bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurobiology of secure infant attachment and attachment despite adversity: a mouse model
Authors: Roth T. L. , Raineki C. , Salstein L. , Perry R. , Sullivan‐Wilson T. A. , Sloan A. , Lalji B. , Hammock E. , Wilson D. A. , Levitt P. , Okutani F. , Kaba H. , Sullivan R. M.
Published: August 2013

Attachment to an abusive caregiver has wide phylogenetic representation, suggesting that animal models are useful in understanding the neural basis underlying this phenomenon and subsequent behavioral outcomes. We previously developed a rat model, in which we use classical conditioning to parallel learning processes evoked during secure attachment (odor‐stroke, with stroke mimicking tactile stimulation from the caregiver) or attachment despite adversity (odor‐shock, with shock mimicking maltreatment). Here we extend this model to mice. We conditioned infant mice (postnatal day (PN) 7–9 or 13–14) with presentations of peppermint odor and either stroking or shock. We used 14C 2‐deoxyglucose (2‐DG) to assess olfactory bulb and amygdala metabolic changes following learning. PN7‐9 mice learned to prefer an odor following either odor‐stroke or shock conditioning, whereas odor‐shock conditioning at PN13‐14 resulted in aversion/fear learning. 2‐DG data indicated enhanced bulbar activity in PN7‐9 preference learning, whereas significant amygdala activity was present following aversion learning at PN13‐14. Overall, the mouse results parallel behavioral and neural results in the rat model of attachment, and provide the foundation for the use of transgenic and knockout models to assess the impact of both genetic (biological vulnerabilities) and environmental factors (abusive) on attachment‐related behaviors and behavioral development.
Ethanol self‐administration in serotonin transporter knockout mice: unconstrained demand and elasticity
Authors: Lamb R. J. , Daws L. C.
Published: August 2013

Low serotonin function is associated with alcoholism, leading to speculation that increasing serotonin function could decrease ethanol consumption. Mice with one or two deletions of the serotonin transporter (SERT) gene have increased extracellular serotonin. To examine the relationship between SERT genotype and motivation for alcohol, we compared ethanol self‐administration in mice with zero (knockout, KO), one (HET) or two copies (WT) of the SERT gene. All three genotypes learned to self‐administer ethanol. The SSRI, fluvoxamine, decreased responding for ethanol in the HET and WT, but not the KO mice. When tested under a progressive ratio schedule, KO mice had lower breakpoints than HET or WT. As work requirements were increased across sessions, behavioral economic analysis of ethanol self‐administration indicated that the decreased breakpoint in KO as compared to HET or WT mice was a result of lower levels of unconstrained demand, rather than differences in elasticity, i.e. the proportional decreases in ethanol earned with increasing work requirements were similar across genotypes. The difference in unconstrained demand was unlikely to result from motor or general motivational factors, as both WT and KO mice responded at high levels for a 50% condensed milk solution. As elasticity is hypothesized to measure essential value, these results indicate that KO value ethanol similarly to WT or HET mice despite having lower break points for ethanol.
Vanishing bone disease of the mandible – a case report
Authors: Asha Mysore L. , Jose Anju Anu , Babshet Medha , Bajoria Atul Anand , Naveen Srinivas
Published: August 2013

Background

Massive osteolysis (Gorham–Stout syndrome) is a rare condition of unknown etiology that is thought to result from a localized endothelial proliferation of lymphatic vessels resulting in destruction and absorption of bone. Osteolysis of the jaws has been reported in association with infection, cysts, neoplasia, and metabolic, endocrine, or hematologic abnormalities. Rare cases of idiopathic osteolysis have also been recorded. A detailed review from various peer reviewed journals has been discussed in this article.

Objectives

To discuss the demographic distribution and possibilities of pathogenesis of Gorham–Stout syndrome.

Materials and method

A case report of vanishing bone disease of the mandible in a 60 year old female patient has been discussed. A detail review of literature highlighting the demographic distribution and pathogenesis of vanishing bone disease has been made.

Results

Thirty eight percentages of these lesions appear in older individuals with a slight male predilection. 68.6% of the oro‐facial massive osteolysis occurs in mandible has been reported. Variable etiopathogenesis such as vascular proliferation, increased levels of circulating cytokines and circulatory disturbances have been associated with this disease.

Conclusion

The Gorham–Stout syndrome though rarely seen in the facial skeleton, it is important to consider it in the differential diagnosis of osteolytic lesions of the jaws.
Policy Bubbles: Policy Overreaction and Positive Feedback
Authors: Maor Moshe
Published: August 2013

Drawing on insights from economics, psychology, sociology, political science, and policy sciences, this article proposes a definition and measurement strategies for policy bubbles. A policy bubble is a real and/or perceived policy overreaction that is reinforced by positive feedback over an extended period of time. Positive feedback is here integrated in a model of human herding as the key factor that propels this process but also as a key generator of change. The process is conceptualized in terms of the formation, growth, and burst of policy bubbles. This causal‐explanatory understanding of the term allows for the possibility that different modes of policy overreaction lead to different types of human herding, thereby resulting in different types of policy bubbles.
Hyperplastic hepatocellular nodule with localized hemangiomatosis: A hither‐to unrecognized type of hypervascular hepatic lesion
Authors: Sasaki Motoko , Ikeda Tatsuru , Hatanaka Kanako C. , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: August 2013

Aim

The differential diagnosis of hypervascular hepatocellular nodular lesion includes hepatocellular carcinoma and it is sometimes difficult to image. We report herein two patients with hyperplastic hepatocellular nodule associated with localized hemangiomatosis.

