bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Acupuncture Stimulation on Cerebral Network in Functional Diarrhea
Authors: Zhou Siyuan , Zeng Fang , Liu Jixin , Zheng Hui , Huang Wenjing , Liu Ting , Chen Dashuai , Qin Wei , Gong Qiyong , Tian Jie , Li Ying
Published: December 2013

Acupuncture is a commonly used therapy for treating functional diarrhea (FD), although there is limited knowledge on the mechanism. The objectives of this study were to investigate the differences in brain activities elicited by acupuncture between FD patients and healthy controls (HC) so as to explore the possible mechanism. Eighteen FD patients and eighteen HC received 10 sessions of acupuncture treatment at ST25 acupoints. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were, respectively, performed before and after acupuncture. The defecation frequency, Bristol stool form scale (SBFS), and MOS 36-item Short Healthy Survey (SF-36) were employed to evaluate the clinical efficacy. After acupuncture, the FD patients showed a significant decrease in defecation frequency and BSFS score. The regional homogeneity (ReHo) map showed a decrease in the paracentral lobule and postcentral gyrus, and an increase in the angular gyrus, insula, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and precuneus in the FD group. Moreover, the changes in ReHo values in the ACC were correlated with the reduction in defecation frequency. Decreasing functional connectivity among the ACC, insula, thalamus, and orbital frontal cortex only existed in the FD group. Conclusively, acupuncture alleviated defecation frequency and improved stool formation in FD patients. The efficacy might result from the regulation of the homeostasis afferent processing network.
A New Upper Bound for A-1 of a Strictly α-Diagonally Dominant M-Matrix
Authors: Yang Zhanshan , Zheng Bing , Liu Xilan
Published: December 2013

A new upper bound for A-1 of a real strictly diagonally dominant M-matrix A is present, and a new lower bound of the smallest eigenvalue λminA of A is given, which improved the results in the literature. Furthermore, an upper bound for A-1 of a real strictly α-diagonally dominant M-matrix is shown.
On Some Properties for the Sequence of Brualdi-Li Matrices
Authors: Chen Xiaogen
Published: December 2013

LetB2ndenote the Brualdi-Li matrix, and letρ2n=ρ(B2n)denote the Perron value of the Brualdi-Li matrix of order2n. We prove that2n(n-1/2-ρ2n)is monotonically decreasing for allnandρ2n<n-1/2-(e2-1)/4(e2+1)n, wheree=2.718281828459045….
Accumulation of Cytosolic Calcium Induces Necroptotic Cell Death in Human Neuroblastoma
Authors: Nomura Motonari , Ueno Ayumi , Saga Kotaro , Fukuzawa Masahiro , Kaneda Yasufumi
Published: December 2013

Necrosis has been studied extensively since the early days of medicine, with some patterns of necrosis found to be programmed like apoptotic cell death. However, mechanisms of programmed necrosis (necroptosis) are yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated how the hemagglutinating virus of Japan-envelope (HVJ-E) induces necrosis in mouse xenografts of human neuroblastoma cells. HVJ-E–induced necrosis in this system was found to depend on phosphorylation of the death receptor kinase receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1) and on the production of reactive oxygen species. This process was interpreted as necroptosis, based on its suppression by the small molecule necrostatin-1, and it did not involve the TNF-α receptor pathway. We also demonstrated that increased concentrations of cytoplasmic calcium triggered necroptosis by activating calcium-calmodulin kinase (CaMK) II. Finally, we determined that RIP1 phosphorylation was mediated by CaMK II activation. Together, our results define an upstream pathway for the activation of necroptosis in neuroblastoma cells, with potential therapeutic implications. Cancer Res; 74(4); 1056–66. ©2013 AACR.
Phosphorylation at Ser-181 of Oncogenic KRAS Is Required for Tumor Growth
Authors: Barceló Carles , Paco Noelia , Morell Mireia , Alvarez-Moya Blanca , Bota-Rabassedas Neus , Jaumot Montserrat , Vilardell Felip , Capella Gabriel , Agell Neus
Published: December 2013

KRAS phosphorylation has been reported recently to modulate the activity of mutant KRAS protein in vitro. In this study, we defined S181 as a specific phosphorylation site required to license the oncogenic function of mutant KRAS in vivo. The phosphomutant S181A failed to induce tumors in mice, whereas the phosphomimetic mutant S181D exhibited an enhanced tumor formation capacity, compared with the wild-type KRAS protein. Reduced growth of tumors composed of cells expressing the nonphosphorylatable KRAS S181A mutant was correlated with increased apoptosis. Conversely, increased growth of tumors composed of cells expressing the phosphomimetic KRAS S181D mutant was correlated with increased activation of AKT and ERK, two major downstream effectors of KRAS. Pharmacologic treatment with PKC inhibitors impaired tumor growth associated with reduced levels of phosphorylated KRAS and reduced effector activation. In a panel of human tumor cell lines expressing various KRAS isoforms, we showed that KRAS phosphorylation was essential for survival and tumorigenic activity. Furthermore, we identified phosphorylated KRAS in a panel of primary human pancreatic tumors. Taken together, our findings establish that KRAS requires S181 phosphorylation to manifest its oncogenic properties, implying that its inhibition represents a relevant target to attack KRAS-driven tumors. Cancer Res; 74(4); 1190–9. ©2013 AACR.
An Antibody–Drug Conjugate That Targets Tissue Factor Exhibits Potent Therapeutic Activity against a Broad Range of Solid Tumors
Authors: Breij Esther C.W. , de Goeij Bart E.C.G. , Verploegen Sandra , Schuurhuis Danita H. , Amirkhosravi Ali , Francis John , Miller Vibeke Breinholt , Houtkamp Mischa , Bleeker Wim K. , Satijn David , Parren Paul W.H.I.
Published: December 2013

