bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employer Attitudes Towards the Work Inclusion of People With Disability
Authors: Nota Laura , Santilli Sara , Ginevra Maria C. , Soresi Salvatore 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundThis study examines the importance of work in life of people with disability and then focuses on employer attitudes towards these people. In the light of Stone and Colella's model, the study examines the employer attitudes and the role of variables such as type of disability, employer experience in the hiring of persons with disabilities, the description of hypothetical hirees with disabilities, the ways in which employers evaluate work performance and social acceptability, and the work tasks that they consider appropriate for workers with disability.MethodEighty employers were randomly assigned to standard condition (candidates with disability were presented by referring to the disability they presented) or positive condition (candidates were presented with reference to their strengths).ResultsIt was found that the type of disability and its presentation influence employer attitudes. In addition, realistic and conventional tasks were considered appropriate for hirees with disabilities.ConclusionsImplications were discussed.
Induction of heparanase by HPV E6 oncogene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hirshoren Nir , Bulvik Raanan , Neuman Tzahi , Rubinstein Ariel M. , Meirovitz Amichay , Elkin Michael 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHigh‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are highly invasive; however the identity of downstream effectors responsible for their aggressive phenotype remains underinvestigated. Here, we report that HPV‐mediated up‐regulation of heparanase enzyme can provide mechanistic explanation for augmented invasiveness of HPV‐positive HNSCCs. Heparanase is the sole mammalian enzyme (endo‐β‐d‐glucuronidase) degrading heparan sulphate glycosaminoglycan, key polysaccharide of the extracellular matrix. Cleavage of heparan sulphate by heparanase leads to disassembly of extracellular barriers, enabling local invasion and metastatic spread of the tumour, and releases heparan sulphate‐bound growth factors from the extracellular depots. Heparanase is tightly implicated in head and neck cancer progression; yet, molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional activation of the heparanase gene in HNSCC are largely unknown. We found that HPV16 oncogene E6 is capable of inducing overexpression of heparanase in HNSCC. Notably, radiation treatment dose‐dependently suppresses E6‐induced heparanase expression in vitro. Our results provide the first evidence for a functional involvement of HPV in heparanase induction in head and neck tumourigenesis and, given ongoing clinical testing of several heparanase‐inhibiting compounds, offer important avenue for future therapeutic exploration in HNSCC, as well as other HPV‐associated malignancies (i.e. cervical carcinoma).
Berberine ameliorates cartilage degeneration in interleukin‐1β‐stimulated rat chondrocytes and in a rat model of osteoarthritis via Akt signalling
Authors: Zhao Honghai , Zhang Tongen , Xia Chun , Shi Lei , Wang Shaojie , Zheng Xinpeng , Hu Tianhui , Zhang Bing 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBerberine, a plant alkaloid used in Chinese medicine, has broad cell‐protective functions in a variety of cell lines. Chondrocyte apoptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA). However, little is known about the effect and underlying mechanism of berberine on OA chondrocytes. Here, we assessed the effects of berberine on cartilage degeneration in interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐stimulated rat chondrocytes and in a rat model of OA. The results of an MTT assay and western blotting analysis showed that berberine attenuated the inhibitory effect of IL‐1β on the cell viability and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in rat chondrocytes. Furthermore, berberine activated Akt, which triggered p70S6K/S6 pathway and up‐regulated the levels of aggrecan and Col II expression in IL‐1β‐stimulated rat chondrocytes. In addition, berberine increased the level of proteoglycans in cartilage matrix and the thickness of articular cartilage, with the elevated levels of Col II, p‐Akt and p‐S6 expression in a rat OA model, as demonstrated by histopathological and immunohistochemistry techniques. The data thus strongly suggest that berberine may ameliorate cartilage degeneration from OA by promoting cell survival and matrix production of chondrocytes, which was partly attributed to the activation of Akt in IL‐1β‐stimulated articular chondrocytes and in a rat OA model. The resultant chondroprotective effects indicate that berberine merits consideration as a therapeutic agent in OA.
