bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neural activation during processing of aversive faces predicts treatment outcome in alcoholism
Authors: Charlet Katrin , Schlagenhauf Florian , Richter Anne , Naundorf Karina , Dornhof Lina , Weinfurtner Christopher E. J. , König Friederike , Walaszek Bernadeta , Schubert Florian , Müller Christian A. , Gutwinski Stefan , Seissinger Annette , Schmitz Lioba , Walter Henrik , Beck Anne , Gallinat Jürgen , Kiefer Falk , Heinz Andreas 
Published: March 2013

AbstractNeuropsychological studies reported decoding deficits of emotional facial expressions in alcohol‐dependent patients, and imaging studies revealed reduced prefrontal and limbic activation during emotional face processing. However, it remains unclear whether this reduced neural activation is mediated by alcohol‐associated volume reductions and whether it interacts with treatment outcome. We combined analyses of neural activation during an aversive face‐cue‐comparison task and local gray matter volumes (GM) using Biological Parametric Mapping in 33 detoxified alcohol‐dependent patients and 33 matched healthy controls. Alcoholics displayed reduced activation toward aversive faces–neutral shapes in bilateral fusiform gyrus [FG; Brodmann areas (BA) 18/19], right middle frontal gyrus (BA46/47), right inferior parietal gyrus (BA7) and left cerebellum compared with controls, which were explained by GM differences (except for cerebellum). Enhanced functional activation in patients versus controls was found in left rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and medial frontal gyrus (BA10/11), even after GM reduction control. Increased ACC activation correlated significantly with less (previous) lifetime alcohol intake [Lifetime Drinking History (LDH)], longer abstinence and less subsequent binge drinking in patients. High LDH appear to impair treatment outcome via its neurotoxicity on ACC integrity. Thus, high activation of the rostral ACC elicited by affective faces appears to be a resilience factor predicting better treatment outcome. Although no group differences were found, increased FG activation correlated with patients' higher LDH. Because high LDH correlated with worse task performance for facial stimuli in patients, elevated activation in the fusiform ‘face’ area may reflect inefficient compensatory activation. Therapeutic interventions (e.g. emotion evaluation training) may enable patients to cope with social stress and to decrease relapses after detoxification.
Impact of early diagnosis and control of chronic respiratory diseases on active and healthy ageing
Authors: Bousquet J. , Tanasescu C.C. , Camuzat T. , Anto J.M. , Blasi F. , Neou A. , Palkonen S. , Papadopoulos N.G. , Antunes J.P. , Samolinski B. , Yiallouros P. , Zuberbier T. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA debate at the European Union Parliament was held on 13 November 2012 on the Impact of early diagnosis and control of chronic respiratory diseases on Active and Healthy Ageing (AHA). The debate was held under the auspices of theCyprus Presidency of the European Union (2012) and represents a follow‐up of the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the European Union (2011). It highlighted the importance of early life events on the occurrence of chronic respiratory diseases later in life and their impact on active and healthy ageing. Epidemiologic evidence was followed by actions that should be taken to prevent and manage chronic respiratory diseases in children. The debate ended by practical, feasible and achievable projects, demonstrating the strength of the political action in the field. Three projects will be initiated from this debate: The first will be a meeting sponsored by the Région Languedoc‐Roussillon on the developmental origins of chronic diseases and ageing: from research to policies and value creation. The second project is being led by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Asthma and Rhinitis: Prevention of Asthma, Prevention of Allergy (PAPA). The third project is the GA2LEN sentinel network.
