bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term clinical response to cardiac resynchronisation therapy under a multidisciplinary model
Authors: O'Donnell D. , Lin T. , Swale M. , Rae P. , Flannery D. , Srivastava P. M. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundCardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is established in the management of cardiac failure in patients with systolic dysfunction. Clinical response to CRT is not uniform, and response has been difficult to predict.AimPatient management within a high volume, multidisciplinary service focused on optimal delivery of CRT would improve response rates.MethodsFour hundred and thirty‐five consecutive patients who underwent CRT under a multidisciplinary heart failure service were enrolled prospectively over a 5‐year period. Medically optimised, symptomatic patients with an ejection fraction (EF) <35%, widened QRS or abnormal dyssynchrony index were included. Left ventricular lead position was targeted anatomically to the segment of latest mechanical activation, and electrically to a site with maximal intrinsic intracardiac electrogram separation. Routine device and clinical follow up, as well as CRT optimisations, were performed at baseline and at 3‐monthly intervals. Responders were defined as having an absolute reduction in left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter >10% and an improvement in EF >5%.ResultsWith a mean follow up of 53 ± 11 months, response rate to CRT was 81%. Mean EF improved from 26 ± 10% to 37 ± 11%, and mean left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter reduced from 68.6 ± 9.2 mm to 57.8 ± 9.3 mm. Predictors of response were sinus rhythm, high dyssynchrony index and intrinsic electrical dyssynchrony >80ms. Successful LV lead implantation at initial procedure was achieved in 99.1%, and at latest follow up 94.6% of initial LV leads were still active.ConclusionCRT undertaken with a unit focus on optimal LV lead positioning and device optimisation, along with a multidisciplinary follow‐up model, results in an excellent response rate to CRT.
Mapping the central structure core in social representation of pain
Authors: Lin Feng , He Danjun , Jin Yi , Tao Ye , Jiang Zhongli 
Published: September 2013

AbstractPrevious evidence had revealed gender differences in perception of pain and its socialization. The present research studies gender differences by mapping the central structure core in social representation of pain. Eighty males and eighty females participated in a free evocation task for collecting cognitive elements of “pain.” By defining the elements as nodes and their co‐occurrences as lines, structural characteristics of social representation are analyzed by network analysis. Females have a central structure core in their network structure of social representation of pain. In contrast, males have no such core. These results suggest gender differences in socialization processes around the concept of pain and extend practical methods for studies of the central nucleus theory of social representation.
Assisting failure‐prone individuals to navigate achievement transitions using a cognitive motivation treatment (attributional retraining)
Authors: Boese Gregory D. B. , Stewart Tara L. , Perry Raymond P. , Hamm Jeremy M. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractTransitions to novel achievement settings are often accompanied by unfamiliar learning conditions and unanticipated failure that undermine how individuals adapt to such situations. For first‐year students, the transition to college is imbued with adverse learning conditions that can result in decreased motivation and academic performance. This study examined the efficacy of a motivation‐enhancing treatment, attributional retraining (AR), to assist students who are at risk because of a high‐failure avoidance orientation (tendency to maintain self‐worth by avoiding failure). For high‐ (but not low) failure avoidance students, AR fostered an adaptive psychological mindset (course grade expectations, judgments of course responsibility) and better academic performance (course grade, grade point average). Findings suggest the utility of AR to offset the negative effects of a high‐failure avoidance self‐worth orientation.
Emotional disrupt‐then‐reframe technique of social influence
Authors: Dolinski Dariusz , Szczucka Katarzyna 
Published: September 2013

AbstractDavis and Knowles proposed a social influence technique, which they named disrupt‐then‐reframe (DTR). In a series of four experiments, they demonstrated that compliance could be increased by a subtle disruption to the sales request, followed immediately by a reframing that provided additional reasons for purchasing the goods. The DTR technique is strictly cognitive in nature: The person, hearing simple argumentation during the short state of her or his cognitive disorganization, becomes more inclined to fulfill the requests made of her or him. In three experiments presented in this article, it is shown that a similar effect can be obtained when the fear‐then‐relief state, which could be seen as an emotional disruption, is followed by an argument.
