bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pitfalls of Counterfactual Thinking in Medical Practice: Preventing Errors by using more Functional Reference Points
Authors: Petrocelli John V. 
Published: December 2013

Background Counterfactual thinking involves mentally simulating alternatives to reality. The current article reviews literature pertaining to the relevance counterfactual thinking has for the quality of medical decision making. Although earlier counterfactual thought research concluded that counterfactuals have important benefits for the individual, there are reasons to believe that counterfactual thinking is also associated with dysfunctional consequences. Of particular focus is whether or not medical experience, and its influence on counterfactual thinking, actually informs or improves medical practice. It is hypothesized that relatively more probable decision alternatives, followed by undesirable outcomes and counterfactual thought responses, can be abandoned for relatively less probable decision alternatives. Design and Methods Building on earlier research demonstrating that counterfactual thinking can impede memory and learning in a decision paradigm with undergraduate students, the current study examines the extent to which earlier findings can be generalized to practicing physicians (N=10). Participants were asked to complete 60 trials of a computerized Monty Hall Problem simulation. Learning by experience was operationalized as the frequency of switch-decisions. Results Although some learning was evidenced by a general increase in switch-decision frequency across block trials, the extent of learning demonstrated was not ideal, nor practical. Conclusions A simple, multiple-trial, decision paradigm demonstrated that doctors fail to learn basic decision-outcome associations through experience. An agenda for future research, which tests the functionality of reference points (other than counterfactual alternatives) for the purposes of medical decision making, is proposed.
Association Between Inflammatory Biomarkers and Bone Mineral Density in a Community‐Based Cohort of Men and Women
Authors: Sponholtz Todd R. , Zhang Xiaochun , Fontes Joao D. T. , Meigs James B. , Cupples L. Adrienne , Kiel Douglas P. , Hannan Marian T. , McLean Robert R. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveBased upon evidence in animal and in vitro studies, we tested the hypothesis that higher serum concentrations of the cytokines interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and the inflammatory marker C‐reactive protein (CRP) would be inversely associated with bone mineral density (BMD) in a community‐based cohort of men and women, with the strongest associations among postmenopausal women not receiving menopause hormonal therapy (MHT).MethodsWe ascertained fasting serum concentrations of IL‐6, TNFα, and CRP and measured BMD at the femoral neck, trochanter, total femur, and spine (L2–L4) using dual x‐ray absorptiometry in 2,915 members of the Framingham Offspring Study (1996–2001). We used multivariable linear regression to estimate the difference (β) in BMD at each bone site associated with a 1‐unit increase in log‐transformed serum concentrations of IL‐6, TNFα, and CRP separately for men (n = 1,293), premenopausal women (n = 231), postmenopausal women receiving MHT (n = 498), and postmenopausal women not receiving MHT (n = 893).ResultsInflammatory biomarkers were not associated with BMD in men. Among premenopausal women, there were statistically significant, modest inverse associations between IL‐6 and trochanter BMD (β = −0.030, P < 0.01) and between CRP and femoral neck (β = −0.015, P = 0.05) and trochanter BMD (β = −0.014, P = 0.04). TNFα was positively associated with spine BMD (β = 0.043, P = 0.01). In postmenopausal women receiving MHT, CRP was positively associated with femoral neck BMD (β = 0.011, P = 0.04). There were no associations among postmenopausal women not receiving MHT.ConclusionThe lack of consistency in our results suggests that elevated circulating concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers may not be a risk factor for low BMD.
