bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive effects of adjunctive N-acetyl cysteine in psychosis
Authors: Rapado-Castro M. , Dodd S. , Bush A. I. , Malhi G. S. , Skvarc D. R. , On Z. X. , Berk M. , Dean O. M. 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundCognitive deficits are predictors of functional outcome in patients with psychosis. While conventional antipsychotics are relatively effective on positive symptoms, their impact on negative and cognitive symptoms is limited. Recent studies have established a link between oxidative stress and neurocognitive deficits in psychosis. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutathione precursor with glutamatergic properties, has shown efficacy on negative symptoms and functioning in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, respectively. However, there are few evidence-based approaches for managing cognitive impairment in psychosis. The present study aims to examine the cognitive effects of adjunctive NAC treatment in a pooled subgroup of participants with psychosis who completed neuropsychological assessment in two trials of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.MethodA sample of 58 participants were randomized in a double fashion to receive 2 g/day of NAC (n = 27) or placebo (n = 31) for 24 weeks. Attention, working memory and executive function domains were assessed. Differences between cognitive performance at baseline and end point were examined using Wilcoxon's test. The Mann–Whitney test was used to examine the differences between the NAC and placebo groups at the end point.ResultsParticipants treated with NAC had significantly higher working memory performance at week 24 compared with placebo (U = 98.5, p = 0.027).ConclusionsNAC may have an impact on cognitive performance in psychosis, as a significant improvement in working memory was observed in the NAC-treated group compared with placebo; however, these preliminary data require replication. Glutamatergic compounds such as NAC may constitute a step towards the development of useful therapies for cognitive impairment in psychosis.
Précis ofTalking to Our Selves: Reflection, Ignorance, and Agency
Authors: Doris John M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractDoes it make sense for people to hold one another responsible for what they do, as happens in countless social interactions every day? One of the most unsettling lessons from recent psychological research is that people are routinely mistaken about the origins of their behavior. Yet philosophical orthodoxy holds that the exercise of morally responsible agency typically requires accurate self-awareness. If the orthodoxy is right, and the psychology is to be believed, people characteristically fail to meet the standards of morally responsible agency, and we are faced with the possibility of skepticism about agency. Unlike many philosophers, I accept the unsettling lesson from psychology. I insist, however, that we are not driven to skepticism. Instead, we should reject the requirement of accurate self-awareness for morally responsible agency. InTalking to Our SelvesI develop adialogictheory, where the exercise of morally responsible agency emerges through a collaborative conversational process by which human beings, although afflicted with a remarkable degree of self-ignorance, are able to realize their values in their lives.
Costs of reproduction and carry-over effects in breeding albatrosses
Authors: Crossin Glenn T. , Phillips richard A. , Lattin Christine R. , Romero L. Michael , Bordeleau Xavier , Harris Christopher M. , Love Oliver P. , Williams Tony D. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe investigated the physiology of two closely related albatross species relative to their breeding strategy: black-browed albatrosses (Thalassarche melanophris) breed annually, while grey-headed albatrosses (T. chrysostoma) breed biennially. From observations of breeding fate and blood samples collected at the end of breeding in one season and feather corticosterone levels (fCort) sampled at the beginning of the next breeding season, we found that in both species some post-breeding physiological parameters differed according to breeding outcome (successful, failed, deferred). Correlations between post-breeding physiology and fCort, and links to future breeding decisions, were examined. In black-browed albatrosses, post-breeding physiology and fCort were not significantly correlated, but fCort independently predicted breeding decision the next year, which we interpret as a possible migratory carry-over effect. In grey-headed albatrosses, post-breeding triglyceride levels were negatively correlated with fCort, but only in females, which we interpret as a potential cost of reproduction. However, this potential cost did not carry-over to future breeding in the grey-headed albatrosses. None of the variables predicted future breeding decisions. We suggest that biennial breeding in the grey-headed albatrosses may have evolved as a strategy to buffer against the apparent susceptibility of females to negative physiological costs of reproduction. Future studies are needed to confirm this.