Indirect effects of phytochemicals on offspring performance of Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Kumaran N. , Clarke A. R. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractPhytochemical lures such as methyl eugenol (ME) and cue‐lure are used in the management of Bactrocera fruit flies for monitoring and control. These lures are not just attractants, but also trigger physiological changes in males that lead to enhanced mating success. Additionally, in the cue‐lure‐responsive Bactrocera tryoni, females mated with lure‐fed males exhibit changes in fecundity, remating receptivity and longevity. While the lures show current generation effects, no research has been carried out on possible multigenerational effects, although such effects have been hypothesized within a ‘sexy‐son’ sexual selection model. In this study, we test for indirect, cross‐generational effects of lure exposure in F1offspring of B. tryoni females mated with cue‐lure‐fed, zingerone‐fed and lure‐unfed (=control) males. The F1 attributes we recorded were immature development time, immature survival, adult survival and adult male lure foraging. No significant differences were found between treatments for any of the three life‐history measurements, except that the offspring sired by zingerone‐fed males had a longer egg development time than cue‐lure and control offspring. However, indirect exposure to lures significantly enhanced the lure‐foraging ability of F1 adult males. More offspring of cue‐lure‐fed males arrived at a lure source in both large flight cages and small laboratory cages over a 2‐h period than did control males. The offspring of zingerone‐fed males were generally intermediate between cue‐lure and control offspring. This study provides the first evidence of a next generation effect of fruit fly male lures. While the results of this study support a ‘sexy‐son’ sexual selection mechanism for the evolution of lure response in Bactrocera fruit flies, our discussion urges caution in interpreting our results in this way.
Immunohistochemical and FISH analysis of EGFR and its prognostic value in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gröbe Alexander , Eichhorn Wolfgang , Fraederich Meike , Kluwe Lan , Vashist Yogesh , Wikner Johannes , Smeets Ralf , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Heiland Max , Blessmann Marco 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesTo study immunohistochemical expression of the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) in oral carcinomas and the head and neck region to examine possible associations with various features of the tumors and survival of the patients.Materials and methodsSections were made from two tissue arrays composed of 206 oral squamous cell carcinomas and 427 squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region, respectively, and examined for EGFR expression and Ki‐67 labeling index by means of immunohistochemistry, and for EGFR gene amplification by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization. Correlation between resulting parameters and with clinical features was evaluated using chi‐square test and Kaplan–Meyer analysis.ResultsA statistically significant association was observed for strong EGFR immunohistochemical (IHC) expression with advanced lymph node involvement (P = 0.02). EGFR immunohistochemical expression did not significantly correlate with patient disease specific (DS) or overall survival (OS). EGFR gene amplification was not correlated with any of the tumor features nor to survival of the patients (DS and OS).DiscussionEpithelial growth factor receptor IHC expression and gene amplification might be suitable to predict locoregional control in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients but an inappropriate predictor for patients survival.
The Nutritional Role of Flavored and White Milk in the Diets of Children
Authors: Nicklas Theresa A. , O'Neil Carol E. , Fulgoni Victor L. 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSome schools are removing flavored milk from lunchrooms based on the perception that consumption has a negative impact on the overall dietary quality. The goal of this study was to assess the contribution of flavored and white milk in the diets of children.METHODSIntake data from children 2 to 18 years (N = 7332) participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003‐2006 were obtained from in‐person 24‐hour dietary recalls. Mean ± standard error of energy and nutrients were determined.RESULTSFlavored and white milk contributed, respectively, 2‐6% of total energy consumed, 3‐12% of saturated fats, 1‐3% of sodium, and 4‐0% of added sugars. The percent contribution of white milk to intakes of vitamin A (21%), vitamin D (54%), calcium (29%), potassium (17%), magnesium (12%), and phosphorus (19%) exceeded 10% of total intake. Consumption of flavored milk contributed a smaller percentage to total intake. For total dairy consumed the percent contribution to intake of vitamins A and D, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus ranged from 19% to 68%.CONCLUSIONSMilk has an important nutritional role in the diets of children. More research is needed to understand the barriers to consuming milk and potential unintended nutrition consequences of removing flavored milk from the lunchrooms.
