bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plastic modulation of PTSD resting‐state networks and subjective wellbeing by EEG neurofeedback
Authors: Kluetsch R. C. , Ros T. , Théberge J. , Frewen P. A. , Calhoun V. D. , Schmahl C. , Jetly R. , Lanius R. A. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveElectroencephalographic (EEG) neurofeedback training has been shown to produce plastic modulations in salience network and default mode network functional connectivity in healthy individuals. In this study, we investigated whether a single session of neurofeedback training aimed at the voluntary reduction of alpha rhythm (8–12 Hz) amplitude would be related to differences in EEG network oscillations, functional MRI (fMRI) connectivity, and subjective measures of state anxiety and arousal in a group of individuals with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).MethodTwenty‐one individuals with PTSD related to childhood abuse underwent 30 min of EEG neurofeedback training preceded and followed by a resting‐state fMRI scan.ResultsAlpha desynchronizing neurofeedback was associated with decreased alpha amplitude during training, followed by a significant increase (‘rebound’) in resting‐state alpha synchronization. This rebound was linked to increased calmness, greater salience network connectivity with the right insula, and enhanced default mode network connectivity with bilateral posterior cingulate, right middle frontal gyrus, and left medial prefrontal cortex.ConclusionOur study represents a first step in elucidating the potential neurobehavioural mechanisms mediating the effects of neurofeedback treatment on regulatory systems in PTSD. Moreover, it documents for the first time a spontaneous EEG ‘rebound’ after neurofeedback, pointing to homeostatic/compensatory mechanisms operating in the brain.
Scedosporium apiospermum: An unreported cause of fungal sporotrichoid‐like lymphocutaneous infection in Australia and review of the literature
Authors: Boyce Zachary , Collins Neville 
Published: November 2013

AbstractScedosporium apiospermum is a fungus emerging as a rare but important cause of both localised and disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients. Most cutaneous lesions present as mycetoma, however a review of the literature revealed an increasing number of cases worldwide presenting with lymphocutaneous spread resembling sporotrichosis. An 85‐year‐old man with an extensive medical history including type II diabetes mellitus and meningioma presented with crusted haemorrhagic areas on the dorsum of his left foot and multiple crusted nodules extending proximally along his leg in a sporotrichoid‐like lymphocutaneous pattern. A mycological examination and culture of the cutaneous tissue found the fungus, Scedosporium apiospermum.
Sex differences in the developmental programming of hypertension
Authors: Ojeda N. B. , Intapad S. , Alexander B. T. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractExperimental models of developmental programming provide proof of concept and support Barker's original findings that link birthweight and blood pressure. Many experimental models of developmental insult demonstrate a sex difference with male offspring exhibiting a higher blood pressure in young adulthood relative to their age‐matched female counterparts. It is well recognized that men exhibit a higher blood pressure relative to age‐matched women prior to menopause. Yet, whether this sex difference is noted in individuals born with low birthweight is not clear. Sex differences in the developmental programming of blood pressure may originate from innate sex‐specific differences in expression of the renin angiotensin system that occur in response to adverse influences during early life. Sex differences in the developmental programming of blood pressure may also involve the influence of the hormonal milieu on regulatory systems key to the long‐term control of blood pressure such as the renin angiotensin system in adulthood. In addition, the sex difference in blood pressure in offspring exposed to a developmental insult may involve innate sex differences in oxidative status or the endothelin system or may be influenced by age‐dependent changes in the developmental programming of cardiovascular risk factors such as adiposity. Therefore, this review will highlight findings from different experimental models to provide the current state of knowledge related to the mechanisms that contribute to the aetiology of sex differences in the developmental programming of blood pressure and hypertension.
Institutional challenges to the effectiveness of management of Bunaken National Park, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Sidangoli Marmelda , Lloyd David , Boyd William E. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMarine protected areas are recognised as an important marine management strategy to deal with a range of user conflicts and over‐exploitation of marine resources. This article explores the experiences of establishing a marine protected area as part of Bunaken National Park in the north of Indonesia's Sulawesi Province. The challenges faced in relation to institutional issues are examined. A literature review, key informant interviews and analysis of official documentation provide evidence regarding issues around government conflicts and the legal and structural issues of the management advisory board. The analysis identifies key issues regarding the conflict between the government and the management board that are influencing the success of managing this National Park.