Using Compassion Focused Therapy as an adjunct to Trauma-Focused CBT for Fire Service personnel suffering with trauma-related symptoms
Authors: Beaumont Elaine , Durkin Mark , McAndrew Sue , Martin Colin R. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIndividuals working for the emergency services often bear witness to distressing events. This outcome study examines therapeutic interventions for Fire Service personnel (FSP) experiencing symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety and low levels of self-compassion. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) as an adjunct to Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) in reducing symptoms of trauma, anxiety and depression and increasing self-compassion. A convenience sample (n= 17) of participants, referred for therapy following a traumatic incident, were allocated to receive 12 sessions of either TF-CBT or TF-CBT coupled with CFT. The study employed a repeated-measures design. Data were gathered pre- and post-therapy, using three questionnaires: (1) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; (2) Impact of Events Scale-R; (3) Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form. TF-CBT combined with CFT was more effective than TF-CBT alone on measures of self-compassion. Significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, hyperarousal, intrusion and avoidance and a significant increase in self-compassion occurred in both groups post-therapy. The study provides some preliminary evidence to suggest that FSP may benefit from therapeutic interventions aimed at cultivating self-compassion. Further research is warranted using a larger sample size and adequately powered randomized controlled trial, to detect statistically significant differences and to negate the risk of confound due to low numbers resulting in significant differences between groups at baseline. Using CFT as an adjunct to TF-CBT may help FSP, who bear witness to the distress of others, cultivate compassion for their own suffering.
Will the Trojan War take place? Violations of the rules of war and the Battle of the Dardanelles (1915)
Authors: Öktem Emre , Toumarkine Alexandre 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe Battle of the Dardanelles is one of the key episodes of World War I on the Ottoman front between the British, the French, the Australians and New Zealanders on the one side, and the Ottoman army under German command on the other. Immediately after the Great War, the former belligerents engaged in another war, which protracts up until the present day: allegations of violations of the rules of war are mutually addressed, in order to become a salient element of political propaganda. Through the analysis of the major controversial issues (use of dum-dum bullets and asphyxiating gases, attacks on non-military objects and sites, treatment of prisoners of war) and the study of various sources (official documents, correspondence and reports issued by belligerent forces, memoirs of Dardanelles’ veterans, ICRC reports) this article scrutinizes two crucial questions. Were the rules of war taken seriously on the battlefield? Was the law instrumentalized by the belligerents?
Parkinson’s disease as a system-level disorder
Authors: Caligiore Daniele , Helmich Rick C , Hallett Mark , Moustafa Ahmed A , Timmermann Lars , Toni Ivan , Baldassarre Gianluca 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTraditionally, the basal ganglia have been considered the main brain region implicated in Parkinson’s disease. This single area perspective gives a restricted clinical picture and limits therapeutic approaches because it ignores the influence of altered interactions between the basal ganglia and other cerebral components on Parkinsonian symptoms. In particular, the basal ganglia work closely in concert with cortex and cerebellum to support motor and cognitive functions. This article proposes a theoretical framework for understanding Parkinson’s disease as caused by the dysfunction of the entire basal ganglia–cortex–cerebellum system rather than by the basal ganglia in isolation. In particular, building on recent evidence, we propose that the three key symptoms of tremor, freezing, and impairments in action sequencing may be explained by considering partially overlapping neural circuits including basal ganglia, cortical and cerebellar areas. Studying the involvement of this system in Parkinson’s disease is a crucial step for devising innovative therapeutic approaches targeting it rather than only the basal ganglia. Possible future therapies based on this different view of the disease are discussed.
