bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating age‐specific survival when age is unknown: open population capture–recapture models with age structure and heterogeneity
Authors: Matechou Eleni , Pledger Shirley , Efford Murray , Morgan Byron J.T. , Thomson David L. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

When studying senescence in wildlife populations, we are often limited by the sparseness of the available information on the ages of the individuals under study. Additionally, heterogeneity between individuals can be substantial. Ignoring this heterogeneity can lead to biased estimates of the population parameters of interest and can mask senescence.

This article demonstrates the use of a recently developed capture–recapture model for extracting age‐dependent estimates of survival probabilities for individuals of unknown age and extends the model by allowing for heterogeneity in survival and capture probabilities using finite mixtures.

Using simulation, we show that the estimates of age‐dependent survival probabilities when age is unknown can be biased when heterogeneity in capture probabilities is not modelled, in contrast to the case of time‐dependent survival probabilities when the estimates are robust to similar violations of model assumptions.

The methods are demonstrated using a long‐term data set of female brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr) for which age‐specific models for survival probabilities indicating senescence are strongly favoured. We found no evidence of heterogeneity in survival but strong evidence of heterogeneity in capture probabilities.

These models have a wide range of applications for estimating age dependence in survival when the age is unknown as they can be applied to any capture–recapture data set, as long as it is collected over a period which is longer, and preferably considerably so, than the life span of the species studied.
A Quantile Survival Model for Censored Data
Authors: Cai Yuzhi 
Published: May 2013

SummaryIn this paper we propose a quantile survival model to analyze censored data. This approach provides a very effective way to construct a proper model for the survival time conditional on some covariates. Once a quantile survival model for the censored data is established, the survival density, survival or hazard functions of the survival time can be obtained easily. For illustration purposes, we focus on a model that is based on the generalized lambda distribution (GLD). The GLD and many other quantile function models are defined only through their quantile functions, no closed‐form expressions are available for other equivalent functions. We also develop a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method for parameter estimation. Extensive simulation studies have been conducted. Both simulation study and application results show that the proposed quantile survival models can be very useful in practice.
Relationship of psychological symptoms, antipsychotics and social data with psychosocial function in schizophrenia patients in Malaysia
Authors: Norlelawati A. Talib , Kartini Abdullah , Norsidah Kuzaifah , Ramli Musa , Wan Azizi Wan Sulaiman , Tariq Abdul Razak 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe present study investigated the relationship between psychological symptoms and psychosocial function and the role of relevant sociodemographic data and antipsychotic use in the prediction of psychosocial function among multiracial schizophrenia outpatients in Malaysia.MethodsA total of 223 participants were recruited in this cross‐sectional study conducted from December 2010 to April 2011. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale whilst the psychosocial function was assessed using the Personal and Social Performance scale. Sociodemographic and treatment variables were gathered through interview or review of the medical records.ResultsAll dimensions of psychosocial functions were inversely correlated with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale sub‐domains. Only the disorganization sub‐domain significantly predicts all dimensions of psychosocial function. For social data, body mass index and employment status were significant predictors of all dimensions of psychosocial functions. Typical antipsychotics significantly predict social function negatively as compared to sulpiride (β = −0.152, P = 0.028).DiscussionWe found that the relationship between psychological symptoms and psychosocial functions were relatively consistent with the findings from the Caucasian population. Additionally, disorganization was the only significant predictor of all dimensions of psychosocial functions. This further emphasized the importance of cognition in psychosocial function. The roles of sulpiride, body mass index and employment status as predictors of psychosocial function were also discussed.
Intragastric acidity and omeprazole exposure during dosing with either PA32540 (enteric‐coated aspirin 325 mg + immediate‐release omeprazole 40 mg) or enteric‐coated aspirin 325 mg + enteric‐coated omeprazole 40 mg – a randomised, phase 1, crossover study
Authors: Miner P. B. , Fort J. G. , Zhang Y. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryBackgroundAspirin therapy is associated with adverse upper gastrointestinal effects. PA32540 is a coordinated‐delivery tablet containing enteric‐coated aspirin (EC‐ASA) 325 mg and immediate‐release (IR) omeprazole 40 mg. Immediate‐release omeprazole (located in outer layer of tablet) is available for instantaneous dissolution rapidly after ingestion, while dissolution of the EC‐ASA core is delayed until pH >5.5.AimTo compare the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects of PA32540 (EC‐ASA 325 mg + IR‐omeprazole 40 mg) vs. enteric‐coated (EC)‐omeprazole 40 mg.MethodsThis single‐centre, open‐label, randomised, two‐way crossover study in healthy volunteers compared 7 days of once‐daily dosing with PA32540 with 7 days of once‐daily EC‐ASA 325 mg + EC‐omeprazole 40 mg dosed concomitantly. The primary endpoint was per cent time intragastric pH >4 over 24 h on Day 7. A key secondary endpoint was determination of the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole and salicylic acid.ResultsTwenty‐six subjects (mean age 29 years) were enrolled into the study. On Day 7, mean per cent time intragastric pH >4 was 50.6% for PA32540 and 57.6% for EC‐omeprazole 40 mg (P = 0.004) and geometric least squares mean AUC0–24 for omeprazole was 1446 h*ng/mL for PA32540 and 2558 h*ng/mL for EC‐omeprazole 40 mg. Day 7 median Tmax of omeprazole was 0.5 h for PA32540 and 1.25 h for EC‐omeprazole 40 mg.ConclusionTotal exposure to omeprazole from PA32540 was 57% of that from EC‐omeprazole for the same dose amount (40 mg), while absolute difference in 24‐h acid control was 7%. Omeprazole exposure and pH control with PA32540 appear similar to EC‐omeprazole 20 mg.
Treatment of Epstein Barr virus‐induced haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with rituximab‐containing chemo‐immunotherapeutic regimens
Authors: Chellapandian DeepakBabu , Das Rupali , Zelley Kristin , Wiener Susan J. , Zhao Huaqing , Teachey David T. , Nichols Kim E. ,   EBV‐HLH Rituximab Study Group
Published: May 2013

SummaryHaemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life threatening complication of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. The anti‐CD20 antibody rituximab depletes B cells, leading to improved outcomes for patients with EBV‐associated B‐lymphoproliferative disorders. To gather data on the use of rituximab in EBV‐HLH, we performed a retrospective investigation involving 42 EBV‐HLH patients who had received treatment with rituximab‐containing regimens. On average, patients received 3 rituximab infusions (range 1–10) at a median dose of 375 mg/m2. In all patients, rituximab was administered with other HLH‐directed medications, including steroids, etoposide and/or ciclosporin. Rituximab‐containing regimens appeared well tolerated and improved clinical status in 43% of patients. Examination of laboratory data obtained prior to and within 2–4 weeks after the first rituximab dose revealed significant reductions in EBV load (median load pre‐rituximab: 114 200 copies/ml, median post‐rituximab: 225 copies/ml, P = 0·0001) and serum ferritin levels (median ferritin pre‐rituximab: 4260 μg/l, median post‐rituximab: 1149 μg/l, P = 0·001). Thus, when combined with conventional HLH‐directed therapies, rituximab improves symptoms, reduces viral load and diminishes inflammation. These data support the incorporation of rituximab into future prospective clinical trials for patients with EBV‐HLH.
Gender responses to psychological distress among Palestinians: Risk and protective factors
Authors: Khamis Vivian 
Published: May 2013

