bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Visual Analog Scales to Compare Pain Between Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease and Patients Without Any Known Neurodegenerative Disease and Their Caregivers
Authors: Santos Sara , Castanho Miguel
Published: December 2013

Patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) tend to underestimate their pain degree as disease progresses. Their caregivers are the most important source of information by providing regular pain evaluation. Our objectives were to compare pain intensity and affective pain between patients with AD and cognitively normal individuals (N) and to evaluate differences in pain perception between their caregivers. We evaluated pain scores of 121 patients with chronic osteoarticular pain, 60 AD, and 61 N using the colored pain scale/faces pain scale and the caregiver’s perception. Data were analyzed using one and two-tailed paired t tests ( P < .05). We found that the AD group reported less pain intensity and that their pain was less perceived by their caregiver. This study also points to the need of, when evaluating patients with ADalways measure their pain degree using appropriate scales, instead of relying only on the caregiver.
Toward a New Landscape
Authors: John-Alder Kathleen L.
Published: December 2013

While many authors have discussed the environmental planning methodology outlined by Ian McHarg in Design with Nature, little attention has been paid to the influence of modern architecture upon that planning and design manifesto. This article addresses that deficiency by examining three early articles by McHarg—“Open Space and Housing” (1955), “The Court House Concept” (1957), and “The Humane City” (1958). These articles situate McHarg’s promotion of open space, and his environmental activism, in relationship to an ambitious intellectual and political rationale that is firmly rooted within the functional, social, aesthetic, and heroic traditions of architectural modernism.
Everyone Sees Color
Authors: Nash Kindel Turner
Published: December 2013

This article builds a rationale for using the transformative pedagogy of critical race theory (CRT) to reframe early literacy teacher education and create counternarratives to address pervasive issues of inequity among minoritized students. This article also highlights the tensions that resulted from the author’s use of such a framework: Preservice teachers enrolled in the author’s early literacy methods course expressed feelings that focusing on issues of race and racism was at the expense of their “literacy training,” problems accepting the idea that they could be personally biased, and notions that the CRT frame was inapplicable to them because they were at White schools. This article makes practical suggestions for teacher educators’ efforts to counter such tensions and use CRT in order to address inequitable practices and meet the needs of minoritized students.
Mirrored Feedback in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Saleh Soha , Adamovich Sergei V. , Tunik Eugene
Published: December 2013

Background. Mirrored feedback has potential as a therapeutic intervention to restore hand function after stroke. However, the functional (effective) connectivity of neural networks involved in processing mirrored feedback after stroke is not known. Objective. To determine if regions recruited by mirrored feedback topographically overlap with those involved in control of the paretic hand and to identify the effective connectivity of activated nodes within the mirrored feedback network. Methods. Fifteen patients with chronic stroke performed a finger flexion task with their unaffected hand during event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Real-time hand kinematics was recorded during fMRI and used to actuate hand models presented in virtual reality (VR). Visual feedback of the unaffected hand motion was manipulated pseudorandomly by either actuating the VR hand corresponding to the moving unaffected side (veridical feedback) or the affected side (mirrored feedback). In 2 control conditions, the VR hands were replaced with moving nonanthropomorphic shapes. Results. Mirrored feedback was associated with significant activation of regions within and outside the ipsilesional sensorimotor cortex, overlapping with areas engaged when patients performed the task with their affected hand. Effective connectivity analysis showed a significantly interconnected ipsilesional somatosensory and motor cortex in the mirrored feedback condition. Conclusions. Mirrored feedback recruits ipsilesional brain areas relevant for control of the affected hand. These data provide a neurophysiological basis by which mirrored feedback may be beneficial as a therapy for restoring function after stroke.
Brain–Computer Interface With Language Model–Electroencephalography Fusion for Locked-In Syndrome
Authors: Oken Barry S. , Orhan Umut , Roark Brian , Erdogmus Deniz , Fowler Andrew , Mooney Aimee , Peters Betts , Miller Meghan , Fried-Oken Melanie B.
Published: December 2013

Background. Some noninvasive brain–computer interface (BCI) systems are currently available for locked-in syndrome (LIS) but none have incorporated a statistical language model during text generation. Objective. To begin to address the communication needs of individuals with LIS using a noninvasive BCI that involves rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) of symbols and a unique classifier with electroencephalography (EEG) and language model fusion. Methods. The RSVP Keyboard was developed with several unique features. Individual letters are presented at 2.5 per second. Computer classification of letters as targets or nontargets based on EEG is performed using machine learning that incorporates a language model for letter prediction via Bayesian fusion enabling targets to be presented only 1 to 4 times. Nine participants with LIS and 9 healthy controls were enrolled. After screening, subjects first calibrated the system, and then completed a series of balanced word generation mastery tasks that were designed with 5 incremental levels of difficulty, which increased by selecting phrases for which the utility of the language model decreased naturally. Results. Six participants with LIS and 9 controls completed the experiment. All LIS participants successfully mastered spelling at level 1 and one subject achieved level 5. Six of 9 control participants achieved level 5. Conclusions. Individuals who have incomplete LIS may benefit from an EEG-based BCI system, which relies on EEG classification and a statistical language model. Steps to further improve the system are discussed.
Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Feasibility Trial of Hyperbaric Oxygen for Service Members With Postconcussion Syndrome
Authors: Walker William C. , Franke Laura Manning , Cifu David X. , Hart Brett B.
Published: December 2013