Rejection sensitivity and pain in bipolar versus unipolar depression
Authors: Ehnvall Anna , Mitchell Philip B , Hadzi‐Pavlovic Dusan , Parker Gordon , Frankland Andrew , Loo Colleen , Breakspear Michael , Wright Adam , Roberts Gloria , Lau Phoebe , Perich Tania 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesRecent neuroimaging studies support the contention that depression, pain distress, and rejection distress share the same neurobiological circuits. In two recently published studies we confirmed the hypothesis that the perception of increased pain during both treatment‐refractory depression (predominantly unipolar) and difficult‐to‐treat bipolar depression was related to increased state rejection sensitivity (i.e., rejection sensitivity when depressed). In the present study, we aimed to compare the correlates of pain and rejection sensitivity in individuals with bipolar versus unipolar depression and test the hypothesis that bipolar disorder may be distinguished from unipolar depression both by an increased perception of pain and heightened rejection sensitivity during depression.MethodsWe analyzed data from 113 bipolar and 146 unipolar depressed patients presenting to the Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia. The patients all met DSM‐IV criteria for bipolar disorder or unipolar depression (major depressive disorder).ResultsBipolar disorder predicted a major increase in state rejection sensitivity when depressed (p = 0.001), whereas trait rejection sensitivity (i.e., a long‐standing pattern of rejection sensitivity) was not predicted by polarity. A major increase in the experience of headaches (p = 0.007), chest pain (p < 0.001), and body aches and pains (p = 0.02) during depression was predicted by a major increase in state rejection sensitivity for both bipolar and unipolar depression.ConclusionsState, but not trait, rejection sensitivity is significantly predicted by bipolar depression, suggesting that this might be considered as a state marker for bipolar depression and taken into account in the clinical differentiation of bipolar and unipolar depression.
12‐month longitudinal cognitive functioning in patients recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder
Authors: Torres Ivan J , Kozicky Jan , Popuri Swetha , Bond David J , Honer William G , Lam Raymond W , Yatham Lakshmi N 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesAlthough cognitive deficits are observed in the early stages of bipolar disorder, the longitudinal course of neuropsychological functioning during this period is unknown. Such knowledge could provide etiologic clues into the cognitive deficits associated with the illness, and could inform early treatment interventions. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate cognitive change in bipolar disorder in the first year after the initial manic episode.MethodsFrom an initial pool of 65 newly diagnosed patients with bipolar disorder (within three months of the end of the first manic or mixed episode) and 36 demographically similar healthy participants, 42 patients [mean age 22.9 years, standard deviation (SD) = 4.0] and 23 healthy participants [mean age 22.9 years (SD = 4.9)] completed baseline, six‐month, and one‐year neuropsychological assessments of multiple domains including processing speed, attention, verbal and nonverbal memory, working memory, and executive function. Patients also received clinical assessments, including mood ratings.ResultsAlthough patients showed consistently poorer cognitive performance than healthy individuals in most cognitive domains, patients showed a linear improvement over time in processing speed (p = 0.008) and executive function (p = 0.004) relative to the comparison group. Among patients, those without a history of alcohol/substance abuse or who were taken off an antipsychotic treatment during the study showed better improvement.ConclusionsThe early course of cognitive functioning in bipolar disorder is likely influenced by multiple factors. Nevertheless, patients with bipolar disorder showed select cognitive improvements in the first year after resolution of their initial manic episode. Several clinical variables were associated with better recovery, including absence of substance abuse and discontinuation of antipsychotic treatment during the study. These and other factors require further investigation to better understand their contributions to longitudinal cognitive functioning in early bipolar disorder.
