bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ginger: Is it Ready for Prime Time?
Authors: Stoner Gary D. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
On the basis of substantial preclinical data showing the preventive efficacy of ginger and its constituents in vitro and in animal models, as well as a phase I pilot trial indicating that ginger extract is well tolerated in humans, Citronberg and colleagues conducted a pilot trial of ginger extract (2 g/day for 28 days) on biomarkers of cell proliferation [human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), MIB-1], differentiation (p21waf1/cip1), and apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2) in colonic mucosa from individuals at high-risk for colorectal cancer. Results from the trial suggest that ginger may reduce proliferation in normal-appearing colorectal epithelium and increase apoptosis relative to proliferation, especially in the differentiation zone of colon crypts. The authors suggest that these results support a larger study to confirm the pilot data. Before proceeding with a larger trial, however, it seems prudent to confirm ginger as a chemopreventive for colorectal cancer in animals, particularly when tested in postinitiation protocols and to identify reliable molecular biomarkers of effect that could be evaluated in clinical trials. Pharmacokinetic studies to examine the distribution and localization of ginger compounds and metabolites in the differentiation and proliferative zones of colonic crypts in animals and humans would also be informative. Finally, because the effects of ginger on normal colonic mucosa seem minimal, consideration should be given to the conduct of future trials in humans with premalignant colorectal disease. Cancer Prev Res; 6(4); 257–62. ©2013 AACR.
Development and definition of a simplified scanning procedure and scoring method for Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with Ultrasound (HEAD-US)
Authors: Alberighi Ornella Della , Di Minno Giovanni , Graziano Ermelinda , Molinari Angelo Claudio , Pasta Gianluigi , Russo Giuseppe , Santagostino Elena , Tagliaferri Annarita , Tagliafico Alberto , Morfini Massimo , Martinoli Carlo 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study was to develop a simplified ultrasound scanning procedure and scoring method, named Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with UltraSound [HEAD-US], to evaluate joints of patients with haemophilic arthropathy. After an initial consensus-based process involving a multidisciplinary panel of experts, three comprehensive and evidence-based US scanning procedures to image the elbow, knee and ankle were established with the aim to increase sensitivity in detection of early signs of joint involvement while keeping the technique easy and quick to perform. Each procedure included systematic evaluation of synovial recesses and selection of a single osteochondral surface for damage analysis. Based on expert consensus, a simplified scoring system based on an additive scale was created to define the joint status and, in perspective, to offer a tool to evaluate disease progression and monitor the result of treatment in follow-up studies.
Labour Migration from Asian to GCC Countries: Trends, Patterns and Policies
Authors: Shah Nasra M. 
Published: April 2013

The six oil-rich Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are among the largest recipients of temporary labor migrants in the world today with non-nationals comprising about 47% of their population. The upward trend in labor migration to the region has been especially pronounced since the early 1980s. Asian workers from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka constitute the major stock of migrants. The proportion of Asian relative to Arab workers has increased over time with the former group comprising about 60-70% of foreign workers in some countries. Data on annual outflows from sending Asian countries shows a consistent upward trend in labor migration during the 1990s and 2000s. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are currently the largest recipients of Asian workers. A majority of migrants are male. However, the number of female workers has registered a consistent increase over time as a result of the rising demand for female domestic workers. Among the male workers, half or more are employed in unskilled occupations in the Gulf.
The migration policies of the sending and receiving countries are at odds with each other. Sending countries aim to increase the outflows, primarily to enhance remittance receipts and curtail unemployment at home. Receiving countries aim to restrict migrant inflows and reduce migrant stock through concerted efforts towards nationalizing the labor force. Reconciliation of the above policies remains a challenge for the future.
Theory of mind, insecure attachment and paranoia in adolescents with early psychosis and healthy controls
Authors: Korver-Nieberg Nikie , Fett Anne-Kathrin J , Meijer Carin J , Koeter Maarten WJ , Shergill Sukhi S , de Haan Lieuwe , Krabbendam Lydia 
Published: April 2013

