bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene × smoking interactions on human brain gene expression: finding common mechanisms in adolescents and adults
Authors: Wolock Samuel L. , Yates Andrew , Petrill Stephen A. , Bohland Jason W. , Blair Clancy , Li Ning , Machiraju Raghu , Huang Kun , Bartlett Christopher W. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundNumerous studies have examined gene × environment interactions (G × E) in cognitive and behavioral domains. However, these studies have been limited in that they have not been able to directly assess differential patterns of gene expression in the human brain. Here, we assessed G × E interactions using two publically available datasets to assess if DNA variation is associated with post‐mortem brain gene expression changes based on smoking behavior, a biobehavioral construct that is part of a complex system of genetic and environmental influences.MethodsWe conducted an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) study on two independent human brain gene expression datasets assessing G × E for selected psychiatric genes and smoking status. We employed linear regression to model the significance of the Gene × Smoking interaction term, followed by meta‐analysis across datasets.ResultsOverall, we observed that the effect of DNA variation on gene expression is moderated by smoking status. Expression of 16 genes was significantly associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms that demonstrated G × E effects. The strongest finding (p = 1.9 × 10−11) was neurexin 3‐alpha (NRXN3), a synaptic cell–cell adhesion molecule involved in maintenance of neural connections (such as the maintenance of smoking behavior). Other significant G × E associations include four glutamate genes.ConclusionsThis is one of the first studies to demonstrate G × E effects within the human brain. In particular, this study implicated NRXN3 in the maintenance of smoking. The effect of smoking on NRXN3 expression and downstream behavior is different based upon SNP genotype, indicating that DNA profiles based on SNPs could be useful in understanding the effects of smoking behaviors. These results suggest that better measurement of psychiatric conditions, and the environment in post‐mortem brain studies may yield an important avenue for understanding the biological mechanisms of G × E interactions in psychiatry.
Parental social anxiety disorder prospectively predicts toddlers' fear/avoidance in a social referencing paradigm
Authors: Aktar Evin , Majdandžić Mirjana , de Vente Wieke , Bögels Susan M. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundAnxiety runs in families. Observational learning of anxious behavior from parents with anxiety disorders plays an important role in the intergenerational transmission of anxiety. We investigated the link between parental anxiety (parental lifetime anxiety disorders and expressed parental anxiety) and toddler fear/avoidance during social referencing (SR) situations.MethodToddlers (N = 117) participated with both parents (with lifetime social anxiety disorder, other nonsocial anxiety disorders, lifetime comorbid social and other anxiety disorders, or without anxiety disorders) in a longitudinal study. Behavioral inhibition (BI) was measured at 12 months via observational tasks. At 30 months, children were confronted with a stranger and a remote‐control robot in SR situations, separately with each parent. Children's fear and avoidance, and parents' expressions of anxiety, encouragement, and overcontrol were observed.ResultsToddlers of parents with lifetime social anxiety disorder (alone and comorbid with other anxiety disorders) showed more fear/avoidance in SR situations than toddlers of parents without anxiety disorders, while the effect of other anxiety disorders alone was not significant. Although expressed parental anxiety at 30 months in SR situations did not significantly predict toddlers' fear/avoidance, higher levels of expressed anxiety at 12 months in SR situations by parents with comorbid social and other anxiety disorders predicted higher levels of fear/avoidance. BI at 12 months predicted toddlers' fear/avoidance only with mothers, but not with fathers.ConclusionsParental lifetime social anxiety disorders may be a stronger predictor of children's fear/avoidance than parents' expressions of anxiety in SR situations in toddlerhood. End of infancy may be a sensitive time for learning of anxiety from parents with comorbid lifetime social and nonsocial anxiety disorders in SR situations. Fathers are as important as mothers in the transmission of anxiety via SR. Furthermore, children may act relatively free of their early temperament in SR situations with fathers.