The evolutionary history ofSLC6A4and the role of plasticity inmacaca
Authors: Shattuck Milena R. , Satkoski‐Trask Jessica , Deinard Amos , Tito Raul Y. , Smith David G. , Malhi Ripan S. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTSerotonin has been repeatedly indicated as a biological marker of behavior. In particular, the serotonin transporter gene,SLC6A4, has been the focus of a large body of research. Interestingly, both rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and humans have independently evolved a number of shared polymorphisms for this gene, which is indicative of parallel evolution between the two species. However, little is known about the evolution of this gene, particularly within macaques. Although there are several hypotheses as to the adaptive values of various polymorphisms, few authors have gone beyond theoretical discussion. Here, we examined the genetic variation inSLC6A4within and between several species of macaques and investigate whether selection has played a significant role in its evolutionary history. In addition, we assayed the promoter region polymorphism, 5‐HTTLPR, which is known to play a significant role in regulating both serotonin turnover and behavior.In examining the distribution of the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism, we identified significant differences between Indian and Chinese populations ofMacaca mulatta; furthermore, we discovered its presence inMacaca cyclopis, which has not been described before. In regard to the evolutionary history ofSLC6A4, we found little evidence for selection and conclude thatSLC6A4largely evolved through neutral processes, possibly due to its potential role in regulating behavioral plasticity. However, we also found very low levels of linkage between the coding regions and 5‐HTTLPR. Because we limited evolutionary analyses to the coding regions, it is possible that the promoter region shows a distinct evolutionary history fromSLC6A4. Am J Phys Anthropol 153:605–616, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of polyaspartic acid–glutamic acid grafted copolymers and their performances as detergent builder
Authors: Zhu Dongyu , Guo Jianwei , Yang Ping , Pan Lihui , Zhong Xing , Chen Shaohua 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTPolysuccinimide (PSI) was first synthesized via thermal polycondensation reaction using maleic anhydride and urea as the starting materials. Then, polyaspartic acid–glutamic acid (PASP–GLU) grafted copolymers were prepared from PSI and GLU. The structure of PASP–GLU was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The molecular weight was measured by gel permeation chromatography, and the crystallinity was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction spectra. The effects of grafting ratio on the builder performances were systematically studied, as well as on the thermal property and biodegradability. It is demonstrated that as the grafting ratio of GLU increases, the thermal stability and biodegradability decrease a little, but still maintain in high level. Most importantly, the incorporation of GLU into side chains significantly improves the builder performance of PASP–GLU. The maximum values for calcium ion chelating power, dispersion power of CaCO3, and alkali‐buffer ability reach 233.2 mg, 108.9 mg, and 1.70 mL, respectively, at the highest grafting ratio, in which the dispersion power of CaCO3 and alkali‐buffer ability are even better than that of sodium tripolyphosphate. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40282.
Reverse Interferon Signature Is Characteristic of Antigen‐Presenting Cells in Human and Rat Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Fert Ingrid , Cagnard Nicolas , Glatigny Simon , Letourneur Franck , Jacques Sébastien , Smith Judith A. , Colbert Robert A. , Taurog Joel D. , Chiocchia Gilles , Araujo Luiza M. , Breban Maxime 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveIn HLA–B27–transgenic rats, the development of a disorder that mimics spondyloarthritis (SpA) is highly correlated with dendritic cell (DC) dysfunction. The present study was undertaken to analyze the underlying mechanisms of this via transcriptome analysis.MethodsTranscriptome analysis of ex vivo–purified splenic CD103+CD4+ DCs from B27‐transgenic rats and control rats was performed. Transcriptional changes in selected genes were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. A meta‐analysis of our rat data and published data on gene expression in macrophages from ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients was further performed.ResultsInterferon (IFN) signaling was the most significantly affected pathway in DCs from B27‐transgenic rats; the majority of genes connected to IFN were underexpressed in B27‐transgenic rats as compared to controls. This pattern was already present at disease onset, persisted over time, and was conserved in 2 disease‐prone B27‐transgenic rat lines. In DCs from B27‐transgenic rats, we further found an up‐regulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (which may account for reverse IFN signaling) and a down‐regulation of interleukin‐27 (a cytokine that opposes Th17 differentiation and promotes Treg cells). The meta‐analysis of data on conventional DCs from rats and data on monocyte‐derived macrophages from humans revealed 7 IFN‐regulated genes that were negatively regulated in both human and rat SpA (i.e., IRF1, STAT1, CXCL9, CXCL10, IFIT3, DDX60, and EPSTI1).ConclusionOur results suggest that expression of HLA–B27 leads to a defect in IFNγ signaling in antigen‐presenting cells in both B27‐transgenic rats and SpA patients, which may result in Th17 expansion and Treg cell alteration (as shown in B27‐transgenic rats) and contribute to disease pathogenesis.
Brief Report: Impaired In Vivo Neovascularization Capacity of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Kuwana Masataka , Okazaki Yuka 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveDefective vasculogenesis is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We undertook this study to explore the in vivo functional capacity of CD34+CD133+CD309+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in SSc patients.MethodsCD133+ cells and EPCs were enumerated by flow cytometry. Immunomagnetically sorted circulating CD133+ cells from 16 patients with SSc and 12 healthy subjects, as well as murine colon carcinoma CT‐26 cells, were transplanted beneath the skin of SCID mice. Tumor volume and blood vessel density were measured 10 days later. Human EPC incorporation into the vascular wall was evaluated using tumor sections double stained for mouse CD31 and human CD31.ResultsThe number of CD133+ cells and EPCs was significantly decreased in SSc patients as compared to healthy controls (P = 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively), while the proportion of EPCs in CD133+ cells was similar between the 2 groups. CT‐26 cells produced markedly stronger tumor growth and neovessel formation when transplanted with CD133+ cells from healthy subjects than when transplanted with CD133+ cells from SSc patients (P = 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively). Tumors from mice that received transplants of CT‐26 cells and SSc‐derived CD133+ cells formed fewer vessels incorporating human EPC–derived mature endothelial cells than did tumors from mice that received transplants of CT‐26 cells and CD133+ cells from healthy control subjects (P = 0.0002).ConclusionWe established a system that can be used to evaluate the in vivo neovascularization capacity of freshly isolated EPCs. EPCs contribute to vascularization by incorporating into vessel walls and by differentiating into endothelial cells. These EPC functions are impaired in SSc.