Postpartum mania in a man with bipolar disorder: case report and a review of the role of sleep loss
Authors: Stevens Anja WMM , Geerling Bart , Kupka Ralph W 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundIn contrast to postpartum mood episodes in women with bipolar disorder, little is known about the risk of recurrence in men with bipolar disorder who have just become fathers.Case reportWe present the case of a man with bipolar disorder who had a manic episode immediately after becoming a father. His spouse had a normal pregnancy, and delivery started during daytime and lasted until the early morning hours. The patient subsequently developed a manic episode, which had a major impact on the family.ConclusionsThere is a well‐known relationship between sleep loss and the occurrence of a manic episode. The study of psychopathology in the postpartum period in relation to sleep disturbance refers mainly to women. Disturbance of sleep patterns in the perinatal and postpartum period may also negatively impact the course of bipolar disorder in the father. In cases of pregnancy of a male bipolar disorder patient's spouse, preventive strategies for the postpartum period should be planned in advance.
Influence of ex vivo purging with CliniMACS CD34+ selection on outcome after autologous stem cell transplantation in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Yahng Seung‐Ah , Yoon Jae‐Ho , Shin Seung‐Hwan , Lee Sung‐Eun , Cho Byung‐Sik , Eom Ki‐Seong , Kim Yoo‐Jin , Lee Seok , Kim Hee‐Je , Min Chang‐Ki , Kim Dong‐Wook , Lee Jong‐Wook , Min Woo‐Sung , Park Chong‐Won , Kim Yonggoo , Cho Seok‐Goo 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe major limitation of autologous stem cell transplantation (auto‐SCT) in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is relapse. Although autologous graft contamination may be a potential cause, prior purging of the autograft remains controversial. Therefore, we retrospectively analysed 56 consecutive patients with NHL receiving auto‐SCT at complete (n = 41) or partial remission (n = 15). Among them, 24 patients underwent autograft manipulation with positive selection of CD34+ cells using a CliniMACS device (purged group). Twenty‐five patients had received ≥2 previous chemotherapy regimens before auto‐SCT. After a median follow‐up of 41·4 months, transplant‐related mortality was observed only in unpurged group (n = 2; 3·6%). The 3‐year overall survival (91·7% vs. 56·1%, P = 0·009) and progression‐free survival (78·7% vs. 53·1%, P = 0·034) favoured CD34+ purification. While neutrophil recovery was similar, platelet recovery was delayed in the purged group. Cytomegalovirus reactivation was predominantly observed in the purged group, although no other clinically unmanageable infectious complications occurred. Although this study has the inevitable limitations of heterogeneity in previous treatment and NHL subtypes, and a small number of patients analysed, the high survival rate in the purged group may suggest the need for prospective randomized trials to determine the role of CD34+ purification in auto‐SCT for NHL.
Autologous stem cell transplant is an effective therapy for carefully selected patients with AL amyloidosis: experience of a single institution
Authors: Jimenez‐Zepeda Victor H. , Franke Norman , Reece Donna E. , Trudel Suzanne , Chen Christine , Delgado Diego H. , Winter Andrew , Mikhael Joseph R. , Tiedemann Rodger , Kukreti Vishal 
Published: November 2013

SummaryAutologous stem‐cell transplant has been widely used to treat patients with AL amyloidosis. However, transplant‐related mortality rates are high, and a recent randomized trial suggested that non‐transplant regimens produced comparable results with less toxicity. In order to define the role of patient selection in stem cell transplantation, we evaluated 78 consecutive AL amyloidosis patients transplanted at our centre. Transplant‐related mortality occurred in 11·5%. Complete haematological response and organ response were achieved in 56% and 60%. Median overall survival was significantly lower for patients with brain‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) >300 pg/ml (17·5 months vs. not‐reached) (P = 0·0004), troponin‐I >0·07 ng/ml (13·5 months vs. not‐reached) (P = 0·00001) and those not achieving a complete haematological response (88 months vs. not‐reached) (P = 0·0345); high BNP and troponin‐I were the most important predictive factors in a multivariate analysis. Based on this study, patients with BNP <300 pg/ml and/or normal levels of troponin‐I should be considered transplant candidates.