Tissue factor (TF) is aberrantly expressed in solid cancers and is thought to contribute to disease progression through its procoagulant activity and its capacity to induce intracellular signaling in complex with factor VIIa (FVIIa). To explore the possibility of using tissue factor as a target for an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a panel of human tissue factor–specific antibodies (TF HuMab) was generated. Three tissue factor HuMab, that induced efficient inhibition of TF:FVIIa-dependent intracellular signaling, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and rapid target internalization, but had minimal impact on tissue factor procoagulant activity in vitro, were conjugated with the cytotoxic agents monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) or monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF). Tissue factor–specific ADCs showed potent cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo, which was dependent on tissue factor expression. TF-011-MMAE (HuMax-TF-ADC) was the most potent ADC, and the dominant mechanism of action in vivo was auristatin-mediated tumor cell killing. Importantly, TF-011-MMAE showed excellent antitumor activity in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models with variable levels of tissue factor expression, derived from seven different solid cancers. Complete tumor regression was observed in all PDX models, including models that showed tissue factor expression in only 25% to 50% of the tumor cells. In conclusion, TF-011-MMAE is a promising novel antitumor agent with potent activity in xenograft models that represent the heterogeneity of human tumors, including heterogeneous target expression. Cancer Res; 74(4); 1214–26. ©2013 AACR.
Interactions between MUC1 and p120 Catenin Regulate Dynamic Features of Cell Adhesion, Motility, and Metastasis
Authors: Liu Xiang , Yi Chunhui , Wen Yunfei , Radhakrishnan Prakash , Tremayne Jarrod R. , Dao Thongtan , Johnson Keith R. , Hollingsworth Michael A.
Published: December 2013

The mechanisms by which MUC1 and p120 catenin contribute to progression of cancers from early transformation to metastasis are poorly understood. Here we show that p120 catenin ARM domains 1, 3–5, and 8 mediate interactions between p120 catenin and MUC1, and that these interactions modulate dynamic properties of cell adhesion, motility, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. We also show that different isoforms of p120 catenin, when coexpressed with MUC1, create cells that exhibit distinct patterns of motility in culture (motility independent of cell adhesion, motility within a monolayer while exchanging contacts with other cells, and unified motility while maintaining static epithelial contacts) and patterns of metastasis. The results provide new insight into the dynamic interplay between cell adhesion and motility and the relationship of these to the metastatic process. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1609–20. ©2013 AACR.
Platelets Mediate Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein–Induced Monocyte Extravasation and Foam Cell Formation
Authors: Badrnya Sigrun , Schrottmaier Waltraud C. , Kral Julia B. , Yaiw Koon-Chu , Volf Ivo , Schabbauer Gernot , Söderberg-Nauclér Cecilia , Assinger Alice
Published: December 2013

Objective—

A growing body of evidence indicates that platelets contribute to the onset and progression of atherosclerosis by modulating immune responses. We aimed to elucidate the effects of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) on platelet–monocyte interactions and the consequences of these interactions on platelet phagocytosis, chemokine release, monocyte extravasation, and foam cell formation.

Approach and Results—

Confocal microscopy and flow cytometric analysis revealed that in vitro and in vivo stimulation with OxLDL resulted in rapid formation of platelet–monocyte aggregates, with a preference for CD16+ monocyte subsets. This platelet–monocyte interaction facilitated OxLDL uptake by monocytes, in a process that involved platelet CD36–OxLDL interaction, release of chemokines, such as CXC motif ligand 4, direct platelet–monocyte interaction, and phagocytosis of platelets. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase with acetylsalicylic acid and antagonists of ADP receptors, P2Y1 and P2Y12, partly abrogated OxLDL-induced platelet–monocyte aggregates and platelet-mediated lipid uptake in monocytes. Platelets also enhanced OxLDL-induced monocyte transmigration across an endothelial monolayer via direct interaction with monocytes in a transwell assay. Importantly, in LDLR
−/−
mice, platelet depletion resulted in a significant decrease of peritoneal macrophage recruitment and foam cell formation in a thioglycollate-elicited peritonitis model. In platelet-depleted wild-type mice, transfusion of ex vivo OxLDL-stimulated platelets induced monocyte extravasation to a higher extent when compared with resting platelets.

