bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism, human memory, and synaptic neuroplasticity
Authors: Lamb Yvette N. , McKay Nicole S. , Thompson Christopher S. , Hamm Jeffrey P. , Waldie Karen E. , Kirk Ian J. 
Published: December 2014

Some people have much better memory than others, and there is compelling evidence that a considerable proportion of this variation in memory ability is genetically inherited. A form of synaptic plasticity known as long‐term potentiation (LTP) is the principal candidate mechanism underlying memory formation in neural circuits, and it might be expected, therefore, that a genetic influence on the degree of LTP might in turn influence memory abilities. Of the genetic variations thought to significantly influence mnemonic ability in humans, the most likely to have its effect via LTP is a single nucleotide polymorphism affecting brain‐derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF (Val66Met)]. However, although it is likely that BDNF influences memory via a modulation of acute plasticity (i.e., LTP), BDNF also has considerable influence on structural development of neural systems. Thus, the influence of BDNF (Val66Met) on mnemonic performance via influences of brain structure as well as function must also be considered. In this brief review, we will describe the phenomenon of LTP and its study in non‐human animals. We will discuss the relatively recent attempts to translate this work to studies in humans. We will describe how this has enabled investigation of the effect of the BDNF polymorphism on LTP, on brain structure, and on memory performance. WIREs Cogn Sci 2015, 6:97–108. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1334This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Cognition
Neuroscience > Plasticity
Relationship Between Composition of Oilseed Processed Fractions and the Whole Oilseeds
Authors: Breeze Matthew L. , Meng Chen , Harrison Jay M. , George Cherian , Colyer James D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractComparative analyses of inherent seed nutrient composition often are used to demonstrate ‘substantial equivalence’ between genetically modified (GM) and conventionally bred oilseed varieties. Risk assessment of genetically modified crops in food and feed applications is conducted typically with whole oilseed composition information. However, it is important to evaluate the composition of processed oilseed fractions to assure that the composition of the oilseed components is not compromised during processing. Oilseed processing methods can significantly affect the nutrient quality of oilseed fractions. Although advances in oilseed processing technology help maximize the nutrient quality of the constituents of processed oil and meal, few studies have documented the degree to which individual processed fractions compare to nutrient levels in corresponding raw oilseeds. In cases where a lack of substantial equivalence is suggested, such information should reveal whether any apparent differences are attributable to genetic modification or processing technology. This investigation employs a meta‐analysis of composition data from oilseeds and corresponding processed fractions that has been amassed over the last decade. Results of these analyses support the conclusion that positive associations may be expected between nutritional constituents in oilseeds and processed fractions from those oilseed samples. Therefore either source of these data may be used to establish similarities among modern crop varieties.
Analysis of hysterectomies for patients with uterine leiomyomas in China in 2010
Authors: Gu Yu , Zhu Lan , Liu Aimin , Ma Jingran , Lang Jinghe 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze surgical methods and medical costs for patients with uterine leiomyomas treated by hysterectomy in mainland China in 2010.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, data for patients hospitalized with uterine leiomyomas and treated with hysterectomy were obtained from pooled medical records of 3030 hospitals. Type of surgery was categorized into abdominal hysterectomy (AH), laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH), and total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH). Length of stay and medical costs were analyzed for each procedure and in four types of hospital.ResultsAmong 147 966 patients, 129 668 (87.6%) underwent AH, 9164 (6.2%) LH, and 9134 (6.2%) TVH. The total cost and operative cost were lowest for the AH group and highest for the LH group (P < 0.001). Length of stay was shortest for TVH groups in all four types of hospital (P < 0.001). The ratios between the frequencies of the three procedures were significantly different among the four types of hospital (P < 0.001).ConclusionIn mainland China, AH remains the main surgical route of hysterectomy for patients with uterine leiomyomas. The length of stay was shortest among patients undergoing TVH, but the mean stay was still more than 9 days.
Feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid and cryotherapy for dysplasia in Nigeria
Authors: Adefuye Peter O. , Dada Olukayode A. , Adefuye Bolanle O. , Shorunmu Tessie O. , Akinyemi Babatunde O. , Idowu‐Ajiboye Bolanle O. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo demonstrate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) and treatment of dysplasia with cryotherapy in Nigeria.MethodsA prospective study was conducted at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria, between August 1, 2006, and July 31, 2009. Women aged 20–65 years who had had their sexual debut at least 3 years previously were screened for cervical dysplasia using VIA. Women with positive test results were offered cryotherapy immediately after screening.ResultsOverall, 5529 women (mean age 40.24 ± 10.33 years) underwent screening with VIA. Dysplasia was detected among 317 (5.7%) women. Lesions suspicious for cancer were recorded among 52 (1.0%) women; histological diagnosis of invasive cervical cancer was confirmed in 38 (0.7%) women. VIA was as expected or better for 5330 (96.4%) women screened. Cryotherapy was as expected or better for 219 (99.5%) women who received treatment. Among 127 women who underwent cryotherapy and had repeat screening, 121 (95.3%) had negative test results after 1 year.ConclusionCervical cancer screening using VIA and cryotherapy was feasible and effective despite scarce resources in the Nigerian health system. Furthermore, this approach was socially and culturally acceptable.
Paclitaxel resistance increases oncolytic adenovirus efficacy via upregulated CAR expression and dysfunctional cell cycle control
Authors: Ingemarsdotter Carin K. , Tookman Laura A. , Browne Ashley , Pirlo Katrina , Cutts Rosalind , Chelela Claude , Khurrum Karisma F. , Leung Elaine Y.L. , Dowson Suzanne , Webber Lee , Khan Iftekhar , Ennis Darren , Syed Nelofer , Crook Tim R. , Brenton James D. , Lockley Michelle , McNeish Iain A. 
Published: December 2014

Resistance to paclitaxel chemotherapy frequently develops in ovarian cancer. Oncolytic adenoviruses are a novel therapy for human malignancies that are being evaluated in early phase trials. However, there are no reliable predictive biomarkers for oncolytic adenovirus activity in ovarian cancer. We investigated the link between paclitaxel resistance and oncolytic adenovirus activity using established ovarian cancer cell line models, xenografts with de novo paclitaxel resistance and tumour samples from two separate trials. The activity of multiple Ad5 vectors, including dl922‐947 (E1A CR2‐deleted), dl1520 (E1B‐55K deleted) and Ad5 WT, was significantly increased in paclitaxel resistant ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo. This was associated with greater infectivity resulting from increased expression of the primary receptor for Ad5, CAR (coxsackie adenovirus receptor). This, in turn, resulted from increased CAR transcription secondary to histone modification in resistant cells. There was increased CAR expression in intraperitoneal tumours with de novo paclitaxel resistance and in tumours from patients with clinical resistance to paclitaxel. Increased CAR expression did not cause paclitaxel resistance, but did increase inflammatory cytokine expression. Finally, we identified dysregulated cell cycle control as a second mechanism of increased adenovirus efficacy in paclitaxel‐resistant ovarian cancer. Ad11 and Ad35, both group B adenoviruses that utilise non‐CAR receptors to infect cells, are also significantly more effective in paclitaxel‐resistant ovarian cell models. Inhibition of CDK4/6 using PD‐0332991 was able both to reverse paclitaxel resistance and reduce adenovirus efficacy. Thus, paclitaxel resistance increases oncolytic adenovirus efficacy via at least two separate mechanisms – if validated further, this information could have future clinical utility to aid patient selection for clinical trials.
