bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Speech Comprehension Training and Auditory and Cognitive Processing in Older Adults
Authors: Pichora-Fuller M. Kathleen , Levitt Harry 
Published: December 2012

Purpose
To provide a brief history of speech comprehension training systems and an overview of research on auditory and cognitive aging as background to recommendations for future directions for rehabilitation.

Method
Two distinct domains were reviewed: one concerning technological and the other concerning psychological aspects of training. Historical trends and advances in these 2 domains were interrelated to highlight converging trends and directions for future practice.

Results
Over the last century, technological advances have influenced both the design of hearing aids and training systems. Initially, training focused on children and those with severe loss for whom amplification was insufficient. Now the focus has shifted to older adults with relatively little loss but difficulties listening in noise. Evidence of brain plasticity from auditory and cognitive neuroscience provides new insights into how to facilitate perceptual (re-)learning by older adults.

Conclusions
There is a new imperative to complement training to increase bottom-up processing of the signal with more ecologically valid training to boost top-down information processing based on knowledge of language and the world. Advances in digital technologies enable the development of increasingly sophisticated training systems incorporating complex meaningful materials such as music, audiovisual interactive displays, and conversation.
Venous Thrombotic Events in Hospitalized Children and Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Nylund Cade M. , Goudie Anthony , Garza Jose M. , Crouch Gary , Denson Lee A. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTBackground:Adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of venous thrombotic events (TEs). We sought to evaluate the risk for TE in children and adolescents with IBD using a large population database.Methods:The triennial Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database was used in a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized children in the United States across 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006, and 2009. Billing codes were used to identify discharges with Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis of intracranial venous sinus, Budd‐Chiari syndrome, and portal vein thrombosis. A logistic regression model was fitted to quantify the increased risk of TE in children with IBD, while adjusting for other risk factors of thrombosis.Results:The total weighted number of pediatric discharges was 7,448,292, and 68,394 (0.92%) were identified with IBD. The incidence of any TE in a hospitalized child or adolescent with IBD was 117.9/10,000 with a relative risk (95% confidence interval) of 2.36 (2.15–2.58). The adjusted odds ratio for any TE in a patient with IBD without surgery was 1.22 (1.08–1.36). Risk factors for TE among patients with IBD include older age, central venous catheter, parenteral nutrition, and an identified hypercoagulable condition. There is an increasing trend of TE in both the IBD and non‐IBD patients.Conclusions:Hospitalized children and adolescents with IBD are at increased risk for TE. Conservative methods of TE prevention including hydration, mobilization, or pneumatic devices should be considered in hospitalized patients with IBD.
High C/N ratio (not low‐energy content) of vegetation may have driven gigantism in sauropod dinosaurs and perhaps omnivory and/or endothermy in their juveniles
Authors: Wilkinson David M. , Ruxton Graeme D. 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Sauropod dinosaurs were the largest terrestrial animals ever, and the combination of selective pressures that might have lead to such extraordinary sizes has long been discussed.

Here, we argue that a previous suggestion that large size may be a response to unusually high C/N ratios in available plant foods has been prematurely discarded. C/N ratios were likely to be high during much of the Mesozoic, and C/N ratio is entirely different from gross energy density as a measure of the value of a plant as food. In addition, we use recently published allometric equations for herbivore nitrogen and carbon use to make tentative calculations which suggest that if Mesozoic C/N ratios were greater than extant ones, this would have selected for one of two strategies: gigantism in ectothermic herbivores or endothermy (and selective foraging on high N material) in very small herbivores.