Conclusions—

Our results on OxLDL-mediated platelet–monocyte aggregate formation, which promoted phenotypic changes in monocytes, monocyte extravasation and enhanced foam cell formation in vitro and in vivo, provide a novel mechanism for how platelets potentiate key steps of atherosclerotic plaque development and plaque destabilization.
Decreased Serum Bilirubin Is Associated With Silent Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Li Rui-Yan , Cao Zhi-Gang , Zhang Ji-Rong , Li Ying , Wang Rui-Tao
Published: December 2013

Objective—

The presence of silent cerebral infarction (SCI) increases the risk of transient ischemia attack, symptomatic stroke, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Total bilirubin (TB) levels were demonstrated to be decreased in carotid intima–media thickness, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. However, little information is available concerning the correlation between TB and SCI.

Approach and Results—

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the association between TB and SCI in 2865 subjects (1831 men and 1034 women) undergoing medical checkup. The participants with SCI had lower TB levels than those without SCI. The subjects with a low TB had a higher prevalence of SCI. Moreover, partial correlation showed that TB levels were tightly correlated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity after adjusting for confounding covariates (
r
=−0.149;
P
<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that higher TB was associated with a lower risk of SCI (odds ratio, 0.925; 95% confidence interval, 0.897–0.954;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

TB is a novel biochemical indicator for SCI regardless of classical cardiovascular risk factors. Early measurement of TB may be useful to assess the risk of SCI.
Family Financial Stress, Parenting and Problem Behavior in Adolescents
Authors: Ponnet Koen , Wouters Edwin , Goedemé Tim , Mortelmans Dimitri
Published: December 2013

In this study, we examine how financial stress is associated with problem behavior in adolescents through the lives of their parents. Using an actor–partner interdependence model, we explore pathways within (actor) and between (partner) parents. Our data included 340 families, with both parents rating their financial stress, depressive symptoms, and interparental conflict, and with parents and adolescents rating parenting and problem behavior in adolescents. The results indicate that the association between financial stress and problem behavior in adolescents is mediated by depressive symptoms, interparental conflict, and positive parenting. Another finding is that financial stress has direct and indirect effects on interparental conflict. Furthermore, the impact of financial stress on positive parenting is greater for fathers than it is for mothers. Although actor effects are more prominent, there is also evidence of partner effects. Our results underscore the importance of including multiple family members in studies on family stress processes.
Barriers and Supports to Postsecondary Transition
Authors: Banks Joy
Published: December 2013

Upon exiting high school, some African American students with disabilities experience difficulty accessing disability support services and appropriate accommodations. Many of these difficulties in access can be traced to high school transition planning as the source. To understand the underlying transitional barriers and sources of support, case studies were developed to examine the experiences of African American students with disabilities as they secured accommodations from disability services. The following themes resulting from the data were evident within the student portraits: (a) students believed deficit-ideologies undermined attempts at self-determination; (b) students emphasized the importance of adequate information prior to transition; and (c) students often refused to access services due to competing cultural identities. The theoretical frameworks of social and cultural capital were used to explore the transitional experiences of postsecondary African American students with disabilities.
Predictors of Death and Prolonged Renal Insufficiency in Ethylene Glycol Poisoning
Authors: Lung Derrick D. , Kearney Thomas E. , Brasiel James A. , Olson Kent R.
Published: December 2013

Background:

We assessed the predictive value of selected factors on the outcomes of death and prolonged renal insufficiency (RI) from ethylene glycol poisoning.

Methods:

Retrospective, observational California Poison Control System study, over a 10-year period (1999-2008). We compared 2 groups. The first group (D/RI) included 59 patients who died (9 patients) or had prolonged RI (50 patients). Prolonged RI was defined as kidney injury in which dialysis was required for greater than 3 days after presentation. The second group (RECOV) of 62 patients had an uncomplicated recovery. Secondarily, we evaluated the association of time to antidote (ethanol and/or fomepizole) and time to dialysis with these outcomes.

Results:

The D/RI group was more likely than the RECOV group to present comatose, have seizures, and require intubation. The D/RI group had a lower mean initial arterial pH of 7.03 (standard deviation [SD] 0.20), compared to 7.27 (SD 0.14) for the RECOV group. The D/RI group had a higher initial creatinine (1.7 mg/dL, SD 0.71) than that of the RECOV group (1.0 mg/dL, SD 0.33). Patients with a time to antidote greater than 6 hours had a higher odds of dying or having prolonged RI (OR 3.34, 95% CI : 1.21-9.26) Patients with a time to dialysis greater than 6 hours had a lower odds of dying or having prolonged RI (OR 0.36, 95% CI : 0.15-0.87).

Conclusion:

Compared to survivors with an uncomplicated recovery, patients poisoned with ethylene glycol who died or had prolonged RI were more likely to exhibit clinical signs such as coma, seizures, and acidosis. Antidote administration within 6 hours is associated with better outcomes, unlike earlier time to dialysis.
Effectiveness of Integrative Modalities for Pain and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents With Cancer
Authors: Thrane Susan
Published: December 2013

