bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposure to life events as a risk factor for psychological problems in adults with intellectual disabilities: a longitudinal design
Authors: Hulbert‐Williams L. , Hastings R. , Owen D. M. , Burns L. , Day J. , Mulligan J. , Noone S. J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundSeveral cross‐sectional studies have shown an association between exposure to life events and psychological problems in adults with intellectual disability (ID). To establish life events as a risk factor, prospective designs are needed.MethodsSupport staff informants provided data on the psychological problems of 68 adults with ID and their recent exposure to life events. Using data collected on the same sample 3.5 to 4 years earlier, prospective analysis of the relationships between life events exposure and psychological problems over time was explored.ResultsHierarchical linear regression analyses demonstrated a contribution of life events to the prediction of later psychological problems after controlling for earlier psychological problems. Exploratory analyses showed that the relationship between life events and psychological problems might be unidirectional, and non‐spurious; remaining present once the impact of other correlates of psychological problems was controlled.ConclusionsThese data offer support for the status of life events (with a negative valence) as a risk factor for psychological problems in adults with ID. To establish life events as a causal risk factor, research is needed to examine the mechanisms via which life events have their impact on psychological well‐being.
Minor Changes in Gene Expression in the Mouse Preoptic Hypothalamic Region by Inflammation‐Induced Prostaglandin E2
Authors: Vasilache A. M. , Kugelberg U. , Blomqvist A. , Nilsberth C. 
Published: April 2013

We investigated to what extent inflammation‐induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) regulates gene expression in the central nervous system. Wild‐type mice and mice with deletion of the gene encoding microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1), which cannot produce inflammation‐induced PGE2, were subjected to peripheral injection of bacterial wall lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and killed after 5 h. The median and medial preoptic nuclei, which are rich in prostaglandin E receptors, were isolated by laser capture microdissection (LCM), and subjected to whole genome microarray analysis. Although the immune stimulus induced robust transcriptional changes in the brain, as seen by a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) on selected genes, only small PGE2‐dependent gene expression changes were observed in the gene array analysis and, for only two genes, a pronounced differential expression between LPS‐treated wild‐type and mPGES‐1 knockout mice could be verified by qRT‐PCR. These were Hspa1a and Hspa1b, encoding heat shock proteins, which showed a two‐ to three‐fold higher expression in wild‐type mice than in knockout mice after immune challenge. However, the induced expression of these genes was found to be secondary to increased body temperature because they were induced also by cage exchange stress, which did not elicit PGE2 synthesis, and thus were not induced per se by PGE2‐elicited transcriptional events. Our findings suggest that inflammation‐induced PGE2 has little effect on gene expression in the preoptic region, and that centrally elicited disease symptoms, although PGE2‐dependent, occur as a result of regulation of neuronal excitability that is a consequence of intracellular, transcriptional‐independent signalling cascades. Our findings also imply that the profound changes in gene expression in the brain that are elicited by peripheral inflammation occur independently of PGE2 via a yet unidentified mechanism.
The effects of CD44 down‐regulation on stem cell properties of head and neck cancer cell lines
Authors: Kidwai Fahad , Costea Daniela E. , Hutchison Iain , Mackenzie Ian 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThere is now substantial evidence that only a subpopulation of cells in solid cancers is able to sustain tumour growth and to re‐initiate new tumours. Various cancers and cancer‐derived cell lines, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), have a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), marked by high levels of expression of the CD44 adhesion molecule. However, it has been unclear whether, in addition to acting as a marker, CD44 has functions that directly influence stem cell properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CD44 in the maintenance of the CSC population in HNSCC cell lines.MethodsCD44 was down‐regulated either by treating cultures with 1 mM sodium butyrate or by the more specific method of knockdown with siRNAs directed against CD44. Changes in CD44 expression levels were assessed at the mRNA and protein levels, and the effects of CD44 down‐regulation on cell proliferation and on the fate of the CSC subpopulations were assessed.ResultsReduced CD44 expression resulted in a decreased rate of population expansion, both initially and on repassage, and there was an alteration in colony morphologies indicative of stem cell loss. Down‐regulation of CD44 also led to reduced expression of Oct4A, an alternative marker of CSCs.ConclusionsThe results suggest that CD44 has a functional role in maintaining stem cell properties in HNSCC cell lines and provides support for the concept that therapies targeting CD44, or its related signalling pathways, may allow development of more efficient treatment strategies.
