bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical indicaxanthin suppresses 7-ketocholesterol-induced THP-1 cell apoptosis by preventing cytosolic Ca2+increase and oxidative stress
Authors: Tesoriere Luisa , Attanzio Alessandro , Allegra Mario , Gentile Carla , Livrea Maria A. 
Published: December 2012

7-Ketocholesterol (7-KC)-induced apoptosis of macrophages is considered a key event in the development of human atheromas. In the present study, the effect of indicaxanthin (Ind), a bioactive pigment from cactus pear fruit, on 7-KC-induced apoptosis of human monocyte/macrophage THP-1 cells was investigated. A pathophysiological condition was simulated by using amounts of 7-KC that can be reached in human atheromatous plaque. Ind was assayed within a micromolar concentration range, consistent with its plasma level after dietary supplementation with cactus pear fruit. Pro-apoptotic effects of 7-KC were assessed by cell cycle arrest, exposure of phosphatidylserine at the plasma membrane, variation of nuclear morphology, decrease of mitochondrial trans-membrane potential, activation of Bcl-2 antagonist of cell death and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 cleavage. Kinetic measurements within 24 h showed early formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species over basal levels, preceding NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX-4) over-expression and elevation of cytosolic Ca2+, with progressive depletion of total thiols. 7-KC-dependent activation of the redox-sensitive NF-κB was observed. Co-incubation of 2·5 μmof Ind completely prevented 7-KC-induced pro-apoptotic events. The effects of Ind may be ascribed to inhibition of NOX-4 basal activity and over-expression, inhibition of NF-κB activation, maintaining cell redox balance and Ca homeostasis, with prevention of mitochondrial damage and consequently apoptosis. The findings suggest that Ind, a highly bioavailable dietary phytochemical, may exert protective effects against atherogenetic toxicity of 7-KC at a concentration of nutritional interest.
North–south gradients in plasma concentrations of B-vitamins and other components of one-carbon metabolism in Western Europe: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study
Authors: Eussen Simone J. P. M. , Nilsen Roy M. , Midttun Øivind , Hustad Steinar , IJssennagger Noortje , Meyer Klaus , Fredriksen Åse , Ulvik Arve , Ueland Per M. , Brennan Paul , Johansson Mattias , Bueno-de-Mesquita Bas , Vineis Paolo , Chuang Shu-Chun , Boutron-Ruault Marie Christine , Dossus Laure , Perquier Florence , Overvad Kim , Teucher Birgit , Grote Verena A. , Trichopoulou Antonia , Adarakis George , Plada Maria , Sieri Sabina , Tumino Rosario , de Magistris Maria Santucci , Ros Martine M. , Peeters Petra H. M. , Redondo Maria Luisa , Zamora-Ros Raul , Chirlaque Maria-Dolores , Ardanaz Eva , Sonestedt Emily , Ericson Ulrika , Schneede Jörn , van Guelpen Bethany , Wark Petra A. , Gallo Valentina , Norat Teresa , Riboli Elio , Vollset Stein Emil 
Published: December 2012

Different lifestyle patterns across Europe may influence plasma concentrations of B-vitamins and one-carbon metabolites and their relation to chronic disease. Comparison of published data on one-carbon metabolites in Western European regions is difficult due to differences in sampling procedures and analytical methods between studies. The present study aimed, to compare plasma concentrations of one-carbon metabolites in Western European regions with one laboratory performing all biochemical analyses. We performed the present study in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort among 5446 presumptively healthy individuals. Quantile regression was used to compare sex-specific median concentrations between Northern (Denmark and Sweden), Central (France, Germany, The Netherlands and United Kingdom) and Southern (Greece, Spain and Italy) European regions. The lowest folate concentrations were observed in Northern Europe (men, 10·4 nmol/l; women, 10·7 nmol/l) and highest concentrations in Central Europe. Cobalamin concentrations were slightly higher in Northern Europe (men, 330 pmol/l; women, 352 pmol/l) compared with Central and Southern Europe, but did not show a clear north–south gradient. Vitamin B2concentrations were highest in Northern Europe (men, 22·2 nmol/l; women, 26·0 nmol/l) and decreased towards Southern Europe (Ptrend< 0·001). Vitamin B6concentrations were highest in Central Europe in men (77·3 nmol/l) and highest in the North among women (70·4 nmol/l), with decreasing concentrations towards Southern Europe in women (Ptrend< 0·001). In men, concentrations of serine, glycine and sarcosine increased from the north to south. In women, sarcosine increased from Northern to Southern Europe. These findings may provide relevant information for the study of regional differences of chronic disease incidence in association with lifestyle.
PROPAGATION AND PRODUCTION OF GAC (MOMORDICA COCHINCHINENSIS SPRENG.), A GREENHOUSE CASE STUDY
Authors: PARKS SOPHIE E. , MURRAY CARLY T. , GALE DAVID L. , AL-KHAWALDEH BASEM , SPOHR LORRAINE J. 
Published: December 2012