We speculate that smaller‐bodied juvenile sauropods might have had a broader omnivorous diet and/or had higher mass‐specific metabolic rates than adults. The former is potentially testable by changes in dentition; the latter matches evidence of high growth rates of juvenile sauropods.
Image assessment of cervical dimensions after LLETZ: a prospective observational study
Authors: Carcopino X , Maycock JA , Mancini J , Jeffers M , Farrar K , Martin M , Khalid S , Prendiville W 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) on cervical morphology as assessed by three‐dimensional ultrasound.DesignProspective observational study.SettingUniversity Hospital in Dublin.PopulationWomen with CIN who underwent an LLETZ procedure.MethodsAll 106 participants had a three‐dimensional transvaginal ultrasound scan (3DTVS) performed immediately before and 6 months after LLETZ. The excised LLETZ specimen dimensions were also recorded. Blind analysis of the images was performed. The volume of the uterus and cervix was documented.Main outcome measuresThe relationship between the extirpated LLETZ dimensions and subsequent cervical and uterine biometry, as assessed by 3DTVS.ResultsLLETZ induced a statistically significant reduction in both the length (mean, –0.46 cm; P < 0.001) and the volume (–6.12 cm3; P < 0.001) of the uterus, and in the volume of the cervix (–1.60 cm3; P < 0.001). The volume of the excised specimen had a significant impact on the reduction of the length of the uterus (β, –0.038; P = 0.012), the volume of the uterus (β, –0.791; P = 0.036) and the volume of the cervix (β, –0.121; P = 0.046). The circumference of the excised specimen appeared to have a significant impact on the length (β, –0.016; 95% CI, –0.028 to –0.003; P = 0.013) and volume (β, –0.413; 95% CI, –0.719 to –0.107; P = 0.009) of the uterus 6 months after LLETZ.ConclusionsThe volume of tissue removed at LLETZ is related to the subsequent cervical volume, as well as the uterine length and volume, 6 months after the procedure.
Evaluation of Ethnomedical Claim III: Anti‐hyperglycemic activities of Gongronema latifolium root and stem (民族药物需求评估III：Gongronema latifolium根与茎的降糖活性)
Authors: Adebajo Adeleke Clement , Ayoola Marcus Durojaye , Odediran Samuel Akintunde , Aladesanmi Adetunji Joseph , Schmidt Thomas Jürgen , Verspohl Eugene Joseph 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe insulinotropic activity of the combined root and stem of Gongronema latifolium (Asclepiadaceae) was evaluated to justify its African ethnomedicinal use in the management of diabetes.MethodsA methanolic extract and its chromatographic fractions (A1–A6) were tested for glucose‐reducing and in vitro insulin‐stimulating abilities using glucose‐loaded rats and INS‐1 cells, respectively. In vivo insulin‐releasing activities for the significantly (P < 0.05) active antihyperglycemic A5 and A6 and in vitro insulinotropic activity of the C1 fraction and its isolated constituents were also similarly determined.ResultsThe extract (100 mg/kg) had higher in vivo antihyperglycemic activity than the individual A1–A6, indicating a synergistic effect of the plant constituents. Higher in vivo insulin release in response to A5 (100 mg/kg) than A6, agreed with their in vivo antihyperglycemic activities and confirmed insulin release as a mechanism of action of the plant. Compared with 5.6 mmol/L glucose (negative control), the extract and the A3, A6, and C1 (all at 100.0 μg/mL) elicited significantly higher in vitro insulin release that was similar to that of glibenclamide (1.0 μg/mL; P > 0.05). Fraction C1 yielded a 1:1 mixture of α‐amyrin and β‐amyrin cinnamates (1a:1b), lupenyl cinnamate (2), lupenyl acetate (3), and two unidentified triterpenoids, Y and Z. The 1a:1b mixture (100.0 μg/mL) demonstrated the highest insulinotropic activity that was comparable (P > 0.05) to that of glibenclamide (1.0 μg/mL).ConclusionsThe results confirm pancreatic activity as a mechanism underlying the antidiabetic action of G. latifolium and justify its ethnomedical use.
Phase II study of oral etoposide maintenance for patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer who have responded to the induction on an EP regimen
Authors: Li Lu , Li Qing , Xu Yong , Huang Meijuan , Liu Yongmei , Gong Youling , Peng Feng , Zhou Lin , Ding Zhenyu , Ren Li , Wang Jin , Lu You , Zhu Jiang , Hou Mei 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundMaintenance therapy for extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC) is still under debate. Many new agents fail during the maintenance course. As an active agent for SCLC, oral etoposide is worth being re‐evaluated.MethodsThis phase II study was performed to evaluate the toxicity/efficacy of the maintenance of patients with oral etoposide with ES‐SCLC responding (complete remission [CR] + partial remission [PR]) to the induction of four cycles of etoposide plus cisplatin (EP) chemotherapy. Maintenance therapy with oral etoposide (50 mg/m2, day 1–14, repeated every 21 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs) was administered. The primary endpoints were grade 3 and 4 toxicities and progression free survival (PFS).ResultsFifty‐four patients with ES‐SCLC received standard EP regimens as induction therapy; 31 responding patients were administered oral etoposide as the maintenance treatment. The most common hematological and non‐hematological toxicity of the maintenance course was neutropenia and fatigue, respectively. Median PFS was nine months (95% confidence interval (CI): 8.33∼9.67 months), median overall survival (OS) was 14 months (95% CI: 11.58∼16.42 months). Significantly better PFS and OS were seen in patients responding to the induction EP chemotherapy.ConclusionsOral etoposide maintenance is safe and effective for patients with ES‐SCLC who responded to the induction of EP chemotherapy. Significant survival benefit was revealed in patients completely responding to an EP regimen. Further randomized control study is warranted.
Increased reflection impulsivity in patients with ephedrone‐induced Parkinsonism
Authors: Djamshidian Atbin , Sanotsky Yanosh , Matviyenko Yuriy , O'Sullivan Sean S. , Sharman Stephen , Selikhova Marianna , Fedoryshyn Ludmyla , Filts Yuriy , Bearn Jenny , Lees Andrew J. , Averbeck Bruno B. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimsTo examine a syndrome of chronic manganism that occurs in drug addicts in eastern Europe who use intravenous methcathinone (ephedrone) contaminated with potassium permanganate. In many cases the basal ganglia, especially the globus pallidus and the putamen, are damaged irreversibly. Routine neuropsychological assessment has revealed no cognitive deficits, despite widespread abnormalities on brain imaging studies and severe extrapyramidal motor handicap on clinical examination.DesignCase–control study.SettingEphedrone patients and patients with opioid dependence were recruited from Lviv, Ukraine.ParticipantsWe tested 15 patients with ephedrone‐induced toxicity, 13 opiate‐dependent patients who were receiving opioid replacement therapy and 18 matched healthy volunteers.MeasurementsThe ‘beads task’, an information‐gathering task to assess reflection impulsivity, was used and feedback learning, working memory and risk‐taking were also assessed.FindingsOpiate‐dependent patients differed from controls on three of four tasks, whereas ephedrone patients differed from controls on only one task. More specifically, both patient groups were more impulsive and made more irrational choices on the beads task than controls (P < 0.001). However, ephedrone patients had no deficits in working memory (P > 0.1) or risk‐taking (P > 0.1) compared with controls. Opioid‐dependent patients had significantly worse working memory (P < 0.001) and were significantly more risk‐prone than controls (P = 0.002).ConclusionsEphedrone patients may have similar deficits in information‐gathering and decision‐making to opiate‐dependent patients, with preservation of working memory and risk‐taking. This may reflect specific damage to anterior cingulate– basal ganglia loops.
Lamotrigine increases intracellular Ca2+ levels and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II activation in mouse dorsal root ganglion neurones
Authors: Lee E. S. , Ryu J. H. , Kim E.‐J. , Kim G.‐T. , Cho Y.‐W. , Park H.‐J. , Tak H.‐M. , Han J. , Kang D. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimLamotrigine is a neuroprotective agent that is used clinically for the treatment of seizures and neuropathic pain. A significant volume of literature has reported that lamotrigine exerts analgesic effect by blocking Ca2+ channels. However, little is known regarding the effect of lamotrigine on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The aim of this study was to determine whether lamotrigine modulates [Ca2+]i in sensory neurones.MethodsLamotrigine‐induced changes in [Ca2+]i were measured in mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones using the Ca2+‐sensitive fluorescent indicator Fluo 3‐AM and a confocal laser scanning microscope. Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) activation was assessed by the fluorescence intensity using immunocytochemical procedures.ResultsTreatment with 1, 10, 30 or 100 μm lamotrigine transiently increased [Ca2+]i in DRG neurones in a dose‐dependent manner. Treatment with 100 μm lamotrigine induced a significant (threefold) increase in the Ca2+ peak in the presence or absence of extracellular Ca2+. The lamotrigine‐induced Ca2+ increase was abolished or decreased by the treatment with a specific PLC inhibitor (U73122), IP3R antagonist (xestospongin C) or RyR antagonist (dantrolene). In some cells, treatment with 100 μm lamotrigine caused a transient Ca2+ increase, and the Ca2+ levels quickly fell to below the basal Ca2+ level observed prior to lamotrigine application. The decrease in basal Ca2+ levels was blocked by the treatment with a CaMKII inhibitor (KN93). Immunocytochemical analysis indicated that lamotrigine treatment increased the expression of phosphorylated CaMKII in DRG neurones.ConclusionTreatment with lamotrigine increased [Ca2+]i apparently as a result of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and CaMKII activity.
Autophagy and Bcl‐2/BNIP3 death regulatory pathway in non‐small cell lung carcinomas
Authors: Karpathiou Georgia , Sivridis Efthimios , Koukourakis Michael , Mikroulis Dimitrios , Bouros Demosthenes , Froudarakis Marios , Bougioukas George , Maltezos Efstratios , Giatromanolaki Alexandra 
Published: December 2012