Background. Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and residual postconcussion syndrome (PCS) are common among combatants of the recent military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) is a proposed treatment but has not been rigorously studied for this condition. Objectives. In a secondary analysis, examine for possible effects on psychomotor (balance and fine motor) and cognitive performance 1 week after an HBO2 intervention in service members with PCS after mTBI. Methods. A randomized, double-blind, sham control, feasibility trial comparing pretreatment and posttreatment was conducted in 60 male active-duty marines with combat-related mTBI and PCS persisting for 3 to 36 months. Participants were randomized to 1 of 3 preassigned oxygen fractions (10.5%, 75%, or 100%) at 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA), resulting in respective groups with an oxygen exposure equivalent to (1) breathing surface air (Sham Air), (2) 100% oxygen at 1.5 ATA (1.5 ATAO2), and (3) 100% oxygen at 2.0 ATA (2.0 ATAO2). Over a 10-week period, participants received 40 hyperbaric chamber sessions of 60 minutes each. Outcome measures, including computerized posturography (balance), grooved pegboard (fine motor speed/dexterity), and multiple neuropsychological tests of cognitive performance, were collected preintervention and 1-week postintervention. Results. Despite the multiple sensitive cognitive and psychomotor measures analyzed at an unadjusted 5% significance level, this study demonstrated no immediate postintervention beneficial effect of exposure to either 1.5 ATAO2 or 2.0 ATAO2 compared with the Sham Air intervention. Conclusions. These results do not support the use of HBO2 to treat cognitive, balance, or fine motor deficits associated with mTBI and PCS.
What Makes an Orc? Racial Cosmos and Emergent Narrative in World of Warcraft
Authors: Packer Joseph
Published: December 2013

This article offers a new method of reading racial narrative in massive multiplayer online games. Rather than looking to the game text or the behaviors of individual players, it focuses on collective emergent behavior and demographics. From this perspective, the various racial group in World of Warcraft (WoW) take on their on unique characteristics that inform the broader WoW narrative. These differences result from the collective playing decisions of millions of gamers, influenced by the text, and also popular culture, game mechanics, and innumerable other factors.
Extraskeletal Chondroma on the Sole of the Foot
Authors: Vaseenon Tanawat , Cheewawattanachai Chaiyarit , Pattamapaspong Nuttaya , Settakorn Jongkolnee , Leerapun Taninnit
Published: December 2013

A 47-year-old female presented with a solitary mass located in the plantar region of her left foot. The mass, which she noticed 2 years ago, grew gradually and caused increasing pain when bearing weight. Physical examination showed a 3.5-cm diameter tender nonmobile mass with firm consistency in the midplantar region. Radiographs showed a ring-like calcification compatible with cartilage tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lobulated mass with a hypointense signal on T1-weighted images and a hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images in the mid-substance of the plantar fascia. After a skin incision was performed, the mass was dissected from the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Then, a marginal excision was performed. The histological assessment reported chondrocytes within lacunae embedded in a chondroid matrix with focal calcification. The definitive diagnosis was extraskeletal chondroma. Plantar pain resolved within 3 months and no recurrence was found at the 1-year follow-up.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV, Case Report
The Effect of Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Premature Infant Eye Development
Authors: Haber Nicole , Heuberger Roschelle
Published: December 2013

Infant eye development is a complex process highly impacted by premature birth. Current prevention and treatment options for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), one of the significant comorbities of prematurity, are limited and arguably ineffective. The objective of this review was to evaluate the current literature on lutein and zeaxanthin in preterm infants. Secondary to their supportive role in eye development and functionality, it is hypothesized that they are able to modulate the development and progression of ROP. Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in human milk are highest during early milk production and significantly differ among populations. The literature reviewed shows an inverse correlation of maternal human milk consumption and ROP incidence. Xanthophyll supplementation studies, although deemed safe, have not shown significant improvements in ROP reduction, although multiple limitations are noted. Currently supplemented infant formulas with lutein and zeaxanthin are effective at decreasing inflammation and potentially provide photoreceptor protection. The current literature available remains inconclusive regarding lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation on decreasing ROP incidence. Further randomized controlled trials that rigorously control for confounding variables are required.
Articular Cartilage Changes in Maturing Athletes
Authors: Luria Ayala , Chu Constance R.
Published: December 2013

Context:

Articular cartilage has a unique functional architecture capable of providing a lifetime of pain-free joint motion. This tissue, however, undergoes substantial age-related physiologic, mechanical, biochemical, and functional changes that reduce its ability to overcome the effects of mechanical stress and injury. Many factors affect joint function in the maturing athlete—from chondrocyte survival and metabolism to structural composition and genetic/epigenetic factors governing cartilage and synovium. An evaluation of age-related changes for joint homeostasis and risk for osteoarthritis is important to the development of new strategies to rejuvenate aging joints.