Objective: Impaired Theory of Mind (ToM) is found in adults with schizophrenia and is associated with paranoid symptoms. Insecure attachment is proposed to underlie impaired ToM as well as paranoia. Insight into associations between insecure attachment and impaired ToM skills may help clinicians and patients to understand interpersonal difficulties and use this knowledge to improve recovery. This study used a visual perspective-taking task to investigate whether cognitive ToM is already impaired in adolescents with early psychosis as compared to controls. Also investigated was whether perspective-taking and paranoia are associated with insecure (adult) attachment. Methods: Thirty-two adolescent patients with early psychosis and 78 healthy controls participated in this cross-sectional study design and completed the level 1 perspective-taking task, psychopathology assessments (CAPE, PANSS), paranoid thoughts (GPTS), attachment style (PAM) and the WASI vocabulary. Results: Patients did not significantly differ in level-1 perspective-taking behaviour compared to healthy controls. No significant associations were found between perspective-taking, paranoia and attachment. Insecure attachment was significantly related to paranoid thoughts, after controlling for illness-related symptoms. Conclusion: No impairment of level-1 perspective-taking was found in adolescent patients with early psychosis compared to healthy controls. Results indicate that level-1 perspective-taking is not impaired during the early stages of psychotic illness. The association between paranoia and attachment support previous findings and provide further insight into the nature of psychotic symptoms. Understanding the role of attachment in paranoia may help patients and their care workers to gain insight into the reasons for the development or persistence of symptoms. Future research should compare early psychosis samples with more chronic samples to explore whether perspective-taking deteriorates during the course of the illness.
Does abortion reduce the mental health risks of unwanted or unintended pregnancy? A re-appraisal of the evidence
Authors: Fergusson David M , Horwood L John , Boden Joseph M 
Published: April 2013

Objective: There have been debates about the linkages between abortion and mental health. Few reviews have considered the extent to which abortion has therapeutic benefits that mitigate the mental health risks of abortion. The aim of this review was to conduct a re-appraisal of the evidence to examine the research hypothesis that abortion reduces rates of mental health problems in women having unwanted or unintended pregnancy. Methods: Analysis of recent reviews (Coleman, 2011; National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, 2011) identified eight publications reporting 14 adjusted odds ratios (AORs) spanning five outcome domains: anxiety; depression; alcohol misuse; illicit drug use/misuse; and suicidal behaviour. For each outcome, pooled AORs were estimated using a random-effects model. Results: There was consistent evidence to show that abortion was not associated with a reduction in rates of mental health problems ( p>0.75). Abortion was associated with small to moderate increases in risks of anxiety (AOR 1.28, 95% CI 0.97−1.70; p<0.08), alcohol misuse (AOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.05−5.21; p<0.05), illicit drug use/misuse (AOR 3.91, 95% CI 1.13−13.55; p<0.05), and suicidal behaviour (AOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.12−2.54; p<0.01). Conclusions: There is no available evidence to suggest that abortion has therapeutic effects in reducing the mental health risks of unwanted or unintended pregnancy. There is suggestive evidence that abortion may be associated with small to moderate increases in risks of some mental health problems.
Potential anticancer activity of carvone in N2a neuroblastoma cell line
Authors: Aydın Elanur , Türkez Hasan , Keleş Mevlüt Sait 
Published: April 2013