This study investigated the extent to which differences in the presence of trauma, political and normative stressors, resources, coping, and hardiness could account for variation in gender responses to psychological distress among Palestinians. Participants were 624 males and females aged 27–56 years. Questionnaires were administered in an interview format with participants at home. Results indicated that female gender has been associated with psychological distress. The females in this study reported feeling distressed by intrafamily strains, whereas males reported feeling distressed by work and family strains as well as losses. Political stressors were more predictive of psychological distress than was the presence of trauma or normative stressors. The sociodemographics had different patterns of relations with psychological distress. Females' education was negatively related to psychological distress, whereas the family income was negatively related to psychological distress in males. No significant differences between males and females were found in their coping responses. However, cognitive and behavioural strategies Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F‐COPES) seem to combine and had an impact on psychological distress of females only. Also, family hardiness was evidenced to have an influence on perceived psychological distress in both genders. The clinical and policy implications of these conclusions were discussed.
Elasticity as a biomarker for prostate cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Good Daniel W. , Stewart Grant D. , Hammer Steven , Scanlan Paul , Shu Wenmiao , Phipps Simon , Reuben Robert , McNeill Alan S. 
Published: May 2013

To systematically review the range of methods available for assessing elasticity in the prostate and to examine its use as a biomarker for prostate cancer.

A systematic review of the electronic database PubMed was performed up to December 2012.
All relevant studies assessing the use of elasticity as a biomarker for prostate cancer were included except those not studying human prostates or reporting a sensitivity, specificity or quantitative elasticity value.

There has been much interest in the use of elasticity in the detection of prostate cancer and there have been many publications using various methods of detection. The most common method of assessment is an imaging method, called sonoelastography. Further imaging methods include ultrasound (US), three‐dimensional US and magnetic resonance elastography. These methods are reviewed for sensitivity and specificity.
The other method of assessment is the mechanical method. These use quantitative elasticity values to differentiate benign from malignant areas of the prostate. This method of assessment has shown that the elasticity changes for differing Gleason grades and T stages of disease within the prostate. Quantitative elasticity values offer the potential of using ‘threshold’ elasticity values under which the prostate is benign.

