bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fears of happiness and compassion in relationship with depression, alexithymia, and attachment security in a depressed sample
Authors: Gilbert Paul , McEwan Kirsten , Catarino Francisca , Baião Rita , Palmeira Lara 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesIn a non‐clinical population, fears of compassion and fear of happiness have both been found to be highly correlated with alexithymia and depression. This study sought to explore these processes and their links with adult attachment and social safeness and pleasure in a depressed group.MethodA total of 52 participants suffering from moderate to severe depression completed measures of fears of happiness, compassion from others and for self, in addition to measures of alexithymia, attachment, social safeness, and depression, anxiety, and stress.ResultsFears of compassion and happiness were highly correlated with alexithymia, adult attachment, and depression, anxiety, and stress. Fear of happiness was found to be the best predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas fear of compassion from others was the best predictor of adult attachment. A path analysis showed that fears of positive emotion fully mediate the link between alexithymia and depression. This clinical sample had higher mean scores in fears of positive emotions, alexithymia, and depression, anxiety, and stress than a previously studied student sample.ConclusionsThis study adds to the evidence that fears of positive emotions are important features of mental health difficulties. Unaddressed, these fears can block positive emotions and may lead to emotional avoidance of positive affect thus contributing as blocks to successful therapy. Therapies for depression may therefore profitably assess and desensitize the fear of positive emotions.Practitioner points

Many therapies focus on reducing negative affect and increasing positive affect.

However, clinicians should be aware that positive emotions can be feared: in this clinical sample, depression is strongly associated with fear of happiness and fears of compassion.

If clients fear happiness and compassion, they may resist or have difficulties in engaging in activities which evoke positive affect.

If not addressed these fears may become blocks to therapy.

Fears of different types of positive affect may require different interventions.
Self‐regulated learning ability of Chinese distance learners
Authors: Zhao Hong , Chen Li , Panda Santosh 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study reports on self‐regulated learning (SRL) of Chinese distance learners by using a structured SRL scale. SRL of adult and lifelong learners is a well‐researched area, though its application within distance education is a new area of investigation. Open and distance learning lean heavily on self‐learning and self‐learning resources, though interaction at designated learning centers and online learning platforms is occasionally offered. In China, there is still persistence of the age‐old teacher‐centric model of teaching‐learning; and, within distance education offered largely by the radio and television universities, there is insistence for regular tuition classes at designated branch schools. At the backdrop of understanding and enhancing SRL of Chinese distance learners, the authors took up this research to find out the elements and levels of SRL ability among Chinese distance learners. Based on factor analysis (on 357 students for item analysis and on 600 distance learners for structural validity of the initial 117‐item scale), a standardized 54‐item Self‐regulated Learning Ability Scale was finalized and administered on a random sample of 2738 undergraduate learners (1630 males and 1108 females) from the Open Distance Education Centre of Beijing Normal University, P.R. China, doing an online course during 2009–10. The sample came from either senior high school (grade 12) or junior college (grade 14). Data on four dimensions of SRL—planning, control, regulating and evaluation—were analyzed using ‘t’ test for variables of gender, level of education and age. Results indicated that all the participants had above‐average levels of SRL in all the four dimensions of planning, control, regulating and evaluation. In so far as gender was concerned, male distance learners were better in SRL than female distance learners, especially in control (ie, content and resources) and all the evaluation dimensions. Though no age difference was found, students from junior colleges had better planning, regulating and evaluating abilities than those who came from senior high schools. These results have been discussed in the context of current changes in Chinese distance/online education and also in relation to the age‐old Chinese culture of learning. The results will also have implications for designing distance and online learning generally.
Involvement of Inflammasome Activation in Lipopolysaccharide‐induced Mice Depressive‐like Behaviors
Authors: Zhang Yi , Liu Lei , Peng Yun‐Li , Liu Yun‐Zi , Wu Teng‐Yun , Shen Xiao‐Liang , Zhou Jiang‐Rui , Sun Ding‐Ya , Huang Ai‐Jun , Wang Xia , Wang Yun‐Xia , Jiang Chun‐Lei 
Published: November 2013