We recently showed that non‐small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) are of dismal prognosis when encompassing accelerated autophagic activity. The regulation of this abnormally functioning degradation system and its association with hypoxia and apoptosis in lung carcinoma patients is unexplored. In this study we used 115 NSCLC tissues to examine the immunohistochemical expression of four distinct molecules – the major regulator of autophagy Beclin 1, the anti‐apoptotic and anti‐autophagic protein Bcl‐2, the pro‐apoptotic and pro‐autophagic protein BNIP3, and a marker of hypoxia and glucolysis, the glucose transporter Glut 1. Most cases showed reduced reactivity for Beclin 1 (62%) and Bcl‐2 (82%) proteins, almost half of our sample revealed strong BNIP3 expression (57%), whereas most of the carcinomas strongly expressed Glut 1 antigen (71%). Beclin 1 expression showed no association with survival. Bcl‐2 positivity was a marker of good prognosis (p = 0.04), whereas BNIP3 (p = 0.0004) and Glut 1 (p = 0.03) expression correlated with poor outcome in Stage I disease. Autophagic status was negatively associated with Bcl‐2 (p = 0.0006), but positively with Glut 1 expression (p = 0.001). In conclusion, the accelerated autophagic status in NSCLC is unrelated to Beclin 1 and BNIP3 expression, but does show significant association with Bcl‐2 reactivity. Furthermore, we showed important correlations between glucolysis and autophagy, guiding new pathways in future lung carcinoma research.
The prevalence, correlates and impact of anaemia among older people in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela
Authors: Bryce Renata M. , Salas Aquiles , Acosta Daisy , Jimenez‐Velazquez Ivonne Z. , Llibre‐Rodriguez Juan J. , Sosa Ana Luisa , Teruel Beatriz Marcheco , Valhuerdi Adolfo , Ferri Cleusa P. , McKeigue Paul , Prince Martin J. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryAnaemia among older people is increasingly recognized as a matter of public health concern. Data from low‐ and middle‐income countries are sparse. We surveyed 10915 people aged 65 years and over (8423 with blood tests) in catchment areas in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Mexico, to assess prevalence and correlates of anaemia and impact on disability. Prevalence varied widely between sites, from 6·4% in rural Mexico to 9·2% in urban Mexico, 9·8% in Venezuela, 19·2% in Cuba, 32·1% in Puerto Rico and 37·3% in Dominican Republic. Prevalence was higher in men and increased with age, but sociodemographic composition did not account for prevalence differences between sites. Standardized morbidity ratios indicated a much higher prevalence in Cuba (173), Puerto Rico (280) and Dominican Republic (332) compared with USA National Health and National Examination Surveys. Anaemia was associated with undernutrition, physical impairments, and serum creatinine. There was an association with greater African admixture in Dominican Republic but not in Cuba. African admixture is therefore unlikely to fully explain the high prevalence in the Caribbean islands, which may also arise from environmental, possibly dietary factors. Given an important independent contribution of anaemia to disability, more research is needed to identify preventable and treatable causes.
Role of pituitary dysfunction on cardiovascular risk in primary empty sella patients
Authors: Colao Annamaria , Cotta Oana R. , Ferone Diego , Torre Maria L. , Ferraù Francesco , Di Somma Carolina , Boschetti Mara , Teti Claudia , Savanelli Maria C. , Alibrandi Angela , Trimarchi Francesco , Cannavò Salvatore 
Published: December 2012