Periostin induces chemoresistance in colon cancer cells through activation of the PI3K/Akt/survivin pathway
Authors: Xiao Zhi‐ming , Wang Xiao‐yan , Wang Ai‐min 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn the present study, we aimed to explore the effects of periostin, a cell adhesion protein, on chemoresistance in colon cancer cells. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were employed to detect periostin expression in SW480 and HT‐29 colon cancer cells treated with oxaliplatin or fluorouracil (5‐FU). Small interfering RNA was used to downregulate endogenous periostin. Annexin‐V/propidium iodide staining was performed to analyze the effects of periostin on drug‐induced apoptosis. The results showed that treatment with oxaliplatin or 5‐FU elevated both the mRNA and protein levels of periostin in SW480 and HT‐29 cells. Silencing of periostin significantly (P < 0.01) augmented drug‐induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells, coupled with enhanced cleavage of caspase‐3 and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase. Mechanistic studies revealed that periostin silencing significantly (P < 0.01) suppressed the expression of survivin, an antiapoptotic protein in colon cancer cells. Enforced expression of survivin repressed drug‐induced apoptosis in periostin‐depleted SW480 and HT‐29 cells. Additionally, periostin overexpression increased the expression of survivin and the phosphorylation of Akt, which was reversed by pretreatment with the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐specific inhibitor LY294002. Taken together, our data demonstrate that periostin induces chemoresistance in colon cancer cells through activation of the PI3K/Akt/survivin pathway.
JavaVis: An integrated computer vision library for teaching computer vision
Authors: Cazorla Miguel , Viejo Diego 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTIn this article, we present a new framework oriented to teach Computer Vision related subjects called JavaVis. It is a computer vision library divided in three main areas: 2D package is featured for classical computer vision processing; 3D package, which includes a complete 3D geometric toolset, is used for 3D vision computing; Desktop package comprises a tool for graphic designing and testing of new algorithms. JavaVis is designed to be easy to use, both for launching and testing existing algorithms and for developing new ones. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:258–267, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21594
Transient folate deprivation facilitates the generation of mouse‐induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Yan Qiuyue , Xu Jie , Hu Wentao , Li Zhen , Wu Jun , Zhang Suming 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSomatic cells can be reprogrammed into iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells through the ectopic expression of defined transcription factors. However, the inefficiency and amount of time needed limited the potential application of iPS cells. We report an efficient method to generate iPS cells from MEF (mouse embryonic fibroblasts) through folate‐depriviatoin, which was used to change the methylation of MEF. Without folate for 3 days, the induction efficiency is enhanced fivefold. Karyotype analysis showed that transient folate‐depriving treatment did not negatively affect properties of iPS cells; characterised iPS cells show normal karyotypes. Thus, a new method has been found that can improve the induction efficiency, but not increase the chance of chromosomal mutation.
The effect of citric acid and ascorbyl palmitate in palm oil enriched with heme iron: A model for iron fortification in bakery products
Authors: Alemán Mercedes , Bou Ricard , Tres Alba , Polo Javier , Codony Rafael , Guardiola Francesc 
Published: December 2013

Iron fortification in food products is a common strategy used to prevent iron deficiency. This is important because a large proportion of the population, mainly young children and women (of childbearing age) are at risk of developing iron deficiency anemia. Certain baked goods (biscuits, cookies) are regularly consumed by children making their iron fortification an effective strategy to prevent this deficiency. Although heme iron has high bioavailability it promotes oxidation, as other iron forms. In the present study, a model consisting of a refined palm oil, enriched with heme iron, was used to optimize the dose of ascorbyl palmitate (0, 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) and citric acid (0, 250, or 500 mg/kg) to prevent oxidation in baked products. Both antioxidants were combined using a factorial design. Iron enriched samples were heated at 220°C for 10 min to mimic typical baking conditions. Primary (peroxide value and lipid hydroperoxide content) and secondary (p‐anisidine value and hexanal content) oxidation were measured over 1 year of storage at room temperature in the darkness. Results of primary and secondary oxidation indicated that ascorbyl palmitate delays oxidation during storage. Conversely, citric acid acted as prooxidant and no synergistic effect between the two antioxidants was observed.Practical applications: The fortification of food with iron represents a potentially effective strategy to overcome iron deficiency. A heme iron ingredient was used in this study because it has higher bioavailability than that of inorganic iron. As heme iron is a dark ingredient it could be disguised in baked products that contain chocolate. The heme iron ingredient was mixed with palm oil, which is a fat widely used in bakery. Nevertheless, as with inorganic iron, heme iron induces oxidation, and affects nutritional value, organoleptic properties and the shelf‐life of fortified foods. This study demonstrates that ascorbyl palmitate could be useful to prevent such undesired changes in iron fortified baked products.