Throughout the trajectory of the cancer experience, children and adolescents will likely face pain and anxiety in a variety of circumstances. Integrative therapies may be used either alone or as an adjunct to standard analgesics. Children are often very receptive to integrative therapies such as music, art, guided imagery, massage, therapeutic play, distraction, and other modalities. The effect of integrative modalities on pain and anxiety in children with cancer has not been systematically examined across the entire cancer experience. An in-depth search of PubMed, CINAHL, MedLine, PsychInfo, and Web of Science, integrative medicine journals, and the reference lists of review articles using the search terms pain, anxiety, pediatric, child*, oncology, cancer, neoplasm, complementary, integrative, nonconventional, and unconventional yielded 164 articles. Of these, 25 warranted full-text review. Cohen’s d calculations show medium ( d = 0.70) to extremely large (8.57) effect sizes indicating that integrative interventions may be very effective for pain and anxiety in children undergoing cancer treatment. Integrative modalities warrant further study with larger sample sizes to better determine their effectiveness in this population.
Geometry of the Lateral Sliding, Closing Wedge Calcaneal Osteotomy
Authors: Kraus Jonathan C. , Fischer Mark T. , McCormick Jeremy J. , Klein Sandra E. , Johnson Jeffrey E.
Published: December 2013

Background:

A lateral closing wedge osteotomy is used for correction of varus hindfoot deformities. Since its original description, different techniques and geometries of the calcaneal bone wedge resection have been described. Even though the techniques seem similar, very different final bone architectures result from each technique, the effects of which are not known. This paper explores several of these techniques and the implications in deformity correction as well as the secondary effects of calcaneal shortening.

Methods:

Mathematical and geometric analysis is performed in 2-dimensions for several hypothetical calcaneal osteotomies as described by the original authors. The resulting changes are calculated and compared.

Results:

The shape of the bone resection for the lateral closing wedge osteotomy does not result in significantly different final calcaneal architectures. Both techniques studied result in the same amount of calcaneal shortening and deformity correction. However, when lateral calcaneal wedge resection is combined with lateral translation of the tuberosity for additional deformity correction, more calcaneal shortening is seen with posteriorly directed osteotomies than those that are transverse.

Conclusion:

The lateral closing wedge osteotomy of the calcaneus results in correction of varus hindfoot deformity at the expense of some calcaneal shortening. Lateral translation of the tuberosity may result in additional calcaneal. The clinical effects of calcaneal shortening or medial soft tissue or nerve tethering from these different techniques are unknown and deserve further investigation.

Level of Evidence:

Level V, expert opinion.
Development of a Patient-Centered Antipsychotic Medication Adherence Intervention
Authors: Pyne Jeffrey M. , Fischer Ellen P. , Gilmore LaNissa , McSweeney Jean C. , Stewart Katharine E. , Mittal Dinesh , Bost James E. , Valenstein Marcia
Published: December 2013

Objective. A substantial gap exists between patients and their mental health providers about patient’s perceived barriers, facilitators, and motivators (BFMs) for taking antipsychotic medications. This article describes how we used an intervention mapping (IM) framework coupled with qualitative and quantitative item-selection methods to develop an intervention to bridge this gap with the goal of improving antipsychotic medication adherence. Methods. IM is a stepwise method for developing and implementing health interventions. A previous study conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and identified 477 BFMs associated with antipsychotic medication adherence. This article reports the results of using a variety of qualitative and quantitative item reduction and intervention development methods to transform the qualitative BFM data into a viable checklist and intervention. Results. The final BFM checklist included 76 items (28 barriers, 30 facilitators, and 18 motivators). An electronic and hard copy of the adherence progress note included a summary of current adherence, top three patient-identified barriers and top three facilitators and motivators, clarifying questions, and actionable adherence tips to address barriers during a typical clinical encounter. Discussion. The IM approach supplemented with qualitative and quantitative methods provided a useful framework for developing a practical and potentially sustainable antipsychotic medication adherence intervention. A similar approach to intervention development may be useful in other clinical situations where a substantial gap exists between patients and providers regarding medication adherence or other health behaviors.
Determinants of Parental Acceptance of the H1N1 Vaccine
Authors: Hilyard Karen M. , Quinn Sandra Crouse , Kim Kevin H. , Musa Don , Freimuth Vicki S.
Published: December 2013

Although designated as a high-risk group during the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic, only about 40% of U.S. children received the vaccine, a relatively low percentage compared with high-risk groups in seasonal influenza, such as the elderly, whose vaccine rates typically top 70%. To better understand parental decision making and predictors of acceptance of the H1N1 vaccine, we examined data from a representative national sample of parents ( n = 684), using the health belief model as a framework. The most important predictors of vaccine acceptance were “cues to action” at multiple levels, from intrapersonal to mass communication, including the influence of friends, family, the media, and modeling by the Obama family; costs and benefits and self-efficacy were also significant predictors of vaccine acceptance. Higher perceived levels of H1N1 risk were not associated with vaccine uptake. Results suggest that traditional measures of perceived risk may not account for the cost–benefit analysis inherent in vaccine decision making, and that messages designed to emphasize disease risk may be ineffective. The authors recommend emphasizing cues to action that support norming and modeling of vaccine acceptance.
Connecting contexts
Authors: Earley Amanda
Published: December 2013