SummaryObjectivePrimary empty sella (PES) is a frequent anatomical condition rarely causing pituitary dysfunction. We assessed cardiovascular risk in a cohort of PES patients referred to Endocrine Units.DesignThe study was performed in three Italian tertiary referral centres. We evaluated pituitary function and cardiovascular risk, on the basis of lipid and glucose metabolism parameters and of Framingham score (FS), in 94 consecutive patients with PES diagnosis and in 94 gender, age and BMI matched controls.PatientsPituitary function was normal in 30 patients (group A), whereas a single or multiple pituitary hormone deficiency was demonstrated in 64 (group B). Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was diagnosed in 56, central hypothyroidism in 35, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in 32 and central hypoadrenalism in 24 cases.ResultsFramingham score was higher and glucose and lipid profile were worse in PES patients than in controls. Cardiovascular risk parameters were not different between group A and B. In group B, increased cardiovascular risk was associated with hypothyroidism and hypogonadism, but not with GHD. In group A, cardiovascular risk was higher and FT3 and FT4 levels were lower than in controls. Moreover, PES patients stratified for BMI showed a worse glucose and lipid profile and (in the overweight subgroup) higher FS than matched controls.ConclusionsPrimary empty sella patients show increased cardiovascular risk, regardless of BMI. A worse lipid and glucose profile and higher FS were associated with secondary hypothyroidism, even subclinical, as well as hypogonadism.
Family group conferences: context, process and ways forward
Authors: Frost Nick , Abram Fiona , Burgess Hannah 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis is the first part of a two‐part review of the literature, policy and practice relating to family group conferences (FGCs). This first paper explores the background, the global policy context, the theoretical foundations and the process of undertaking FGCs. The literature is extensive in relation to these elements of FGCs, unlike the limited literature relating to outcomes, which is examined in the second part of this review. In the subsequent review, we examine the issue of outcomes, research findings and explore future challenges in implementing FGCs.
Aspirin‐/TMZ‐coloaded Microspheres Exert Synergistic Antiglioma Efficacy via Inhibition of β‐catenin Transactivation
Authors: Shi Zhen‐Dong , Qian Xiao‐Min , Liu Chao‐Yong , Han Lei , Zhang Kai‐Liang , Chen Lu‐Yue , Zhang Jun‐Xia , Pu Pei‐Yu , Yuan Xu‐Bo , Kang Chun‐Sheng ,   Chinese Glioma Cooperative Group (CGCG)
Published: December 2012