Evaluation of Parent and Child Psychoeducation Resources for the Prevention of Paediatric Post-concussion Symptoms
Authors: Olsson Katherine , Kenardy Justin A. , Brown Erin A. , Charlton Erin , Brown Felicity L. , Lloyd Owen , McKinlay Lynne 
Published: December 2014

Background: Persistent post-concussion symptoms (PCS) are associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes, including psychological distress and poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Research has found that the occurrence of persistent PCS can be lowered via paper-based psychoeducation. Unfortunately, these resources have mostly been evaluated in adult populations. Studies in children have failed to address the role of parents in the development and maintenance of PCS, and unfortunately fail to reach a large proportion of the mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) population who do not attend hospital. This study aimed to describe and evaluate a parent information booklet and child information website, for the prevention of paediatric PCS.Methods: Children with uncomplicated mTBI were randomly assigned to either the Intervention (n = 29) or Usual Care condition (n = 20). Families completed pre-treatment, post-treatment (3 month) and follow-up (6 month) assessments of children's PCS, cognitive and psychosocial functioning, and parent's psychosocial functioning. Families also provided feedback on the psychoeducation resources.Results: The Intervention programme, compared to Usual Care, was not associated with significant reductions in children's PCS or HRQOL, parent or child psychological distress, or parent or child knowledge of mTBI.Conclusions: Psychoeducation resources do not appear to be superior to usual care in promotion of both child and parent psychosocial outcomes following mTBI.
Effect of Olfactory Stimulation in Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum: A Case Report
Authors: Tonacci Alessandro , Chilosi Anna Maria , Pioggia Giovanni , Morales Maria Aurora , Cioni Giovanni 
Published: December 2014

Objective: To evaluate the olfactory and psychophysical performances in a 13-year-old boy with intellectual disability and severe hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and of the olfactory bulbs, compared to controls.Methods: The Sniffin’ Sticks Identification Test was administered to the patient and to a patient control child with cognitive delay, with the same mental (5 years) and chronological age, but normal brain magnetic resonance image. Two typically developing control participants, aged 13 and 5, were also evaluated. Psychophysical tests were performed during the olfactory assessment by smart portable sensors.Results: A significant decrease in olfactory function and a different psychophysical response to stimuli were observed in the patient compared to control participants, suggesting absence of ‘odorous stress’. A higher olfactory score but a similar psychophysical trend was found in the patient control with cognitive delay, while the two other control participants showed a selective increase of the anxiety state depending on the odour presented.Conclusions: Olfactory dysfunction is reported in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Low-cost, portable devices to assess olfactory function are proposed for use with children with intellectual disability. Stress monitoring by unobtrusive platforms provides discriminant information in this subset, as compared to controls.
Favipiravir: A New Medication for the Ebola Virus Disease Pandemic
Authors: Nagata Takashi , Lefor Alan K. , Hasegawa Manabu , Ishii Masami 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this report is to advocate speedy approval and less stringent regulations for the use of experimental drugs such as favipiravir in emergencies. Favipiravir is a new antiviral medication that can be used in emerging viral pandemics such as Ebola virus, 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 virus, Lassa fever, and Argentine hemorrhagic fever. Although favipiravir is one of the choices for the treatment of patients with Ebola virus, several concerns exist. First, a clinical trial of favipiravir in patients infected with the Ebola virus has not yet been conducted, and further studies are required. Second, favipiravir has a risk for teratogenicity and embryotoxicity. Therefore, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor of Japan has approved this medication with strict regulations for its production and clinical use. However, owing to the emerging Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa, on August 15, 2014, the Minister of Health, Welfare and Labor of Japan approved the use of favipiravir, if needed. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-3)
Vaccination Policies Among Health Professional Schools: Evidence of Immunity and Allowance of Vaccination Exemptions
Authors: Dolan Samantha B. , Libby Tanya E. , Lindley Megan C. , Ahmed Faruque , Stevenson John , Strikas Raymond A. 