SummaryAimsThe NLRP3 inflammasome is a cytoplasmic multiprotein complex of the innate immune system that regulates the cleavage of interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐18 precursors. It can detect a wide range of danger signals and trigger a series of immune‐inflammatory reactions. There were plenty of studies indicating that activation of the immune system played pivotal roles in depression. However, the underlying mechanisms of immune‐depression interactions remained elusive and there was no report about the involvement of inflammasome activation in depression.MethodsWe established an acute depression mouse model with lipopolysaccharide to explore the involvement of inflammasome activation in depression.ResultsThe lipopolysaccharide‐treated mice displayed depressive‐like behaviors and pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β protein and mRNA levels significantly increased. The NLRP3 inflammasome mRNA expression level also significantly elevated in depressed mice brain. Pretreatment with the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor Ac‐YVAD‐CMK significantly abrogated the depressive‐like behaviors induced by lipopolysaccharide.ConclusionThese data suggest for the first time that the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in lipopolysaccharide‐induced mice depressive‐like behaviors. The NLRP3 inflammasome may be a central mediator between immune activation and depression, which raises the possibility that it may be a more specific target for the depression treatments in the near future.
Characterization of Polyethylene Glycol‐Polyethyleneimine as a Vector for Alpha‐Synuclein siRNA Delivery to PC12 Cells for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Liu Yun‐Yun , Yang Xing‐Yi , Li Zhong , Liu Zhong‐Lin , Cheng Du , Wang Yong , Wen Xiao‐Jun , Hu Jing‐Yang , Liu Jun , Wang Li‐Min , Wang Hui‐Jun 
Published: November 2013

SummaryAimsGene therapy targeting the SNCA gene yields promising results in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). The most challenging issue of the RNAi gene therapy strategy is maintaining efficient delivery without inducing significant toxicity and other adverse effects. This study aimed to characterize polyethylene glycol‐polyethyleneimine as a vector for alpha‐synuclein siRNA delivery to PC12 cells for Parkinson's disease.MethodsThe characteristics of PEG‐PEI/siSNCA were analyzed via gel retardation assay and assessments of particle size and zeta potential. MTT cytotoxicity assay and flow cytometry were used to detect cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency in PC12 cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was employed to examine the intracellular distribution of PEG‐PEI/FITC‐siSNCA after cellular uptake. RT‐PCR and western blotting were used to measure SNCA expression. The MTT cytotoxicity assay was used to study the effect of PEG‐PEI/siSNCA on cell viability. The protective effect of PEG‐PEI/siSNCA on MPP+‐induced apoptosis in PC12 cells was examined via flow cytometry and Hoechst staining.ResultsPEG‐PEI/siSNCA complexes were well‐developed; they exhibited appropriate particle sizes and zeta potentials at a mass ratio of 5:1. In vitro, PEG‐PEI/siSNCA was associated with low cytotoxicity and high transfection efficiency. Complexes were capable of successfully delivering siSNCA into PC12 cells and releasing it from the endosome. Furthermore, PEG‐PEI/siSNCA could effectively suppress SNCA mRNA expression and protected cells from death via apoptosis induced by MPP+.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that PEG‐PEI performs well as a vector for alpha‐synuclein siRNA delivery into PC12 cells. Additionally, PEG‐PEI/siSNCA complexes were suggested to be able to protect cells from death via apoptosis induced by MPP+. These findings suggest that PEG‐PEI/siSNCA nanoparticles exhibit remarkable potential as a gene delivery system for Parkinson's disease.
Meserine, a Novel Carbamate AChE Inhibitor, Ameliorates Scopolamine‐Induced Dementia and Alleviates Amyloidogenesis of APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Shao Bi‐Yun , Xia Zheng , Xie Qiong , Ge Xin‐Xing , Zhang Wei‐Wei , Sun Jian , Jiang Pan , Wang Hao , Le Wei‐Dong , Qiu Zhui‐Bai , Lu Yang , Chen Hong‐Zhuan 
Published: November 2013