Therapeutic efficacy of long‐pulsed 755‐nm alexandrite laser for seborrheic keratoses
Authors: Kim Y.K. , Kim D.‐Y. , Lee S.J. , Chung W.S. , Cho S.B. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundBoth ablative and non‐ablative laser devices have been used for the cosmetic treatment of seborrheic keratoses.ObjectivesWe analysed treatment outcomes and adverse events in the treatment of seborrheic keratoses using a long‐pulsed 755‐nm alexandrite laser without colour enhancement.MethodsA total of 216 seborrheic keratoses in 13 patients were treated with one or three sessions of long‐pulsed 755‐nm alexandrite laser at 1‐month intervals. The lesions were treated with settings of 35 J/cm2 using a 6‐mm spot size, a 3‐ms pulse width, and 1‐2 passes or until the appearance of fine bubbles on the irradiated lesions.ResultsA total of 216 seborrheic keratoses were treated with a mean 1.1 ± 0.4 sessions of long‐pulsed 755‐nm alexandrite laser and achieved a mean objective improvement score of 3.4 ± 0.7. Morphologic factors significantly impacted the number of treatment sessions required; in particular, papular lesions seemed to require more repetitive long‐pulsed 755‐nm alexandrite laser treatments than macular lesions. However, objective improvement score was not affected by the type of the seborrheic keratoses. The colour of seborrheic keratoses did not significantly affect the objective improvement score or required treatment sessions. Most of the lesions became crusted within a few days after the laser treatment and spontaneously peeled off within 7 days.ConclusionsThe delivery of long‐pulsed, high fluence laser energy to seborrheic keratoses with protection of the epidermis by an integrated dynamic cooling device is an effective treatment with low risk of side‐effects, even in light‐coloured lesions with few target pigments.
Rosacea and cardiovascular risk factors: a case control study
Authors: Duman N. , Ersoy Evans S. , Atakan N. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveRosacea is an inflammatory skin disease with a chronic course. This study aimed to investigate the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rosacea patients.Materials and methodsThe study included 60 rosacea patients and 50 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Demographic data, medical history, presence of cardiovascular risk factors were recorded. Waist circumference, height, and weight were measured, and the body mass index was calculated for each participant. Laboratory investigations, including fasting blood glucose, C‐reactive protein (CRP), very low‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoprotein(a) were performed.ResultsIn all, 66% of the rosacea patients were female (mean age: 44.65 ± 12.9 years) and 66% of the controls were female (mean age: 42.3 ± 12.3 years). Median disease duration in the rosacea group was 36 months. High total cholesterol (>200 mg/dL), LDL (>130 mg/dL) and CRP (>0.8 mg/L) levels, a family history of premature CVD, and a history of smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly more common in the rosacea patients compared to controls.ConclusionRosacea patients may have a high risk of CVD. As such, we recommend close follow‐up of rosacea patients because of the increased risk of CVD. The mechanism underlying this increased risk is unknown, and additional randomized and controlled studies are required for clarification.
Psychiatric diagnostic screening of social maladaptive behaviour in children with mild intellectual disability: differentiating disordered attachment and pervasive developmental disorder behaviour
Authors: Giltaij H. P. , Sterkenburg P. S. , Schuengel C. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundChildren with intellectual disability (ID) are at risk for maladaptive development of social relatedness. Controversy exists whether Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) takes precedence over disordered attachment for describing maladaptive social behaviour. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of disordered attachment symptoms in children with ID referred for mental health diagnosis, and to study the potential diagnostic overlap between symptoms of disordered attachment and PDD symptoms.MethodChildren (n = 102) in the age of 5–11 with IDs (borderline or mild; IQ 50–85) referred for psychiatric consultation were recruited. Parents were administered a screening interview for disturbances of attachment and teachers were administered a screening questionnaire for PDD.ResultsBehavioural symptoms of disordered attachment were reported for 42%* of the children, with 16%* showing symptoms of inhibited and 37%* showing symptoms of disinhibited attachment disorder. In 11% both types of symptoms were noted. Attachment disorder symptoms were not significantly associated with gender, ethnic background or age. Positive screening for PDD occurred for 27%. Positive screening for PDD was not significantly associated with symptoms of attachment disorder.ConclusionsAmong children with ID referred for psychiatric consultation, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and PDD symptoms were both highly prevalent. RAD and PDD symptoms appear as distinct, but sometimes comorbid, forms of aberrant social relatedness.