Methods

A hypervascular hepatic nodule approximately 10 mm in diameter was incidentally detected in a 79‐year‐old woman and a 58‐year‐old man. Hepatocellular carcinoma was suspected and partial hepatectomy was performed.

Results

Hepatitis viral markers and tumor markers were negative in both patients. On histology, the nodular lesions had an ill‐defined border and included hemangioma‐like vessels and sinusoidal dilatation showing immunoreactivity for CD34. There were no abnormal unpaired arteries or a central stellate scar suggesting focal nodular hyperplasia. Hepatic columns in the lesion were thickened to two to three cell layers and cellular density was mildly more increased than the background liver. Cellular atypia and diminished reticulin fibers around the hepatic column were not observed. A survey of the background livers of 13 patients with cavernous hemangioma disclosed similar hemangioma‐like vessels in hepatic parenchyma in six patients (46%), but similar nodular lesions were not detected in any patients.

Conclusion

Taken together, the hepatic lesions in these two patients may be hither‐to unrecognized types of hyperplastic hepatocellular lesion associated with localized hemangiomatous lesion that may cause irregular blood flow.
Effect of bismuth oxide on white mineral trioxide aggregate: chemical characterization and physical properties
Authors: Grazziotin‐Soares R. , Nekoofar M. H. , Davies T. E. , Bafail A. , Alhaddar E. , Hübler R. , Busato A. L. S. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: August 2013

Aim

To assess the effect of bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) on the chemical characterization and physical properties of White mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus.

Methodology

Commercially available White MTA Angelus and White MTA Angelus without Bi2O3 provided by the manufacturer especially for this study were subjected to the following tests: Rietveld X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), compressive strength, Vickers microhardness test and setting time. Chemical analysis data were reported descriptively, and physical properties were expressed as means and standard deviations. Data were analysed using Student's t‐test and Mann–Whitney U test (P = 0.05).

Results

Calcium silicate peaks were reduced in the diffractograms of both hydrated materials. Bismuth particles were found on the surface of White MTA Angelus, and a greater amount of particles characterized as calcium hydroxide was observed by visual examination on White MTA without Bi2O3. The material without Bi2O3 had the shortest final setting time (38.33 min, P = 0.002), the highest Vickers microhardness mean value (72.35 MPa, P = 0.000) and similar compressive strength results (P = 0.329) when compared with the commercially available White MTA Angelus containing Bi2O3.

Conclusion

The lack of Bi2O3 was associated with an increase in Vickers microhardness, a reduction in final setting time, absence of Bi2O3 peaks in diffractograms, as well as a large amount of calcium and a morphology characteristic of calcium hydroxide in EDX/SEM analysis.
Evaluation of Amorphous Ti Brazes to Join Zirconium Diboride‐Based Ultra‐High‐Temperature Ceramics to Metallic Systems
Authors: Asthana Rajiv , Singh Mrityunjay
Published: August 2013

Hot‐pressed ZrB2‐based ultra‐high‐temperature ceramics (UHTC) were joined to titanium and Inconel‐625 using Ti‐375 (Ti‐37.5Zr‐15Cu‐10Ni) and Ti‐120 (Ti‐12Zr‐22Cu‐12Ni‐1.5Be‐0.8V) brazes. Bonding was metallurgically sound even though the extent of chemical interaction was limited to the dissolution of ZrB2. No evidence of SiC dissolution was observed. Hairline cracks formed in some joined UHTCs because of thermal expansion mismatch. These low‐temperature brazes minimize chemical degradation of the reinforcement and may be suited to joining the ZrB2‐based composite components outside of the hot zone in locations that are amenable to external cooling. Potential thermal benefits of such joints for enhanced heat transfer are highlighted.
Ecological separation in Himalayan ungulates
Authors: Green Michael J. B.
Published: August 2013

There is considerable overlap between the altitudinal distribution of Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), sambar (Cervus unicolor), serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) and goral (Nemorhaedus gorai) in the Kedarnath Sanctuary of Uttar Pradesh, North India. Limited comparative data suggest that these species are similar with respect to their predominantly solitary behaviour, nocturnal and diurnal pattern of activity and preference for cover provided by trees or shrubs. Evidence from faecal analysis indicates that the species differ in their feeding habits: both musk deer and serow are browsers, the goral is a grazer and the sambar is an intermediate feeder. High levels of competition between species are avoided owing to an inverse relationship between overlap in habitat use and overlap in diet. The musk deer, for example, is most similar to goral in its use of cover but very different in its feeding habits. Although dietary overlap between musk deer and goral is greatest in winter, when food resources are in shortest supply, potential competition between the species is avoided by a reduction in overlap in their use of cover. Unlike musk deer, goral experience great difficulty in travelling in deep powdery snow. Consequently, the goral's greater use of cover in winter, accompanied by its shift to lower altitudes, may be to reduce risks of predation rather than directly to avoid competition for food or other resources.
Scent‐marking in the Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster)
Authors: Green Michael J. B.
Published: August 2013

In view of its solitary behaviour and need for dense cover, the musk deer probably relies chiefly on olfaction for communication. The various forms of scent‐marking behaviour include defaecation at latrines by both sexes and, in the case of males, the secretion of musk and pasting with the caudal gland.