Melatonin treatment reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress and modulates the unfolded protein response in rabbits with lethal fulminant hepatitis of viral origin
Authors: Tuñón María J. , San‐Miguel Beatriz , Crespo Irene , Laliena Almudena , Vallejo Daniela , Álvarez Marcelino , Prieto Jesús , González‐Gallego Javier 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHepatocyte apoptosis plays an important role in the development of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). The objective of this study was to investigate whether endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) inhibition is an underlying mechanism of melatonin anti‐apoptotic effects in an animal model of FHF of viral origin induced by the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). Rabbits were experimentally infected with 2 × 104 hemagglutination units of a RHDV isolate and received melatonin at two concentrations of 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg at 0 hr, 12 hr and 24 hr postinfection. RHDV infection induced increased expression of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP/GRP78), glucose‐regulated protein 94 (GRP94), phospho‐c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and caspase‐12. These effects were attenuated by melatonin. Double immunofluorescence staining showed colocalization of CHOP and cleaved caspase‐3 in liver sections of RHDV‐infected rabbits, while immunostaining decreased markedly with melatonin treatment. RHDV infection resulted in significant increases in the mRNA levels of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), ATF4, inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), spliced X‐box binding protein‐1 (XBP1s) and tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 2 (TRAF2). Melatonin attenuated the extent of the changes. Data obtained provide evidence that in rabbits with experimental infection by RHDV, reduction in apoptotic liver damage by melatonin is associated with attenuation of ER stress through a modulation of the three arms of UPR signaling and further support a potential hepatoprotective role of melatonin in FHF.
Upregulation of T‐cell factor‐4 isoform‐responsive target genes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tomimaru Yoshito , Koga Hironori , Yano Hirohisa , de la Monte Suzanne , Wands Jack R. , Kim Miran 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway regulates genes involved in cell proliferation, survival, migration and invasion through regulation by T‐cell factor (TCF)‐4 transcription factor proteins. However, the role ofTCF‐4 isoforms generated by alternative splicing events in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown.AimHere, we investigatedTCF‐4 isoforms (TCF‐4J and K)‐responsive target genes that are important in hepatic oncogenesis and tumour development.MethodsGene expression microarray was performed onHCCcells overexpressingTCF‐4J and K isoforms. Expression level of selected target genes was evaluated and correlations were made between their expression level and that ofTCF‐4 isoform in 47 pairs of humanHCCtumours.ResultsComparison by gene expression microarray revealed that 447 genes were upregulated and 343 downregulated more than 2.0‐fold inTCF‐4J compared withTCF‐4K expressing cells. We validated expression of 18 selected target genes involved in Wnt/β‐catenin, insulin/IGF‐1/IRS1 and Notch signalling pathways in 47 pairs of humanHCCs and adjacent uninvolved liver tissues. It was observed that 13 genes (CLDN2,STK17B,SPP1,AXIN2,WISP2,MMP7,IRS1,ANXA1,CAMK2N1,ASPH,GPR56,CD24 andJAG1) activated byTCF‐4J isoform inHCCcells, were also upregulated inHCCtumours compared with adjacent peritumour tissue; more importantly, 10 genes exhibited a significant correlation with theTCF‐4J expression level in tumour.ConclusionTCF‐4 isoforms (TCF‐4J and K) activated different downstream target genes inHCC. The biological consequence ofTCF‐4J isoform expression was upregulation of genes associated with tripartite Wnt/β‐catenin, insulin/IGF‐1/IRS1 and Notch signal transduction pathway activation, which contribute to the pathogenesis ofHCC.