Determination of daytime clenching events in subjects with and without self‐reported clenching
Authors: Fujisawa M. , Kanemura K. , Tanabe N. , Gohdo Y. , Watanabe A. , Iizuka T. , Sato M. , Ishibashi K. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryTo confirm the validity of self‐awareness of daytime clenching, specific electromyogram (EMG) characteristics of clenching behaviour were determined using surface EMG recordings. Temporal muscle EMGs were recorded for 5 h in 13 subjects with self‐reported clenching (clenching group: 27·5 ± 3·8 years old) and 12 subjects without self‐reported clenching (control group: 28·6 ± 7·1 years old). All EMG data were recorded and stored on a portable EMG apparatus. The device was similar in size to a hearing aid, and suitable to record daytime EMG without restriction of daily activities. A clenching event was defined as muscle activity exceeding 10% of the maximum voluntary contraction. Furthermore, simultaneous voice recording was also performed to identify the corresponding EMG event as functional or parafunctional. The mean number of clenching events was 192·8 ± 228·8 and 24·8 ± 26·5 in the clenching and the control groups, respectively (P < 0·05, Mann–Whitney U‐test); the number of functional events was not significantly different between the groups. Because there was a significant difference in the number of clenching events between the groups, self‐reported daytime clenching is considered to be a reliable screening parameter for awake bruxism.
Compounds isolated from Psoralea corylifolia seeds inhibit protein kinase activity and induce apoptotic cell death in mammalian cells
Authors: Limper Christian , Wang Yao , Ruhl Sven , Wang Zhiqiang , Lou Yijia , Totzke Frank , Kubbutat Michael H G , Chovolou Yvonni , Proksch Peter , Wätjen Wim 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Psoralea corylifolia is a plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, e.g. for its chemopreventive effect. To identify active substances responsible for this effect, we investigated pharmacological effects of 11 compounds isolated from the seeds of this plant (newly described substances: 7, 2′, 4′-trihydroxy-3-arylcoumarin and psoracoumestan).

Methods
The influence of distinct compounds on different signal transduction pathways (cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis and metastasis) was screened via analysis of the activity of 24 protein kinases, mitogen activated protein kinase phosphorylation via Western blot, cytotoxicity was shown using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and determination of caspase activity. Oxidative stress was detected via 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence.

Key findings
Some compounds showed cytotoxic effects (H4IIE, Hct116, C6 cells) mainly mediated via induction of apoptosis. Distinct compounds caused a strong inhibition of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) phosphorylation, weak effects on extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and no significant effect on p38 and c-Jun amino-terminal kinase. Corylifol C and, to a lesser extent, xanthoangelol are potent protein kinase inhibitors (inhibitory concentration 50% values for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR): 1.1 and 4.4 × 10−6 μg/ml, respectively). Because EGFR, MEK and ERK are kinases involved in cellular proliferation, an inhibition of these enzymes may be useful to cause chemopreventive effects.

Conclusions
Distinct compounds isolated from P. corylifolia showed a high potential to influence cellular pathways, e.g. by inhibition of protein kinases that may be interesting for pharmacological purposes.