The use of 120 latrines was monitored for periods of up to 27 months in the Kedarnath Sanctuary, North India. Latrines occurred throughout animals' ranges and were used most frequently during the autumn rut. There is limited evidence that in summer musk deer defaecated wherever they happened to be rather than at latrines, which were seldom used at this time of year. That latrines are regularly used for purposes of marking, rather than to orientate animals, is strongly supported by the musk deer's ability accurately to locate snow‐covered sites. Droppings were sometimes covered with debris, more often in autumn than in other seasons. The covering of droppings appears to be a characteristic of adults and probably helps to keep the pellets moist and smelly. It is suggested that some latrines were used exclusively by one animal whereas others were used by more than one animal. The extent to which latrines appear to have been shared corresponds with the degree of overlap between animals' ranges.

There is some evidence that musk, which is synthesized before the rut, is conveyed in the urine of males. Snow stained with urine from males usually had a sweet scent and was pink or red, whereas that stained with urine from females never had a noticeable scent and was always amber in colour.

Likely constraints influencing the spatial pattern of scent‐marking are considered. The paper concludes with a discussion of the role of scent‐marking in the musk deer.
Large Strain Response in 0.99(Bi0.5Na0.4K0.1)TiO3–0.01(KxNa1−x)NbO3 Lead‐Free Ceramics Induced by the Change of K/Na Ratio in (KxNa1−x)NbO3
Authors: Hao Jigong , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei , Liu Chunze , Li Xiaolong , Gao Xingyu
Published: August 2013

Influence of K/Na ratio in (KxNa1−x)NbO3 on the ferroelectric stability and consequent changes in the electrical properties of 0.99(Bi0.5Na0.4K0.1)TiO3–0.01(KxNa1−x)NbO3 (BNKT–KxNN) ceramics were investigated. Results showed that change of K/Na ratio in KNN induces a phase transition from ferroelectric to ergodic relaxor phase with a significant disruption of the long‐range ferroelectric order, and correspondingly adjusts the ferroelectric–relaxor transition point TF−R to room temperature. Accordingly, giant strain of ~0.46% (corresponding to a large signal d33* of ~575 pm/V) which is comparable to that of Pb‐based antiferroelectrics is obtained at a K/Na ratio of ~1, and the emergence of large strain response induced by the change of K/Na ratio of KNN can be well explained by the correlation between the position of ferroelectric–ergodic relaxor phase boundary in the BNKT–KxNN system and the tolerance factor t of the end number (KxNN). In situ high‐energy X‐ray scattering experiments with external field reveals that the large strain response in the studied system is likely related to the electric field‐induced distortion from the pseudocubic structure.
On the Determination of the Concentration of Crystal Nuclei in Glasses by DSC
Authors: Cabral Aluisio A. , Ferreira Eduardo B. , Villas‐Boas Mariana O. C. , Zanotto Edgar D.
Published: August 2013

An interesting technique was proposed by Ray et al. over a decade ago to determine the number density of nucleation sites, Nq, or the nucleation rate, I(T), in glasses that exhibit internal nucleation. Their approach is based on the measurement of the areas under the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) crystallization peaks of partially crystallized glass samples. In this study, we review their method and test a modified equation recently proposed by some of us, which also takes into account the crystal morphology and impingement. We compare Nq obtained with both methods for a Li2O·2SiO2 glass. Small glass monoliths were treated at 620°C for different time periods for crystal growth, without any nucleation treatment, and subsequently analyzed by DSC up to 800°C. We thus estimated Nq from the area under the DSC crystallization peaks. The corrected approach resulted in Nq values which were not affected by the pair of growth times chosen, as expected, but the obtained values were two‐ to fivefold lower than those calculated with the Ray model. Taking into account previously reported nucleation rates and the corresponding induction periods as a function of temperature (for specimens of the same glass batch), we estimated the number of nuclei formed during the DSC heating/cooling steps, and also measured them by optical microscopy (OM). Finally, we compared the obtained values from OM with the Nq values determined by the DSC method. The Nq resulting from the original and new equations were approximately two orders of magnitude larger than those experimentally determined for the same glass using optical microscopy. This difference is attributed to the formation of new nuclei during the heating and cooling paths of the DSC runs and to surface crystallization, which are not taken into account in the DSC expressions.
Corrosion of Silicon Nitride Materials in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Herrmann M.
Published: August 2013