Trends in Professional Development for and Collaboration by Health Education Teachers—41 States, 2000‐2010
Authors: Brener Nancy D. , McManus Tim , Wechsler Howell , Kann Laura 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDProfessional development (PD) and collaboration help ensure the quality of school health education. The purpose of this study was to examine trends in the percentage of lead health education teachers (LHETs) receiving PD on health topics and collaborating with other school staff on health education activities.METHODSThis study analyzed representative data from 41 states participating in School Health Profiles surveys between 2000 and 2010. Logistic regression examined linear trends in the percentage of LHETs who received PD on 12 topics and who collaborated on health education activities.RESULTSSignificant increases in the percentage of LHETs receiving PD on nutrition and physical activity and significant decreases in the percentage of LHETs receiving PD on alcohol‐ and other drug‐use prevention and human immunodeficiency virus prevention were seen. Significant increases in the percentage of LHETs who collaborated with physical education staff and nutrition services staff were seen in 29 and 39 states, respectively.CONCLUSIONSAlthough 10‐year increases in PD and collaboration in the areas of nutrition and physical activity are encouraging, PD and collaboration in other topic areas still need improvement. These results will help states target more resources toward PD and collaboration in areas where they have been decreasing.
Molecular and Serological Identification of Cucumber leaf spot virus in Iran
Authors: Bananej Kaveh , Kianfar Nasibeh , Vahdat Aisan , Winter Stephan , Menzel Wulf 
Published: September 2013

AbstractDuring surveys conducted in 2012–2013, viruslike symptoms of chlorotic spots with, in some cases, a necrotic centre in older leaves were observed in field‐ and greenhouse‐grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), melon (C. melo L.) and squash (Cucurbita sp.) in the major cucurbit cultivation regions in Iran. Leaf samples were collected and tested for the presence of Cucumber leaf spot virus (CLSV, genus Aureusvirus, family Tombusviridae) by a virus specific double‐antibody sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (DAS‐ELISA). CLSV was detected in four of eight surveyed provinces in melon, cucumber and squash. When plant sap of ELISA positive samples was used to mechanically inoculate healthy squash plants, chlorotic spots with, in some cases, necrotic centres were observed on the inoculated leaves 20–25 days postinoculation. The presence of CLSV was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions using specific primers amplifying the entire coat protein gene of CLSV. Sequence comparison with sequences available at GenBank showed 93% nucleotide sequence identity to CLSV isolates from Israel (DQ227315) and Canada (EU127904), the only CLSV coat protein sequences available. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of CLSV in Iran.
A Complementarity of Social and Legal Perspectives on What Is Abusive Practice and What Constitutes Abuse
Authors: Petitpierre Geneviève , Masse Manon , Martini‐Willemin Britt‐Marie , Delessert Yves 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIs taking the arm of a woman with an intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) and pulling her along in order to carry out a routine domestic task an abusive practice? In spite of the existence of some approved definitions, the interpretation of the situation observed may lead to different opinions about what is considered abuse. With this in mind, the authors compare social and legal points of view via an exploratory study. A vignette was submitted to a legal adviser, two groups of parents of people with I/DD (n = 11 and n = 7) and two groups of direct‐care professionals (n = 12 and n = 11). The vignette portrayed a realistic scenario in which a care professional, bristling with impatience at the slow pace of activity of a middle‐aged woman with I/DD, urges her—in what may or may not appear to be an excessively forceful manner—to attend to a task. The corpus is composed of the legal adviser's analysis, data from the focus group and questionnaires filled out by the focus group participants. The legal analysis concludes that although they are not trivial, it is quite unlikely that the facts subjected for review would lead to legal proceedings. On the other hand, from the social perspective, both the parents and direct‐care professionals saw the actions as an unacceptable infringement and a violation. The authors address the risk of the legal system only being concerned with more extreme “caregiving” practices. The application of a case study approach showed the usefulness of looking at “borderline” situations that are not actually covered by existing laws. The results indicate the need for more pronounced action, specifically in devising professional codes of practice.