Cerebral blood flow, blood supply, and cognition in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Jansen Jacobus F. A. , van Bussel Frank C. G. , van de Haar Harm J. , van Osch Matthias J. P. , Hofman Paul A. M. , van Boxtel Martin P. J. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Schram Miranda T. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Backes Walter H. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe investigated whether type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and the presence of cognitive impairment are associated with altered cerebral blood flow (CBF). Forty-one participants with and thirty-nine without T2DM underwent 3-Tesla MRI, including a quantitative technique measuring (macrovascular) blood flow in the internal carotid artery and an arterial spin labeling technique measuring (microvascular) perfusion in the grey matter (GM). Three analysis methods were used to quantify the CBF: a region of interest analysis, a voxel-based statistical parametric mapping technique, and a ‘distributed deviating voxels’ method. Participants with T2DM exhibited significantly more tissue with low CBF values in the cerebral cortex and the subcortical GM (3.8-fold increase). The latter was the only region where the hypoperfusion remained after correcting for atrophy, indicating that the effect of T2DM on CBF, independent of atrophy, is small. Subcortical CBF was associated with depression. No associations were observed for CBF in other regions with diabetes status, for carotid blood flow with diabetes status, or for CBF or flow in relation with cognitive function. To conclude, a novel method that tallies total ‘distributed deviating voxels’ demonstrates T2DM-associated hypoperfusion in the subcortical GM, not associated with cognitive performance. Whether a vascular mechanism underlies cognitive decrements remains inconclusive.
Biomimetic antimicrobial cloak by graphene-oxide agar hydrogel
Authors: Papi Massimiliano , Palmieri Valentina , Bugli Francesca , De Spirito Marco , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Ciancico Carlotta , Braidotti Maria Chiara , Gentilini Silvia , Angelani Luca , Conti Claudio 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAntibacterial surfaces have an enormous economic and social impact on the worldwide technological fight against diseases. However, bacteria develop resistance and coatings are often not uniform and not stable in time. The challenge is finding an antibacterial coating that is biocompatible, cost-effective, not toxic, and spreadable over large and irregular surfaces. Here we demonstrate an antibacterial cloak by laser printing of graphene oxide hydrogels mimicking the Cancer Pagurus carapace. We observe up to 90% reduction of bacteria cells. This cloak exploits natural surface patterns evolved to resist to microorganisms infection, and the antimicrobial efficacy of graphene oxide. Cell integrity analysis by scanning electron microscopy and nucleic acids release show bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect. Nucleic acids release demonstrates microorganism cutting, and microscopy reveals cells wrapped by the laser treated gel. A theoretical active matter model confirms our findings. The employment of biomimetic graphene oxide gels opens unique possibilities to decrease infections in biomedical applications and chirurgical equipment; our antibiotic-free approach, based on the geometric reduction of microbial adhesion and the mechanical action of Graphene Oxide sheets, is potentially not affected by bacterial resistance.
Cardioprotective effects of Cu(II)ATSM in human vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes mediated by Nrf2 and DJ-1
Authors: Srivastava Salil , Blower Philip J. , Aubdool Aisah A. , Hider Robert C. , Mann Giovanni E. , Siow Richard C. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCu(II)ATSM was developed as a hypoxia sensitive positron emission tomography agent. Recent reports have highlighted the neuroprotective properties of Cu(II)ATSM, yet there are no reports that it confers cardioprotection. We demonstrate that Cu(II)ATSM activates the redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2 in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC) and cardiac myocytes (HCM), leading to upregulation of antioxidant defense enzymes. Oral delivery of Cu(II)ATSM in mice induced expression of the Nrf2-regulated enzymes in the heart and aorta. In HCASMC, Cu(II)ATSM increased expression of the Nrf2 stabilizer DJ-1, and knockdown of Nrf2 or DJ-1 attenuated Cu(II)ATSM-mediated heme oxygenase-1 and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1 induction. Pre-treatment of HCASMC with Cu(II)ATSM protected against the pro-oxidant effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) by attenuating superoxide generation, apoptosis, proliferation and increases in intracellular calcium. Notably, Cu(II)ATSM-mediated protection against Ang II-induced HCASMC apoptosis was diminished by Nrf2 knockdown. Acute treatment with Cu(II)ATSM enhanced the association of DJ-1 with superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), paralleled by significant increases in intracellular Cu(II) levels and SOD1 activity. We describe a novel mechanism by which Cu(II)ATSM induces Nrf2-regulated antioxidant enzymes and protects against Ang II-mediated HCASMC dysfunction via activation of the Nrf2/DJ-1 axis. Cu(II)ATSM may provide a therapeutic strategy for cardioprotection via upregulation of antioxidant defenses.