SummaryAimsTo investigate whether Meserine, a novel phenylcarbamate derivative of (−)‐meptazinol, possesses beneficial activities against cholinergic deficiency and amyloidogenesis, the two major pathological characteristics of Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsEllman's assay and Morris water maze were used to detect acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and evaluate spatial learning and memory ability, respectively. Both high content screening and Western blotting were carried out to detect β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP), while RT‐PCR and ELISA were conducted to detect APP‐mRNA and β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ).ResultsIn scopolamine‐induced dementia mice, Meserine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly ameliorated spatial learning and memory deficits, which was consistent with its in vitro inhibitory ability against AChE (recombinant human AChE, IC50 = 274 ± 49 nM). Furthermore, Meserine (7.5 mg/kg) injected intraperitoneally once daily for 3 weeks lowered APP level by 28% and Aβ42 level by 42% in APP/PS1 transgenic mouse cerebrum. This APP modulation action might be posttranscriptional, as Meserine reduced APP by about 30% in SH‐SY5Y‐APP695 cells but did not alter APP‐mRNA level. And both APP and Aβ42 lowering action of Meserine maintained longer than that of rivastigmine.ConclusionMeserine executes dual actions against cholinergic deficiency and amyloidogenesis and provides a promising lead compound for symptomatic and modifying therapy of AD.
Heat Shock Protein 70 Reduces α‐Synuclein‐Induced Predegenerative Neuronal Dystrophy in the α‐Synuclein Viral Gene Transfer Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Moloney Teresa C. , Hyland Rhona , O'Toole Daniel , Paucard Alexia , Kirik Deniz , O'Doherty Aideen , Gorman Adrienne M. , Dowd Eilís 
Published: November 2013