Comparative effects of using black seed (Nigella sativa), cumin seed (Cuminum cyminum), probiotic or prebiotic on growth performance, blood haematology and serum biochemistry of broiler chicks
Authors: Alimohamadi K. , Taherpour K. , Ghasemi H. A. , Fatahnia F. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryA 42‐day trial was conducted to compare the effects of the following seven experimental diets, which varied in black seed, cumin seed, probiotic or prebiotic concentrations, on the broiler chicks: control (no additives), diet BS1 (4 g/kg black seed), diet BS2 (8 g/kg black seed), diet CS1 (4 g/kg cumin seed), diet CS2 (8 g/kg cumin seed), diet Pro (1 g/kg probiotic Primalac®) and diet Pre (2 g/kg prebiotic Fermacto®). A total of 420 1‐day‐old male broiler chicks, initially weighing an average of 43 g, were distributed into 28 floor pens at a stocking density of 15 birds per pen. At 28 day of age, the body weight in the birds fed diets BS2, CS2 and Pro was significantly higher than in the control group, but final body weight was not affected. Additionally, the birds fed diets BS2, Pro and Pre exhibited better feed conversion ratio than control birds from 0 to 42 day of age. Diets BS2, CS2 and Pro also statistically increased the relative weight of thymus and bursa of Fabricius, whereas only diet Pro decreased the abdominal fat percentage compared with control diet. Regarding the haematological parameters, feeding diet BS2 yielded a significant increase in red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit percentage compared with control diet. Serum total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the birds fed diets BS2, Pro and Pre were also significantly lower than in the birds fed the control diet. Without exception, no diets affected feed intake, internal organs weights, carcass characteristics, antibody titres against Newcastle and influenza viruses and leucocyte subsets. In general, current study showed promising results regarding the use of spice additives as growth and health promoters, especially at higher levels of their incorporation in the diets, which were comparable to the probiotic‐ or prebiotic‐containing diets.
The cost of treatment failure: resource use and costs incurred by hepatitis C virus genotype 1–infected patients who do or do not achieve sustained virological response to therapy
Authors: Backx M. , Lewszuk A. , White J. R. , Cole J. , Sreedharan A. , van Sanden S. , Diels J. , Lawson A. , Neal K. R. , Wiselka M. J. , Ito T. , Irving W. L. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection places a considerable economic burden on health services. Cost‐effectiveness analyses of antiviral treatment for patients with chronic HCV infection are dependent on assumptions about cost reductions following sustained virological response (SVR) to therapy. This study quantified the medium‐term difference in health resource usage and costs depending on treatment outcome. Retrospective chart review of patients with HCV genotype 1 infection who had received at least 2 months pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy, with known treatment outcome was conducted. Disease status was categorized as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis or decompensated liver disease. Health resource use was documented for each patient in each disease state. Unit costs were from the NHS ‘Payment by Results’ database and the British National Formulary. One hundred and ninety three patients (108 SVR, 85 non‐SVR) with mean follow‐up of 3.5 (SVR) and 4.9 (non‐SVR) years were enrolled. No SVR patient progressed to a more severe liver disease state. Annual transition rates for non‐SVR patients were 7.4% (chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis) and 4.9% (cirrhosis to decompensated liver disease). By extrapolation of modelled data over a 5‐year post‐treatment period, failure of patients with chronic hepatitis to achieve SVR was associated with a 13‐fold increase (roughly £2300) in costs, whilst for patients who were retreated, the increase was 56‐fold, equating to more than £10 000. Achievement of an SVR has significant effects on health service usage and costs. This work provides real‐life data for future cost‐effectiveness analyses related to the treatment for chronic HCV infection.
Functional diversity: a tool for answering challenging ecological questions
Authors: Mason Norman W. H. , de Bello Francesco 
Published: August 2013

AbstractFunctional trait diversity provides a powerful means of addressing ecology's persistent questions, through its dual role as an indicator of mechanisms driving differences in species composition between communities and as a predictor of ecosystem‐level processes. Functional traits provide a means of testing mechanisms behind species turnover between communities because environmental heterogeneity, competition and disturbance influence species fitness via their traits. Functional traits also provide a link between species and multiple ecosystem‐level processes, such as primary productivity, nutrient fluxes and resilience, since species influence these processes via their traits. This special issue demonstrates that functional diversity offers a practical means of investigating ecology's persistent questions.