Objective:

This review summarizes the current literature on the biochemical, cellular, and physiologic changes occurring in aging articular cartilage.

Data Sources:

PubMed (1969-2013) and published books in sports health, cartilage biology, and aging.

Study Selection:

Keywords included aging, athlete, articular cartilage, epigenetics, and functional performance with age.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Data Extraction:

To be included, research questions addressed the effect of age-related changes on performance, articular cartilage biology, molecular mechanism, and morphology.

Results:

The mature athlete faces challenges in maintaining cartilage health and joint function due to age-related changes to articular cartilage biology, morphology, and physiology. These changes include chondrocyte loss and a decline in metabolic response, alterations to matrix and synovial tissue composition, and dysregulation of reparative responses.

Conclusion:

Although physical decline has been regarded as a normal part of aging, many individuals maintain overall fitness and enjoy targeted improvement to their athletic capacity throughout life. Healthy articular cartilage and joints are needed to maintain athletic performance and general activities. Genetic and potentially reversible epigenetic factors influence cartilage physiology and its response to mechanical and injurious stimuli. Improved understandings of the physical and molecular changes to articular cartilage with aging are important to develop successful strategies for joint rejuvenation.
Transcriptomic and genomic evidence for Streptococcus agalactiae adaptation to the bovine environment
Authors: Richards Vincent P , Choi Sang Chul , Bitar Paulina D Pavinski , Gurjar Abhijit A , Stanhope Michael J
Published: December 2013

Background

Streptococcus agalactiaeis a major cause of bovine mastitis, which is the dominant health disorder affecting milk production within the dairy industry and is responsible for substantial financial losses to the industry worldwide. However, there is considerable evidence for host adaptation (ecotypes) withinS. agalactiae, with both bovine and human sourced isolates showing a high degree of distinctiveness, suggesting differing ability to cause mastitis. Here, we (i) generate RNAseq data from threeS. agalactiaeisolates (two putative bovine adapted and one human) and (ii) compare publicly available whole genome shotgun sequence data from an additional 202 isolates, obtained from six host species, to elucidate possible genetic factors/adaptations likely important forS. agalactiaegrowth and survival in the bovine mammary gland.

Results

Tests for differential expression showed distinct expression profiles for the three isolates when grown in bovine milk. A key finding for the two putatively bovine adapted isolates was the up regulation of a lactose metabolism operon (Lac.2) that was strongly correlated with the bovine environment (all 36 bovine sourced isolates on GenBank possessed the operon, in contrast to only 8/151 human sourced isolates). Multi locus sequence typing of all genome sequences and phylogenetic analysis using conserved operon genes from 44 S. agalactiaeisolates and 16 additionalStreptococcusspecies provided strong evidence for acquisition of the operon via multiple lateral gene transfer events, with allStreptococcusspecies known to be major causes of mastitis, identified as possible donors. Furthermore, lactose fermentation tests were only positive for isolates possessing Lac.2. Combined, these findings suggest that lactose metabolism is likely an important adaptation to the bovine environment. Additional up regulation in the bovine adapted isolates included genes involved in copper homeostasis, metabolism of purine, pyrimidine, glycerol and glucose, and possibly aminoglycoside antibiotic resistance.

Conclusion

We detected several genetic factors likely important inS. agalactiae’s adaptation to the bovine environment, in particular lactose metabolism. Of concern is the up regulation of a putative antibiotic resistance gene (GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase) that might reflect an adaptation to the use of aminoglycoside antibiotics within this environment.
Male infertility and copy number variants (CNVs) in the dog: a two-pronged approach using Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) and Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
Authors: Cassatella Daniele , Martino Nicola Antonio , Valentini Luisa , Guaricci Antonio Ciro , Cardone Maria Francesca , Pizzi Flavia , Dell’Aquila Maria Elena , Ventura Mario
Published: December 2013

Background

Infertility affects ~10-15% of couples trying to have children, in which the rate of male fertility problems is approximately at 30-50%. Copy number variations (CNVs) are DNA sequences greater than or equal to 1 kb in length sharing a high level of similarity, and present at a variable number of copies in the genome; in our study, we used the canine species as an animal model to detect CNVs responsible for male infertility. We aim to identify CNVs associated with male infertility in the dog genome with a two-pronged approach: we performed a sperm analysis using the CASA system and a cytogenetic-targeted analysis on genes involved in male gonad development and spermatogenesis with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), using dog-specific clones. This analysis was carried out to evaluate possible correlations between CNVs on targeted genes and spermatogenesis impairments or infertility factors.

Results

We identified two genomic regions hybridized by BACs CH82-321J09 and CH82-509B23 showing duplication patterns in all samples except for an azoospermic dog. These two regions harbor two important genes for spermatogenesis: DNM2 and TEKT1. The genomic region encompassed by the BAC clone CH82-324I01 showed a single-copy pattern in all samples except for one dog, assessed with low-quality sperm, displaying a marked duplication pattern. This genomic region harbors SOX8, a key gene for testis development.