Oxidative stress and antibody levels to periodontal bacteria in adults: the Nagasaki Islands study
Authors: Tamaki N , Hayashida H , Fukui M , Kitamura M , Kawasaki K , Nakazato M , Maeda T , Saito T , Ito H‐O 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivePeriodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the tissues supporting the teeth and is caused by subgingival plaque. Systemic increases in reactive oxygen species are involved in pathogenesis of periodontitis. This study addressed the relationship between levels of serum oxidative stress and antibodies against putative periodontopathic bacteria and their association with periodontal conditions, in a community‐based study.Subjects and MethodsSerum samples were measured for reactive oxygen metabolite (ROM) levels and anti‐oxidant capacity. The serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), and Eikenella corrodens (Ec) were determined by ELISA.ResultsThe participants with greater clinical attachment loss had higher serum ROM levels and IgG antibody titers to Pg. Serum ROM levels were positively correlated with antibody titers to Pg, Pi, and Ec. When the participants with greater probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss were used as the dependent variables, high ROM levels showed a statistically significant associations in multivariate logistic analyses; the adjusted odds ratios were 2.9 (95% confidence interval = 1.0–8.5) and 6.0 (95% confidence interval = 2.0–17.6), respectively.ConclusionsIt was concluded that an increased oxidative stress may be detrimental to periodontitis in Japanese community‐dwelling adults.
Pre‐processing, registration and selection of adaptive optics corrected retinal images
Authors: Ramaswamy Gomathy , Devaney Nicholas 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPurposeIn this paper, the aim is to demonstrate enhanced processing of sequences of fundus images obtained using a commercial AO flood illumination system. The purpose of the work is to (1) correct for uneven illumination at the retina (2) automatically select the best quality images and (3) precisely register the best images.MethodsAdaptive optics corrected retinal images are pre‐processed to correct uneven illumination using different methods; subtracting or dividing by the average filtered image, homomorphic filtering and a wavelet based approach. These images are evaluated to measure the image quality using various parameters, including sharpness, variance, power spectrum kurtosis and contrast. We have carried out the registration in two stages; a coarse stage using cross‐correlation followed by fine registration using two approaches; parabolic interpolation on the peak of the cross‐correlation and maximum‐likelihood estimation. The angle of rotation of the images is measured using a combination of peak tracking and Procrustes transformation.ResultsWe have found that a wavelet approach (Daubechies 4 wavelet at 6th level decomposition) provides good illumination correction with clear improvement in image sharpness and contrast. The assessment of image quality using a ‘Designer metric’ works well when compared to visual evaluation, although it is highly correlated with other metrics. In image registration, sub‐pixel translation measured using parabolic interpolation on the peak of the cross‐correlation function and maximum‐likelihood estimation are found to give very similar results (RMS difference 0.047 pixels). We have confirmed that correcting rotation of the images provides a significant improvement, especially at the edges of the image. We observed that selecting the better quality frames (e.g. best 75% images) for image registration gives improved resolution, at the expense of poorer signal‐to‐noise. The sharpness map of the registered and de‐rotated images shows increased sharpness over most of the field of view.ConclusionAdaptive optics assisted images of the cone photoreceptors can be better pre‐processed using a wavelet approach. These images can be assessed for image quality using a ‘Designer Metric’. Two‐stage image registration including correcting for rotation significantly improves the final image contrast and sharpness.
Pediatric Pyoderma Gangrenosum with Splenic and Pulmonary Involvement
Authors: Allen Caroline P. , Hull Jeremy , Wilkison Nick , Burge Susan M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old boy presented with ulcers on the lip and limbs, scattered pustules, fever, and general malaise. Further investigation revealed splenic and pulmonary lesions. A diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum with splenic and pulmonary involvement was made. The authors have not found a previous report of pediatric pyoderma with splenic involvement in the literature.