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVETo characterize health professional schools by their vaccination policies for acceptable forms of evidence of immunity and exemptions permitted.METHODSData were collected between September 2011 and April 2012 using an Internet-based survey e-mailed to selected types of accredited health professional programs. Schools were identified through accrediting associations for each type of health professional program. Analysis was limited to schools requiring ≥1 vaccine recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella, pertussis, and influenza. Weighted bivariate frequencies were generated using SAS 9.3.RESULTSOf 2,775 schools surveyed, 75% (n=2,077) responded; of responding schools, 93% (1947) required ≥1 ACIP-recommended vaccination. The proportion of schools accepting ≥1 non–ACIP-recommended form of evidence of immunity varied by vaccine: 42% for pertussis, 37% for influenza, 30% for rubella, 22% for hepatitis B, 18% for varicella, and 9% for measles and mumps. Among schools with ≥1 vaccination requirement, medical exemptions were permitted for ≥1 vaccine by 75% of schools; 54% permitted religious exemptions; 35% permitted personal belief exemptions; 58% permitted any nonmedical exemption.CONCLUSIONSMany schools accept non–ACIP-recommended forms of evidence of immunity which could lead some students to believe they are protected from vaccine preventable diseases when they may be susceptible. Additional efforts are needed to better educate school officials about current ACIP recommendations for acceptable forms of evidence of immunity so school policies can be revised as needed.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–6
Factors Influencing Field Testing of Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs
Authors: Girard Raphaële , Carre Emmanuelle , Mermet Valérie , Adjide Crespin C. , Blaise Sylviane , Dagain Monique , Debeuret Christine , Delande Stéphane , Dubois Valérie , Fascia Pascal , Hadjadj Caroline , Honnart Marianne , Labrande Christelle , Bauduin Agnès Lasheras , Martin Adeline , Petiteau Moreau Françoise , Roattino Nicole , Rougeot Estelle , Shum Cheong Sing Jacqueline , Urban Martine , Valdeyron Marie Laure 
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUNDAccording to the World Health Organization guidelines, field tests, in the context of a bid for the supply of alcohol-based hand rubs, should take into account climatic region, test period, products already in use, and type of use (hygienic or surgical) when assessing tolerance. This laborious method is often contested.OBJECTIVETo conduct a post hoc analysis of the data of a large bid, including 5 factors, to validate the relevance of their inclusion.METHODSFor the purposes of the bid, products were compared in terms of the 4 World Health Organization tolerance criteria (appearance, intactness, moisture content, sensation) during product testing and were separated into groups on the basis of the studied factors. The post hoc analysis method included (1) comparison of the mean before-and-after difference based on the self-evaluation of the skin with the 4 World Health Organization tolerance criteria, between climatic regions, periods, products in use, test product, and the type of use; (2) generalized linear models, taking into account all studied factors.RESULTSThe analysis included data for 1,925 pairs of professionals. The means of the differences observed were independently and significantly associated with the test period (P<.001), the hygienic or surgical use (P=.010 to .041, not significant for appearance), the product already in use (significant for appearance P=.021), and the test product (P<.001). The association with climatic region was found to be significant only in the nonadjusted analysis.CONCLUSIONThe type of use, the test period, and the product in use should be taken into account when designing field tests of alcohol-based hand rubs.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–9
Spatio-temporal structure of the ‘fully developed’ transitional flow in a symmetric wavy channel. Linear and weakly nonlinear stability analysis
Authors: Blancher S. , Le Guer Y. , El Omari K. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis work addresses the transition from 2D steady to 2D unsteady laminar flow for a fully developed regime in a symmetric wavy channel geometry. We investigate the existence and characteristics of the spatio-temporal structure of the fully developed unsteady laminar flow for those particular geometries for which the steady flow presents a periodic variation of the main stream velocity component. We perform a 2D global linear stability analysis of the fully developed steady laminar flow, and we show that, for all the geometries studied, the transition is triggered by a Hopf bifurcation associated with the breaking of the symmetries and the invariance of the steady flow. Critical Reynolds numbers, most unstable modes and their characteristics are presented for large ranges of the geometric parameters, namely wavenumber${\it\alpha}$from 0.3 to 5 and amplitude from 0 (straight channel) to 0.5. We show that it is possible to define geometries for which the wavenumber is proportional to the most unstable mode wavenumber for the critical Reynolds number. From this modal study we address a weakly nonlinear stability analysis with a view to obtaining the Landau coefficient$g$, and then the sub- or supercritical nature of the first bifurcation characterising the transition. We show that a critical geometric amplitude beyond which the first bifurcation is supercritical is associated with each geometric wavenumber.
