bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatosteatosis and hepatic insulin resistance are blunted by argirein, an anti-inflammatory agent, through normalizing endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in diabetic liver
Authors: Shi Fang-Hong , Wu You , Dai De-Zai , Cong Xiao-Dong , Zhang Yu-Mao , Dai Yin 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Insulin resistance represents a mechanism underlying defect metabolism of carbohydrate and lipid linked to inflammatory reactions in diabetic liver. We hypothesized that the changes may be secondary to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which could be alleviated by either argirein or valsartan.

Methods
Hepatosteatosis in diabetic liver was induced in rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks combined with a single low dose of streptozotocin (STZ 35 mg/kg, ip). Interventions (mg/kg/d, po)with either argirein (50, 100 and 200) or valsartan (12) were conducted in the last 4 weeks.

Key findings
In diabetic liver fat was significantly accumulated in association with elevated hepatic glucose, serum insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance value. Downregulated glucose transporter 4, insulin receptor substrate-1 and leptin receptor (P &lt; 0.01) were found relative to normal, where DNA ladder, downregulated B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2, upregulated B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 Associated X protein and upregulated ER stress chaperones such as Bip/GRP78 (also known as Binding Protein, BiP), PKR-like ER kinase (PERK), p-PERK/PERK and C/EBP homologous protein were significant. These abnormalities were significantly ameliorated by argirein and valsartan.

Conclusions
Hepatosteatosis induced by HFD/low STZ manifests insulin resistance and apoptosis, linked to an entity of low-grade inflammation due to activated ER stress sensors. With anti-inflammatory activity either argirein or valsartan blunts hepatosteatosis through normalizing ER stress and apoptosis in the diabetic liver.
A Psychometric Investigation of the Hypersexual Disorder Screening Inventory among Highly Sexually Active Gay and Bisexual Men: An Item Response Theory Analysis
Authors: Parsons Jeffrey T. , Rendina H. Jonathon , Ventuneac Ana , Cook Karon F. , Grov Christian , Mustanski Brian 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The Hypersexual Disorder Screening Inventory (HDSI) was designed as an instrument for the screening of hypersexuality by the American Psychiatric Association's taskforce for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Aim
Our study sought to conduct a psychometric analysis of the HDSI, including an investigation of its underlying structure and reliability utilizing item response theory (IRT) modeling, and an examination of its polythetic scoring criteria in comparison to a standard dimensionally based cutoff score.

Methods
We examined a diverse group of 202 highly sexually active gay and bisexual men in New York City. We conducted psychometric analyses of the HDSI, including both confirmatory factor analysis of its structure and IRT analysis of the item and scale reliabilities.

Main Outcome Measures
We utilized the HDSI.

Results
The HDSI adequately fit a single-factor solution, although there was evidence that two of the items may measure a second factor that taps into sex as a form of coping. The scale showed evidence of strong reliability across much of the continuum of hypersexuality, and results suggested that, in addition to the proposed polythetic scoring criteria, a cutoff score of 20 on the severity index might be used for preliminary classification of HD.

Conclusion
The HDSI was found to be highly reliable, and results suggested that a unidimensional, quantitative conception of hypersexuality with a clinically relevant cutoff score may be more appropriate than a qualitative syndrome comprised of multiple distinct clusters of problems. However, we also found preliminary evidence that three clusters of symptoms may constitute an HD syndrome as opposed to the two clusters initially proposed. Future research is needed to determine which of these issues are characteristic of the hypersexuality and HD constructs themselves and which are more likely to be methodological artifacts of the HDSI.
Cognitive and Emotional Determinants Characterizing Women with Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder
Authors: Carvalho Joana , Veríssimo Ana , Nobre Pedro J. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a relatively unknown clinical condition affecting several women. Moral standards, as well as conservative beliefs regarding sexuality, are believed to be involved in the etiology and maintenance of this syndrome. Nevertheless, there are no consistent data on the content of the beliefs system presented by these women.

Aim
The aim of this study was to characterize the cognitive and emotional style of women reporting PGAD. More precisely, the content of sexual beliefs, thoughts, and emotions during sexual intercourse was explored.

Methods
Forty-three women presenting PGAD and 42 controls responded to a web survey. This study was cross-cultural in nature and women worldwide (over 18 years old) were asked to participate.

Main Outcome Measures
Participants answered the following online questionnaires: Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, Sexual Modes Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Brief Symptom Inventory. Additionally, participants responded to a checklist assessing the presence and frequency of PGAD symptoms.