Tissue elasticity has great potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer and can be assessed using various methods. Currently transrectal sonoelastography has the most evidence supporting its use in clinical practice.
Effects of an Invasive Plant on Population Dynamics in Toads
Authors: GREENBERG DANIEL A. , GREEN DAVID M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWhen populations decline in response to unfavorable environmental change, the dynamics of their population growth shift. In populations that normally exhibit high levels of variation in recruitment and abundance, as do many amphibians, declines may be difficult to identify from natural fluctuations in abundance. However, the onset of declines may be evident from changes in population growth rate in sufficiently long time series of population data. With data from 23 years of study of a population of Fowler's toad (Anaxyrus [ = Bufo] fowleri) at Long Point, Ontario (1989–2011), we sought to identify such a shift in dynamics. We tested for trends in abundance to detect a change point in population dynamics and then tested among competing population models to identify associated intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The most informative models of population growth included terms for toad abundance and the extent of an invasive marsh plant, the common reed (Phragmites australis), throughout the toads’ marshland breeding areas. Our results showed density‐dependent growth in the toad population from 1989 through 2002. After 2002, however, we found progressive population decline in the toads associated with the spread of common reeds and consequent loss of toad breeding habitat. This resulted in reduced recruitment and population growth despite the lack of significant loss of adult habitat. Our results underscore the value of using long‐term time series to identify shifts in population dynamics coincident with the advent of population decline.Efectos de una Planta Invasora sobre las Dinámica Poblacional de Sapos
Suppressive role of regucalcin in liver cell proliferation: involvement in carcinogenesis
Authors: Yamaguchi M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRegucalcin (RGN/SMP30) was discovered in 1978 and is a unique calcium‐binding protein contains no EF‐hand motif calcium‐binding domain. Its name, regucalcin, was proposed as it suppresses activation of enzymes related to calcium signalling. The regucalcin gene (rgn) is localized on the X chromosome. Regucalcin plays its role of suppressor protein in intracellular signalling pathways, including of protein kinases and protein phosphatase activities, protein synthesis, and DNA and RNA synthesis in liver cells. Overexpression of endogenous regucalcin has a suppressive effect on cell proliferation in modelled rat hepatoma H4‐II‐E cells, which are induced by various signalling stimulations in vitro. This suppressive effect is independent of apoptosis. Endogenous regucalcin plays a suppressive role on overproduction of proliferating cells in regenerating rat liver in vivo. Regucalcin mRNA expression is uniquely down‐regulated in development of carcinogenesis in liver of rats in vivo. Regucalcin mRNA and protein expressions are also depressed in human hepatoma HepG2 cells, MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, and prostate cancer LNCaP cells. Depression of regucalcin expression may be associated with activity progression of carcinogens. Regucalcin may be a key molecule suppressor protein in cell proliferation and carcinogenesis.
Overexpression of hCLP46 enhances Notch activation and regulates cell proliferation in a cell type‐dependent manner
Authors: Chu Q. , Liu L. , Wang W. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectivesHuman CAP10‐like protein 46 kDa (hCLP46), also known as Poglut1, has been shown to be an essential regulator of Notch signalling. hCLP46 is overexpressed in primary acute myelogenous leukaemia, T‐acute lymphoblastic leukaemia samples and other leukaemia cell lines. However, effects of hCLP46 overexpression, up to now, have remained unknown.Materials and methodsIn this study, we established stable 293TRex cell lines inducibly overexpressing hCLP46, and knocked down hCLP6 with a specific small interfering RNA to explore function of the protein in Notch signalling and cell proliferation.ResultshCLP46 overexpression enhanced Notch1 activation in 293Trex cells in a ligand‐dependent manner, with increased Notch signalling enhancing Hes1 expression. We further verified that overexpression of hCLP46 inhibited proliferation of 293TRexs and was correlated with increases in cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27, whereas reduced hCLP46 expression moderately increased cell proliferation. In addition, p21 and p27 protein levels were higher when Notch signalling was activated by EDTA treatment.ConclusionsTaken together, hCLP46 enhanced Notch activation and inhibited 293TRex cell proliferation through CDKI signalling.
What's Wrong with Rex? Hegel on Animal Defect and Individuality
Authors: Rand Sebastian 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn his Logic, Hegel argues that evaluative judgments are comparisons between the reality of an individual object and the standard for that reality found in the object's own concept. Understood in this way, an object is bad (ugly, etc.) insofar as it fails to be what it is according to its concept. In his recent Life and Action, Michael Thompson has suggested that we can understand various kinds of natural defect (i.e., defects in living things) in a similar way, and that if we do, we can helpfully see intellectual and moral badness—irrationality and vice—as themselves varieties of natural defect. In this paper, I argue that Hegel's position on animal individuality denies the claim that irrationality and vice are forms of natural defect. Hegel's account of the individuality proper to the animal organism in the Philosophy of Nature clearly disallows evaluative judgments about animals and thereby establishes a well‐defined conceptual distinction between natural defect and intellectual or ethical—i.e., broadly spiritual or geistliche—defect. Hegel thus provides a way of maintaining the difference between nature and spirit within his broader commitment to a post‐Kantian conception of substantial form.
Locomotor Activity of Captive Greenfinches Involves Two Different Behavioural Traits
Authors: Männiste Marju , Sepp Tuul , Hõrak Peeter 
Published: May 2013