SUMMARYGreater cultivation of the underutilised Gac fruit, Momordica cochinchinensis, by poorly resourced householders and farmers would potentially improve livelihoods, and, on a larger scale, meet the increasing demand for Gac as a health product. Cultivation methods need to be developed to suit small- and large-scale production and must consider the unpredictable ratio of male to female plants grown from seed, and slow growth induced by cool temperatures. In this study, we examined the responses of Gac to propagation and protected cropping techniques to identify potential methods for increasing production. Plants germinated from seed in seed-raising mix under warm and humid conditions were grown hydroponically to maturity in a climate-controlled greenhouse during a temperate winter, producing fruits that were harvested ripe, from 44 weeks after sowing. Cuttings taken from female plants were dipped in indole-3-butyric rooting hormone powder or gel, or were left untreated, and then placed in rock wool, potting mix, water or closed media sachet. All treatment combinations, with the exception of the untreated potting mix, permitted the development of healthy plants in a second greenhouse crop. Growing plants from seed, then vegetatively increasing the number of productive female plants by cuttings is a means to increase Gac production with limited resources. Gac production using greenhouse technology, as described here for the first time, is relevant to other temperate regions. The finding that larger fruits have a higher percentage of edible aril than smaller fruits provides a new area of investigation towards enhancing production.
Does early-onset chronic or recurrent major depression impact outcomes with antidepressant medications? A CO-MED Trial Report
Authors: Sung S. C. , Wisniewski S. R. , Balasubramani G. K. , Zisook S. , Kurian B. , Warden D. , Trivedi M. H. , Rush A. J. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundPrior studies have suggested that major depressive disorder (MDD) with pre-adult onset represents a distinct subtype with greater symptom severity and higher rates of suicidal ideation. Whether these patients have poorer response to various types of antidepressant treatment than those with adult-onset MDD is unclear.MethodA total of 665 psychiatric and primary care out-patients (aged 18–75 years) with non-psychotic chronic or recurrent MDD participated in a single-blind, randomized trial that compared the efficacy of escitalopram plus placebo, bupropion sustained-release plus escitalopram, or venlafaxine extended-release plus mirtazapine. We compared participants who self-reported MDD onset (before age 18) to those with a later onset (adult onset) with respect to baseline characteristics and treatment/outcome variables at 12 and 28 weeks.ResultsEarly-onset chronic/recurrent MDD was associated with a distinct set of sociodemographic (female, younger age) and clinical correlates (longer duration of illness, greater number of prior episodes, greater likelihood of atypical features, higher rates of suicidality and psychiatric co-morbidity, fewer medical problems, poorer quality of life, greater history of child abuse/neglect). However, results from unadjusted and adjusted analyses showed no significant differences in response, remission, tolerability of medications, quality of life, or retention at 12 or 28 weeks.ConclusionsAlthough early-onset chronic/recurrent MDD is associated with a more severe clinical picture, it does not seem to be useful for predicting differential treatment response to antidepressant medication. Clinicians should remain alert to an increased risk of suicidality in this population.
Praying for outcomes one knows would be bad
Authors: MAWSON T. J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this article, I consider what states of knowledge of the value of outcomes are consistent with a classical theist's praying to God that He bring about those outcomes. I proceed from a consideration of the cases which seem least problematic (the theist knows these outcomes to be ones which would be, at least after they've been prayed for, best or at least good), through a consideration of cases where the outcomes prayed for are ones the goodness and badness of which the theist is agnostic about, to consider finally praying for outcomes that the theist knows would be bad at the time he or she is praying for them. I conclude that even prayers of this last sort should, albeit only on rare occasions, be prayed.
Saving friends or saving strangers? Critical humanitarianism and the geopolitics of international law
Authors: MOORE THOMAS 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWhat can critical geopolitics contribute to an understanding of the political dynamics of humanitarianism within International Relations? This article demands a reconsideration of the concept of humanitarianism by examining the spatial ordering of international society and the geopolitics of international law that condition our understanding of humanitarian agency and conduct within IR. The focus on critical geopolitics seeks to identify the normative structure of humanitarianism and how humanitarian claims – which are seemingly universal – are constituted through specific geopolitical discourses that structure agency and conduct within international life. Considering how humanitarianism is discursively structured as a geopolitical concept involves taking humanitarianism beyond its methodological privileging of impartiality, neutrality, and universality in making sense of humanitarianism. Critical humanitarianism does not accept the grounding of humanitarianism within an intuitive moral framework but instead locates humanitarian agency and conduct within a spatialised understanding of the international system. Such a spatialised ordering of humanitarianism takes the analytical focus away from ‘saving strangers’ (Wheeler) and ‘global conscience’ (Linklater) towards a consideration of the ways in which international law is the product of historical particulars that reflect a complex political sociology of the state (Schmitt).
Campylobacterseroconversion rates in selected countries in the European Union
Authors: TEUNIS P. F. M. , FALKENHORST G. , ANG C. W. , STRID M. A. , DE VALK H. , SADKOWSKA-TODYS M. , ZOTA L. , KUUSI M. , ROTA M. C. , SIMONSEN J. B. , MØLBAK K. , VAN DUYNHOVEN Y. T. H. P. , VAN PELT W. 
Published: December 2012