SummaryAimsIt has become increasingly evident that the nigrostriatal degeneration associated with Parkinson's disease initiates at the level of the axonal terminals in the putamen, and this nigrostriatal terminal dystrophy is either caused or exacerbated by the presence of α‐synuclein immunopositive neuronal inclusions. Therefore, strategies aimed at reducing α‐synuclein‐induced early neuronal dystrophy may slow or halt the progression to overt nigrostriatal neurodegeneration. Thus, this study sought to determine if adeno‐associated virus (AAV) mediated overexpression of two molecular chaperone heat shock proteins, namely Hsp27 or Hsp70, in the AAV‐α‐synuclein viral gene transfer rat model of Parkinson's disease could prevent α‐synuclein‐induced early neuronal pathology.MethodsMale Sprague–Dawley rats were intranigrally coinjected with pathogenic (AAV‐α‐synuclein) and putative therapeutic (AAV‐Hsp27 or AAV‐Hsp70) viral vectors and were sacrificed 18 weeks postviral injection.ResultsIntranigral injection of AAV‐α‐synuclein resulted in significant α‐synuclein accumulation in the substantia nigra and striatal terminals which led to significant dystrophy of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons without overt nigrostriatal neurodegeneration. Coinjection of AAV‐Hsp70, but not AAV‐Hsp27, significantly reduced AAV‐α‐synuclein‐induced neuronal dystrophy.ConclusionsThese data confirm that overexpression of Hsp70 holds significant potential as a disease‐modulating therapeutic approach for Parkinson's disease, with protective effects against early‐onset α‐synuclein‐induced pathology demonstrated in the AAV‐α‐synuclein model.
The assessment and management of chronic cough in children according to the British Thoracic Society guidelines: descriptive, prospective, clinical trial
Authors: Usta Guc Belgin , Asilsoy Suna , Durmaz Cemile 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundChronic cough is a common problem of various etiologies. While diagnosis may relatively be easy in the presence of some specific findings, it tends to be rather difficult when there are no clear symptoms. Therefore, practical guidelines are needed for management of patients with chronic cough. We aimed to evaluate assessment and management of chronic cough in children according to the British Thoracic Society guidelines published in 2008.MethodsPatients with chronic cough lasting longer than 8 weeks between 5 and 16 years old were evaluated. Pulmonary function test and chest radiography were performed on all patients. Further workup was conducted on those requiring further investigation. Patients were re‐evaluated at 2‐ to 4‐week intervals, and we followed our patients for 18 months until cough resolved.ResultsOne hundred fifty six patients (52.5% female) aged 5–16 (8.42 ± 2.6) years were included. Of the 156 patients, 19.2% (n = 30) were diagnosed with postnasal drip syndrome plus asthma; 18.6% (n = 29) with postnasal drip syndrome; 12.2% (n = 19) with asthma; 12.2% (n = 19) with protracted bacterial bronchitis; and 11.5% (n = 18) with nonspecific isolated cough, 9.6% (n = 15) with cough variant asthma, 5.7% (n = 9) with psychogenic cough and 3.2% (n = 5) with gastroesophageal reflux disease.ConclusionsPostnasal drip syndrome and asthma was the most common cause of chronic cough. Asthma‐associated findings were found in some of the patients diagnosed with postnasal drip syndrome. It has been observed that there could be more than one particular cause for cough concerning some patients. The gastroesophageal reflux disease was not a common primary cause of chronic cough in children.
Life on the edge: thermal optima for aerobic scope of equatorial reef fishes are close to current day temperatures
Authors: Rummer Jodie L. , Couturier Christine S. , Stecyk Jonathan A. W. , Gardiner Naomi M. , Kinch Jeff P. , Nilsson Göran E. , Munday Philip L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEquatorial populations of marine species are predicted to be most impacted by global warming because they could be adapted to a narrow range of temperatures in their local environment. We investigated the thermal range at which aerobic metabolic performance is optimum in equatorial populations of coral reef fish in northern Papua New Guinea. Four species of damselfishes and two species of cardinal fishes were held for 14 days at 29, 31, 33, and 34 °C, which incorporated their existing thermal range (29–31 °C) as well as projected increases in ocean surface temperatures of up to 3 °C by the end of this century. Resting and maximum oxygen consumption rates were measured for each species at each temperature and used to calculate the thermal reaction norm of aerobic scope. Our results indicate that one of the six species, Chromis atripectoralis, is already living above its thermal optimum of 29 °C. The other five species appeared to be living close to their thermal optima (ca. 31 °C). Aerobic scope was significantly reduced in all species, and approached zero for two species at 3 °C above current‐day temperatures. One species was unable to survive even short‐term exposure to 34 °C. Our results indicate that low‐latitude reef fish populations are living close to their thermal optima and may be more sensitive to ocean warming than higher‐latitude populations. Even relatively small temperature increases (2–3 °C) could result in population declines and potentially redistribution of equatorial species to higher latitudes if adaptation cannot keep pace.
Within-Subject Intra- and Inter-Method Consistency of Two Experimental Risk Attitude Elicitation Methods
Authors: Dulleck Uwe , Fooken Jonas , Fell Jacob 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
We compare the consistency of choices in two methods used to elicit risk preferences on an aggregate as well as on an individual level. We ask subjects to choose twice from a list of nine decisions between two lotteries, as introduced by Holt and Laury (2002, 2005) alternating with nine decisions using the budget approach introduced by Andreoni and Harbaugh (2009). We find that, while on an aggregate (subject pool) level the results are consistent, on an individual (within-subject) level, behaviour is far from consistent. Within each method as well as across methods we observe low (simple and rank) correlations.
Genetic structure of the critically endangered Red‐headed Wood Pigeon Columba janthina nitens and its implications for the management of threatened island populations
Authors: Ando Haruko , Ogawa Hiroko , Kaneko Shingo , Takano Hajime , Seki Shin‐Ichi , Suzuki Hajime , Horikoshi Kazuo , Isagi Yuji 
Published: November 2013