Silicon nitride ceramics are used under conditions where high strength, hardness, and wear resistance are necessary. The increasing use of Si3N4 ceramics in different environments demands an understanding of the relationships between microstructure and corrosion behavior. This study gives an overview of the behavior of silicon nitride in acids, bases, and hydrothermal conditions. It not only summarizes the literature data but also attempts to explain the mechanisms and to give some guidelines for the use of the materials in different environments. The stability of the ceramics against corrosion in acids and bases up to the boiling point is mostly controlled by the stability of the grain boundary. The stability can be predicted using the glass network theory. Materials with grain boundaries exhibiting a strong network, i.e., a high amount of SiO2 in the grain boundary, are stable in acids, but less stable under hydrothermal conditions and in basic solutions. Therefore, tailoring the grain boundaries can change the corrosion stability by several orders of magnitude. At temperatures above 200°C–250°C, the dissolution of the Si3N4 grains becomes a decisive factor determining the stability.
Face Recognition and Description Abilities in People with Mild Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Gawrylowicz Julie , Gabbert Fiona , Carson Derek , Lindsay William R. , Hancock Peter J. B.
Published: August 2013

Background

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) are as likely as the general population to find themselves in the situation of having to identify and/or describe a perpetrator's face to the police. However, limited verbal and memory abilities in people with ID might prevent them to engage in standard police procedures.

Method

Two experiments examined face recognition and description abilities in people with mild intellectual disabilities (mID) and compared their performance with that of people without ID. Experiment 1 used three old/new face recognition tasks. Experiment 2 consisted of two face description tasks, during which participants had to verbally describe faces from memory and with the target in view.

Results

Participants with mID performed significantly poorer on both recognition and recall tasks than control participants. However, their group performance was better than chance and they showed variability in performance depending on the measures introduced.

Conclusions

The practical implications of these findings in forensic settings are discussed.
Predicting Institutional Violence in Offenders with Intellectual Disabilities: The Predictive Efficacy of theVRAGand theHCR‐20
Authors: Fitzgerald Suzanne , Gray Nicola S. , Alexander Regi T. , Bagshaw Ruth , Chesterman Paul , Huckle Phillip , Jones Susan K. , Taylor John , Williams Tegwyn , Snowden Robert J.
Published: August 2013

Background

There is a developing evidence base to support the use of risk assessment instruments in offenders with intellectual disability (ID). The aim of this study was to try to develop this literature with the inclusion of a control group of mentally disordered offenders without anID, using theHCR‐20 andVRAG.

Materials and Methods

TheVRAGand theHCR‐20 were completed for a group of offenders with anID(n = 25) and a control group (n = 45), in four medium‐secure units across theUK. The outcome measure was physical aggression measured over 6 months.

Results

Both instruments consistently produced large effect sizes predicting any physical aggression and severe physical aggression. The structured clinical judgement based on theHCR‐20 was especially good.

Conclusions

TheHCR‐20 and theVRAGhave excellent predictive efficacy in offenders with anID. A structured clinical judgement based on theHCR‐20 was especially predictive.
Using Behavioural Skills Training to Treat Aggression in Adults with Mild Intellectual Disability in a Forensic Setting
Authors: Travis Robert W. , Sturmey Peter
Published: August 2013

Background

Previous studies of anger management in people with intellectual disability failed to control for the effects of the number of provocative stimuli presented and lacked direct measures of behaviour and treatment integrity data.

Methods

This experiment systematically assessed and presented discriminative stimuli for aggressive behaviour, taught alternative behaviour in response to discriminative stimuli for aggressive behaviour and used behavioural skills training with three adults with mild intellectual disability.

Results

Following behavioural skills training, the adult's percentage of aggressive responses declined and replacement responses increased in response to provocative stimuli. Treatment gains generalized to novel antecedent events, novel staff and novel settings and were socially valid. After intervention, community trips increased for all three participants.

Conclusions

Behavioural skills training to teach alternate behaviour to aggression with carefully planned procedures to promote generalization caused a socially valid increase in alternate behaviour and a socially valid decrease in aggression.
Different Factors Influence Self‐Reports and Third‐Party Reports of Anger by Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Rose John , Willner Paul , Shead Jennifer , Jahoda Andrew , Gillespie David , Townson Julia , Lammie Claire , Woodgate Christopher , Stenfert Kroese Biza , Felce David , MacMahon Pamela , Rose Nikki , Stimpson Aimee , Nuttall Jacqueline , Hood Kerenza
Published: August 2013

Background

Many people with intellectual disabilities display high levels of anger, and cognitive‐behavioural anger management interventions are used routinely. However, for these methods to be used optimally, a better understanding is needed of different forms of anger assessment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of a range of measures to self‐ and carer reports of anger expression, including instruments used to assess mental health and challenging behaviour.

Method

Adults with intellectual disabilities, who had been identified as having problems with anger control, their key‐workers and home carers all rated the service users’ trait anger, using parallel versions of the same instrument (the Provocation Inventory). In addition, service users completed a battery of mental health assessments (the Glasgow Depression Scale, Glasgow Anxiety Scale and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale), and both groups of carers completed a battery of challenging behaviour measures (the Hyperactivity and Irritability domains of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist and the Modified Overt Anger Scale).