Conclusion

We present the first study involving functional and genetic analyses in male infertility. We set up an extremely reliable analysis on dog sperm cells with a highly consistent statistical significance, and we succeeded in conducting FISH experiments on sperm cells using BAC clones as probes. We found copy number differences in infertile compared with fertile dogs for genomic regions encompassing TEKT1, DNM2, and SOX8, suggesting those genes could have a role if deleted or duplicated with respect to the reference copy number in fertility biology. This method is of particular interest in the dog due to the recognized role of this species as an animal model for the study of human genetic diseases and could be useful for other species of economic interest and for endangered animal species.
PSP: rapid identification of orthologous coding genes under positive selection across multiple closely related prokaryotic genomes
Authors: Su Fei , Ou Hong-Yu , Tao Fei , Tang Hongzhi , Xu Ping
Published: December 2013

Background

With genomic sequences of many closely related bacterial strains made available by deep sequencing, it is now possible to investigate trends in prokaryotic microevolution. Positive selection is a sub-process of microevolution, in which a particular mutation is favored, causing the allele frequency to continuously shift in one direction. Wide scanning of prokaryotic genomes has shown that positive selection at the molecular level is much more frequent than expected. Genes with significant positive selection may play key roles in bacterial adaption to different environmental pressures. However, selection pressure analyses are computationally intensive and awkward to configure.

Results

Here we describe an open access web server, which is designated as PSP (Positive Selection analysis for Prokaryotic genomes) for performing evolutionary analysis on orthologous coding genes, specially designed for rapid comparison of dozens of closely related prokaryotic genomes. Remarkably, PSP facilitates functional exploration at the multiple levels by assignments and enrichments of KO, GO or COG terms. To illustrate this user-friendly tool, we analyzed Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus genomes and found that several genes, which play key roles in human infection and antibiotic resistance, show significant evidence of positive selection. PSP is freely available to all users without any login requirement at: http://db-mml.sjtu.edu.cn/PSP/.

Conclusions

PSP ultimately allows researchers to do genome-scale analysis for evolutionary selection across multiple prokaryotic genomes rapidly and easily, and identify the genes undergoing positive selection, which may play key roles in the interactions of host-pathogen and/or environmental adaptation.
Familial hypercholesterolemia mutations in Petrozavodsk: no similarity to St. Petersburg mutation spectrum
Authors: Komarova Tatiana Yu , Korneva Victoria A , Kuznetsova Tatiana Yu , Golovina Alexandra S , Vasilyev Vadim B , Mandelshtam Michail Yu
Published: December 2013

Background

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a human monogenic disease induced by a variety of mutations with striking genetic diversity. Despite this variability recurrent mutations occur in each population studied, which allows both elucidating prevalent mutations and developing DNA diagnostic tools for the disease. Recent research of FH in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Novosibirsk (major cities in Russia) demonstrates that each megapolis has its own FH mutation spectrum sharing only small part of mutations with other populations in Russia and Europe. In order to optimize molecular-genetic diagnostic protocols for FH in Russia we studied mutation spectrum in other regions including Petrozavodsk, a smaller town in relatively close proximity to St. Petersburg.

Methods

The principal method was automated detection of single-strand conformation polymorphism followed by direct PCR amplified DNA sequencing.

Results

Twelve different mutations of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene were detected in the Petrozavodsk sample (80 patients). Out of these twelve mutations, seven have never been described before (c.192_201delinsGGACTTCA, c. 195_196insT, c. 618 T > G, c. 1340C > G, c. 1686_1693delinsT, c. 1936C > A, c. 2191delG). Other five mutations (c. 58G > A, c. 925_931del, c. 1194C > T, c. 1532 T > C, c. 1920C > T) were previously characterized elsewhere. All new mutations are considered to be a probable cause of the FH in their carriers. Direct evidence of the neutral character of c.58G > A or p. (Gly20Arg) is provided for the first time. Each pathogenic mutation was a trait of its own unique pedigree and so far has not been found in other patients.

Conclusions

Strikingly, out of twelve mutations characterized in the Petrozavodsk sample only one mutation, c. 925_931del, has previously been found in patients from St. Petersburg and Finland (most closely located studied populations), suggesting some common roots in origin of these populations in the past or limited gene exchange between them nowadays. No recurrent mutations were detected.
Comprehensive analyses of imprinted differentially methylated regions reveal epigenetic and genetic characteristics in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Rumbajan Janette Mareska , Maeda Toshiyuki , Souzaki Ryota , Mitsui Kazumasa , Higashimoto Ken , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Yatsuki Hitomi , Nishioka Kenichi , Harada Ryoko , Aoki Shigehisa , Kohashi Kenichi , Oda Yoshinao , Hata Kenichiro , Saji Tsutomu , Taguchi Tomoaki , Tajiri Tatsuro , Soejima Hidenobu , Joh Keiichiro
Published: December 2013

Background

Aberrant methylation at imprinted differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in human 11p15.5 has been reported in many tumors including hepatoblastoma. However, the methylation status of imprinted DMRs in imprinted loci scattered through the human genome has not been analyzed yet in any tumors.