Results
After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and psychopathology, findings showed that women reporting PGAD symptoms presented significantly more dysfunctional sexual beliefs (e.g., sexual conservatism, sexual desire as a sin), as well as more negative thoughts (e.g., thoughts of sexual abuse and of lack of partner's affection) and dysfunctional affective states (more negative and less positive affect) during sexual activity than non-PGAD women.

Conclusions
Notwithstanding the impact of neurophysiological determinants in the etiology of this syndrome, results support the psychological conceptualization of PGAD and highlight the role of cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) for PGAD symptomatology. More specifically, cognitive and behavioral strategies would be aimed at targeting maladaptive sexual beliefs and thoughts, as well as regulating negative affective states resulting from a dysfunctional cognitive style regarding sexuality. In all, CBT in association with a medical/pharmacological approach, could be clinically relevant in the management of PGAD.
Demographic and serological characteristics of Asian Americans with hepatitis B infection diagnosed at community screenings
Authors: Xu J. J. , Tien C. , Chang M. , Rhee J. , Tien A. , Bae H. S. , Ho F. C.‐S. , Chan L. S. , Fong T.‐L. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThere is limited information regarding follow‐up and hepatitis B serological status of Asian Americans diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) through community screening. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and characterize CHB among Asians living in Los Angeles, assess follow‐up of individuals with CHB diagnosed at screening and compare with patients with CHB followed by community gastroenterologists. Between October 2007 and May 2010, 7387 Asians were tested for HBV. HBsAg positive individuals (CHB) underwent additional testing for ALT, HBeAg/anti‐HBe and HBV DNA. Patients with CHB were contacted 6 months later to determine whether they received follow‐up care. We compared serological patterns of these individuals with CHB to patients with CHB who were seen for the first time (treatment naïve) by community gastroenterologists during the study period. Prevalence of CHB was 5.2%. About 99% patients with CHB were foreign‐born, and only 27% could read/write English. 297 (77%) patients with CHB could be reached 6 months after diagnosis; 43% did not receive follow‐up care, mostly because of lack of medical insurance. Patients with CHB followed by gastroenterologists were more likely to have insurance (69% vs 26%, P < 0.0001). 90% patients with CHB at screening were HBeAg negative/anti‐HBe positive with 62% having inactive disease compared to only 30% of patients seen by gastroenterologists (P < 0.0001). Among CHB participants, 13% met criteria for treatment compared to 51% of patients with CHB (P < 0.0001). Only a small number of CHB screening participants require antiviral therapy. Lack of medical insurance is the main reason for most patients with CHB not seeking follow‐up care after screening.
Effect of colibacillosis or coccidiosis on expression of breast cancer resistance protein in small intestine and liver of chickens
Authors: Su L. , Dong L. , Bughio S. , Guo M. , Wang L. 
Published: March 2013

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) is a member of ABC (ATP‐binding cassette) transporter superfamily that occurs in a variety of tissues including liver and small intestine of animals. As BCRP is involved in drug absorption, distribution, and elimination, modulation of its expression may affect the clinical efficacy of drugs. However, little is known about the effects of coccidiosis or colibacillosis infection on the levels of BCRP expression in chickens. Here, we studied the effect of infection with Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Eimeriida mixture (E. necatrix and E. tenella) on the expression levels of ABCG2 mRNA and BCRP in the different segments of small intestine and liver in chickens. Expression of ABCG2 mRNA or BCRP was detected in the entire small intestine and liver of healthy chickens, and the expression levels in liver and ileum were significantly higher than duodenum and jejunum. Infection with E. coli or Eimeriida mixture resulted in significant decrease in ABCG2 mRNA and BCRP expression in liver, ileum, and jejunum, but not in duodenum, in comparison with noninfection control. The results indicate that coccidiosis or colibacillosis infection inhibits BCRP expression in chickens, which may consequently influence drug distribution and therapeutic efficacy.
Clinical utility of viscoelastic tests of coagulation in patients with liver disease
Authors: Mallett Susan V. , Chowdary Pratima , Burroughs Andrew K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe prothrombin time (PT) and international normalised ratio (INR) are used in scoring systems (Child‐Pugh, MELD, UKELD) in chronic liver disease and as a prognostic tool and for dynamic monitoring of hepatic function in acute liver disease. These tests are known to be poor predictors of bleeding risk in liver disease; however, they continue to influence clinical management decisions. Recent work on coagulation in liver disease, in particular thrombin generation studies, has led to a paradigm shift in our understanding and it is now recognised that haemostasis is relatively well preserved. Whole blood global viscoelastic tests (TEG®/ROTEM®) produce a composite dynamic picture of the entire coagulation process and have the potential to provide more clinically relevant information in patients with liver disease. We performed a systematic review of all relevant studies that have used viscoelastic tests (VET) of coagulation in patients with liver disease. Although many studies are observational and small in size, it is clear that VET provide additional information that is in keeping with the new concepts of how coagulation is altered in these patients. This review provides the basis for large scale, prospective outcome studies to establish the clinical value of these tests.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi reduce growth and infect roots of the non‐host plant Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: VEIGA RITA S. L. , FACCIO ANTONELLA , GENRE ANDREA , PIETERSE CORNÉ M. J. , BONFANTE PAOLA , van der HEIJDEN MARCEL G. A. 
Published: March 2013