Carvone (CVN) is a monocyclic monoterpene found in the essential oils of Mentha spicata var. crispa (Lamiaceae) and Carum carvi L. (Apiaceae) plants and has been reported to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, and antitumor activities. The beneficial health properties of CVN have encouraged us to look into its anticancer activity. To the best of our knowledge, reports are not available on the anticancer activity of CVN in cultured primary rat neuron and N2a neuroblastoma (NB) cells. Therefore, the present study is an attempt toward exploring the potential anticancer activity of CVN, if any, in cultured primary rat neuron and N2a NB cells. Our results indicated that CVN (only at 25 mg/L) treatment led to an increase in the total antioxidant capacity levels in cultured primary rat neuron cells compared with control cells. Also, CVN (at concentrations higher than 100 mg/L) treatment led to an increase in the total oxidative stress levels in both cell types. The mean values of the total scores of cells showing DNA damage (for comet assay) were not found to be significantly different from the control values in both cells ( p > 0.05). On the other hand, after 24 h treatment with CVN, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that CVN application significantly reduced the cell viability rates in both cell types at concentrations higher than 100 mg/L. Summarizing, our data suggest that CVN represents little potential for promising anticancer agent to improve brain tumors therapy.
A qualitative study of stakeholder views on the effects of provider payment on cooperation, quality of care and cost-containment in integrated stroke care
Authors: Tummers Johanneke FMM , Schrijvers Augustinus JP , Visser-Meily Johanna MA 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Stroke services are a form of integrated care which have been introduced in many countries, including the Netherlands, to improve health outcomes and processes of care by connecting the acute, rehabilitative, and chronic phases of stroke care. Limited research exists on the effects of payment systems on the functioning of integrated care services from the perspectives of those involved in providing, planning and contracting the care. This qualitative study identified stakeholder views on i) challenges in integrated stroke care associated with fee-for-service systems; ii) other possible financing models for stroke care, and iii) challenges in the implementation of an integrated financing mechanism for stroke care.

Methods
Twenty-four participants were interviewed using face-to-face audio-recorded semi-structured interviews. Respondents were purposively selected from five stakeholder groups; care providers, health care managers, health insurers, experts and patient representatives. Transcribed data were coded and analysed to generate themes relating to the study aims.

Results
Respondents mentioned the following challenges associated with the current fee-for-service system; inappropriate incentives for cooperation, efficiency and improving quality and the inability to exert steering power at the level of the stroke service. In addition, care is not patient-centred and the financing system is inflexible.
The respondents mentioned several solutions for the challenges, but there was no consensus amongst them. Regarding the implementation of integrated financing, respondents mentioned the following general challenges; a) the foundations of the financing system are incompatible with integrated financing, b) co-morbidity and c) the lack of evidence on the effect of integrated financing. Stroke-specific challenges were; a) the diverse patient population, b) a non-uniform care trajectory, c) unclear division of responsibility for the overall care and d) different stages of development among stroke services.

Conclusions
This study provides new knowledge on stakeholder perception of the effect of payment systems and financial incentives on cooperation processes, quality of care and cost-containment in integrated stroke care. The results show that fee-for-service does not provide the right incentives for the integration of stroke care. We recommend to perform financial experiments for integrated stroke care.
Sequencing CTLA-4 blockade with cell-based immunotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Wada Satoshi , Jackson Christopher M , Yoshimura Kiyoshi , Yen Hung-Rong , Getnet Derese , Harris Timothy J , Goldberg Monica V , Bruno Tullia C , Grosso Joseph F , Durham Nicholas , Netto George J , Pardoll Drew M , Drake Charles G 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe FDA recently approved an anti-CTLA-4 antibody (Iplimumab) for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. This decision was based on Phase III results, which demonstrate that blocking this immune checkpoint provides a survival advantage in patients with advanced disease. As a single agent, ipilimumab is also being clinically evaluated in advanced (metastatic, castrate-resistant) prostate cancer and two randomized, placebo-controlled Phase III studies have recently completed accrual.MethodsWe used a well-described genetically engineered mouse (GEM), autochronous prostate cancer model (Pro-TRAMP) to explore the relative sequencing and dosing of anti-CTLA-4 antibody when combined with a cell-based, GM-CSF-secreting vaccine (GVAX).ResultsOur results show that combined treatment results in a dramatic increase in effector CD8 T cells in the prostate gland, and enhanced tumor-antigen directed lytic function. These effects are maximized when CTLA-4 blockade is applied after, but not before, vaccination. Additional experiments, using models of metastatic disease, show that incorporation of low-dose cyclophosphamide into this combined treatment regimen results in an additional pre-clinical benefit.ConclusionsTogether these studies define a combination regimen using anti-CTLA-4/GVAX immunotherapy and low-dose chemotherapy for potential translation to a clinical trial setting.
Best proximity point theorems for generalized contractions in partially ordered metric spaces
Authors: Zhang Jingling , Su Yongfu , Cheng Qingqing 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to obtain four best proximity point theorems for generalized contractions in partially ordered metric spaces. Further, our P-operator technique, which changes a non-self mapping to a self-mapping, plays an important role. Some recent results in this area have been improved.

