its Removal Induce a Different miRNA Expression Pattern in Primary Cortical Neuronal Cultures
Authors: Guo Yingqiu , Chen Yongxin , Carreon Stephanie , Qiang Mei
Published: December 2011

Background:  Increasing evidence indicates that repeated exposure to and withdrawal from alcohol can result in persistent molecular and cellular adaptations. One molecular adaptation that occurs is the regulation of gene expression, which is thought to lead to the functional alterations that characterize addiction: tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, craving, and relapse. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been recently identified as master regulators of gene expression through post‐transcriptional regulation. However, the role of miRNAs in the neuroadaptations after alcohol removal has not yet been directly addressed.

Methods:  We employed a chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) model in primary cortical neuronal cultures to examine the global extent of differential miRNA expression using a TaqMan real‐time PCR miRNA array.

Results:  Sixty‐two miRNAs were differentially expressed after 10 days of CIE (CIE10) treatment (n = 42 with false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05 and fold change > 2) and 5 days post‐CIE (P5) treatment (n = 26) compared with untreated control values. Compared to CIE10, ethanol (EtOH) removal experience in P5 induced a distinct expression pattern, including 20 differentially expressed miRNAs, which did not exhibit a significant change at CIE10. The predicted target molecules of EtOH removal‐induced miRNAs function mainly in the regulation of gene transcription, but also function in neuron differentiation, embryonic development, protein phosphorylation, and synaptic plasticity. Interestingly, some of the miRNAs differentially expressed 5 days after CIE treatment were found to cluster on chromosomes near CpG islands, suggesting that they share functional similarity by targeting alcohol‐related genes.

Conclusions:  Taken together, these results suggest a potential role of differentially expressed miRNAs in mediating EtOH removal‐related phenotypes.
Effects of Exercise and Amino Acid Supplementation on Body Composition and Physical Function in Community‐Dwelling Elderly Japanese Sarcopenic Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Hun Kyung , Suzuki Takao , Saito Kyoko , Yoshida Hideyo , Kobayashi Hisamine , Kato Hiroyuki , Katayama Miwa
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of exercise and amino acid supplementation in enhancing muscle mass and strength in community‐dwelling elderly sarcopenic women.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Urban community in Tokyo, Japan.

Participants

One hundred fifty‐five women aged 75 and older were defined as sarcopenic and randomly assigned to one of four groups: exercise and amino acid supplementation (exercise + AAS; n = 38), exercise (n = 39), amino acid supplementation (AAS; n = 39), or health education (HE; n = 39).

Intervention

The exercise group attended a 60‐minute comprehensive training program twice a week, and the AAS group ingested 3 g of a leucine‐rich essential amino acid mixture twice a day for 3 months.

Measurements

Body composition was determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Data from interviews and functional fitness parameters such as muscle strength and walking ability were collected at baseline and after the 3‐month intervention.

Results

A significant group × time interaction was seen in leg muscle mass (P = .007), usual walking speed (P = .007), and knee extension strength (P = .017). The within‐group analysis showed that walking speed significantly increased in all three intervention groups, leg muscle mass in the exercise + AAS and exercise groups, and knee extension strength only in the exercise + AAS group (9.3% increase, P = .01). The odds ratio for leg muscle mass and knee extension strength improvement was more than four times as great in the exercise + AAS group (odds ratio = 4.89, 95% confidence interval = 1.89–11.27) as in the HE group.