Results

Participants had high levels of mental health problems (depression: 34%; anxiety: 73%) and severe challenging behaviour (26%). Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to explore the extent to which anger ratings by the three groups of respondents were predicted by demographic factors, mental health measures and challenging behaviour measures. Older service users rated themselves as less angry and were also rated as less angry by home carers, but not by key‐workers. More intellectually able service users were rated as more angry by both sets of carers, but not by the service users themselves. Significantly, mental health status (but not challenging behaviour) predicted service users’ self‐ratings of anger, whereas challenging behaviour (but not mental health status) predicted carers’ ratings of service users’ anger.

Conclusions

Service users and their carers appear to use different information when rating the service users’ anger. Service users’ self‐ratings reflect their internal emotional state and mental health, as reflected by their ratings of anxiety and depression, whereas staff rate service users’ anger on the basis of overt behaviours, as measured by challenging behaviour scales.
A tale of migrations from east to west: the Irano‐Turanian floristic region as a source of Mediterranean xerophytes
Authors: Manafzadeh Sara , Salvo Gabriele , Conti Elena
Published: August 2013

Aim

The Irano‐Turanian (IT) floristic region is characterized by high levels of endemicity. Despite its potential role as a cradle of xerophytic taxa for neighbouring areas, its biogeographical history remains poorly studied. Haplophyllum, a diagnostic element of the IT region, was used as a model to discriminate between alternative biogeographical scenarios for the evolution of the region and, more specifically, to investigate whether it served as a source of xerophytes for the colonization of the Mediterranean Basin.

Location

Irano‐Turanian floristic region (Central Asia and West Asiatic areas) and Mediterranean floristic region (western and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Basin).

Methods

Three chloroplast DNA regions were sequenced in 77 accessions of Haplophyllum and 37 accessions from other subfamilies of Rutaceae. To elucidate the temporal and spatial evolution of Haplophyllum in the IT and Mediterranean regions, we performed Bayesian molecular dating analyses with four fossil constraints and ancestral range reconstructions, respectively.

Results

Our molecular dating and ancestral area reconstruction analyses suggest that Haplophyllum originated in the Central Asian part of the IT region during the early Eocene and started to diversify in situ during the early Oligocene, soon after the vanishing of the Tethys Ocean. Our results further imply that Haplophyllum later invaded the eastern Mediterranean Basin in the middle‐to‐late Miocene, concomitantly with the Paratethys Salinity Crisis and rapid palaeobiogeographical changes in the proto‐Mediterranean. Finally, Haplophyllum diversified in the western Mediterranean in the early Pliocene at the end of the Messinian Salinity Crisis.

Main conclusions

The IT floristic region can serve as a ‘donor’ of xerophytic taxa to ‘recipient’ neighbouring regions, including the Mediterranean floristic region. The climatic/geological processes during the Miocene–Pliocene, by increasing aridity and topographic heterogeneity, facilitated range shifts and allopatric speciation in the region.
Species living in harsh environments have low clade rank and are localized on former Laurasian continents: a case study ofWillemia(Collembola)
Authors: Prinzing Andreas , D'Haese Cyrille A. , Pavoine Sandrine , Ponge Jean‐François
Published: August 2013

Aim

Certain species have few living relatives (i.e. they occupy low clade ranks) and hence they possess high conservation value and scientific interest as unique representatives of ancient lineages. However, we do not know whether particular environments favour the maintenance of low clade ranks or whether the distribution of environments across the globe affects the global distribution of clade ranks and, hence, evolutionary uniqueness. In this study, we tested whether and how harsh environments decrease the clade ranks of the species that inhabit them.

Location

Global.

Methods

We described the phylogeny of the collembolan genusWillemiaby a parsimonious method based on 52 morphological characters and estimated the species' use of harsh environments (polar, high mountain, desert, polluted, waterlogged, saline and acidic) from 248 publications.

Results

We found that the use of different types of harsh environments is maintained among close relatives and has similar phylogenetic signals (except for the use of salinity). The use of harsh environments might therefore affect the diversification of lineages. Correcting for the phylogenetic non‐independence of species, we found that species using harsh environments have comparatively low clade ranks. We also found that species using harsh environments occur almost exclusively on former Laurasian continents and that, as a statistical consequence, Laurasian species tend to have lower clade ranks.

Main conclusions

We suggest that harsh environments maintain low‐clade‐rank species by decreasing, simultaneoulsy or successively, extinction and speciation, which may eventually explain the major variation in clade rank across the globe.
Upregulation of iron regulatory hormone hepcidin by interferon α
Authors: Ichiki Kazuhiko , Ikuta Katsuya , Addo Lynda , Tanaka Hiroki , Sasaki Yusuke , Shimonaka Yasushi , Sasaki Katsunori , Ito Satoshi , Shindo Motohiro , Ohtake Takaaki , Fujiya Mikihiro , Torimoto Yoshihiro , Kohgo Yutaka
Published: August 2013

Background and Aim

Interferon (IFN) activates various immune systems in vivo and is administered to patients with diseases such as viral hepatitis B, C, and malignant tumors. Iron dysregulation has been reported during treatment with IFN; however, it remains unclear whether IFN itself affects iron metabolism. We therefore determined the effect of IFN on iron metabolism.