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is widespread throughout the plant kingdom but most terrestrial ecosystems also contain a considerable number of non‐mycorrhizal plants. The interaction of such non‐host plants with AM fungi is still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated whether the non‐mycorrhizal plant
Arabidopsis thaliana, the model organism for plant molecular biology and genetics, interacts with AM fungi. We demonstrate, for the first time, that the presence of fungal networks formed by the AM fungus
Rhizophagus irregularis reduces
A. thaliana growth by 50% or more. In addition, by using bright field, confocal and electronic microscopy we show that this fungus can colonize roots of
A. thaliana, although arbuscules were never observed. These results reveal high susceptibility of
A. thaliana to
R. irregularis, suggesting that
A. thaliana is a suitable model plant to study non‐host/AM fungi interactions and the biological basis of AM incompatibility.Commentary: Interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal and non‐mycorrhizal plants: do non‐mycorrhizal species at both extremes of nutrient‐availability play the same game?
Vagueness: Subvaluationism
Authors: Cobreros Pablo 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSupervaluationism is a well known theory of vagueness. Subvaluationism is a less well known theory of vagueness. But these theories cannot be taken apart, for they are in a relation of duality that can be made precise. This paper provides an introduction to the subvaluationist theory of vagueness in connection to its dual, supervaluationism. A survey on the supervaluationist theory can be found in the Compass paper of Keefe (2008); our presentation of the theory in this paper will be short to get rapidly into the logical issues. This paper is relatively self‐contained. A modest background on propositional modal logic is, though not strictly necessary, advisable. The reader might find useful the Compass papers Kracht (2011) and Negri (2011) (though these papers cover issues of more complexity than what is demanded to follow this paper).
Naturalising Representational Content
Authors: Shea Nicholas 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper sets out a view about the explanatory role of representational content and advocates one approach to naturalising content – to giving a naturalistic account of what makes an entity a representation and in virtue of what it has the content it does. It argues for pluralism about the metaphysics of content and suggests that a good strategy is to ask the content question with respect to a variety of predictively successful information processing models in experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience; and hence that data from psychology and cognitive neuroscience should play a greater role in theorising about the nature of content. Finally, the contours of the view are illustrated by drawing out and defending a surprising consequence: that individuation of vehicles of content is partly externalist.The contents list is as follows: The Project of Naturalising Representational Content The Explanatory Role of Content Existing Theories Pluralism Externalist Syntax Conclusion
Chinese Dialectical Thinking—the Yin Yang Model
Authors: Jiang Xinyan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe yin yang model of thinking is most essential to the Chinese cosmology, ontology and outlook on life. This paper is a systematic discussion of such a dialectical way of thinking and its significance. It starts with investigating the origin and the meaning of terms “yin” and “yang”, and explains the later developed yin yang doctrine; it then shows how greatly and profoundly the yin yang model of thinking has influenced Chinese philosophy and Chinese character. It concludes that Chinese naturalistic, dialectical, and optimistic attitudes toward the world and life are all based on the yin yang model of thinking and that the yin yang doctrine is the starting point for anyone to understand Chinese people and their philosophies.
Atheism
Authors: Lorkowski CM 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPhilosophical atheism claims not only that there are no sufficient reasons for believing there is a God, but also that there are sufficient reasons for thinking no such deity exists. The purpose of this article is to explicate the typical commitments of this position. After distinguished several related views, the article will then consider typical grounds for the rejection of theistic commitments, first by showing that the theistic position makes a stronger claim and therefore carries the burden of proof. The article will then consider rejections of theistic attempts to shift this burden and atheist responses, including considerations of both natural and revealed theology. The intent is to present the general shape of rejections and commitments rather than proffering conclusive refutations and defenses.
Chronic venous leg ulcers are associated with high levels of metalloproteinases‐9 and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin
Authors: Serra Raffaele , Buffone Gianluca , Falcone Daniela , Molinari Vincenzo , Scaramuzzino Monica , Gallelli Luca , de Franciscis Stefano 
Published: March 2013