AbstractActivity budgets of animals often show consistent differences between individuals across time, which qualifies them as personality traits. In the case of captive birds, locomotor activity can be divided into two major components – frequency of hopping and flapping flight bouts, which may conceive different information about individual condition. This idea was tested in a 2*2 factorial experiment in wild‐caught captive greenfinches (Carduelis chloris), injected with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or temporarily exposed to an image of a predator. We predicted that LPS injection would reduce both types of activity via induction of sickness syndrome and that predator image treatment would either increase or decrease different components of activity. Both behavioural traits were similarly consistent in time over a 10‐d period but the correlations between them depended on measurement context. LPS treatment reduced flapping and hopping frequencies and total locomotor activity. Exposure to the predator image had no effect on flapping frequency, but it decreased hopping frequency and total locomotor activity among the birds that were initially most active. The effects of both treatments on behaviour were relatively long‐lasting, that is, detectable at least 87 h after LPS injection and 44 h after exposure to the predator image. Our findings demonstrate the existence of two components of locomotor activity that responded similarly to the physiological but differently to the psychological stressor. The distinction between such components thus increases the information content of activity recordings of caged birds, which is likely to reveal novel aspects of covariation between different aspects of stress responsiveness and other performance parameters.
Effects of tramadol on viscero‐visceral hyperalgesia in a rat model of endometriosis plus ureteral calculosis
Authors: Lopopolo Mariangela , Affaitati Giannapia , Fabrizio Alessandra , Massimini Francesca , Lapenna Domenico , Giamberardino Maria Adele , Costantini Raffaele 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe effects of tramadol versus placebo administration on behavioral indicators of ureteral pain, pelvic pain and referred lumbar muscle hyperalgesia were investigated in a rat model of viscero‐visceral hyperalgesia from endometriosis plus ureteral calculosis (endo + stone). Fifty female Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent surgical induction of endometriosis and, 2 weeks later, were randomly assigned to five groups (10 each), to be treated i.p., twice a day, with tramadol (0.625, 1.25, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg) or saline for 5 days (14–18th day postendometriosis; prestone treatment). On the 21st day, they underwent laparotomy for stone formation in the upper left ureter (dental cement injection). All were video‐taped 24 h nonstop for 7 days before and 4 days after stone formation (14–25th day postendometriosis) to record ureteral and pelvic pain behaviors. Lumbar sensitivity (L1) was tested bilaterally, daily over the same period, by verifying presence/absence of vocalization upon muscle pinching at a predefined pressure (calibrated forceps). Additional fifty endo + stone rats underwent the same protocol, except that treatment was performed on 21st–25th day (poststone treatment). Tramadol vs. saline significantly reduced number and duration of ureteral crises, duration of pelvic behavior, and incidence of muscle hyperalgesia (P < 0.0001), with a dose‐dependent effect. Prestone treatment was significantly more effective than poststone treatment for the 1.25 dose for all parameters and 2.5 dose for pelvic and muscle parameters (0.003 > P < 0.02). Tramadol, even at low doses, is thus highly protective against pain from ‘viscero‐visceral hyperalgesia’ in endometriosis plus ureteral calculosis; it can represent a valid therapeutic approach in women with these comorbidities.
pH‐Evoked Dural Afferent Signaling Is Mediated by ASIC3 and Is Sensitized by Mast Cell Mediators
Authors: Yan Jin , Wei Xiaomei , Bischoff Christina , Edelmayer Rebecca M. , Dussor Gregory 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundPrior studies have shown that decreased meningeal pH activates dural afferents via opening of acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs), suggesting one pathophysiological mechanism for the generation of headaches. The studies described here further examined the ASIC subtype mediating pH‐induced dural‐afferent activation and examined whether sensitization influences pH responses.ObjectiveGiven the potential importance of meningeal mast cells to headache, the goal of this study was to evaluate dural afferent responses to pH following sensitization with mast cell mediators.MethodsCutaneous allodynia was measured in rats following stimulation of the dura with decreased pH alone or in combination with mast cell mediators. Trigeminal ganglion neurons retrogradely labeled from the dura were stained with an ASIC3 antibody using immunohistochemistry. Current and action potentials evoked by changes in pH alone or in combination with mast cell mediators were measured in retrogradely labeled dural afferents using patch‐clamp electrophysiology.ResultspH‐sensitive dural afferents generated currents in response to the ASIC3 activator 2‐guanidine‐4‐methylquinazoline (GMQ), approximately 80% of these neurons express ASIC3 protein, and pH‐evoked behavioral responses were inhibited by the ASIC3 blocker APETx2. Following exposure to mast cell mediators, dural afferents exhibited increased pH‐evoked excitability, and cutaneous allodynia was observed at higher pH than with pH stimuli alone.ConclusionsThese data indicate that the predominant ASIC subtype responding to decreased meningeal pH is ASIC3. Additionally, they demonstrate that in the presence of inflammation, dural afferents respond to even smaller decreases in pH providing further support for the ability of small pH changes within the meninges to initiate afferent input leading to headache.