Methods

Mouse IFNα was administered to mice, and serum, spleen, bone marrow, liver, and duodenum tissue samples were subsequently collected. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of genes involved in iron metabolism were then analyzed by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Immunofluorescence for ferroportin was also performed.

Results

Among the gene expressions analyzed, we found that the expression of hepcidin, an iron regulatory hormone produced in the liver, was highly upregulated after IFNα treatment. Serum hepcidin levels and hepcidin mRNA expression in the liver were both found to be increased in the IFNα‐treated mice. The expression of ferroportin (the target molecule of hepcidin) in the duodenum of the IFNα‐treated mice was observed to be decreased, indicating that hepcidin upregulation could be physiologically functional. In vitro analysis of primary hepatocytes treated with IFNα and human hepatoma‐derived cells showed an upregulation of hepcidin mRNA, including an activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription3, which was shown to be involved in the hepcidin upregulation.

Conclusions

Results indicate that iron absorption is decreased during IFN treatment; this favorable effect could inhibit iron overload during IFN treatment and may enhance the action of IFN.
Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration using a microballoon catheter for intractable gastric fundal varices
Authors: Imai Yukinori , Nakazawa Manabu , Ando Satsuki , Sugawara Kayoko , Hamaoka Kazuhiro , Oka Masashi , Mochida Satoshi
Published: August 2013

Background and Aim

Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B‐RTO) is recognized as the standard therapy for patients with gastric fundal varices in Japan; however, the procedure is difficult when drainage veins other than the gastrorenal shunt developed. The efficacy and safety of B‐RTO using a microballoon catheter for such patients were evaluated.

Methods

The subjects were 99 patients with gastric fundal varices who fulfilled the criteria for receiving endoscopic and/or interventional therapies. Among these, 95 patients underwent B‐RTO. Of the 95 patients, 14 were treated with the use of microballoon catheters, including nine in whom the left inferior phrenic vein was found as a secondary drainage vein in addition to the gastrorenal shunt, and five in whom a gastrorenal shunt was absent. The B‐RTO procedure performed using a microballoon catheter inserted through the left inferior phrenic vein in 13 patients, and through the pericardiophrenic vein in one patient.

Results

The B‐RTO procedure using microballoon catheters was successful in 13 of the 14 patients (93%), while in the remaining one patient, multiple drainage veins were visualized on venography. Complete obliteration of the varices was achieved in all the 13 patients by injection of 5% ethanolamine oleate iopamidol at a median volume of 25 mL (range, 11 to 40 mL) through the catheters. None of the patients showed injuries of the drainage veins or any systemic complications.

Conclusions

B‐RTO using a microballoon catheter is useful for the treatment of gastric fundal varices in which drainage veins other than the gastrorenal shunt developed.
C‐Reactive Protein, Vitamin D Deficiency, and Slow Gait Speed
Authors: Kositsawat Jatupol , Barry Lisa C. , Kuchel George A.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the independent and joint effects of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and 25‐OH vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels on mobility disability in older persons.

Design

U.S. population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Setting

National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2001–2002).

Participants

Individuals aged 50 and older (N = 1,826).

Measurements

C‐reactive protein (mg/dL), with high CRP defined as ≥0.2 mg/dL, and 25(OH)D levels (ng/mL) operationalized as severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL), deficiency (10–19.9 ng/mL), insufficiency (20–29.9 ng/mL), and normal (≥30 ng/mL). Mobility disability was operationalized as gait speed of <0.8 m/s while completing a 20‐foot walk (6.1 m).

Results

High CRP and low 25(OH)D levels were associated with slow gait speed. Individuals with high CRP levels and severe vitamin D deficiency were more likely to have slow gait speed than were those with neither risk factor (odds ratio = 3.54, 95% confidence interval = 1.42–8.84, P = .007). A significant positive association between vitamin D level and gait speed was found only in those with high CRP in stratified analyses. Whites and blacks showed similar findings as the overall population.

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence of a potential joint effect of vitamin D and CRP on gait speed, suggesting that evaluation and correction of vitamin D levels may be especially important in individuals with high CRP levels.
Does Social Isolation Predict Hospitalization and Mortality Among HIV+ and Uninfected Older Veterans?
Authors: Greysen S. Ryan , Horwitz Leora I. , Covinsky Kenneth E. , Gordon Kirsha , Ohl Michael E. , Justice Amy C.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To compare levels of social isolation in aging veterans with and without the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and determine associations with hospital admission and mortality.

Design

Longitudinal data analysis.

Setting

The Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS), at eight VA Medical Centers nationally.

Participants

Veterans aged 55 and older enrolled in VACS from 2002 to 2008 (N = 1,836).