AbstractVenous ulcers are related to dysfunctions in extracellular matrix. Both matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) could play a role in the healing process in patients with chronic venous ulcers. We evaluated the role of MMP‐9 and NGAL in the healing process in venous ulceration. We performed an open‐label, parallel groups, single clinical center study. Patients with chronic venous leg ulcers represented the test group (Group I), whereas patients without chronic ulcers represented the control group (Group II). In Group I plasma and wound fluid samples were collected at the time of admission, at the time of the surgery, and at the follow‐up, while ulcer tissues were taken at the time of the surgery. In Group II, plasma and wound fluid were collected at admission and at the time of the surgery, whereas skin tissues were collected at the time of the surgery. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test was used to evaluate the levels of MMP‐9 and NGAL in plasma and wound fluid, whereas Western blot analysis was performed to estimate the expression of MMP‐9 and NGAL in tissues. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay tests revealed significantly higher levels of MMP‐9 and NGAL in both plasma and wound fluid of patients with ulcers compared to patients without ulcers (p < 0.01). Moreover, Western blot analysis documented an increased expression of MMP‐9 and NGAL in biopsy tissue of patients with ulcers compared to patients without ulcers (p < 0.01). In conclusion MMP‐9 and NGAL may correlate with the clinical course of venous ulcers.
Out‐of‐atlas likelihood estimation using multi‐atlas segmentation
Authors: Asman Andrew J. , Chambless Lola B. , Thompson Reid C. , Landman Bennett A. 
Published: March 2013

Purpose:Multi‐atlas segmentation has been shown to be highly robust and accurate across an extraordinary range of potential applications. However, it is limited to the segmentation of structures that are anatomically consistent across a large population of potential target subjects (i.e., multi‐atlas segmentation is limited to “in‐atlas” applications). Herein, the authors propose a technique to determine the likelihood that a multi‐atlas segmentation estimate is representative of the problem at hand, and, therefore, identify anomalous regions that are not well represented within the atlases.Methods:The authors derive a technique to estimate the out‐of‐atlas (OOA) likelihood for every voxel in the target image. These estimated likelihoods can be used to determine and localize the probability of an abnormality being present on the target image.Results:Using a collection of manually labeled whole‐brain datasets, the authors demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed framework on two distinct applications. First, the authors demonstrate the ability to accurately and robustly detect malignant gliomas in the human brain—an aggressive class of central nervous system neoplasms. Second, the authors demonstrate how this OOA likelihood estimation process can be used within a quality control context for diffusion tensor imaging datasets to detect large‐scale imaging artifacts (e.g., aliasing and image shading).Conclusions:The proposed OOA likelihood estimation framework shows great promise for robust and rapid identification of brain abnormalities and imaging artifacts using only weak dependencies on anomaly morphometry and appearance. The authors envision that this approach would allow for application‐specific algorithms to focus directly on regions of high OOA likelihood, which would (1) reduce the need for human intervention, and (2) reduce the propensity for false positives. Using the dual perspective, this technique would allow for algorithms to focus on regions of normal anatomy to ascertain image quality and adapt to image appearance characteristics.
The detective quantum efficiency of photon‐counting x‐ray detectors using cascaded‐systems analyses
Authors: Tanguay Jesse , Yun Seungman , Kim Ho Kyung , Cunningham Ian A. 
Published: March 2013

Purpose:Single‐photon counting (SPC) x‐ray imaging has the potential to improve image quality and enable new advanced energy‐dependent methods. The purpose of this study is to extend cascaded‐systems analyses (CSA) to the description of image quality and the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of SPC systems.Methods:Point‐process theory is used to develop a method of propagating the mean signal and Wiener noise‐power spectrum through a thresholding stage (required to identify x‐ray interaction events). The new transfer relationships are used to describe the zero‐frequency DQE of a hypothetical SPC detector including the effects of stochastic conversion of incident photons to secondary quanta, secondary quantum sinks, additive noise, and threshold level. Theoretical results are compared with Monte Carlo calculations assuming the same detector model.Results:Under certain conditions, the CSA approach can be applied to SPC systems with the additional requirement of propagating the probability density function describing the total number of image‐forming quanta through each stage of a cascaded model. Theoretical results including DQE show excellent agreement with Monte Carlo calculations under all conditions considered.Conclusions:Application of the CSA method shows that false counts due to additive electronic noise results in both a nonlinear image signal and increased image noise. There is a window of allowable threshold values to achieve a high DQE that depends on conversion gain, secondary quantum sinks, and additive noise.