Dog saliva – an important source of dog allergens
Authors: Polovic N. , Wadén K. , Binnmyr J. , Hamsten C. , Grönneberg R. , Palmberg C. , Milcic‐Matic N. , Bergman T. , Grönlund H. , van Hage M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundAllergy to dog (Canis familiaris) is a worldwide common cause of asthma and allergic rhinitis. However, dander extract in routine diagnostics is not an optimal predictor of IgE‐mediated dog allergy. Our objective was to evaluate saliva as an allergen source for improved diagnostics of allergy to dog.MethodsIgE‐binding proteins in dog saliva and dander extract were analysed by immunoblot and mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) using pooled or individual sera from dog‐allergic patients (n = 13). Sera from 59 patients IgE positive to dander and 55 patients IgE negative to dander but with symptoms to dog were analysed for IgE against saliva and dander by ELISA. Basophil stimulation with dog saliva and dander extract was measured by flow cytometry among three dog‐allergic patients. Additionally, IgE‐binding protein profiles of saliva from different breeds were investigated by immunoblot.ResultsGreater number and diversity of IgE‐binding proteins was found in saliva compared to dander extract and varied among dog breeds. In saliva, Can f 1, 2, 3 and 6 were identified but also four new saliva allergen candidates. The majority of the 59 dog dander–positive sera (n = 44) were IgE positive to dog saliva. Among patients IgE negative to dander, but with symptoms to dog, 20% were IgE positive to saliva. The biological activity of saliva was confirmed by basophil degranulation.ConclusionsDog saliva is an allergen source for improved diagnostics of dog allergy. The IgE‐binding protein profile of saliva from different dogs varies.
Long‐term follow‐up of last autogenous option arm vein bypass
Authors: Robinson Domenic R. , Varcoe Ramon L. , Chee Wilson , Subramaniam Peter S. , Benveniste Glen L. , Fitridge Robert A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe superiority of autogenous conduits in infrainguinal bypass surgery is well established. At our institution, arm vein is utilized as the last autogenous option for infrainguinal bypass surgery. The aim of this study was to review the long‐term outcomes of last autogenous option arm vein bypass.MethodsAll infrainguinal arm vein bypasses performed between 1997 and 2005 by The Queen Elizabeth Hospital vascular surgeons were identified. Patency, reintervention, limb salvage and survival were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier survival estimate method.ResultsThirty‐eight arm vein bypasses were performed in 35 patients. Eighty‐nine per cent were performed for critical limb ischaemia. Median follow‐up was 58 months (range 2–121). Twelve‐month primary, assisted primary and secondary patency rates were 52%, 73% and 76%, respectively. Three‐year primary, assisted primary and secondary patency rates were 32%, 61% and 63%, respectively. Five‐year primary, assisted primary and secondary patency rates were 21%, 47% and 49%, respectively. Patency was superior in single compared with spliced vein grafts (P < 0.05). Limb salvage rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 94%, 87% and 76%, respectively. Patient survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 92%, 68% and 49%, respectively.DiscussionInfrainguinal bypass surgery with arm vein can be performed safely with favourable patency and high rates of limb salvage. Secondary interventions to maintain patency are common and we recommend a vigilant surveillance programme to identify the threatened graft.
Sushruta in 600 B.C. introduced extraocular expulsion of lens material
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Ascaso Francisco J. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract.It is generally accepted that Jacques Daviel introduced in the 18th century the extracapsular technique of extraction of the lens while the couching method of cataract operation had already been practiced since ancient times. Present study analyses the first known cataract surgery description in three translations into English from the original Sanskrit Sushruta textbook and all the available literature on the subject. We found evidences that some sort of extraocular expulsion of lens material through a limbal puncture (paracentesis) was described by the Indian surgeon. Nevertheless, this incision cannot be considered as a classic extracapsular procedure because it was not large enough to allow the extraction of the entire lens.
The reliability and validity of the revised Diabetes Family Conflict Scale questionnaire, in a sample of Swedish children
Authors: Sand Peter , Kleiberg Anna Nilsson , Forsander Gun 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimThe overall aim of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the revised Diabetes Family Conflict Scale (DFCS), in a Swedish sample of children, mothers and fathers. A second aim was to analyse maternal and paternal effects separately.MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐nine families from two diabetes centres participated in the study. The revised DFCS was administered to children aged 8–18 years and their parents. Internal consistency of the scale was measured with Cronbach's alpha, and its concurrent validity was evaluated using bivariate correlations. Independent t‐tests were performed to test for differences between mother‐ and father reports.ResultsThe revised DFCS total scale exceeded the criteria for satisfactory internal consistency for the child‐, mother‐ and father reports, as did the subscale direct management, with α‐values ranging from 0.72 to 0.81. Furthermore, a higher level of reported conflict on the total scale was associated with poorer metabolic control, thus confirming concurrent validity of the instrument. This was true for mother‐, father‐ and child reports.ConclusionIn summary, the study concludes that the revised DFCS can be utilized as a valuable tool both in a research setting and in clinical practice.