Albuminuria: Prevalence, associated risk factors and relationship with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Chen Fang , Yang Wenying , Weng Jianping , Jia Weiping , Ji Linong , Xiao Jianzhong , Shan Zhongyan , Liu Jie , Tian Haoming , Ji Qiuhe , Zhu Dalong , Ge Jiapu , Lin Lixiang , Chen Li , Guo Xiaohui , Zhao Zhigang , Li Qiang , Zhou Zhiguang , Shan Guangliang , Lu Juming ,   the China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study Group
Published: November 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of microalbuminuria, and to explore the relationship between albuminuria and cardiovascular disease (CVD).Materials and MethodsA nationally representative sample of 38,203 Chinese participants was categorized by different levels of urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR; 0 –10 mg/g, 10 –20 mg/g, 20 –30 mg/g, 30 –300 mg/g). The prevalence of albuminuria was compared by using a single urinary ACR cut‐off point and by sex‐specific ACR cut‐off points. Factors associated with the presence of albuminuria, and the relationship between albuminuria and CVD were analyzed by logistic regression.ResultsPrevalence of albuminuria as measured by a single ACR cut‐point was significantly lower for men compared with women (13.9% vs 19.1% in the normal glucose tolerance group; 20.8% vs 26.8% in the impaired glucose tolerance group, P < 0.01). The prevalence of albuminuria, as measured by sex‐specific ACR cut‐points, was higher for men than women (31.4% vs 29.6% in the normal glucose tolerance group; 42.2% vs 39.3% in the impaired glucose tolerance group, P < 0.01). The independent risk factors for the presence of albuminuria were aging, female sex, hypertension, hyperglycemia, obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The subdivided normal ACR group did not show a linear or statistically significant relationship with CVD after adjusting for conventional CVD risk factors (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe prevalence of albuminuria was high in the general Chinese population. Aging, female sex, hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity and metabolic syndrome were all independent risk factors for albuminuria. The causal relationship between ACR and CVD might require further follow‐up investigation.
Cytoprotection by endogenous zinc in the vertebrate retina
Authors: Anastassov Ivan , Ripps Harris , Chappell Richard L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOur recent studies have shown that endogenous zinc, co‐released with glutamate from the synaptic terminals of vertebrate retinal photoreceptors, provides a feedback mechanism that reduces calcium entry and the concomitant vesicular release of glutamate. We hypothesized that zinc feedback may serve to protect the retina from glutamate excitotoxicity, and conducted in vivo experiments on the retina of the skate (Raja erinacea) to determine the effects of removing endogenous zinc by chelation. These studies showed that removal of zinc by injecting the zinc chelator histidine results in inner retinal damage similar to that induced by the glutamate receptor agonist kainic acid. In contrast, when an equimolar quantity of zinc followed the injection of histidine, the retinal cells were unaffected. Our results are a good indication that zinc, co‐released with glutamate by photoreceptors, provides an auto‐feedback system that plays an important cytoprotective role in the retina.
imageRecent studies show that endogenous photoreceptor zinc, co‐released with glutamate, provides feedback that reduces calcium entry at photoreceptor terminals, thereby regulating vesicular transmitter release. The experiments reported here provide evidence that the in vivo removal of endogenous zinc by chelation results in inner retinal glutamate toxicity. Thus, zinc auto‐feedback likely plays a cytoprotective role important to retinal health and disease.
SNJ‐1945, a calpain inhibitor, protects SH‐SY5Y cells against MPP+ and rotenone
Authors: Knaryan Varduhi H. , Samantaray Supriti , Park Sookyoung , Azuma Mitsuyoshi , Inoue Jun , Banik Naren L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractComplex pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease involves multiple CNS cell types. Degeneration in spinal cord neurons alongside brain has been shown to be involved in Parkinson's disease and evidenced in experimental parkinsonism. However, the mechanisms of these degenerative pathways are not well understood. To unravel these mechanisms SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were differentiated into dopaminergic and cholinergic phenotypes, respectively, and used as cell culture model following exposure to two parkinsonian neurotoxicants MPP+ and rotenone. SNJ‐1945, a cell‐permeable calpain inhibitor was tested for its neuroprotective efficacy. MPP+ and rotenone dose‐dependently elevated the levels of intracellular free Ca2+ and induced a concomitant rise in the levels of active calpain. SNJ‐1945 pre‐treatment significantly protected cell viability and preserved cellular morphology following MPP+ and rotenone exposure. The neurotoxicants elevated the levels of reactive oxygen species more profoundly in SH‐SY5Y cells differentiated into dopaminergic phenotype, and this effect could be attenuated with SNJ‐1945 pre‐treatment. In contrast, significant levels of inflammatory mediators cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2 and cleaved p10 fragment of caspase‐1) were up‐regulated in the cholinergic phenotype, which could be dose‐dependently attenuated by the calpain inhibitor. Overall, SNJ‐1945 was efficacious against MPP+ or rotenone‐induced reactive oxygen species generation, inflammatory mediators, and proteolysis. A post‐treatment regimen of SNJ‐1945 was also examined in cells and partial protection was attained with calpain inhibitor administration 1–3 h after exposure to MPP+ or rotenone. Taken together, these results indicate that calpain inhibition is a valid target for protection against parkinsonian neurotoxicants, and SNJ‐1945 is an efficacious calpain inhibitor in this context.
imageSH‐SY5Y cells, differentiated as dopaminergic (TH positive) and cholinergic (ChAT positive), were used as in vitro models for Parkinson's disease. MPP+ and rotenone induced up‐regulation of calpain, expression, and activity as a common mechanism of neurodegeneration. SNJ‐1945, a novel calpain inhibitor, protected both the cell phenotypes against MPP+ and rotenone.