SUMMARYAs a major foodborne pathogen,Campylobacteris frequently isolated from food sources of animal origin. In contrast, humanCampylobacterillness is relatively rare, but has a considerable health burden due to acute enteric illness as well as severe sequelae. To study silent transmission, serum antibodies can be used as biomarkers to estimate seroconversion rates, as a proxy for infection pressure. This novel approach to serology shows that infections are much more common than disease, possibly because most infections remain asymptomatic. This study used antibody titres measured in serum samples collected from healthy subjects selected randomly in the general population from several countries in the European Union (EU). Estimates of seroconversion rates toCampylobacterwere calculated for seven countries: Romania, Poland, Italy, France, Finland, Denmark and The Netherlands. Results indicate high infection pressures in all these countries, slightly increasing in Eastern EU countries. Of these countries, the differences in rates of notified illnesses are much greater, with low numbers in France and Poland, possibly indicating lower probability of detection due to differences in the notification systems, but in the latter case it cannot be excluded that more frequent exposure confers better protection due to acquired immunity.
Importance of including small‐scale tile drain discharge in the calibration of a coupled groundwater‐surface water catchment model
Authors: Hansen Anne Lausten , Refsgaard Jens Christian , Christensen Britt Stenhøj Baun , Jensen Karsten Høgh 
Published: December 2012