This essay is a response to Askegaard and Linnet’s (2011, ‘Towards an Epistemology of Consumer Culture Theory: Phenomenology and the Context of Context’, Marketing Theory 11(4): 381–404) call for a greater epistemological plurality within consumer culture theory (CCT). The article begins with a brief review of what these authors refer to as the dominant existential–phenomenological perspective and their Morinian alternative and then presents contemporary political philosophy as another alternative. Political philosophy has experienced quite a renaissance in recent years, and the school of thought has inspired major epistemological and ontological interventions throughout the academy. Here, I provide a general introduction to this field of social inquiry and then focus specifically on the contributions of French philosopher Alain Badiou. Badiou’s work is particularly valuable for fields such as CCT, as it presents a unified epistemological framework for developing knowledge of social structures, cultural forms and subjectivities. The utility of political philosophy in general as well as the Badiouian framework is then demonstrated with recourse to the extant CCT literature. Ultimately, a Badiouian perspective has the potential to fulfil Askegaard and Linnet’s call for epistemologies that can attend to everyday experience while also considering the operation of cultural, political and sociological forces.
Neighborhood Environment and Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Beyer Kirsten , Wallis Anne Baber , Hamberger L. Kevin
Published: December 2013

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an important global public health problem, affecting women across the life span and increasing risk for a number of unfavorable health outcomes. Typically conceptualized as a private form of violence, most research has focused on individual-level risk markers. Recently, more scholarly attention has been paid to the role that the residential neighborhood environment may play in influencing the occurrence of IPV. With research accumulating since the 1990s, increasing prominence of the topic, and no comprehensive literature reviews yet undertaken, it is time to take stock of what is known, what remains unknown, and the methods and concepts investigators have considered. In this article, we undertake a comprehensive, systematic review of the literature to date on the relationship between neighborhood environment and IPV, asking, “what is the status of scholarship related to the association between neighborhood environment and IPV occurrence?” Although the literature is young, it is receiving increasing attention from researchers in sociology, public health, criminology, and other fields. Obvious gaps in the literature include limited consideration of nonurban areas, limited theoretical motivation, and limited consideration of the range of potential contributors to environmental effects on IPV—such as built environmental factors or access to services. In addition, explanations of the pathways by which place influences the occurrence of IPV draw mainly from social disorganization theory that was developed in urban settings in the United States and may need to be adapted, especially to be useful in explaining residential environmental correlates of IPV in rural or non-U.S. settings. A more complete theoretical understanding of the relationship between neighborhood environment and IPV, especially considering differences among urban, semiurban, and rural settings and developed and developing country settings, will be necessary to advance research questions and improve policy and intervention responses to reduce the burden of IPV.
A Caregiver’s Wish List for a National Alzheimer’s Agenda
Authors: Vann Allan S.
Published: December 2013

When panels are convened to discuss the best way to deal with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the panels often consist of representatives from government agencies, national Alzheimer’s organizations, medicine, research, and pharmaceutical companies. Although each of these stakeholder groups has much to contribute to such discussions, too often the voices of caregivers are not heard. Even the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Advisory Council has only one full-time 24/7 caregiver as a member. Of 26 voices heard at the NAPA meetings, only 1 can speak for what life is like for a 24/7 caregiver of a loved one having AD. This article provides 10 items that I would raise at such a meeting based upon my own personal experience and what I have learned from others in my weekly spouse caregiver support group and in my online support groups. Some items suggest funding priorities, some suggest changes in how doctors currently diagnose and treat people with AD and their caregivers, and some suggest the need for more caregiver voices to be heard by government panels and politicians who have the power to effect change.
Observation of Social Behavior in Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Mendez Mario F. , Fong Sylvia S. , Shapira Jill S. , Jimenez Elvira E. , Kaiser Natalie C. , Kremen Sarah A. , Tsai Po-Heng
Published: December 2013

Background:

The most characteristic manifestations of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) are abnormalities in social behavior. However, distinguishing bvFTD based on social behavior can be difficult in structured clinical settings.

Methods:

Using a Social Observation Inventory, 10 patients with bvFTD and 10 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were compared to their caregiver interlocutors on 1-hour mealtime, in-home videotaped segments.

Results:

Compared to caregivers and patients with AD, patients with bvFTD were significantly disturbed in social behavior. In contrast, patients with AD were indistinguishable from their caregivers. The lack of “you” comments and decreased tact and manners distinguished 92.6% of the patients with bvFTD from patients with AD and caregivers. The Social Observation Inventory scores correlated with scores on frontal-executive tests and socioemotional scales.

Conclusions:

The systematic observation of social behavior during routine activities may be one of the best ways to distinguish patients with bvFTD from normal individuals and from patients with other dementias.
Pluralistic Ignorance in Virtually Assembled Peers
Authors: de Larios Margaret , Lang John T.
Published: December 2013

This article presents a study of pluralistic ignorance situated within the virtual community of guilds in World of Warcraft (WoW). Pluralistic ignorance is a mistaken perception of social norms that overwhelms personal attitudes and leads to behavior contrary to an actor’s attitude, and it has never been studied in the context of a virtual world. We analyze the presence of pluralistic ignorance in WoW guilds with the use of a sample of 195 players who responded to an Internet-based survey and 15 focus group participants. Findings show that pluralistic ignorance has a demonstrably lower presence in that community of WoW players than in a physical world equivalent, suggesting a higher tendency in that community toward consistency between private attitudes and public behavior. Factors uncovered that explain this difference include anonymity, safety of the Internet as social medium, and a hypersalience of identity in the WoW player community.
In Vivo changes in the lengths of carpal ligaments after mild dorsal angulation of distal radius fractures
Authors: Chen Y. R. , Xie R. G. , Tang J. B.
Published: December 2013