Reference ranges of serum TSH, FT4 and thyroid autoantibodies in the Thai population: the national health examination survey
Authors: Sriphrapradang Chutintorn , Pavarangkoon Supatra , Jongjaroenprasert Wallaya , Chailurkit La‐or , Ongphiphadhanakul Boonsong , Aekplakorn Wichai 
Published: November 2013

SummaryObjectiveData on reference intervals of thyroid functions in Southeast Asia are limited. The aim of this study was to provide reference ranges of thyroid functions and thyroid autoantibodies in Thais.Design and MethodsSerum samples from 2545 apparently healthy non‐pregnant subjects, aged ≥14 years, from the fourth Thai National Health Examination Survey were measured for TSH, FT4, antithyroperoxidase (TPO Ab), antithyroglobulin (Tg Ab) and antithyrotrophin receptor antibodies (TRAb). A reference population was selected from the disease‐free population by excluding those who had thyroid autoantibodies and TSH > 20 mIU/l.ResultsFor the total population, median TSH and FT4 levels were 1·94 mIU/l and 1·35 ng/dl, respectively. TSH was higher and FT4 was lower in females than in males. Based on National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry criteria, the reference intervals (2·5th–97·5th percentile) were: TSH, 0·34–5·11 mIU/l; FT4, 0·98–1·79 ng/dl; TPO Ab, 5–84·88 IU/ml; Tg Ab, 10–118·2 IU/ml; and TRAb, 0·3–1·24 IU/l. With the new reference ranges, hypothyroidism was found in 4·16% of the total population (0·78% overt and 3·38% subclinical hypothyroidism) and hyperthyroidism was found in 3·18% (0·94% overt and 2·24% subclinical hyperthyroidism). Positive TPO Ab, Tg Ab and TRAb were found in 8·96%, 12·26% and 5·93%, respectively. The upper normal limit of TSH tended to increase with age, particularly for those aged 80 years and older.ConclusionsThe reference interval for TSH needs to be derived from each specific population. Slightly elevated TSH concentrations in the elderly could be considered acceptable, with no need for thyroxine treatment.
Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is effective for solitary rectal ulcer syndrome when associated with rectal prolapse
Authors: Evans C. , Ong E. , Jones O. M. , Cunningham C. , Lindsey I. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimSolitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is uncommon and its management is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with SRUS who underwent laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR).MethodA review was performed of a prospective database at the Oxford Pelvic Floor Centre to identify patients between 2004 and 2012 with a histological diagnosis of SRUS. All were initially treated conservatively and surgical treatment was indicated only for patients with significant symptoms after failed conservative management. The primary end‐point was healing of the ulcer. Secondary end‐points included changes in the Wexner Constipation Score and Faecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI).ResultsThirty‐six patients with SRUS were identified (31 women), with a median age of 44 (15–81) years. The commonest symptoms were rectal bleeding (75%) and obstructed defaecation (64%). The underlying anatomical diagnosis was internal rectal prolapse (n = 20), external rectal prolapse (n = 14) or anismus (n = 2). Twenty‐nine patients underwent LVR and one a stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedure. Nine (30%) required a further operation, six required posterior STARR for persistent SRUS and two a per‐anal stricturoplasty for a narrowing at the healed SRUS site. Healing of the SRU was seen in 27 (90%) of the 30 patients and was associated with significant improvements in Wexner and FISI scores at a 3‐year follow‐up.ConclusionAlmost all cases of SRUS in the present series were associated with rectal prolapse. LVR resulted in successful healing of the SRUS with good function in almost all patients, but a significant number will require further surgery such as STARR for persistent obstructed defaecation.
What does this paper add to the literature?This study identifies a strong association between solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and advanced posterior compartment prolapse. It shows that laparoscopic ventral rectopexy to treat the prolapse results in healing of the ulcer with good bowel function in a high proportion of patients.