An experimental investigation of emotional reasoning processes in depression
Authors: Berle David , Moulds Michelle L. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesCognitive models of depression emphasize how distorted thoughts and interpretations contribute to low mood. Emotional reasoning is considered to be one such interpretative style. We used an experimental procedure to determine whether elevated levels of emotional reasoning characterize depression.MethodsParticipants who were currently experiencing a major depressive episode (n = 27) were compared with those who were non‐depressed (n = 25 who had never been depressed and n = 26 previously but not currently depressed) on an emotional reasoning task.ResultsAlthough there were some trends for depressed participants to show greater levels of emotional reasoning relative to non‐depressed participants, none of these differences attained significance. Interestingly, previously depressed participants engaged in more non‐self‐referent emotional reasoning than never‐depressed participants.ConclusionsEmotional reasoning does not appear to characterize mild to moderate levels of depression. The lack of significant differences in emotional reasoning between currently depressed and non‐depressed participants may have been a consequence of the fact that participants in our currently depressed group were, for the most part, only mildly depressed. Non‐self‐referent emotional reasoning may nevertheless be a risk factor for subsequent depressive episodes, or else serve as a ‘cognitive scar’ from previous episodes.Practitioner pointsClinical Implications

In contrast with the predictions of cognitive models of depression, emotional reasoning tendencies may not be especially prominent in currently depressed individuals.
Depressed individuals vary greatly in the degree to which they engage in emotional reasoning.
Individuals with remitted depression may show elevated of levels non‐self‐referent emotional reasoning compared with those who have never had a depressive episode, that is, rely on their emotions when forming interpretations about situations.

Limitations

Our findings require replication using alternative indices of emotional reasoning.
Our currently depressed individuals were only mildly clinically depressed precluding conclusions about individuals with more severe levels of depression.
Long‐term evaluation of survival, continence and potency (SCP) outcomes after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)
Authors: Ficarra Vincenzo , Borghesi Marco , Suardi Nazareno , De Naeyer Geert , Novara Giacomo , Schatteman Peter , De Groote Ruben , Carpentier Paul , Mottrie Alexander 
Published: March 2013

Objective
To report combined oncological and functional outcome in a series of patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for clinically localised prostate cancer in a single European centre after 5‐year minimum follow‐up according to survival, continence and potency (SCP) outcomes.
Patients and Methods
We extracted from our prostate cancer database all consecutive patients with a minimum follow‐up of 5 years after RARP. Biochemical failure was defined as a confirmed PSA concentration of >0.2 ng/mL.
All patients alive at the last follow‐up were evaluated for functional outcomes using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaires.
Oncological and functional outcomes were reported according to the SCP system. Specifically, patients were classified as using no pad (C0), using one pad for security (C1), and using ≥1 pad (C2) (not including the prior definition).
Patients potent (SHIM score of >17) without any aids were classified as P0 category; patients potent (SHIM score of >17) with use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitorsas P1; and patients with erectile dysfunction (SHIM score of <17) as P2 category. Patients who did not undergo a nerve‐sparing technique, who were not potent preoperatively, who were not interested in erections, or who did not have sexual partners were classified as Px category.
Results
The 3‐, 5‐ and 7‐year biochemical recurrence‐free survival rates were 96.3%; 89.6% and 88.3%, respectively.
At follow‐up, 146 (79.8%) were fully continent (C0), 20 (10.9%) still used a safety pad (C1) and 17 (9.3%) were incontinent using ≥1 pad (C2).