Methods

The methylation statuses of 33 imprinted DMRs were analyzed in 12 hepatoblastomas and adjacent normal liver tissue by MALDI-TOF MS and pyrosequencing. Uniparental disomy (UPD) and copy number abnormalities were investigated with DNA polymorphisms.

Results

Among 33 DMRs analyzed, 18 showed aberrant methylation in at least 1 tumor. There was large deviation in the incidence of aberrant methylation among the DMRs. KvDMR1 and IGF2-DMR0 were the most frequently hypomethylated DMRs. INPP5Fv2-DMR and RB1-DMR were hypermethylated with high frequencies. Hypomethylation was observed at certain DMRs not only in tumors but also in a small number of adjacent histologically normal liver tissue, whereas hypermethylation was observed only in tumor samples. The methylation levels of long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) did not show large differences between tumor tissue and normal liver controls. Chromosomal abnormalities were also found in some tumors. 11p15.5 and 20q13.3 loci showed the frequent occurrence of both genetic and epigenetic alterations.

Conclusions

Our analyses revealed tumor-specific aberrant hypermethylation at some imprinted DMRs in 12 hepatoblastomas with additional suggestion for the possibility of hypomethylation prior to tumor development. Some loci showed both genetic and epigenetic alterations with high frequencies. These findings will aid in understanding the development of hepatoblastoma.
Results of concurrent radio-chemotherapy for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in everyday clinical practice with special reference to early mortality
Authors: Schlumpf Michael , Fischer Claude , Naehrig Diana , Rochlitz Christoph , Buess Martin
Published: December 2013

Background

Randomized controlled trials have established concurrent chemo-radiotherapy as the preferred treatment option for inoperable local-regionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Because many patients have multiple co-morbidities and would not fulfill the eligibility criteria of clinical trials, the results need to be re-evaluated in daily clinical practice with special reference to early mortality.

Methods

167 consecutive patients with HNSCC who received concurrent chemo-radiotherapy at the Basel University Hospital between 1988 and 2006 were analyzed retrospectively with a special focus on early deaths and risk factors for an unfavorable outcome.

Results

In our cohort, the 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 54% and 47%, respectively. The therapy was associated with relevant toxicity and an early mortality rate of 5.4%. Patients dying early were analyzed individually for the cause of death. Patients with elevated white blood cell counts (HR: 2.66 p = 0,016) and vascular co-morbidities (HR: 5.3, p = 0,047) showed significantly worse survival rates. The same factors were associated with a trend toward increased treatment-related mortality. The 3-year survival rate improved from approximately 43% for patients treated before the year 2000 to 65% for patients treated after the year 2000 (Fisher’s exact test p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Although many patients who received concurrent chemo-radiotherapy would not have qualified for clinical trials, the outcome was favorable and has significantly improved in recent years. However the early mortality was slightly worse than what is described in the literature.
Influence of stressors and possible pathways of onset of seventh graders’ suicidal ideation in urban and rural areas in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Yi-Chen , Lee Tony Szu-Hsien , Yen Lee-Lan , Wu Chi-Chen , Lin Dai-Chan , Hurng Baai-Shyun , Chang Hsing-Yi
Published: December 2013

Background

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people in Taiwan. However, few studies have investigated children’s suicidal ideation, and longitudinal studies are particularly rare. The purposes of this study were: (1) to describe the proportion of students with suicidal ideation in one month and incidence of suicidal ideation in the 7th graders (the first year of junior high school) living in urban and rural areas; (2) to realize the influence of perceived stressors on the onset of 7th graders’ suicidal ideation; and (3) to explore possible pathways through which trigger factors and perceived stressors lead to suicidal ideation.

Methods

A total of 1,589 students were followed from grade 4 to grade 7. Logistic regression was then used to investigate the influence of perceived stressors on the onset of suicidal ideation in grade 7. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze possible pathways through which trigger factors led to increased pressure from certain stressors which in turn resulted in suicidal ideation.

Results

The proportion of students with suicidal ideation in one month was 2 to 3 times higher in both areas compared to that in elementary school. However, the incidence in the rural area showed a large increase from 10.2% and 9.5% in grades 5 and 6 to 15.5% in grade 7. Urban–rural difference was observed. Important stressors and pathways of suicidal ideation differ between urban and rural areas.

Conclusions

This study showed that the influential stressors in urban and rural areas might be different. Thus, interventions focused on coping skills for regional specific stressors and trigger factors could be beneficial in the transition time.
An in vitro study of neuroprotective properties of traditional Chinese herbal medicines thought to promote healthy ageing and longevity
Authors: Shen Bojiang , Truong John , Helliwell Ray , Govindaraghavan Suresh , Sucher Nikolaus J
Published: December 2013

Background

Age is the leading risk factor for acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, the oldest known compendium of Chinese materia media, lists herbal medicines that were believed to exert neither fast acting pharmacological effects nor discernible toxicity, but to promote general health and longevity. In modern terms, these herbal medicines could be considered as complementary health care products for prevention rather than treatment of diseases. In the present study, we examined whether a selection of 13 such herbal medicines exhibited neuroprotective activity.