The Red‐headed Wood Pigeon Columba janthina nitens is endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, an oceanic island chain located 1000 km south of the main islands of Japan. The subspecies is at high risk of extinction because of its small population size and restricted habitat range. We undertook genetic analyses of this pigeon using sequences of a portion of the mitochondrial control region and five microsatellite markers to estimate the genetic characteristics of two wild populations from the Bonin and Volcano Islands, as well as one captive breeding population. The genetic diversity of the wild individuals was exceptionally low in both the mitochondria (nucleotide diversity = 0.00105) and at the microsatellite (3.2 alleles per locus and HE = 0.12) loci. Higher numbers of microsatellite genotypes were observed in the Volcano Islands population than in the Bonin Islands population, which may be because of the relatively low impact of human disturbance. The most common mitochondrial haplotypes and microsatellite alleles observed in the two wild populations were completely fixed in the captive population. Our results suggest that the genetic diversity of the captive population needs to be increased. However, introduction of a wild individual into a captive population can lead to a decreased genetic diversity in the wild population and therefore should be done with caution. The genetic differentiation between the Bonin and the Volcano island groups was low, and the populations of the two island groups should be regarded as a single evolutionarily significant unit. However, special consideration is required for habitat conservation in the Volcano Islands, which may be functioning as a sanctuary for the Red‐headed Wood Pigeon. For the long‐term conservation of threatened bird species that live on remote oceanic islands, determination of management units considering gene flow caused by their flying capacity and maintenance of genetically suitable wild and captive populations are essential.
Comparison of surgical variables in cats undergoing single‐incision laparoscopic ovariectomy using a LigaSure or extracorporeal suture versus open ovariectomy
Authors: Coisman James G. , Case J. Brad , Shih Andre , Harrison Kelly , Isaza Natalie , Ellison Gary 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the applicability of single‐incision laparoscopic ovariectomy (SILOVE) in cats using a single‐incision laparoscopic port (SILP); to compare surgical time, complications, and postoperative pain after SILOVE using a LigaSure (SILOVE‐LS) or extracorporeal suture (SILOVE‐ECS), and open ovariectomy (open‐OVE).Study DesignRandomized, blinded, prospective study.AnimalsHealthy, domestic female cats (n = 24).MethodsCats underwent physical examination, packed cell volume, total solids and blood urea nitrogen analysis. Cats were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: SILOVE‐LS (n = 8), SILOVE‐ECS (8) or open‐OVE (8). Surgical time, complications, and postoperative pain scores were recorded.ResultsSingle‐incision laparoscopic ovariectomy was successful in (n = 8) SILOVE‐LS cats and (n = 5) SILOVE‐ECS cats. Surgical time was significantly longer for the SILOVE‐ECS group compared with the SILOVE‐LS (P < .0001) and open‐OVE (P < .0001) groups, which were not different (P = .55). Complications were more frequent in the SILOVE‐ECS group and removal of the SILP was required to complete ovariectomy in 3 cats. Cumulative 4‐hour pain scores were not different between groups.ConclusionsSingle‐incision laparoscopic ovariectomy using a SILP is a feasible method for OVE in cats. Single‐incision laparoscopic ovariectomy using an extracorporeal suture is more time consuming and associated with more complications than either the SILOVE‐LS or open‐OVE methods.
Social capital and drought‐migrant integration in 1930s Saskatchewan
Authors: Laforge Julia M. L. , McLeman Robert 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study examines the role played by social capital in the migration of rural households from drought‐stricken areas of southern Saskatchewan to the Aspen Parkland during the 1930s. During a period of extremely difficult economic and environmental conditions rural households relied heavily on social networks, and the capital generated within them, to identify and select potential migration destinations, and to integrate into a destination region very different in agro‐ecological terms than the source areas. By combining archival and secondary data and findings from in‐depth interviews with migration participants, an enhanced understanding was obtained of the relationship between social capital, migration, and adaptation processes during Depression‐era droughts. This case study, and the insights derived from it, is a useful historical analogue from which to improve our understanding of future adaptation and migration responses to anthropogenic climate change under similar socio‐economic and geographical conditions.