Excluding Px patients, 52 patients (47.3%) were classified as P0; 41 patients (37.3%) were classified as P1 and 17 patients (15.5%) were P2.
In patients preoperatively continent and potent, who received a nerve‐sparing technique and did not require any adjuvant therapy, oncological and functional success was attained by 77 (80.2%) patients.
In the subgroup of 67 patients not evaluable for potency recovery (Px), oncological and continence outcomes were attained in 46 patients (68.7%).
Conclusions
Oncological and functional success was attained in a high percentage of patients who underwent RARP at ≥5 years follow‐up.
Interestingly, this study confirmed that excellent oncological and functional outcomes can be obtained in the ‘best’ category of patients, i.e. those preoperatively continent and potent and with tumour characteristics suitable for a nerve‐sparing technique.
REDISTRIBUTIVE POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT DEBT IN A BORROWING‐CONSTRAINED ECONOMY
Authors: Arawatari Ryo , Ono Tetsuo 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTWe develop a two‐period, three‐class of income model where low‐income agents are borrowing constrained because of capital market imperfections, and where redistributive expenditure is financed by tax and government debt. When the degree of capital market imperfection is high, there is an ends‐against‐the‐middle equilibrium where the constrained low‐income and the unconstrained high‐income agents favour low levels of government debt and redistributive expenditure; these agents form a coalition against the middle. In this equilibrium, the levels of government debt and expenditure might be below the efficient levels, and the spread of income distribution results in a lower debt‐to‐GDP ratio.
Infestation by a Common Parasite is Correlated with Ant Symbiont Identity in a Plant‐Ant Mutualism
Authors: Schumer Molly , Birger Ruthie , Tantipathananandh Chayant , Aurisano Jillian , Maggioni Marco , Mwangi Peter 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn East Africa, up to four symbiotic ant species associate with the obligate myrmecophyte Acacia drepanolobium. These ant species differ in the extent to which they defend their host trees from both vertebrate and invertebrate herbivores, but other potential roles of ants in tree defense have not been studied. We investigate the distribution of a new species of parasitic midge targeting A. drepanolobium in a region where A. drepanolobium is inhabited almost exclusively by two ant species—Crematogaster nigriceps and C. mimosae. We find that the frequency of infestation correlates strongly with the identity of the ant occupant: trees inhabited by C. nigriceps are significantly less likely to be infested with parasitic midges. Although the two ant species responded similarly to simulated large herbivore disturbances, trees inhabited by C. nigriceps also had a lower invertebrate load than trees inhabited by C. mimosae. We suggest that differences in defensive behavior towards invertebrates could be one explanation of the observed differences in infestation of A. drepanolobium by parasitic midges.
Assessment of the accuracy and reproducibility of adrenal volume measurements using MRI and its relationship with corticosteroid phenotype: a normal volunteer pilot study
Authors: Freel Ellen Marie , Nicholas Richard Stephen , Sudarshan Thiru , Priba Lukasz , Gandy Stephen J. , McMillan Nigel , Houston John Graeme , Connell John M. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryObjectiveThe significant role of corticosteroids in hypertension and cardiovascular disease highlights the importance of the adrenal gland in these disorders. The ability to correlate corticosteroid production with adrenal volume offers a novel research tool and intermediate phenotype in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adrenal volume assessment and investigate whether this associates with corticosteroid production.Design/MethodsTwenty normotensive men underwent noncontrast 1·5T MRI scanning of adrenals, measurement of blood pressure and plasma corticosteroids. Left adrenal volume was calculated twice using standard segmentation software by four independent observers with differing levels of clinical expertise and segmentation experience. To optimize this process, adrenal ‘phantoms’ with known fixed volumes underwent MRI scanning and analysis by two observers.ResultsIntra‐observer coefficients of repeatability (CoRs) in phantoms ranged from 0·23 to 0·43 ml (interobserver CoR 0·48 ml). In the subject group, mean adrenal volumes were 3·99–5·82 ml with intra‐observer CoRs 0·27–1·94 ml. Interobserver variability was 2·73 ml. Segmentation expertise was the main factor affecting variability, with experienced observers having the lowest CoRs; clinical knowledge was a factor when combined with segmentation experience. Mean adrenal volume correlated with plasma glucocorticoids (r = 0·523, P < 0·05) and aldosterone (r = 0·515, P < 0·05) for the most experienced observer only.ConclusionsMeasurement of adrenal volume using MRI is challenging; most accurate volumes are achieved using a single observer with both segmentation experience and anatomical knowledge. The data also provide novel preliminary evidence that adrenal gland volume may be associated with plasma corticosteroid concentrations supporting further study of adrenal volume and steroid production across a range of blood pressures.