The need for surgical correction in patients with malunion with mild dorsal angulation after a distal radius fracture is controversial. We specifically investigated in vivo changes in the lengths of carpal ligaments in a group of patients with mild-degree dorsal angulation following a distal radial fracture. We obtained computed tomography scans of both wrists in eight patients, whose distal radius on one side had united with dorsal angulation from 10° to 20°. The three-dimensional images of the carpus were reconstructed and the lengths of wrist ligaments were measured based on known anatomical landmarks. Compared with the contralateral uninjured side, the dorsal radiocarpal ligament and ulnotriquetral ligament were substantially lengthened ( p < 0.05) and the long radiolunate ligament was substantially shortened ( p < 0.05) at most wrist positions except extension. However, five other ligaments that we measured did not show significant differences in length compared with those of the uninjured side ( p > 0.05). The lengths of some ligaments are substantially altered even by mild dorsal angulation of the distal radius, while the lengths of most other ligaments are not substantially affected.
Pathoanatomy and treatment modifications of metacarpophalangeal joint locking of the thumb
Authors: Xiong G. , Gao Y. , Guo S. , Dai L. , Liu K.
Published: December 2013

Ten patients with metacarpophalangeal joint locking of the thumb were studied. Three of them underwent surgical release. During surgery, it was found that the radial sesamoid was seated in a cartilage defect on the volar aspect of the metacarpal head. It appeared that the defect was created by the proximal edge of sesamoid. When the abductor pollicis brevis and flexor pollicis brevis muscles were partially detached from their insertion at the base of the proximal phalanx, the locking could be successfully released. We hypothesize the mechanism of the metacarpophalangeal joint locking of the thumb in our cases was a hyperextension injury that displaced the radial sesamoid distally and radially. In turn, the sesamoid’s pointed proximal edge wore a groove in the cartilage on the metacarpal head, and under abductor pollicis brevis and flexor pollicis brevis tension, the radial sesamoid was locked into the cartilage defect; thereby causing locking of the joint.
Genome wide association studies in presence of misclassified binary responses
Authors: Smith Shannon , Hay El Hamidi , Farhat Nourhene , Rekaya Romdhane
Published: December 2013

Background

Misclassification has been shown to have a high prevalence in binary responses in both livestock and human populations. Leaving these errors uncorrected before analyses will have a negative impact on the overall goal of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) including reducing predictive power. A liability threshold model that contemplates misclassification was developed to assess the effects of mis-diagnostic errors on GWAS. Four simulated scenarios of case–control datasets were generated. Each dataset consisted of 2000 individuals and was analyzed with varying odds ratios of the influential SNPs and misclassification rates of 5% and 10%.

Results

Analyses of binary responses subject to misclassification resulted in underestimation of influential SNPs and failed to estimate the true magnitude and direction of the effects. Once the misclassification algorithm was applied there was a 12% to 29% increase in accuracy, and a substantial reduction in bias. The proposed method was able to capture the majority of the most significant SNPs that were not identified in the analysis of the misclassified data. In fact, in one of the simulation scenarios, 33% of the influential SNPs were not identified using the misclassified data, compared with the analysis using the data without misclassification. However, using the proposed method, only 13% were not identified. Furthermore, the proposed method was able to identify with high probability a large portion of the truly misclassified observations.

Conclusions

The proposed model provides a statistical tool to correct or at least attenuate the negative effects of misclassified binary responses in GWAS. Across different levels of misclassification probability as well as odds ratios of significant SNPs, the model proved to be robust. In fact, SNP effects, and misclassification probability were accurately estimated and the truly misclassified observations were identified with high probabilities compared to non-misclassified responses. This study was limited to situations where the misclassification probability was assumed to be the same in cases and controls which is not always the case based on real human disease data. Thus, it is of interest to evaluate the performance of the proposed model in that situation which is the current focus of our research.
TP53 genetic polymorphisms, interactions with lifestyle factors and lung cancer risk: a case control study in a Chinese population
Authors: Li Yanli , Chang Shen-Chih , Niu Rungui , Liu Li , Crabtree-Ide Christina R , Zhao Baoxing , Shi Jianping , Han Xiaoyou , Li Jiawei , Su Jia , Cai Lin , Yu Shunzhang , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Mu Lina
Published: December 2013

Background

A pathway-based genotyping analysis suggested rs2078486 was a novel TP53 SNP, but very few studies replicate this association. TP53 rs1042522 is the most commonly studied SNP, but very few studies examined its potential interaction with environmental factors in relation to lung cancer risk. This study aims to examine associations between two TP53 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2078486, rs1042522), their potential interaction with environmental factors and risk of lung cancer.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted in Taiyuan, China. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Multiplicative and additive interactions between TP53 SNPs and lifestyle factors were evaluated.