Effects of Supplemental Feeding on Harvest of Red Swamp Crawfish, Procambarus clarkii, in Forage‐based Ponds
Authors: McClain W. R. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractProcambarid crawfish aquaculture in the USA relies on an established forage‐based system for providing sustenance for growing crawfish. These systems may become inadequate at times for providing sufficient nourishment to support maximum growth of the population. Supplemental feeding is not routinely used because management recommendations for the cost‐effective use of supplemental feeds in ponds are not available. Because crawfish under confinement readily consume and grow well when fed single feedstuffs, such as rough rice seed and whole, raw soybeans, this study was initiated to investigate the use of these readily available low‐cost feedstuffs as supplemental feeds in aquaculture ponds. Earthen ponds (0.2 ha), constructed and managed to simulate commercial crawfish ponds, were used over three consecutive production seasons to evaluate the effects of supplemental feeding on yields and size of crawfish. Treatments for Seasons 1 and 2 consisted of (a) hull‐on rough rice seed, (b) whole raw soybean, (c) formulated 25% crude protein pellet, and (d) no supplementation and were replicated in four and three ponds for Seasons 1 and 2, respectively. Treatments for Season 3 consisted of (a) whole raw soybean and (b) no feed, with 10 replicated ponds each. Feeding frequency was established each year, and feeding rates were adjusted according to predetermined guidelines and monitoring of feeding trays. Crawfish harvesting was conducted by baited wire‐mesh traps and all harvested crawfish were subjected to a mechanical grader and sorted into three size classes. Results show that supplemental feeding, while trap‐harvesting operations are underway, can reduce yields and generate a negative economic benefit, perhaps as a result of residual feed within the pond rendering the baited trap less effective.
Anti‐VEGFR agents ameliorate hepatic venous dysregulation/microcirculatory dysfunction, splanchnic venous pooling and ascites of NASH‐cirrhotic rat
Authors: Yang Ying‐Ying , Liu Ren‐Shyan , Lee Pei‐Chang , Yeh Yi‐Chen , Huang Yi‐Tsau , Lee Wei‐Ping , Lee Kuei‐Chuan , Hsieh Yun‐Cheng , Lee Fa‐Yauh , Tan Tat‐Wei , Lin Han‐Chieh 
Published: August 2013

AbstractsBackground & AimsAntivascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) agents improve hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension in cirrhosis. Detail interactions among recruited/activated leucocytes, hepatic angiogenesis and fibrogenesis, splanchnic blood pooling, decreased hepatic veins to fluctuated splanchnic blood volume (hepatic venous dysregulation), portal hypertensive syndrome and ascites have never explored in cirrhosis. Our study used two anti‐VEGFR agents – brivanib and sorafenib – to elucidate the relationship between above abnormalities of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)‐cirrhotic rats.Materials and methodsNASH‐cirrhotic rats received 2‐week brivanib, sorafenib or vehicle (NASH‐cirrhotic+briv, NASH‐cirrhotic+soraf and NASH‐cirrhotic rats) were included for various measurements.ResultsIn comparison with NASH‐cirrhotic rats, significant decreased plasma VEGF, fibroblast growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor, hepatic tumour necrosis factor (TNFα), IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17 were accompanied by decreased leucocyte mass/activity (99 mTc‐phytate and 18F‐FDG SPECT/PET/CT scans), hepatic leucocytes recruitment/microvascular density (fluorescence‐enhanced intravital microscopy) and hydroxyproline content, and increased hepatic blood flow in NASH‐cirrhotic+briv and NASH‐cirrhotic+soraf rats. In addition, increased hepatic microvasculatures compliance‐related improved buffering effect of portal vein to acute mannitol infusion was associated with decreased circulating nitric oxide and aldosterone, plasma volume expansion (dye dilution method), splanchnic blood pooling (99 mTc‐RBC SPECT/PET/CT scans), peripheral hypotension, portal hypertension and ascites in brivanib and sorafenib‐treated NASH‐cirrhotic rats.ConclusionBesides antifibrotic, antiangiogenic and portal hypertensive effects, chronic antagonism of anti‐VEGFR with brivanib and sorafenib improves hepatic blood flow, hepatic venous dysregulation, inhibits leucocytes recruitment/activation, splanchnic blood pooling and ascites formation in NASH‐cirrhotic rats. Thus, brivanib and sorafenib might be ideal therapeutic agents in cirrhotic patients suffering from severe haemodynamic disarrangement and ascites.