Measurements

A Social Isolation Score (SIS) was created using baseline survey responses about relationship status; number of friends and family and frequency of visits; and involvement in volunteer work, religious or self‐help groups, and other community activities. Scores were compared according to age and HIV status, and multivariable regression was used to assess effects of SIS on hospital admission and all‐cause mortality.

Results

Mean SIS was higher for HIV‐positive (HIV+) individuals, with increasing difference according to age (P = .01 for trend). Social isolation was also more prevalent for HIV+ (59%) than uninfected participants (51%, P < .001). In multivariable regression analysis of HIV+ and uninfected groups combined, adjusted for demographic and clinical features, isolation was independently associated with greater risk of incident hospitalization (hazard rate (HR) = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09–1.42) and risk of all‐cause mortality (HR=1.28, 95% CI = 1.06–1.54). Risk estimates calculated for HIV+ and uninfected groups separately were not significantly different.

Conclusion

Social isolation is associated with greater risk of hospitalization and death in HIV+ and uninfected older veterans. Despite similar effects in both groups, the population‐level effect of social isolation may be greater in those who are HIV+ because of the higher prevalence of social isolation, particularly in the oldest individuals.
Urban air pollutants reduce synaptic function of CA1 neurons via an NMDA/NȮ pathway in vitro
Authors: Davis David A. , Akopian Garnik , Walsh John P. , Sioutas Constantinos , Morgan Todd E. , Finch Caleb E.
Published: August 2013

Airborne particulate matter (PM) from urban vehicular aerosols altered glutamate receptor functions and induced glial inflammatory responses in rodent models after chronic exposure. Potential neurotoxic mechanisms were analyzed in vitro. In hippocampal slices, 2 h exposure to aqueous nanosized PM (nPM) selectively altered post‐synaptic proteins in cornu ammonis area 1 (CA1) neurons: increased GluA1, GluN2A, and GluN2B, but not GluA2, GluN1, or mGlur5; increased post synaptic density 95 and spinophilin, but not synaptophysin, while dentate gyrus (DG) neurons were unresponsive. In hippocampal slices and neurons, MitoSOX red fluorescence was increased by nPM, implying free radical production. Specifically, NȮ production by slices was increased within 15 min of exposure to nPM with dose dependence, 1–10 μg/mL. Correspondingly, CA1 neurons exhibited increased nitrosylation of the GluN2A receptor and dephosphorylation of GluN2B (S1303) and of GluA1 (S831 & S845). Again, DG neurons were unresponsive to nPM. The induction of NȮ and nitrosylation were inhibited by AP5, an NMDA receptor antagonist, which also protects neurite outgrowth in vitro from inhibition by nPM. Membrane injury (EthidiumD‐1 uptake) showed parallel specificity. Finally, nPM decreased evoked excitatory post‐synaptic currents of CA1 neurons. These findings further document the selective impact of nPM on glutamatergic functions and identify novel responses of NMDA receptor‐stimulated NȮ production and nitrosylation reactions during nPM‐mediated neurotoxicity.

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We present three new findings of rapid hippocampal slice responses to nPM (nano‐sized particulate matter from urban traffic): increased NȮ production within 15 min; nitrosylation of glutamatergic NMDA receptors; and, reduced excitatory postsynaptic currents in CA1 neurons. AP5 (NMDA receptor antagonist) blocked nPM‐mediated NȮ and receptor nitrosylation. Ca2+ influx is a likely mechanism.
Early Histone Modifications in the Ventromedial Hypothalamus and Preoptic Area Following Oestradiol Administration
Authors: Gagnidze K. , Weil Z. M. , Faustino L. C. , Schaafsma S. M. , Pfaff D. W.
Published: August 2013

Expression of the primary female sex behaviour, lordosis, in laboratory animals depends on oestrogen‐induced expression of progesterone receptor (PgR) within a defined cell group in the ventrolateral portion of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH). The minimal latency from oestradiol administration to lordosis is 18 h. During that time, ligand‐bound oestrogen receptors (ER), members of a nuclear receptor superfamily, recruit transcriptional coregulators, which induce covalent modifications of histone proteins, thus leading to transcriptional activation or repression of target genes. The present study aimed to investigate the early molecular epigenetic events underlying oestrogen‐regulated transcriptional activation of the Pgr gene in the VMH of female mice. Oestradiol (E2) administration induced rapid and transient global histone modifications in the VMH of ovariectomised female mice. Histone H3 N‐terminus phosphorylation (H3S10phK14Ac), acetylation (H3Ac) and methylation (H3K4me3) exhibited distinct temporal patterns facilitative to the induction of transcription. A transcriptional repressive (H3K9me3) modification showed a different temporal pattern. Collectively, this should create a permissive environment for the transcriptional activity necessary for lordosis, within 3–6 h after E2 treatment. In the VMH, changes in the H3Ac and H3K4me3 levels of histone H3 were also detected at the promoter region of the Pgr gene within the same time window, although they were delayed in the preoptic area. Moreover, examination of histone modifications associated with the promoter of another ER‐target gene, oxytocin receptor (Oxtr), revealed gene‐ and brain‐region specific effects of E2 treatment. In the VMH of female mice, E2 treatment resulted in the recruitment of ERα to the oestrogen‐response‐elements‐containing putative enhancer site of Pgr gene, approximately 200 kb upstream of the transcription start site, although it failed to increase ERα association with the more proximal promoter region. Finally, E2 administration led to significant changes in the mRNA expression of several ER coregulators in a brain‐region dependent manner. Taken together, these data indicate that, in the hypothalamus and preoptic area of female mice, early responses to E2 treatment involve highly specific changes in chromatin structure, dependent on cell group, gene, histone modification studied, promoter/enhancer site and time following E2.
Performance Implications of IJV Boards: A Contingency Perspective
Authors: Klijn Elko , Reuer Jeffrey J. , Van den Bosch Frans A. J. , Volberda Henk W.
Published: August 2013