Views and Values of Developmental Disabilities and Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Support Professionals Regarding the Prevention and Handling of Situations of Abuse
Authors: Hickson Linda , Khemka Ishita , Golden Harriet , Chatzistyli Aikaterini 
Published: September 2013

AbstractPast research has indicated that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are vulnerable to all types of abuse. It is apparent that the views and values of support professionals constitute an important aspect of the cultural context in which adults with I/DD face and respond to potentially abusive situations. In the present study, the perspectives of support professionals working with adults with I/DD were assessed relative to those of support professionals working in the area of domestic violence/sexual assault (DV/SA) regarding various aspects of abuse prevention and the risk factors that may contribute to the vulnerability of people with I/DD to abuse. Their responses to a set of decision‐making scenarios involving abuse were also compared. Results indicated that both groups were almost unanimous in their belief that it was important to provide abuse prevention training to individuals with I/DD, their families, and their service providers. However, the DV/SA support professionals saw people with I/DD as generally more vulnerable to abuse than did the I/DD support professionals. Furthermore, the DV/SA support professionals placed more importance on environmental and cultural sources of vulnerability than did I/DD support professionals, who emphasized characteristics of the potential victim, such as self‐empowerment. Finally, the two groups showed different patterns of responses to some decision‐making situations. Taken as a whole, the findings support the need to develop effective interventions and to foster increased communication and collaboration among I/DD and DV/SA support professionals.
Issues Emanating From the Implementation of Policies on Restraint Use With People With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Rickard Eóin David , Chan Jeffrey , Merriman Brian 
Published: September 2013

AbstractSome service providers use restraints and seclusion with people with an intellectual disability, and policies that permit such practices usually state that their use is primarily to prevent the risk of self‐injury or risk to others. However, the use and effectiveness of restrictive practices have been questioned due to the negative impact on the service user and staff and may also be considered a contravention of the human rights of the service user. Consequently, policies are now trending toward limiting restraint use or on the prevention of or safe elimination of the use of restraint. In Ireland, new legislation has attempted to formalize the definitions of restraint and seclusion, as well as place restrictions on such practices. However, issues have been raised with respect to the implementation of the new policies, particularly in operationalizing a definition of restraint and applying it to widely heterogeneous clinical groups considering the autonomy that service providers have in devising their own service‐level policies. The authors use legislation from Ireland and Victoria, Australia, to illustrate restraint practices and the issues emanating from its use. The authors argue that a gap remains between our understanding of the place of implementing restrictive practices with respect to service provision and their actual applications by providers. They conclude that such discordance between policy and practice needs to be addressed by stronger regulation.
Omega‐3 fatty acids and/or fluvastatin in hepatitis C prior non‐responders to combination antiviral therapy – a pilot randomised clinical trial
Authors: Sheridan David A. , Bridge Simon H. , Crossey Mary M. E. , Felmlee Daniel J. , Fenwick Fiona I. , Thomas Howard C. , Neely R. Dermot G. , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D. , Bassendine Margaret F. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatitis C virus (HCV) utilises cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism for replication and infectivity. Statins and omega‐3 (n–3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown to have antiviral properties in vitro. This open label pilot study evaluated the efficacy of fluvastatin (Lescol® 40–80 mg) and n‐3 PUFA (Omacor®1 g and 2–4 g) on HCV‐RNA and lipoviral particles (LVP) in difficult to treat prior non‐responders.MethodsPatients (n = 60) were randomly allocated in a factorial design to: no active drug; low‐dose n‐3 PUFA; high‐dose n‐3 PUFA; fluvastatin; low‐dose n‐3 PUFA + fluvastatin; or high‐dose n‐3 PUFA + fluvastatin. 50/60 completed study drugs for 12 weeks and followed up to week 24. Comparison was made between fluvastatin (n = 24) vs no fluvastatin (n = 26) and n‐3 PUFA high‐dose (n = 17) vs low‐dose (n = 17) vs none (n = 16). The primary outcomes were change in total HCV‐RNA, LVP and ALT at week 12 compared with baseline. Secondary outcome was change in interferon‐gamma‐inducible protein‐10 (IP10) as a measure of interferon activation.Results35% had compensated cirrhosis and 45% were prior null responders. There was no significant change in total HCV RNA, LVP, non‐LVP or LVP ratio in patients receiving fluvastatin or n‐3 PUFAs. ALT was not significantly different in those treated with fluvastatin or n‐3 PUFAs. 12 weeks of low‐dose n‐3 PUFA decreased median IP10 concentration by −39 pg/ml (−111, 7.0 pg/ml Q1–Q3).ConclusionsFluvastatin and n‐3 PUFAs have no effect on plasma HCV‐RNA or LVP. The effect of low‐dose n‐3 PUFA on IP10 warrants further prospective evaluation as a supplemental therapy to enhance interferon sensitivity.