Key Points
Using drain data in catchment model calibration improved general performance
Small‐scale performance is not acceptable and not improved much by drain data
Main reason to poor drainage simulation is inadequate spatial dynamics in head
Isentropic constraints by midlatitude surface warming on the Arctic midtroposphere
Authors: Laliberté F. , Kushner P. J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn simulations of 21st century climate, it is argued that changes in midlatitude near‐surface moisture and temperature could explain the autumn midtropospheric Arctic warming. The argument is based on a comparison between the Arctic midtropospheric warming and theoretical estimates in which synoptic scale transient eddies propagate near‐surface warming anomalies along either dry potential temperature surfaces or equivalent (moist) potential temperature surfaces. In most models, it is observed that the Arctic midtropospheric warming can be obtained from the propagation of midlatitude near‐surface warming anomalies according to a dynamic that is intermediate between the dry and moist theories. While many models follow more closely the moist theory, few follow more closely the dry theory. This finding suggests that, as for the tropical atmosphere, theories of high‐latitude midtropospheric warming based on changes in poleward heat fluxes should include a moist component.
On the angular effect of residual clouds and aerosols in clear‐sky infrared window radiance observations 2. Satellite experimental analyses
Authors: Nalli Nicholas R. , Barnet Christopher D. , Gambacorta Antonia , Maddy Eric S. , Xie Hua , King Thomas S. , Joseph Everette , Morris Vernon R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis paper continues an investigation into the zenith angular effect of cloud‐contamination within “clear‐sky” infrared (IR) radiance observations commonly used in the retrieval of environmental data records (EDRs), which include “cloud‐cleared radiances” (as is typical from hyper/ultra spectral IR sounders), as well as “cloud‐masked” data (as is typical from imagers). The simple probability of clear line of sight (PCLoS) models and sensitivity studies of Part 1 (Nalli et al., 2012a) are corroborated with experimental analyses of environmental satellite data products as functions of sensor zenith angle, including sounder cloud‐cleared radiances (CCRs) and retrieved effective cloud fraction, as well as narrowband imager cloud masking. Analyses of hyperspectral microwindow calc − obs are performed using MetOp‐A Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) CCR observations matched to dedicated radiosonde observations (RAOBs) during intensive validation field campaigns. The IASI calc − obs are found to exhibit a systematic positive bias with a strong concave‐up variation with satellite zenith angle (i.e., an increasing positive bias symmetric over the scanning range) on the order of 1–3 K in magnitude, a signal associated with both residual clouds and dust aerosols. This is corroborated by analysis of the IASI retrieved effective cloud fraction product compared to the expected angular variations predicted by the PCLoS models, which show that the observed concave‐up calc − obs variation may be the result of contamination by mid‐to‐upper tropospheric clouds. Finally, a corollary global analysis of the MetOp‐A Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) cloud‐mask shows concave‐up variation that may be underestimating the angular variation for global ensembles containing clouds with vertical development (i.e., aspect ratios >0.5). The results presented in this work thus support the sensitivity studies of Part 1, indicating that contamination by residual clouds and/or aerosols within clear‐sky observations can have a measurable concave‐up impact on the angular agreement of observations with calculations.
Dynamically downscaled winter precipitation over complex terrain of the Central Rockies of Western Montana, USA
Authors: Silverman N. L. , Maneta M. P. , Chen S.‐H. , Harper J. T. 
Published: December 2012

Key Points

NCEP GFS‐WRF winter precipitation downscale is compared to PRISM
Largest differences seen at high elevations and west of continental divide
WRF predicts higher amounts of precipitation than PRISM at high elevations
Children’s Speech Recognition and Loudness Perception With the Desired Sensation Level v5 Quiet and Noise Prescriptions
Authors: Crukley Jeffery , Scollie Susan D. 
Published: December 2012

PurposeTo determine whether Desired Sensation Level (DSL) v5 Noise is a viable hearing instrument prescriptive algorithm for children, in comparison with DSL v5 Quiet. In particular, the authors compared children’s performance on measures of consonant recognition in quiet, sentence recognition in noise, and loudness perception when fitted with DSL v5 Quiet and Noise.MethodEleven children (ages 8 to 17 years) with stable, congenital sensorineural hearing losses participated in the study. Participants were fitted bilaterally to DSL v5 prescriptions with behind-the-ear hearing instruments. The order of prescription was counterbalanced across participants. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare performance between prescriptions.ResultsUse of the Noise prescription resulted in a significant decrease in consonant perception in Quiet with low-level input, but no difference with average-level input. There was no significant difference in sentence-in-noise recognition between the two prescriptions. Loudness ratings for input levels above 72 dB SPL were significantly lower with the noise prescription.ConclusionsAverage-level consonant recognition in quiet was preserved and aversive loudness was alleviated by the Noise prescription relative to the quiet prescription, which suggests that the DSL v5 Noise prescription may be an effective approach to managing the nonquiet listening needs of children with hearing loss.
Early Intervention in Localized Wegener’s Granulomatosis With Sensorineural Hearing Loss Preserves Hearing
Authors: Sriskandarajah Vasuky , Bansal Rhea A. , Yeoh Robin , Bansal Amolak S. 
Published: December 2012