Conclusion

The data suggest that exercise and AAS together may be effective in enhancing not only muscle strength, but also combined variables of muscle mass and walking speed and of muscle mass and strength in sarcopenic women.
The Marriage Checkup: Increasing Access to Marital Health Care
Authors: Morrill Melinda Ippolito , Eubanks‐Fleming CJ , Harp Amanda G. , Sollenberger Julia W. , Darling Ellen V. , Cördova James V.
Published: December 2011

Despite the ongoing prevalence of marital distress, very few couples seek therapy. Researchers and clinicians have increasingly been calling for innovative interventions that can reach a larger number of untreated couples. Based on a motivational marital health model, the Marriage Checkup (MC) was designed to attract couples who are unlikely to seek traditional tertiary therapy. The objective of the MC is to promote marital health for as broad a population of couples as possible, much like regular physical health checkups. This first paper from the largest MC study to date examines whether the MC engaged previously unreached couples who might benefit from intervention. Interview and survey data suggested that the MC attracted couples across the distress continuum and was perceived by couples as more accessible than traditional therapy. Notably, the MC attracted a substantial number of couples who had not previously participated in marital interventions. The motivational health checkup model appeared to encourage a broad range of couples who might not have otherwise sought relationship services to deliberately take care of their marital health. Clinical implications are discussed.
Developing an Outcome‐Based Assessment for Family Therapy Training: The Rochester Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (ROSCE)
Authors: Le Roux Pieter , Podgorski Carol , Rosenberg Tziporah , Watson William H. , Mcdaniel Susan
Published: December 2011

This paper addresses a growing need for cost‐effective, outcome‐based assessment in family therapy training. We describe the ROSCE, a structured, evidence‐informed, learner‐centered approach to the assessment of clinical skills developed at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The ROSCE emphasizes direct observation of trainees demonstrating clinical competencies. The format integrates both formative and summative assessment methods. It can readily be adapted to a wide variety of educational and training settings.
Muslim Women's Narratives About Bodily Change and Care During Critical Illness: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Zeilani Ruqayya , Seymour Jane E.
Published: December 2011

Purpose: To explore experiences of Jordanian Muslim women in relation to bodily change during critical illness.

Design: A longitudinal narrative approach was used. A purposive sample of 16 Jordanian women who had spent a minimum of 48 hr in intensive care participated in one to three interviews over a 6‐month period.

Findings: Three main categories emerged from the analysis: the dependent body reflects changes in the women's bodily strength and performance, as they moved from being care providers into those in need of care; this was associated with experiences of a sense of paralysis, shame, and burden. The social body reflects the essential contribution that family help or nurses’ support (as a proxy for family) made to women's adjustment to bodily change and their ability to make sense of their illness. The cultural body reflects the effect of cultural norms and Islamic beliefs on the women's interpretation of their experiences and relates to the women's understandings of bodily modesty.

Conclusions: This study illustrates, by in‐depth focus on Muslim women's narratives, the complex interrelationship between religious beliefs, cultural norms, and the experiences and meanings of bodily changes during critical illness.

Clinical Relevance: This article provides insights into vital aspects of Muslim women's needs and preferences for nursing care. It highlights the importance of including an assessment of culture and spiritual aspects when nursing critically ill patients.
Place of Origin, Types of Ties, and Support Networks in Mexico–U.S. Migration*
Authors: Flores‐Yeffal Nadia Y. , Aysa‐Lastra Maria
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Previous studies explored how urban or rural place of origin influences the source of social capital. There remains a need to consider how the place of origin affects the type of ties—family, friends, or paisanos (countrymen)—with those who provide support to migrants. We use data from the Mexican Migration Project (MMP128) and perform multinomial logistic regression models to predict who (among family, friends, or paisanos) provides lodging to first‐time undocumented male migrants from Mexico, taking into account the size of their place of origin. We find that paisanos are important in providing lodging to those from rural areas, and family members are more likely to assist those from urban settings. Paisanos are more likely to help at the beginning of the migratory flow of the community (rural or urban), and family members to do so once the flow has matured. Also, paisanos are more likely to help those in rural areas during more difficult times, such as after the enactment of the North American Free Trade Agreement. We suggest that paisanos fulfill a role similar to that in Granovetter's (1973) concept of the strength of weak ties in which they act as substitutes for other ties (such as to friends and family) to provide social capital, making the first‐time undocumented migration possible.