Pathologic Features of Pediatric Head and Neck Melanoma
Authors: Tcheung Win Janet , Nelson Kelly , Aldabagh Bishr , Puja Puri 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAlthough malignant melanoma is rare in children, its incidence is steadily increasing, and it is potentially lethal. Few studies have examined head and neck melanoma in children, and even fewer have focused on the histopathologic features of melanoma within this anatomic region. To further the understanding of this entity, we examined pathology specimens from nine subjects age 18 years and younger with an original diagnosis of head or neck melanoma. The anatomic locations of these primary melanomas were the face and nose (n = 4), scalp and neck (n = 4), and ear (n = 1). The cases included seven superficial spreading melanomas, one unclassified (possible nodular) melanoma, and one melanoma in situ. No melanomas demonstrating desmoplastic or spindle cell morphologies were noted upon review. Breslow depth ranged from 0 to 2.9 mm (mean 1.3 mm, median 0.6 mm), with Clark level ranging from I to V. Pagetoid scatter was found in eight cases. Other notable features included regression (n = 5), ulceration (n = 1), and associated melanocytic nevus (n = 4). We did not observe any small cell variants; all nine cases had an epithelioid appearance. Nor was any melanoma‐associated mortality observed at last follow‐up (mean 60.4 mos, median 48 mos, range 2–174 mos). These histopathologic features were consistent with adult‐type melanoma, which is in agreement with other histopathologic studies of melanoma in children.
Factors Related to Sexual Practices and Successful Sexually Transmitted Infection/HIV Intervention Programs for Latino Adolescents
Authors: Lee Young‐Me , Dancy Barbara , Florez Elizabeth , Holm Karyn 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this integrative literature review was to explore factors that are related to sexual practices among Latino adolescents and identify which of those factors are common across successful sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV intervention programs for Latino adolescents.DesignAn integrative literature review was conducted. Search terms included Latino, Hispanic, education, intervention/prevention programs, sex, sexuality, reproductive health, health risk behaviors, multiple sex partners, contraception, STI/HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, delay in initiation of sexual intercourse, consistent use of birth control, avoidance of STI/HIV infections, unintended pregnancy, cultural factors, and gender roles.ResultsFindings revealed from the review of 17 articles addressing factors related to sexual practices among Latino adolescents included familialism, religion, gender roles, level of knowledge/information, and privacy/confidentiality. Five successful STI/HIV intervention programs, that incorporated those factors to effectively reduce risky sexual behaviors were identified. STI/HIV knowledge and gender roles were recognized as common factors integrated into and across successful intervention programs for this population.ConclusionOnly STI/HIV knowledge and gender roles were found as common factors across the five successful STI/HIV intervention programs and should be incorporated into future intervention programs that are culturally and gender specific. Therefore, health care providers need to understand culturally related gender roles and their impact on sexual practices to provide culturally sensitive and appropriate sex education about STIs and HIV for Latino adolescents to increase the program potential for reducing STI/HIV.
Severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with non‐tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease: A case‐control study
Authors: Jeon Kyeongman , Kim Su‐Young , Jeong Byeong‐Ho , Chang Boksoon , Shin Sung Jae , Koh Won‐Jung 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackground and objectivePrevious studies have found evidence of an association between tuberculosis and vitamin D deficiency (VDD). However, the association between VDD and infection caused by non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has never been studied. This study evaluated the prevalence and severity of VDD in NTM lung disease and attempted to identify predictive factors.MethodsAge‐ and sex‐matched case‐control study was conducted to assess the prevalence and severity of VDD in patients with NTM lung disease.ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounding factors, the adjusted mean serum level of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels was lower in 104 patients with NTM lung disease (10.7 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.5–16.8 ng/mL) than that of 312 controls (13.7 ng/mL, 95% CI 7.4–19.5 ng/mL) (P = 0.012). Although the prevalence of VDD defined as serum 25(OH)D level <20 ng/mL was not different, severe VDD defined as serum 25(OH)D level <10 ng/mL was more prevalent in patients (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, severe (but not mild) VDD was independently associated with NTM lung disease (adjusted odds ratio 3.9, 95% CI 1.9–8.5, P < 0.001).ConclusionsPatients with NTM lung disease have a high prevalence of severe VDD and VDD was independently associated with NTM lung disease. Further studies are needed to examine causality.