This study draws from the corporate governance literature to investigate the implications of board involvement for international joint ventures (IJVs). We extend recent corporate governance research on the value of board involvement by investigating unique sources of complexity related to the nature of the IJV. We argue and find that board involvement can enhance the performance of IJVs, particularly for collaborations that are complex in nature due to their broad functional scope as well the level of market overlap between IJV parents. We complement recent research on joint venture control that has focused on the antecedents and types of control, as well as studies on formal (e.g. contractual safeguards and monitoring) and informal governance mechanisms (e.g. trust) by providing empirical evidence that IJV board involvement is valuable when directors undertake their control and coordination responsibilities. We advance corporate governance research by providing evidence that joint ventures possess several unique characteristics that shape the value of board involvement, thereby showing that applications of corporate governance theory to joint ventures are useful, but should be made with care.
Indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate: a new tool for the classification of paediatric patients with acute liver failure
Authors: Quintero Jesús , Miserachs Mar , Ortega Juan , Bueno Javier , Dopazo Cristina , Bilbao Itxarone , Castells Lluis , Charco Ramon
Published: August 2013

Background & Aims

Pediatric acute liver failure is a rare disorder which results in death or the need for liver transplantation in 25–50% of cases. The adults scores are unable to predict survival without liver transplantation of pediatric patients. The present study assessed the use the of indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate as a tool to predict the evolution of pediatric patients with acute liver failure.

Patients and Methods

All patients met the criteria of acute liver failure according to the Pediatric Acute Liver Failure Study Group. King's College, Clichy's criteria and ICG‐PDR were obtained on admission or when acute liver failure was diagnosed and repeated every 12–24 hours, respectively.

Results

Thirteen out of 48 patients suffered an irreversible liver damage. Seven of them underwent a liver transplantation and 6 died on the waiting. A total of 154 ICG‐PDR measurements were taken during the study (Median 12.4 %/min, r:6.2 – 26.3). The ICG‐PDR was significantly lower in patients who suffered irreversible liver damage compared with those who survived without liver transplantation (median ICG‐PDR 4.1 %/min; r:4.0 – 5.7 vs median ICG‐PDR 20.3 %/min; r: 9.1 ‐ 30.1; respectively. P < 0.001). Using a ROC curve the cutoff of ICG‐PDR for assessing the need for liver transplantation was set at 5.9 %/min (sensitivity 92.3%, specificity 97.1%). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and DA for ICG‐PDR were higher than the King's College and Clichy's criteria.

Conclusions

ICG‐PDR is a powerful tool that would improve the categorization of patients with pediatric acute liver failure.
A comparison of pedigree‐ and DNA‐based measures for identifying inbreeding depression in the critically endangered Attwater's Prairie‐chicken
Authors: Hammerly Susan C. , Morrow Michael E. , Johnson Jeff A.
Published: August 2013

The primary goal of captive breeding programmes for endangered species is to prevent extinction, a component of which includes the preservation of genetic diversity and avoidance of inbreeding. This is typically accomplished by minimizing mean kinship in the population, thereby maintaining equal representation of the genetic founders used to initiate the captive population. If errors in the pedigree do exist, such an approach becomes less effective for minimizing inbreeding depression. In this study, both pedigree‐ and DNA‐based methods were used to assess whether inbreeding depression existed in the captive population of the critically endangered Attwater's Prairie‐chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri), a subspecies of prairie grouse that has experienced a significant decline in abundance and concurrent reduction in neutral genetic diversity. When examining the captive population for signs of inbreeding, variation in pedigree‐based inbreeding coefficients (fpedigree) was less than that obtained from DNA‐based methods (fDNA). Mortality of chicks and adults in captivity were also positively correlated with parental relatedness (rDNA) and fDNA, respectively, while no correlation was observed with pedigree‐based measures when controlling for additional variables such as age, breeding facility, gender and captive/release status. Further, individual homozygosity by loci (HL) and parental rDNA values were positively correlated with adult mortality in captivity and the occurrence of a lethal congenital defect in chicks, respectively, suggesting that inbreeding may be a contributing factor increasing the frequency of this condition among Attwater's Prairie‐chickens. This study highlights the importance of using DNA‐based methods to better inform management decisions when pedigrees are incomplete or errors may exist due to uncertainty in pairings.