The relationship between lingual and hypoglossal nerve function and quality of life in head and neck cancer
Authors: Elfring T. , Boliek C. A. , Winget M. , Paulsen C. , Seikaly H. , Rieger J. M. 
Published: November 2013

SummarySensorimotor impairment of the tongue has the potential to affect speech and swallowing. The purpose of this study was to critically examine the effects of nerve preservation and reinnervation after reconstruction of the base of tongue on patient‐perceived outcomes of quality of life (QoL) related to speech and swallowing through completion of the EORTC QLQ‐H&N35 stan‐dardised questionnaire. Thirty participants with a diagnosis of base of tongue cancer underwent primary resection and reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap, which may or may not have included nerve repair to the lingual nerve, hypoglossal nerve or both. Eight QoL domains sensitive to changes in motor and sensory nerve function were included in the analysis. Transected lingual and hypoglossal nerves were associated with difficulty in swallowing, social eating, dry mouth and social contact. There were fewer problems reported when these nerves were either repaired or left intact. There were no significant differences between patient nerve status and QoL outcomes for speech, sticky saliva and use of feeding tubes. This study was the first to examine the impact of sensory or motor nerve transection and reconstruction on health‐related QoL outcomes.
Combining Cluster Analysis, Surface Response Methodology and JAR Scales to Increase Consumer Input in Optimizing Acceptability of a High‐Protein Soy Dessert
Authors: Arancibia Carla , Bayarri Sara , Costell Elvira 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAcceptance of a new high‐protein (6.75 g/serving), citrus‐flavored, soy‐based dessert with different concentrations of sucrose (5–17%) and citrus flavor (50–350 ppm) has been optimizing using the response surface method (RSM) in conjunction with consumer segmentation and with just‐about‐right (JAR) scales. Relationships between acceptability scores and composition variables were determined for the overall consumer population (130 consumers) and for two subgroups of consumers with different preference criteria, identified by cluster analysis. While for subgroup I (44 consumers) the composition factors did not show a clear influence on acceptability, for subgroup II (86 consumers) acceptability was well explained in terms of sucrose and citrus flavor contents (R2 = 94.4). Results obtained using JAR scales showed that the main differences between both consumer subgroups were related to adequacy of citrus flavor, sweetness and consistency data. Relating JAR percentages and hedonic data provide useful information for explaining differences in hedonic scores.Practical ApplicationsThe design of soy‐based dessert formulations, with adequate protein content and good sensory quality, is important to ensure their market success. It is important to take consumer opinions into account during formulation development to obtain a marketable product. In this respect, considering possible differences in preference criteria among consumer populations and combining information provided by RSM and by JAR scales can be very useful. Such tools can help to improve product acceptance through the modification of product formulation.
Personality Classification of Consumers: A Comparison of Variables, Standardization and Clustering Methods
Authors: Cherdchu Panat , Chambers Edgar 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe use of personality trait measurement is increasing in sensory evaluation for linking certain variables (i.e., consumption behavior and product preferences) to particular attributes. For this study, 976 consumers rated agreement on 44 statements from the Big Five Inventory using a 5‐point Likert‐type scale. Data handling methods for personality segmentation were compared: (1) the original 44 variables versus the five computed personality variables; (2) standardization versus nonstandardization of data; and (3) k‐means versus Ward's hierarchical clustering method used with principal component analysis.Results indicate using the five computed variables in mapping gave higher percentages of explained variability because of the small number of input variables. However, maps created from the 44 individual variables illustrated that participants were distributed throughout and separated visually into groups. Standardization of the data set did not affect mapping or classification. k‐means and Ward's clustering methods provided different classification results within the same data set.Results suggest that when using the Big Five personality traits measurement, the original 44 unstandardized variables and k‐means clustering should be used for obtaining consumer segmentation because this captures the greater variability inherent in the 44 variable tests and easily separates consumers into personality groups.Practical ApplicationsPrevious research has demonstrated that demographic and economic information provides insufficient explanation for consumer preference and other subjective responses. An application of personality research would aid researchers in understanding psychological factors that influence subjective responses. The study suggests that when using the Big Five personality traits tool, taking time to compute five personality traits is not needed and, in fact, detracts from grouping consumers into clusters. In addition, there is no need to standardize data during data preparation. However, selecting and using an appropriate clustering method for placing consumers into personality groups does impact the outcome. Based on this research k‐means clustering is recommended. The personality classification could be applied in consumer segmentation for a better understanding of consumers.