Flavonol isolated from ethanolic leaf extract of Thuja occidentalis arrests the cell cycle at G2‐M and induces ROS‐independent apoptosis in A549 cells, targeting nuclear DNA
Authors: Mukherjee A. , Sikdar S. , Bishayee K. , Boujedaini N. , Khuda‐Bukhsh A. R. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe K‐ras gene mutation commonly found in lung adenocarcinomas contributes to their non‐invasive expansion. Our main objective here was to develop a chemopreventive agent against K‐ras‐mutated lung adenocarcinoma cell line like‐A549.Materials and methodsWe isolated flavonol from ethanolic leaf extract of Thuja occidentalis, and evaluated its apoptotic potentials on A549 cells. They were treated with 1–10 μg/ml of flavonol and viability was tested retaining normal lung cells L‐132 as control. We performed assays such as TUNEL, annexin V, cell‐cycle and mitochondrial membrane potentials, by FACS analysis. ROS‐mediated oxidative stress and drug–DNA interactions were analysed along with gene expression studies for p53, Bax‐Bcl2, cytochrome c, the caspase cascade genes and PARP.ResultsFlavonol reduced A549 cell viability in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner (IC50 value = 7.6 ± 0.05 μg/ml following 48 h incubation) sparing normal L‐132 cells. It effected G2‐M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as indicated by progressive increase in the sub‐G1, annexin V and TUNEL‐positive cell populations. Apoptotic effects appeared to be mitochondria‐dependent, caspase‐3‐mediated, but ROS‐independent. Analysis of circular dichroism data revealed that flavonol intercalated with nuclear DNA. In vivo studies on non small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC)‐induced mice confirmed anti‐cancer potential of flavonol.ConclusionFlavonol‐induced apoptosis apparently resulted from intercalation of cells' nuclear DNA. Flavonol inhibited growth of induced lung tumours in the mice, indicating its potential as an effective agent against NSCLC.
The cockade technique – a closed wound variant of 3D histology‐guided surgery
Authors: Barth Georg A. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryBackground3D histology‐guided surgery provides high cure rates and tissue‐sparing for the treatment of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). The cockade technique is a closed wound variant of 3D histology‐guided surgery, which has previously been designed to provide low postoperative complication rates and good feasibility in the office‐setting.ObjectivesWe examined the postoperative complication rates and feasibility of the cockade technique with a new double‐bladed scalpel in the routine office setting.Patients and Methods145 patients with 213 BCCs of the head and neck areas were treated between July 2010 and August 2012. All patients underwent 3D histology‐guided surgery with the cockade technique. The rates of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) and postoperative bleeding were recorded. Also the feasibility of the cockade technique was examined.Results0.9 % of BCCs sites developed SSI, while no postoperative bleeding problems or hematomas were recorded. 94 % of the BCCs were completely excised in two surgical stages. The cockade technique allowed flexible scheduling of operation room use. In addition, the small margin strips taken by the new double‐bladed scalpel could be evaluated microscopically without gaps.ConclusionsThe cockade technique is a practical method with low complication rates for the treatment of BCCs and can be easily integrated into outpatient care.
The ecological consequences of megafaunal loss: giant tortoises and wetland biodiversity
Authors: Froyd Cynthia A. , Coffey Emily E. D. , van der Knaap Willem O. , van Leeuwen Jacqueline F. N. , Tye Alan , Willis Katherine J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe giant tortoises of the Galápagos have become greatly depleted since European discovery of the islands in the 16th Century, with populations declining from an estimated 250 000 to between 8000 and 14 000 in the 1970s. Successful tortoise conservation efforts have focused on species recovery, but ecosystem conservation and restoration requires a better understanding of the wider ecological consequences of this drastic reduction in the archipelago's only large native herbivore. We report the first evidence from palaeoecological records of coprophilous fungal spores of the formerly more extensive geographical range of giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Upland tortoise populations on Santa Cruz declined 500–700 years ago, likely the result of human impact or possible climatic change. Former freshwater wetlands, a now limited habitat‐type, were found to have converted to Sphagnum bogs concomitant with tortoise loss, subsequently leading to the decline of several now‐rare or extinct plant species.