Results

Variant TP53 rs2078486 SNP was significantly associated with elevated lung cancer risk among smokers (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.08 - 2.67) and individuals with high indoor air pollution exposure (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.00-2.30). Significant or borderline significant multiplicative and additive interactions were found between TP53 rs2078486 polymorphism with smoking and indoor air pollution exposure. The variant genotype of TP53 SNP rs1042522 significantly increased lung cancer risk in the total population (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.11-2.21), but there was no evidence of heterogeneity among individuals with different lifestyle factors.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that TP53 rs2078486 SNP is potentially a novel TP53 SNP that may affect lung cancer risk. Our study also suggested potential synergetic effects of TP53 rs2078486 SNP with smoking and indoor air pollution exposure on lung cancer risk.
Prevalence and risk factors for inter-generational Sex: a cross-sectional cluster survey of Barbadian females aged 15–19
Authors: Drakes Nicole , Perks Clarissa , Kumar Alok , Quimby Kim , Clarke Colin , Patel Rajul , Hambleton Ian R , Landis R Clive
Published: December 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence and risk factors for intergenerational (IG)-sex in females aged 15–19 residing in Barbados.

Methods

This cross sectional cluster survey was conducted in a 2.6% national sample in the age range (n = 261) recruited from multiple polling districts chosen with a probability proportional to size. Consent was obtained from participants aged ≥18 years or from parents/guardians of participants <18 years, with participant assent. The prevalence of age at first sex was analyzed using a life table approach and risk factors for IG sex (defined as sexual relations with a male 10 or more years older) were analyzed by logistic regression, adjusting for age.

Results

51.0% of adolescent females in the survey reported ever having had sex, among whom prevalence of IG-sex was 13.2% (95% CI: 6.7-19.8) at first sex, 29.0% (22.3-35.7) within the preceding twelve months, and 34.8% (24.3-45.4) ever. Condom use at first sex was positively related to willingness to have sex (F statistic = 9.8, p = 0.001). The strongest determinant for IG-sex was age of sexual debut (age adjusted Odds Ratio [95% CI]: 0.58[0.41-0.83]), followed by money or gifts received from the partner (2.91[1.17-7.23] and self-esteem (0.33[0.11-0.95]).

Conclusions

The survey establishes a high rate of IG-sex in Barbados, a ‘high income’ country. Most insightful is that risk of IG-sex nearly halved for every year at which first sex was delayed. A high proportion of coerced sex was reported at first sexual experience and this was linked to poor condom use. Affirmative prevention approaches are recommended to boost self-acclamation of adolescent women within less coercive relationships, especially during their first sexual encounter.
Antidepressant-like effects of a water-soluble extract from the culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia in rats
Authors: Matsuzaki Hirokazu , Shimizu Yuta , Iwata Naohiro , Kamiuchi Shinya , Suzuki Fumiko , Iizuka Hiroshi , Hibino Yasuhide , Okazaki Mari
Published: December 2013

Background

Ganoderma lucidumis a popular medicinal mushroom used for promoting health and longevity in Asian countries. Previously, we reported that a water-soluble extract from a culture medium ofGanoderma lucidummycelia (MAK) exerts antioxidative and cerebroprotective effects against ischemia–reperfusion injuryin vivo. Here, we evaluated the antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of MAK in rats.

Methods

MAK (0.3 or 1 g/kg, p.o.) was administered in the experimental animals 60 min before the forced swimming, open-field, elevated plus-maze, contextual fear-conditioning, and head twitch tests. Additionally, the mechanisms involved in the antidepressant-like action of MAK were investigated by the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP)- or 5-HT2Aagonist (±)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI)-induced head twitch responses.

Results

Treatment with MAK (1 g/kg) exhibited antidepressant-like effects in the forced swimming test, attenuated freezing behavior in the contextual fear-conditioning test, and decreased the number of head twitches induced by DOI, but not with 5-HTP. No significant response was observed in locomotion or anxiety-like behavior, when the animals were evaluated in the open-field or elevated plus-maze test, respectively.

Conclusions

These data suggest that MAK has antidepressant-like potential, which is most likely due to the antagonism of 5-HT2Areceptors, and possesses anxiolytic-like effects toward memory-dependent and/or stress-induced anxiety in rats.
Effect of fish oil intake on glucose levels in rat prefrontal cortex, as measured by microdialysis
Authors: de Sousa Isy F , de Souza Adriana P , Andrade Iracema S , Boldarine Valter T , Nascimento Claúdia MO , Oyama Lila M , Telles Mônica M , Ribeiro Eliane B
Published: December 2013

Background

Brain glucose sensing may contribute to energy homeostasis control. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) participates in the hedonic component of feeding control. As high-fat diets may disrupt energy homeostasis, we evaluated in male Wistar rats whether intake of high-fat fish-oil diet modified cortical glucose extracellular levels and the feeding induced by intracerebroventricular glucose or PFC glucoprivation.

Methods

Glucose levels in PFC microdialysates were measured before and after a 30-min meal. Food intake was measured in animals receiving intracerebroventricular glucose followed, 30-min. later, by 2-deoxy-D-glucose injected into the PFC.