Epicene Agreement and Inflected Infinitives When the Data Is “Under Control”: A Reply to Modesto ()
Authors: Rodrigues Cilene , Hornstein Norbert 
Published: April 2013

AbstractTwo empirical domains in Brazilian Portuguese have recently been claimed by Modesto (2010) to be problematic for the movement theory of control. We employ experimental‐syntax methods and find that more rigorous methodology reveals a more robust set of results that undermines both lines of argumentation. The first argument concerns agreement with epicene nouns in Romance that can be used as a diagnostic for the underlying presence of a moved element and, in particular, whether embedded null subjects are the result of finite control (as movement). The evidence confirms that embedded null subjects in finiteCPs pattern together with obligatory control in Brazilian Portuguese, but not in Italian, and that the methodology is sensitive enough to distinguish these two language types. The second set of experimental‐syntax results concern the interpretation of inflected infinitives in Portuguese and demonstrate that null subjects of inflected infinitives do not favor partial‐control readings, instead patterning together with nonobligatory control. As such, although they raise interesting questions about the status ofproin partialpro‐drop grammars, inflected infinitives are orthogonal to the predictions of the movement theory of control.
Apelin acts in the subfornical organ to influence neuronal excitability and cardiovascular function
Authors: Dai Li , Smith Pauline M. , Kuksis Markus , Ferguson Alastair V. 
Published: April 2013

Key points
Apelin receptor mRNA is expressed in the subfornical organ.
Apelin influences the excitability of the majority of subfornical organ neurons, with similar proportion showing depolarizing and hyperpolarizing effects.
Hyperpolarizations appear to result from the activation of a sustained voltage‐activated potassium conductance, while depolarizations may result from modulation of a non‐selective cationic conductance.
In vivo microinjection of apelin into the subfornical organ results in decreases in blood pressure.
Abstract  Apelin is an adipocyte‐derived hormone involved in the regulation of water balance, food intake and the cardiovascular system partially through actions in the CNS. The subfornical organ (SFO) is a circumventricular organ with identified roles in body fluid homeostasis, cardiovascular control and energy balance. The SFO lacks a normal blood–brain barrier, and is thus able to detect circulating signalling molecules such as angiotensin II and leptin. In this study, we investigated actions of apelin‐13, the predominant apelin isoform in brain and circulatory system, on the excitability of dissociated SFO neurons using electrophysiological approaches, and determined the cardiovascular consequences of direct administration into the SFO of anaesthetized rats. Whole cell current clamp recording revealed that bath‐applied 100 nm apelin‐13 directly influences the excitability of the majority of SFO neurons by eliciting either depolarizing (31.8%, mean 7.0 ± 0.8 mV) or hyperpolarizing (28.6%, mean −10.4 ± 1.8 mV) responses. Using voltage‐clamp techniques, we also identified modulatory actions of apelin‐13 on specific ion channels, demonstrating that apelin‐13 activates a non‐selective cationic conductance to depolarize SFO neurons while activation of the delayed rectifier potassium conductance underlies hyperpolarizing effects. In anaesthetized rats, microinjection of apelin into SFO decreased both blood pressure (BP) (mean area under the curve −1492.3 ± 357.1 mmHg.s, n= 5) and heart rate (HR) (−32.4 ± 10.39 beats, n= 5). Our data suggest that circulating apelin can directly affect BP and HR as a consequence of the ability of this peptide to modulate the excitability of SFO neurons.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Propionibacterium acnes Isolates from Shoulder Surgery
Authors: Crane John K. , Hohman Donald W. , Nodzo Scott R. , Duquin Thomas R. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Orthopedic surgeons at our institution have noticed an increase in the number of infections due to
Propionibacterium acnes
, especially following operations on the shoulder. We collected
P. acnes
isolates from our hospital microbiology laboratory for 1 year and performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing on 28 strains from the shoulder. Antibiotics with the lowest MIC values against
P. acnes
(MIC
50
and MIC
90
) included penicillin G (0.006, 0.125), cephalothin (0.047 and 0.094), and ceftriaxone (0.016, 0.045), while others also showed activity. Strains resistant to clindamycin were noted.