Testosterone Levels and Sexual Function Disorders in Depressive Female Patients: Effects of Antidepressant Treatment
Authors: Kumsar Şükrü , Kumsar Neslihan Akkişi , Sağlam Hasan Salih , Köse Osman , Budak Salih , Adsan Öztuğ 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Women suffer from depression more frequently than men, which indicates that sex hormones might be involved in the etiology of this disease.

Aims
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between testosterone and depression pathophysiology in depressive women along with sexual function. We also investigated whether antidepressant treatment causes any change in levels of this hormone or in sexual function.

Methods
Premenopausal female patients aged 25–46 years (n = 52) with diagnosed major depression were included in this study as the patient group, and 25- to 46-year-old premenopausal women without depression (n = 30) were included as the control group.

Main Outcome Measures
Serum testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured twice, before and after the antidepressant treatment. Bioavailable testosterone (cBT) levels were calculated using the assay results for total testosterone (TT), SHBG, and albumin according to the formulas of Vermeulen et al. Depression severity was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and sexual function was evaluated with the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale.

Results
The mean TT and cBT levels significantly increased in the patient group after the antidepressant treatment (P &lt; 0.001). Pre-treatment TT and cBT levels were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group (P &lt; 0.001). Similar results were obtained for post-treatment serum TT and cBT levels in the patient and control groups (P &gt; 0.05). There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of SHBG level.

Conclusion
The low testosterone levels in depressed women compared with women in the control group and the elevated levels post-pharmacotherapy suggest that testosterone may be involved in depression.
Visualizing hepatitis B virus with biarsenical labelling in living cells
Authors: Sun Shuzhen , Yan Jingjun , Xia Chao , Lin Yuanyuan , Jiang Xiaorui , Liu Haojing , Ren Huanping , Yan Junwei , Lin Jusheng , He Xingxing 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundStudy on viruses has greatly benefited from visualization of viruses tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) in living cells. But GFP tag, as a large inserted fragment, is not suitable for labelling Hepatitis B virus (HBV) that is a compact virion with limited internal space.AimTo visualize HBV in living cells, we constructed several recombinant HBV fluorescently labelled with biarsenical dye to track the behaviour of HBV in the cytoplasm of infected cells.MethodsBy mutagenesis, a smaller size tetracysteine (TC) tag (C‐C‐P‐G‐C‐C) that could be bound with a biarsenical fluorescent dye was genetically inserted at different cell epitopes of HBV core protein expressed in transfected cells.ResultConfocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations showed that TC‐tagged core proteins bound with biarsenical dye could specifically fluoresce in cells and be incorporated into nucleocapsid to form fluorescent virions. The recombinant fluorescent HBV virions retained their infectivity as wild‐type ones. Moreover, tracking of fluorescent HBV particles in living cells reveals microtubule‐dependent motility of the intracellular particles.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to generate fluorescent HBV virions with biarsenical labelling and to visualize their trafficking in living cells. The fluorescent HBV may become one highly valuable tool for further studying detailed dynamic processes of HBV life cycle and interaction of HBV with host in live‐imaging approach.
Soluble thrombomodulin attenuates sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in rat through suppression of high mobility group box 1
Authors: Nakamura Kojiro , Hatano Etsuro , Miyagawa‐Hayashino Aya , Okuno Masayuki , Koyama Yukinori , Narita Masato , Seo Satoru , Taura Kojiro , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundSinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is a drug‐induced liver injury caused by anticancer treatment such as oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy in patients with hepatic colorectal metastases. SOS is also associated with postoperative morbidity after hepatectomy.AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rTM) in a monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced SOS model in rats.MethodsRats were administered rTM by intravenous injection (3 mg/kg) and subcutaneous injection (3 mg/kg) concurrently with MCT administration. Other rats received the same volume of normal saline (NS) and MCT. Liver tissue and blood were collected 48 h after MCT administration to evaluate SOS. Survival after 30% partial hepatectomy was also investigated in both groups. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry were used to examine sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs). Serum concentrations of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and neutrophil accumulation were also measured.ResultsIn the NS group, liver histology showed SOS phenotypes. In the rTM group, these changes were suppressed, total SOS scores were significantly lower, and serum transaminase levels were significantly reduced compared with the NS group. Survival after 30% hepatectomy was significantly higher in the rTM group (57% vs. 22%, P = 0.0070). Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry showed a protective effect of rTM on SECs. rTM also attenuated the serum HMGB1 level (9.2 vs. 19.6 ng/ml, P = 0.0086), active neutrophil recruitment and myeloperoxidase activity.ConclusionrTM preserved SECs and attenuated MCT‐induced SOS in rats through suppression of circulatory HMGB1 and neutrophil accumulation, resulting in improved survival after hepatectomy.