Results

The fish-oil group showed normal body weight and serum insulin while fat pads weight and glucose levels were increased. Baseline PFC glucose and 30-min. carbohydrates intake were similar between the groups. Feeding-induced PFC glucose levels increased earlier and more pronouncedly in fish-oil than in control rats. Intracerebroventricular glucose inhibited feeding consistently in the control but not in the fish-oil group. Local PFC glucoprivation with 2-DG attenuated glucose-induced hypophagia.

Conclusions

The present experiments have shown that, following food intake, more glucose reached the prefrontal cortex of the rats fed the high-fat fish-oil diet than of the rats fed the control diet. However, when administered directly into the lateral cerebral ventricle, glucose was able to consistently inhibit feeding only in the control rats. The findings indicate that, an impairment of glucose transport into the brain does not contribute to the disturbances induced by the high-fat fish-oil feeding.
Patient-reported outcomes among patients using exenatide twice daily or insulin in clinical practice in six European countries: the CHOICE prospective observational study
Authors: Reaney Matthew , Mathieu Chantal , Östenson Claes-Göran , Matthaei Stephan , Krarup Thure , Kiljański Jacek , Salaun-Martin Carole , Sapin Hélène , Theodorakis Michael , Guerci Bruno
Published: December 2013

Background

Improvements in the clinical condition of patients with type 2 diabetes are often accompanied by improvements in health-related quality of life and other patient-reported outcomes (PROs), but data assessing injectable treatment initiation from the patient’s perspective in routine clinical practice are lacking. We examined PROs in patients initiating injectable treatment in the CHOICE (CHanges to treatment and Outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes initiating InjeCtablE therapy) study.

Methods

CHOICE was a 24-month, prospective observational study conducted in six European countries. Patients initiated exenatide twice daily (BID) or insulin based on a physician’s clinical judgement. Clinical and PRO data were collected at baseline (injectable therapy initiation) and after approximately 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. The two treatment cohorts had different baseline characteristics; therefore, no statistical comparisons of endpoints between main cohorts were conducted.

Results

There were 2388 patients eligible for analysis (exenatide BID cohort, n = 1114; insulin cohort, n = 1274). Mean positive changes in Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite (IWQOL-Lite) total score and EuroQoL5-Dimension (EQ-5D) index and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were observed in both cohorts with most changes observed during the first 6 months after injectable therapy initiation. Patients who experienced weight loss (≥1 kg) at 24 months appeared to have higher mean improvements in IWQOL-Lite total score than did patients with weight gain or no weight change. Patients who met the composite clinical endpoint of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) <7.0%, no weight gain (≤1 kg) and no hypoglycaemia generally experienced higher mean improvements in EQ-5D index and VAS scores (compared with patients who did not meet this endpoint) and Diabetes Health Profile-18 scores (versus the main cohorts). High levels of missing data were observed for all PRO measures in both cohorts compared with those for clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

These data from a clinical practice study support those from clinical trials, suggesting that PROs are not adversely affected, and may be improved, by injectable therapy initiation. PRO data may aid appropriate treatment selection for individual patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00635492
Realization of radial p-n junction silicon nanowire solar cell based on low-temperature and shallow phosphorus doping
Authors: Dong Gangqiang , Liu Fengzhen , Liu Jing , Zhang Hailong , Zhu Meifang
Published: December 2013

A radial p-n junction solar cell based on vertically free-standing silicon nanowire (SiNW) array is realized using a novel low-temperature and shallow phosphorus doping technique. The SiNW arrays with excellent light trapping property were fabricated by metal-assisted chemical etching technique. The shallow phosphorus doping process was carried out in a hot wire chemical vapor disposition chamber with a low substrate temperature of 250°C and H2-diluted PH3 as the doping gas. Auger electron spectroscopy and Hall effect measurements prove the formation of a shallow p-n junction with P atom surface concentration of above 1020 cm−3 and a junction depth of less than 10 nm. A short circuit current density of 37.13 mA/cm2 is achieved for the radial p-n junction SiNW solar cell, which is enhanced by 7.75% compared with the axial p-n junction SiNW solar cell. The quantum efficiency spectra show that radial transport based on the shallow phosphorus doping of SiNW array improves the carrier collection property and then enhances the blue wavelength region response. The novel shallow doping technique provides great potential in the fabrication of high-efficiency SiNW solar cells.
Surface morphology and optical properties of porphyrin/Au and Au/porphyrin/Au systems
Authors: Kalachyova Yevgeniya , Lyutakov Oleksiy , Solovyev Andrey , Slepička Petr , Švorčík Vaclav
Published: December 2013

Porphyrin/Au and Au/porphyrin/Au systems were prepared by vacuum evaporation and vacuum sputtering onto glass substrate. The surface morphology of as-prepared systems and those subjected to annealing at 160°C was studied by optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Absorption and luminescence spectra of as-prepared and annealed samples were measured. Annealing leads to disintegration of the initially continuous gold layer and formation of gold nanoclusters. An amplification of Soret band magnitude was observed on the Au/meso-tetraphenyl porphyrin (TPP) system in comparison with mere TPP. Additional enhancement of luminescence was observed after the sample annealing. In the case of sandwich Au/porphyrin/Au structure, suppression of one of the two porphyrins’ luminescence maxima and sufficient enhancement of the second one were observed.