Methods

The antioxidant capacity of the herbal extracts was determined using three non-cellular assays measuring the total phenol content (FCR assay), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Cytotoxic effects of the herbal extracts were assayed in cultured mouse cortical neurons and their neuroprotective activities were studied using staurosporine-induced apoptosis of the cultured neurons.

Results

Most of the herbal extracts showed negligible toxic effects at 100 μg/ml. However, Polygonum multiflorum and Rhodiola rosea exhibited some neurotoxicity at this concentration. Extracts of Ganoderma lucidum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Schizandra chinensis, and Polygonum cuspidatum inhibited staurosporine-induced apoptosis by 30 – 50% in a dose-dependent manner. The neuroprotective effects of Polygonum cuspidatum were predominantly due to its major ingredient, resveratrol. The effective herbal extracts showed various levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity, which was significantly correlated with their neuro- protective activity. However, P. multiflorum and R. rosea extracts proved to be the exception as they exhibited a high level of antioxidant capacity, but did not exhibit neuroprotective effects in cell-based assay.

Conclusions

This in vitro study provides evidence for neuroprotective activity of some Chinese herbal medicines traditionally used to promote healthy ageing and longevity. Our results provide a justification for further study of these herbal extracts in neurodegenerative animal models to assess their safety and effectiveness as a basis for subsequent clinical trials. These herbal medicines might potentially offer a novel preemptive neuroprotective approach in neurodegenerative diseases and might be developed for use in persons at risk.
Clinical signs and symptoms cannot reliably predict Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in pregnant women living in an area of high seasonal transmission
Authors: Tahita Marc C , Tinto Halidou , Menten Joris , Ouedraogo Jean-Bosco , Guiguemde Robert T , van Geertruyden Jean Pierre , Erhart Annette , D’Alessandro Umberto
Published: December 2013

Background

Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health problem in endemic countries. Though the signs and symptoms of malaria among pregnant women have been already described, clinical presentation may vary according to intensity of transmission and local perceptions. Therefore, determining common signs and symptoms among pregnant women with a malaria infection may be extremely useful to identify those in need of further investigation by rapid diagnostic test or microscopy.

Methods

Six hundred pregnant women attending the maternity clinic of Nanoro District Hospital, Burkina Faso were recruited, 200 with suspected clinical malaria and 400 as controls. Cases were matched with controls by gestational age and parity. Signs and symptoms were collected and a blood sample taken for rapid diagnostic test, microscopy and haemoglobin measurement. A multivariate model was used to assess the predictive value of signs and symptoms for malaria infection.

Results

The overall prevalence of malaria was 42.6% (256/600) while anaemia was found in 60.8% (365/600) of the women. Nearly half (49%) of the cases and 39.5% of the controls had a malaria infection (p = 0.03). The most common signs and symptoms among the cases were fever (36%,72/200), history of fever (29%,58/200) and headache (52%,104/200). The positive predictive value for fever was 53% (95% CI:41–64), history of fever 58% (95% CI:37–63) and headache 51% (95% CI:41–61).

Conclusion

Signs and symptoms suggestive of malaria are frequent among pregnant women living in areas of intense transmission. Common malaria symptoms are not strong predictors of infection. For a better management of malaria in pregnancy, active screening to detect and treat malaria infection early should be performed on all pregnant women attending a health facility.
Tocotrienols for normalisation of hepatic echogenic response in nonalcoholic fatty liver: a randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Magosso Enrico , Ansari Mukhtar Alam , Gopalan Yogheswaran , Shuaib Ibrahim Lutfi , Wong Jia-Woei , Khan Nurzalina Abdul Karim , Abu Bakar Mohamed Rizal , Ng Bee-Hong , Yuen Kah-Hay
Published: December 2013

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the commonest liver disorders. Obesity, insulin resistance, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress have been identified amongst the possible hits leading to the onset and progression of this disease. Nutritional evaluation of NAFLD patients showed a lower-than-recommended intake of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a family of 8 isoforms, 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols. Alpha-tocopherol has been widely investigated in liver diseases, whereas no previous clinical trial has investigated tocotrienols for NAFLD. Aim of the study was to determine the effects of mixed tocotrienols, in normalising the hepatic echogenic response in hypercholesterolaemic patients with ultrasound-proven NAFLD.

Methods

Eighty-seven untreated hypercholesterolaemic adults with ultrasound-proven NAFLD were enrolled and randomised into control group (n = 44) and tocotrienols group (n = 43). The treatment, either mixed tocotrienols 200 mg twice daily or placebo, had a 1-year duration.