Viruses ofHeterobasidion parviporumpersist within their fungal host during passage through the alimentary tract ofHylobius abietis
Authors: Drenkhan T. , Sibul I. , Kasanen R. , Vainio E. J. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryHeterobasidion annosum(Fr.) Bref.sensu latois an important fungal parasite of coniferous trees throughout the temperate regions of the world. Approximately 15% ofHeterobasidionisolates are infected by dsRNAviruses, which are considered as obligately intracellular and transmit vertically into both basidiospores and asexual conidia. Insects such asH. abietisand its larvae feeding on wood colonized byHeterobasidionfungi may carryHeterobasidionconidia and hyphae. In this study, we usedH. abietisas a model species to reveal whetherHeterobasidionviruses resist in their fungal host passing through the digestive tract of insects that may potentially serve as disseminators of fungal propagules.Pinus sylvestrisbranches were inoculated by three different strains ofHeterobasidion parviporum, hosting taxonomically diverse virus species:HeterobasidionRNAvirus 2, HetRV4 and HetRV6. Then, the inoculated branches were fed toH. abietisinsects, and beetle excrements were investigated forHeterobasidioninfections. All the inoculated fungal strains survived passage through the alimentary tract of the insects (survival rate 25–80%). The passage rates of the viruses inside their hosts varied considerably, ranging from 0 to 67%. Two different mycoviruses, HetRV2 and HetRV6, survived the intestinal passage of their fungal host, while the virus species HetRV4 was detected among none of the fiveH. parviporumisolates retrieved from insect faeces. The relative stability of fungi harbouring viruses suggests that if viruses are to be used for biological control againstHeterobasidionspecies, it is likely that insect feeding does not considerably decrease the virus effect, but might instead enhance short‐range dispersal of the viral biocontrol agent.
Sodium butyrate inhibits platelet‐derived growth factor‐induced proliferation and migration in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells through Akt inhibition
Authors: Cantoni Silvia , Galletti Margherita , Zambelli Filippo , Valente Sabrina , Ponti Francesca , Tassinari Riccardo , Pasquinelli Gianandrea , Galiè Nazzareno , Ventura Carlo 
Published: March 2013

Sodium butyrate (BU) is a molecule that acts as a histone deacetylase inhibitor. As compared with its well‐known antineoplastic/antiproliferative effects, little is known about BU action on vascular cell dynamics. An imbalance of proliferation and migration in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is essential in the onset and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a disease that is characterized by vascular lung derangement and that frequently has an unfavorable outcome. Here, we show that, in PASMCs of PAH rats, BU counteracted platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐induced Ki67 expression, and arrested the cell cycle, mainly at G0/G1. BU decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen, c‐Myc and cyclin D1 transcription and protein expression, while increasing p21 expression. BU reduced the transcription of PDGF receptor‐β, and that of Ednra and Ednrb, two major receptors in PAH progression. Wound healing, migration and pulmonary artery ring assays indicated that BU inhibited PDGF‐induced PASMC migration. BU strongly inhibited PDGF‐induced Akt phosphorylation, an effect reversed by the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A. BU‐treated cells showed a remarkable increase in acetylated Akt, indicating an inverse relationship between the levels of acetylated Akt and phospho‐Akt. These findings may provide novel perspectives on the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors in PAH.