An example where lubrication theory comes short: hydraulic jumps in a flow down an inclined plate
Authors: Benilov E. S. , Lapin V. N. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe examine two-dimensional flows of a viscous liquid on an inclined plate. If the upstream depth $h_{-}$ of the liquid is larger than its downstream depth $h_{+}$, a smooth hydraulic jump (bore) forms and starts propagating down the slope. If the inclination angle of the plate is small, the bore can be described by the so-called lubrication theory. In this work we demonstrate that bores with $h_{+}/h_{-}<(\sqrt{3}-1)/2$ either are unstable or do not exist as steady solutions of the governing equation (physically, these two possibilities are difficult to distinguish). The instability/evolution occurs near a stagnation point and, generally, causes overturning – sometimes on the scale of the whole bore, sometimes on a shorter, local scale. The overturning occurs because the flow advects disturbances towards the stagnation point and, thus, ‘compresses’ them, increasing the slope of the free surface. Interestingly, this effect is not captured by the lubrication theory, which formally yields a well-behaved stable solution for all values of $h_{+}/h_{-}$.
Federalism, Local Government and Minority Protection in Ethiopia: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Van der Beken Christophe 
Published: December 2014

AbstractFederalism is increasingly promoted and utilized in multi-ethnic countries as a means to guarantee minority rights and safeguard the harmony and integrity of the polity and state. Yet, due to the unfeasibility of achieving a perfect overlap between ethnic and territorial boundaries, every ethnic-based territory will contain ethnic minority groups. This is also the case in the Ethiopian Federation where all nine regions are ethnically heterogeneous, albeit to different degrees. This article investigates how Ethiopia's regions are approaching their minority groups by analysing the relevant regional constitutions and laws. The analysis shows that the main minority protection mechanism is the establishment of ethnic-based local governments. Although this device is not without merit as far as minority protection is concerned, the impracticality of achieving ethnically homogeneous territories is its major limitation. The article therefore concludes by recommending a number of complementary legal instruments striving for more comprehensive minority protection.
The development of Angiostrongylus vasorum (Baillet, 1866) in the freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822)
Authors: Mozzer L.R. , Coaglio A.L. , Dracz R.M. , Ribeiro V.M.A , Lima W.S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAngiostrongylus vasorum is a parasitic nematode that infects the heart and pulmonary artery and its branches of domestic and wild canids. The parasite can use several species of terrestrial and aquatic molluscs as intermediate hosts, although susceptibility varies. Pomacea canaliculata is a mollusc found in lakes, swamps and rivers in South America. In this study, we evaluated the susceptibility, parasite growth, oviposition and larval development of 282 P. canaliculata infected with 500 A. vasorum first-instar larvae (L1). From day 5 post-infection (pi) to day 30 pi, seven specimens per day were sacrificed to recover the larval instars. We compared 50 egg masses from infected and uninfected molluscs to determine the number of eggs per clutch, the hatching rate and the growth of the molluscs. The percentage of recovered larvae ranged from 39.17% to 67.5%. First-stage larvae (L1) were found until day 19 pi, second-stage larvae (L2) were found from days 11 to 25 pi, and third-stage larvae (L3) were recovered only after day 19 pi. Infected snails exhibited the most eggs during spawning, although the rate of hatching and shell size were lower in the infected snails compared with controls. This is the first report of an experimental infection of P. canaliculata with A. vasorum, and the results confirm the non-specificity of the nematode in relation to the intermediate host and indicate the importance of epidemiological surveys of this parasite and mollusc.