Oxidative potential of ultraviolet-A irradiated or nonirradiated suspensions of titanium dioxide or silicon dioxide nanoparticles on Allium cepa roots
Authors: Koce Jasna Dolenc , Drobne Damjana , Klančnik Katja , Makovec Darko , Novak Sara , Hočevar Matej 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

The effect of ultraviolet-A irradiated or nonirradiated suspensions of agglomerates of titanium dioxide (TiO2) or silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles on roots of the onion (Allium cepa) has been studied. The reactive potential of TiO2 nanoparticles, which have photocatalytic potential, and the nonphotocatalytic SiO2 nanoparticles with the same size of agglomerates was compared. The authors measured the activity of antioxidant enzymes glutathione reductase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and catalase as well as lipid peroxidation to assess the oxidative stress in exposed A. cepa roots. A wide range of concentrations of nanoparticles was tested (0.1–1000 µg/mL). The sizes of agglomerates ranged in both cases from 300 nm to 600 nm, and the exposure time was 24 h. Adsorption of SiO2 nanoparticles on the root surface was minimal but became significant when roots were exposed to TiO2 agglomerates. No significant biological effects were observed even at high exposure concentrations of SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles individually. Plants appear to be protected against nanoparticles by the cell wall, which shields the cell membrane from direct contact with the nanoparticles. The authors discuss the need to supplement conventional phytotoxicity and stress end points with measures of plant physiological state when evaluating the safety of nanoparticles. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:858–867. © 2013 SETAC
An inter-laboratory study on the variability in measured concentrations of 17β-estradiol, testosterone, and 11-ketotestosterone in white sucker: Implications and recommendations
Authors: Feswick April , Ankley Gerald T. , Denslow Nancy , Ellestad Laura E. , Fuzzen Meghan , Jensen Kathleen M. , Kroll Kevin , Lister Andrea , MacLatchy Deborah L. , McMaster Mark E. , Orlando Edward F. , Servos Mark R. , Tetreault Gerald R. , Van Den Heuvel Michael R. , Munkittrick Kelly R. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are exogenous substances that can impact the reproduction of fish, potentially by altering circulating concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT). Common methods to measure steroids in plasma samples include radioimmunoassays (RIAs) and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISAs). The present study examines variability in E2, T, and 11-KT across 8 laboratories measuring reference and pulp mill effluent-exposed white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) plasma. We examine the contribution of assay type (RIA vs ELISA), standardized hormone extraction, location of values on the standard curve (upper and lower limits), and other variables on the ability to distinguish hormone levels between reference and exposed fish and the impact of these variables on quantitation of hormones in different laboratories. Of the 8 participating laboratories, 7 of 8 and 7 of 7 identified differences between sites for female E2 and female T, respectively, and 7 of 7 and 4 of 5 identified no differences between male T and male 11-KT. Notably, however, the ng/mL concentration of steroids measured across laboratories varied by factors of 10-, 6-, 14-, and 10-fold, respectively. Within laboratory intra-assay variability was generally acceptable and below 15%. Factors contributing to interlaboratory variability included calculation errors, assay type, and methodology. Based on the interlaboratory variability detected, we provide guidelines and recommendations to improve the accuracy and precision of steroid measurements in fish ecotoxicology studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:847–857. © 2013 SETAC
Effect of perioperative proton pump inhibitors on the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stephenson Kate A. , Fagan Johannes J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundPharyngocutaneous fistula is a common complication of total laryngectomy. We hypothesized that perioperative proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment could reduce the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistulae.MethodsThis prospective placebo‐controlled double‐blind randomized controlled trial compared PPI treatment (14 days enteral omeprazole) with a placebo in patients undergoing primary total laryngectomy.ResultsForty patients were randomized into PPI (n = 21) and placebo arms (n = 19). One of 21 patients receiving omeprazole developed a fistula in comparison to 6 of 19 patients in the placebo group (p = .04). No other statistically significant risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula were identified. The mean hospital stay of patients with and without a fistula was 32 and 7.5 days, respectively.ConclusionPharyngocutaneous fistulae result in prolonged hospitalization and morbidity. We observed a statistically significant reduction in fistulae with PPI prophylaxis. Further research to better define the role of reflux and antacid management is suggested. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 255‐259, 2015