TMED3 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via IL-11/STAT3 signaling
Authors: Zheng Hao , Yang Yuan , Han Jun , Jiang Wei-hua , Chen Cheng , Wang Meng-chao , Gao Rong , Li Shuai , Tian Tao , Wang Jian , Ma Li-jun , Ren Hao , Zhou Wei-ping 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTransmembrane p24 trafficking protein 3(TMED3) is a metastatic suppressor in colon cancer, but its function in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. Here, we report that TMED3 was up-regulated in HCC and portal vein tumor thrombus. TMED3 up-regulation in HCC was significantly correlated with aggressive characteristics and predicted poor prognosis in HCC patients. TMED3 overexpression in HCC cell lines promoted cell migration and invasion. In contrast, TMED3 knockdown suppressed HCC metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Gene microarray analysis revealed decreased IL-11 expression in TMED3-knockdown cells. We propose that TMED3 promotes HCC metastasis through IL-11/STAT3 signaling. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that TMED3 promotes HCC metastasis and is a potential prognostic biomarker in HCC.
Design and development of novel antibacterial Ti-Ni-Cu shape memory alloys for biomedical application
Authors: Li H. F. , Qiu K. J. , Zhou F. Y. , Li L. , Zheng Y. F. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn the case of medical implants, foreign materials are preferential sites for bacterial adhesion and microbial contamination, which can lead to the development of prosthetic infections. Commercially biomedical TiNi shape memory alloys are the most commonly used materials for permanent implants in contact with bone and dental, and the prevention of infections of TiNi biomedical shape memory alloys in clinical cases is therefore a crucial challenge for orthopaedic and dental surgeons. In the present study, copper has been chosen as the alloying element for design and development novel ternary biomedical Ti‒Ni‒Cu shape memory alloys with antibacterial properties. The effects of copper alloying element on the microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion behaviors, cytocompatibility and antibacterial properties of biomedical Ti‒Ni‒Cu shape memory alloys have been systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that Ti‒Ni‒Cu alloys have good mechanical properties, and remain the excellent shape memory effects after adding copper alloying element. The corrosion behaviors of Ti‒Ni‒Cu alloys are better than the commercial biomedical Ti‒50.8Ni alloys. The Ti‒Ni‒Cu alloys exhibit excellent antibacterial properties while maintaining the good cytocompatibility, which would further guarantee the potential application of Ti‒Ni‒Cu alloys as future biomedical implants and devices without inducing bacterial infections.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Mechanical Risks Caused by Focal Cartilage Defects in the Knee
Authors: Venäläinen Mikko S. , Mononen Mika E. , Salo Jari , Räsänen Lasse P. , Jurvelin Jukka S. , Töyräs Juha , Virén Tuomas , Korhonen Rami K. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractFocal cartilage lesions can proceed to severe osteoarthritis or remain unaltered even for years. A method to identify high risk defects would be of utmost importance to guide clinical decision making and to identify the patients that are at the highest risk for the onset and progression of osteoarthritis. Based on cone beam computed tomography arthrography, we present a novel computational model for evaluating changes in local mechanical responses around cartilage defects. Our model, based on data obtained from a human knee in vivo, demonstrated that the most substantial alterations around the defect, as compared to the intact tissue, were observed in minimum principal (compressive) strains and shear strains. Both strain values experienced up to 3-fold increase, exceeding levels previously associated with chondrocyte apoptosis and failure of collagen crosslinks. Furthermore, defects at the central regions of medial tibial cartilage with direct cartilage-cartilage contact were the most vulnerable to loading. Also locations under the meniscus experienced substantially increased minimum principal strains. We suggest that during knee joint loading particularly minimum principal and shear strains are increased above tissue failure limits around cartilage defects which might lead to osteoarthritis. However, this increase in strains is highly location-specific on the joint surface.