SummaryBackground and AimsCurrently temozolomide (TMZ) as a potent agent is widely used to treat the glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), whereas recurrence due to intrinsic or acquired therapeutic resistance often occurs. Combination chemotherapy with TMZ may be a promising therapeutic strategy to improve treatment efficacy.MethodsAspirin, TMZ, and aspirin‐/TMZ‐coloaded poly (L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres were prepared by spray drying, and cytotoxicities of glioblastoma cells were measured.ResultsAspirin microsphere treatment induced slight apoptosis and modestly inhibited proliferation of LN229 and U87 cells in vitro and in vivo through inhibition of β‐catenin transactivation. However, aspirin‐/TMZ‐coloaded microspheres presented synergistic antitumor efficacy compared with single TMZ‐loaded microspheres. Aspirin/TMZ microspheres induced more apoptosis and repressed proliferation of LN229 and U87 cells. Corresponding to inhibition of β‐catenin signaling, β‐catenin/TCF4 transcriptional activity and STAT3 luciferase activity were strongly suppressed, and downstream targets expression was decreased. Furthermore, aspirin/TMZ microsphere intratumoral injection downregulated the expression of β‐catenin, TCF4, pAKT, pSTAT3, and PCNA and delayed tumor growth in nude mice harboring subcutaneous LN229 xenografts.ConclusionsAspirin sensitized TMZ chemotherapy efficacy through inhibition of β‐catenin transactivation; furthermore, the coloaded microspheres achieved a sustained release action to reduce the TMZ dosage, offering the potential for improved treatment of glioblastomas.