Normalisation of hepatic echogenic response, being the trial primary aim, was used in sample size calculations. The data were assessed according to intention to treat principle as primary outcome. Per protocol analysis was also carried out as secondary outcome measurement.

Results

Thirty and 34 participants concluded the study in the tocotrienols and placebo group respectively. Alpha-tocopherol levels were within the normal range for all subjects. As primary outcome, the normalisation of hepatic echogenic response was significantly higher for the tocotrienols treated group compared to the placebo group in the intention to treat analysis (P = 0.039; 95% CI = 0.896-6.488). As secondary objective, the per protocol assessment also showed significant rate of remission (P = 0.014; 95% CI = 1.117-9.456). Worsening of NAFLD grade was recorded in two patients in the placebo group, but none in the group treated with tocotrienols. No adverse events were reported for both groups.

Conclusion

This is the first clinical trial that showed the hepatoprotective effects of mixed palm tocotrienols in hypercholesterolemic adults with NAFLD.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00753532.
Epigenetic inactivation of miR-9 family microRNAs in chronic lymphocytic leukemia - implications on constitutive activation of NFκB pathway
Authors: Wang Lu Qian , Kwong Yok Lam , Kho Chi Shan Bonnie , Wong Kit Fai , Wong Kwan Yeung , Ferracin Manuela , Calin George A , Chim Chor Sang
Published: December 2013

Background

The miR-9 family microRNAs have been identified as a tumor suppressor miRNA in cancers. We postulated that miR-9-1, miR-9-2 and miR-9-3 might be inactivated by DNA hypermethylation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Methods

Methylation of miR-9-1, miR-9-2 and miR-9-3 was studied in eight normal controls including normal bone marrow, buffy coat, and CD19-sorted peripheral blood B-cells from healthy individuals, seven CLL cell lines, and seventy-eight diagnostic CLL samples by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The promoters of miR-9-3 and miR-9-1 were both unmethylated in normal controls, but methylated in five (71.4%) and one of seven CLL cell lines respectively. However, miR-9-2 promoter was methylated in normal controls including CD19 + ve B-cells, hence suggestive of a tissue-specific but not tumor-specific methylation, and thus not further studied. Different MSP statuses of miR-9-3, including complete methylation, partial methylation, and complete unmethylation, were verified by quantitative bisulfite methylation analysis. 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine treatment resulted in miR-9-3 promoter demethylation and re-expression of pri-miR-9-3 in I83-E95 and WAC3CD5+ cells, which were homozygously methylated for miR-9-3. Moreover, overexpression of miR-9 led to suppressed cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis together with downregulation of NFκB1 in I83-E95 cells, supporting a tumor suppressor role of miR-9-3 in CLL. In primary CLL samples, miR-9-3 was detected in 17% and miR-9-1 methylation in none of the patients at diagnosis. Moreover, miR-9-3 methylation was associated with advanced Rai stage (≥ stage 2) (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Of the miR-9 family, miR-9-3 is a tumor suppressor miRNA relatively frequently methylated, and hence silenced in CLL; whereas miR-9-1 methylation is rare in CLL. The role of miR-9-3 methylation in the constitutive activation of NFκB signaling pathway in CLL warrants further study.
SisterTalk: final results of a culturally tailored cable television delivered weight control program for Black women
Authors: Risica Patricia Markham , Gans Kim M , Kumanyika Shiriki , Kirtania Usree , Lasater Thomas M
Published: December 2013

Background

Obesity among Black women continues to exceed that of other women. Most weight loss programs created without reference to specific cultural contexts are less effective for Black than White women. Weight control approaches accessible to Black women and adapted to relevant cultural contexts are important for addressing this problem. This paper reports the final results of SisterTalk, the randomized controlled trial of a cable TV weight control program oriented toward Black women.

Methods

A five group design included a comparison group and a 2 × 2 factorial comparison of a) interactive vs. passive programming and b) telephone social support vs no telephone support, with 12 weekly initial cable TV programs followed by 4 monthly booster videos. At baseline, 3, 8, and 12 months post randomization, telephone and in person surveys were administered on diet, physical activity, and physical measurements of height and weight were taken to calculate body mass index (BMI). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine differences over time, and between treatment and comparison groups. Dose variables reflecting use of the TV/video and written materials were also assessed.

Results

At 3 months, BMI, weight, and dietary fat were significantly lower and physical activity significantly higher among women exposed to the Cable TV intervention compared to the wait-list comparison group. Significant dietary fat differences were still observed at 8 and 12 month evaluations, but not BMI or physical activity differences. Main effects were not observed for interactive programming or enhanced social support at any time point. Within the intervention group, higher watching of the TV series and higher reading of educational materials were both (separately) associated with significantly lower dietary fat.