Secretion of atypical protein substrates by the ESAT‐6 Secretion System of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Anderson Mark , Aly Khaled A. , Chen Yi‐Hsing , Missiakas Dominique 
Published: September 2013

SummaryStaphylococcus aureus encodes the specialized ESAT‐6 Secretion System (ESS). EsxA and EsxB are secreted by the ESS pathway, and share sequence features of ESAT‐6 and CFP‐10 of the Type VII Secretion System (T7SS) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Unlike ESAT‐6 and CFP‐10, EsxA and EsxB do not interact. Instead, EsxB associates with a novel substrate, EsxD, and EsxA dimerizes with itself or EsxC (EsaC). Unlike EsxA and EsxB, EsxC and EsxD do not share obvious sequence features of WXG100 proteins nor PE/PPE and Esp families of proteins, all of which belong to the pfam EsxAB clan of mycobacterial T7SS. EsxD carries the C‐terminal motif YxxxD/E that has been proposed to target T7 substrates for secretion in mycobacteria. Here, we find that deletion, but not amino acid substitutions, in this motif prevent secretion of EsxA and EsxC but not EsxB or EsxD. This is unlike the genetic inactivation of esxA, esxB, esxC or esxD that leads to loss of secretion of all four substrates. Thus, substrate secretion can be uncoupled by deleting the last six amino acids of EsxD. The physical association of EsxC and EsxD with canonical WXG100 proteins suggests that these proteins belong to the EsxAB clan.
Dual input control: activation of the Bartonella henselae VirB/D4 type IV secretion system by the stringent sigma factor RpoH1 and the BatR/BatS two‐component system
Authors: Québatte Maxime , Dick Mathias S. , Kaever Volkhard , Schmidt Alexander , Dehio Christoph 
Published: September 2013

SummaryThe co‐ordinated expression of virulence factors is a critical process for any bacterial pathogen to colonize its host. Here we investigated the mechanisms of niche adaptation of the zoonotic pathogen Bartonella henselae by combining genetic approaches and shotgun proteomics. We demonstrated that expression of the VirB/D4 type IV secretion system (T4SS) and its secreted effector proteins require the alternative sigma factor RpoH1, which levels are controlled by the stringent response (SR) components DksA and SpoT. The RpoH1‐dependent activation requires an active BatR/BatS two‐component system (TCS) while BatR expression is controlled by RpoH1 and the SR components. Deletion of spoT results in a strong attenuation of VirB/D4 T4SS expression whereas dksA, rpoH1 or batR deletion fully abolishes its activity. In contrast to their activating effect on the VirB/D4 T4SS, which is critical at the early stage of host infection, SpoT and DksA negatively regulate the Trw T4SS, which mediates host‐specific erythrocyte infection at a later stage of the colonization process. Our findings support a model where the SR signalling and the physiological pH‐induced BatR/BatS TCS conjointly control the spatiotemporal expression of B. henselae adaptation factors during host infection.