MSC:47H05, 47H09, 47H10.
Inhibition of p38MAPK and CD137 signaling reduce dengue virus-induced TNF-α secretion and apoptosis
Authors: Nagila Amar , Netsawang Janjuree , Suttitheptumrong Aroonroong , Morchang Atthapan , Khunchai Sasiprapa , Srisawat Chatchawan , Puttikhunt Chunya , Noisakran Sansanee , Yenchitsomanus Pa-thai , Limjindaporn Thawornchai 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Hepatic injury in dengue virus (DENV) infection is authenticated by hepatomegaly and an upsurge in transaminase levels. DENV replicates in hepatocytes and causes hepatocyte apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of DENV-induced hepatic injury could facilitate the development of alternate chemotherapeutic agents and improved therapies.

Findings
The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) participates in both apoptosis-related signaling and pro- inflammatory cytokine production. The role of p38 MAPK in DENV-infected HepG2 cells was examined using RNA interference. The results showed that DENV infection activated p38 MAPK and induced apoptosis. The p38 MAPK activation and TNF-α production were controlled by p38 MAPK and CD137 signaling in DENV-infected HepG2 cells as activated p38 MAPK, TNF-α and apoptosis were significantly decreased in p38 MAPK and CD137 depleted DENV-infected HepG2 cells. Addition of exogenous TNF-α to p38 MAPK depleted DENV-infected HepG2 cells restored DENV-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells.

Conclusion
DENV induces CD137 signaling to enhance apoptosis by increasing TNF-α production via activation of p38 MAPK.
Effect of L-arginine on HSP70 expression in liver in weanling piglets
Authors: Wu Xin , Xie Chunyan , Yin Yulong , Li Fengna , Li Tiejun , Huang Ruilin , Ruan Zheng , Deng Zeyuan 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of L-arginine (Arg) on photomicrographs and HSP70 expression in the liver of weanling piglets. Twelve healthy Landrace × Yorkshire piglets that had been weaned at 21 d (average body weight 5.56 ± 0.51 kg) were randomly divided into a control group and an Arg group (6 g/kg feed). At age 28 d, all of the piglets were slaughtered to obtain liver samples to determine HSP70 expression by real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry.

Results
The results showed that, compared to control piglets, treatment with Arg decreased inflammatory reactions caused by weaning. The immunohistochemical localization of HSP70 in liver revealed strong expression in the Arg group. Arg increased HSP70 mRNA and HSP70 expression in the liver (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with Arg could maintain liver health by inducing HSP70 expression in weanling piglets.
Reexpansion pulmonary edema after treatment of simultaneous bilateral spontaneous tension pneumothorax
Authors: Kwon Jong Bum , Choi Si Young , Kim Chi Kyung , Park Chan Beom 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe report a case of 46-year-old male with simultaneous bilateral spontaneous tension pneumothorax. Severe reexpansion pulmonary edema developed after bilateral tube thoracoscomy, but he was recovered after 2 days ventilator care. After bilateral wedge resection and talc pleurodesis, he was discharged without complications and had remained well and without recurrence during the 8-year follow-up.
Hepatoprotective effect of water extract from Chrysanthemum indicum L. flower
Authors: Jeong Sang Chul , Kim Sang Min , Jeong Yong Tae , Song Chi Hyun 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background

Chrysanthemum indicum L. flower (CIF) has been widely used as tea in Korea. This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of the hot water extract of CIF (HCIF) in in vitro and in vivo systems.