PurposeWegener’s granulomatosis has been renamedgranulomatosis with polyangiitis(GPA). In this article, the authors refer to WG as “WG/GPA” to indicate the old and new names of this condition. WG/GPA is a systemic necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis that can affect, in particular, the lungs, sinuses, and kidneys. The authors report 2 cases with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (c-ANCA) positive WG/GPA whose initial presentations were in the form of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss without systemic features. The authors contrast the reversal of hearing loss and prevention of disease progression with early recognition and treatment.MethodThe authors present 2 contrasting cases of WG/GPA. Changes in hearing were measured through use of a GSI 61 audiometer as well as guidelines from the British Society of Audiology. Serum ANCA were detected by indirect immunofluorescence and formalin fixed neutrophils. Proteinase 3 (PR3) and myeloperoxidase antibodies were measured through use of a fluoroenzyme immunoassay.ResultsPersistent deafness and systemic disease are more likely, and more aggressive therapy was required when the diagnosis of WG/GPA was delayed.ConclusionWG/GPA should be considered in acute or subacute deafness presenting over days to weeks and even in the absence of systemic symptoms. A negative or weak ANCA with absent antibodies to serine PR3 and myeloperoxidase should not exclude the possible diagnosis of WG/GPA, and a high index of suspicion should be maintained.
Sequential Bilateral Cochlear Implantation: Speech Perception and Localization Pre- and Post-Second Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Dunn Camille C. , Tyler Richard S. , Witt Shelley , Ji Haihong , Gantz Bruce J. 
Published: December 2012

Purpose
In this study, the authors sought to compare speech perception and localization in subjects who wear 1 cochlear implant (unilateral CI) or 1 cochlear implant and hearing aid (CI+HA) and then receive a second cochlear implant (bilateral CI), and to evaluate the importance of the duration between implant surgeries and duration of deafness.

Method
Nine subjects were tested on speech perception in quiet, and 13 subjects were tested on speech perception and localization in noise using an array of 8 loudspeakers. All subjects were tested with unilateral CI prior to bilateral implantation and then again with bilateral CI after at least 3 months of bilateral experience.

Results
No significant difference was found between bilateral CI and unilateral CI on averaged speech perception in quiet performance. A significant benefit was found for bilateral CI on averaged speech perception in noise and on localization. Nonsignificant correlations were found for duration between surgeries, duration of deafness, and duration of bilateral use.

Conclusions
Improvements for speech perception and localization played in background noise were indicated for most subjects after they received their 2nd implant. The correlations should be reassessed with a larger number of subjects to appropriately evaluate the effects of duration between surgeries, duration of deafness, and duration of bilateral use.
Hearing Aid Instruction Booklets: Employing Usability Testing to Determine Effectiveness
Authors: Brooke Ruth E. , Isherwood Sarah , Herbert Nicholas C. , Raynor David K. , Knapp Peter 
Published: December 2012

Purpose
This study implemented performance-based usability and literature testing to determine whether people could use 2 instruction booklets for hearing aids (HAs) to carry out basic maintenance tasks and find and understand key facts.

Method
Using a cross-sectional study design, researchers recruited 40 participants (25 women, 15 men, ages 46–72 years) with no experience of HAs or audiology services to test instruction booklets for a Danalogic and Unitron HA (20 participants each). Participants were asked to follow instructions provided within the booklets to complete common HA tasks (e.g., cleaning the HA and mold and changing the battery) and demonstrate understanding of information. Participants' views of the booklets were then obtained within a short individual interview.

Results
Participants experienced problems in completing all tasks while following instructions provided by the Danalogic and Unitron booklets. Individual interviews highlighted further issues regarding layout, diagrams, and content, including missing information.

Conclusions
Some HA instruction booklets contain information that some users may find difficult to find, understand, and follow. These limitations may negatively impact on HA satisfaction and use. It is recommended that written information for clients be evaluated prior to use. This study supports the premise that performance-based usability and literature testing are appropriate methods to use.