Targeted killing of myofibroblasts by biosurfactant di-rhamnolipid suggests a therapy against scar formation
Authors: Shen Chong , Jiang Lifang , Shao Huawei , You Chuangang , Zhang Guoliang , Ding Sitong , Bian Tingwei , Han Chunmao , Meng Qin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPathological myofibroblasts are often involved in skin scarring via generating contractile force and over-expressing collagen fibers, but no compound has been found to inhibit the myofibroblasts without showing severe toxicity to surrounding physiological cells. Here we report that di-rhamnolipid, a biosurfactant secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, showed potent effects on scar therapy via a unique mechanism of targeted killing the myofibroblasts. In cell culture, the fibroblasts-derived myofibroblasts were more sensitive to di-rhamnolipid toxicity than fibroblasts at a concentration-dependent manner, and could be completely inhibited of their specific functions including α-SMA expression and collagen secretion/contraction. The anti-fibrotic function of di-rhamnolipid was further verified in rabbit ear hypertrophic scar models by presenting the significant reduction of scar elevation index, type I collagen fibers and α-SMA expression. In this regard, di-rhamnolipid treatment could be suggested as a therapy against skin scarring.
Research of CO2 and N2 Adsorption Behavior in K-Illite Slit Pores by GCMC Method
Authors: Chen Guohui , Lu Shuangfang , Zhang Junfang , Xue Qingzhong , Han Tongcheng , Xue Haitao , Tian Shansi , Li Jinbu , Xu Chenxi , Pervukhina Marina , Clennell Ben 
Published: November 2016

AbstractUnderstanding the adsorption mechanisms of CO2 and N2 in illite, one of the main components of clay in shale, is important to improve the precision of the shale gas exploration and development. We investigated the adsorption mechanisms of CO2 and N2 in K-illite with varying pore sizes at the temperature of 333, 363 and 393 K over a broad range of pressures up to 30 MPa using the grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation method. The simulation system is proved to be reasonable and suitable through the discussion of the impact of cation dynamics and pore wall thickness. The simulation results of the excess adsorption amount, expressed per unit surface area of illite, is in general consistency with published experimental results. It is found that the sorption potential overlaps in micropores, leading to a decreasing excess adsorption amount with the increase of pore size at low pressure, and a reverse trend at high pressure. The excess adsorption amount increases with increasing pressure to a maximum and then decreases with further increase in the pressure, and the decreasing amount is found to increase with the increasing pore size. For pores with size greater larger than 2 nm, the overlap effect disappears.
Dietary Protein Intake and Type 2 Diabetes Among Women and Men in Northeast China
Authors: Li Jie , Sun Changhao , Liu Simin , Li Ying 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe conducted a comprehensive and in-depth assessment of different dietary protein sources related to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and determined whether the association is mediated by insulin resistance (IR) and β-cell dysfunction in a population-based cross sectional study of 4,427 women and 2,394 men aged 20–74 years in northeast China. We observed that the intake of total protein, animal protein, and red meat protein was positively associated with T2D prevalence in women. Comparing the women in the highest quintile of protein intake with those in the lowest quintile, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios of T2D were 2.13 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18–3.81] for total protein, 2.27 (95% CI: 1.18–4.35) for animal protein, and 1.75 (95% CI: 1.14–2.68) for red meat protein. Mediation analyses indicated that these associations were mediated mainly by the IR as measured by the homeostasis model (HOMA-IR). The proportions via the mediation of HOMA-IR were 29.0% (95% CI: 10.3%–55.5%), 35.0% (95% CI: 12.9%–83.3%), and 17.2% (95% CI: 5.2%–44.8%) for total protein-, animal protein-, and red meat protein–T2D associations, respectively. These findings support the notion that modifying the sources of dietary protein may be potentially applied to prevent T2D.