Methods
Hepatoprotective activities were evaluated at 250 to 1000 μg/mL concentrations by an in vitro assay using normal human hepatocytes (Chang cell) and hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) against CCl4-induced cytotoxicity. Cytochrome P450 2E1, which is a key indicator of hepatic injury, was detected by western blot analysis using rabbit polyclonal anti-human CYP2E1 antibody. An in vivo hepatoprotective activity assay was performed at 1000 to 4000 μg/mL concentrations on CCl4-induced acute toxicity in rats, and the serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined by standard enzyme assays.

Results
The hepatoprotective effects of HCIF significantly reduced the levels of GOT (60.1%, P = 0.000) and GPT (64.5%, P = 0.000) compared with the vehicle control group (CCl4 alone). The survival rates of HepG2 and Chang cells were significantly improved compared with the control group [82.1% (P = 0.034) and 62.3% (P = 0.002), respectively]. HCIF [50 mg/kg body weight (BW)] treatment significantly reduced the serum levels of GOT (49.5%, P = 0.00), GPT (55.5%, P = 0.00), ALP (30.8%, P = 0.000) and LDH (45.6%, P = 0.000) compared with the control group in this in vivo study. The expression level of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) protein was also significantly decreased at the same concentration (50 mg/kg BW; P = 0.018).

Conclusion
HCIF inhibited bioactivation of CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and downregulates CYP2E1 expression in vitro and in vivo.
Skeletal Muscle Abnormalities in Girls and Adolescents With Turner Syndrome
Authors: Wells Greg D. , O'Gorman Clodagh S. , Rayner Tammy , Caterini Jessica , Thompson Sara , Bradley Tim , Hamilton Jill 
Published: April 2013

Context:
Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder occurring in approximately 1 in 2500 live births. Individuals with TS report lower levels of physical activity than healthy control (HC) subjects. Cardiorespiratory limitations may contribute to the observed reduction in physical activity.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to compare muscle metabolism of patients with TS vs HC subjects before and after exercise using exercise testing, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques.

Design:
We hypothesized that girls and adolescents with TS would have muscle metabolic abnormalities not present in the HC population.

Setting:
The research was conducted at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Participants:
Fifteen participants with TS were age-, activity-, and body mass index Z-score–matched with 16 HC subjects.

Main Outcome Measures:
31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to characterize muscle metabolism at rest and after 30 seconds of high-intensity exercise, 60 seconds of moderate-intensity exercise, and 5 minutes of low-intensity exercise.

Results:
While achieving the same workloads, participants with TS exhibited a greater difference between rest and end-exercise pH compared with HC subjects after 30 seconds (TS, 0.29 ± 0.04; HC, 0.21 ± 0.08; P = .03) and 90 seconds (TS, 0.47 ± 0.22; HC, 0.32 ± 0.13; P = .02) of exercise. During the 5-minute exercise test, similar workloads were achieved between groups; however, ATP production was greater in participants with TS vs the HC subjects via all 3 bioenergetic pathways (total ATP: TS, 0.90 ± 0.34; HC, 0.60 ± 0.25; P = .01).

Conclusions:
The results of this study suggest that patients with TS exhibit greater anaerobic stress during exercise than HC subjects, which may lead to symptoms of increased muscle fatigue with short bursts of activity. Recovery metabolism after exercise appears to be similar between participants with TS and HC subjects, which is suggestive of normal mitochondrial metabolism and oxygen transport.