Conclusions

Cable TV was an effective delivery channel to assist Black women with weight control, increasing physical activity and decreasing dietary fat during an initial intervention period, but only dietary changes persisted Enhanced social support and the ability to interact with others during the show were not effective complementary intervention components as conducted in this trial. Future research to strengthen the ability of this approach to achieve long term effects may offer even more promising outcomes.
Large-scale and controllable synthesis of metal-free nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers and nanocoils over water-soluble Na2CO3
Authors: Ding Qian , Song Xueyin , Yao Xiujuan , Qi Xiaosi , Au Chak-Tong , Zhong Wei , Du Youwei
Published: December 2013

Using acetylene as carbon source, ammonia as nitrogen source, and Na2CO3 powder as catalyst, we synthesized nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (N-CNFs) and carbon nanocoils (N-CNCs) selectively at 450°C and 500°C, respectively. The water-soluble Na2CO3 is removed through simple washing with water and the nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterials can be collected in high purity. The approach is simple, inexpensive, and environment-benign; it can be used for controlled production of N-CNFs or N-CNCs. We report the role of catalyst, the effect of pyrolysis temperature, and the photoluminescence properties of the as-harvested N-CNFs and N-CNCs.
Influence of lengths of millimeter-scale single-walled carbon nanotube on electrical and mechanical properties of buckypaper
Authors: Sakurai Shunsuke , Kamada Fuminori , Futaba Don N , Yumura Motoo , Hata Kenji
Published: December 2013

The electrical conductivity and mechanical strength of carbon nanotube (CNT) buckypaper comprised of millimeter-scale long single-walled CNT (SWCNT) was markedly improved by the use of longer SWCNTs. A series of buckypapers, fabricated from SWCNT forests of varying heights (350, 700, 1,500 μm), showed that both the electrical conductivity (19 to 45 S/cm) and tensile strength (27 to 52 MPa) doubled. These improvements were due to improved transfer of electron and load through a reduced number of junctions for longer SWCNTs. Interestingly, no effects of forest height on the thermal diffusivity of SWCNT buckypapers were observed. Further, these findings provide evidence that the actual SWCNT length in forests is similar to the height.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Gene expression analysis in response to osmotic stimuli in the intervertebral disc with DNA microarray
Authors: Zhang Wenzhi , Li Xu , Shang Xifu , Zhao Qichun , Hu Yefeng , Xu Xiang , He Rui , Duan Liqun , Zhang Feng
Published: December 2013

Background

Intervertebral disc (IVD) cells experience a broad range of physicochemical stimuli under physiologic conditions, including alterations in their osmotic environment. At present, the molecular mechanisms underlying osmotic regulation in IVD cells are poorly understood. This study aims to screen genes affected by changes in osmotic pressure in cells of subjects aged 29 to 63 years old, with top-scoring pair (TSP) method.

Methods

Gene expression data set GSE1648 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database, including four hyper-osmotic stimuli samples, four iso-osmotic stimuli samples, and three hypo-osmotic stimuli samples. A novel, simple method, referred to as the TSP, was used in this study. Through this method, there was no need to perform data normalization and transformation before data analysis.

Results

A total of five pairs of genes ((CYP2A6, FNTB), (PRPF8, TARDBP), (RPS5, OAZ1), (SLC25A3, NPM1) and (CBX3, SRSF9)) were selected based on the TSP method. We inferred that all these genes might play important roles in response to osmotic stimuli and age in IVD cells. Additionally, hyper-osmotic and iso-osmotic stimuli conditions were adverse factors for IVD cells.

Conclusions

We anticipate that our results will provide new thoughts and methods for the study of IVD disease.
(—)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate suppresses hepatic preneoplastic lesions developed in a novel rat model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Sumi Takafumi , Shirakami Yohei , Shimizu Masahito , Kochi Takahiro , Ohno Tomohiko , Kubota Masaya , Shiraki Makoto , Tsurumi Hisashi , Tanaka Takuji , Moriwaki Hisataka
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH, which is accompanied by increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, is associated with hepatic carcinogenesis. Green tea catechins (GTCs) possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-preventive properties. In this study, we investigated whether (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major component of GTCs, inhibits NAFLD/NASH-related liver tumorigenesis.

Methods

Male 8-week-old Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were administered a single intraperitoneal injection of a hepatic carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN, 30 mg/kg body weight) and then fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 7 weeks. The rats were also provided tap water containing 0.01% or 0.1% EGCG during the experiment.

Results

At sacrifice, the livers of SD rats treated with DEN and HFD exhibited marked development of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P)-positive foci, a hepatic preneoplastic lesion, and this was associated with hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress and inflammation, and hepatocyte proliferation. EGCG administration, however, inhibited the development of GST-P-positive foci by decreasing hepatic triglyceride content, reducing hepatic fibrosis, lowering oxidative stress, attenuating inflammation, and inhibiting excessive hepatocyte proliferation in DEN- and HFD-treated SD rats. These findings suggest that the experimental model of SD rats treated with HFD and DEN, in which histopathological and pathophysiological characteristics of NASH and the development of hepatic premalignant lesions were observed, might facilitate the evaluation of liver tumorigenesis associated with NAFLD/NASH.

Conclusions

Administering EGCG, a GTC, might serve as an effective chemoprevention modality for NAFLD/NASH-related liver tumorigenesis.