bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integration of TGF‐β‐ and EGFR‐based signaling pathways using an agent‐based model of epithelial restitution
Authors: Stern Jordan R. , Christley Scott , Zaborina Olga , Alverdy John C. , An Gary 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDamage to an epithelial surface disrupts its mechanical and immunologic barrier function and exposes underlying tissues to a potentially hostile external environment. Epithelial restitution occurs quickly to reestablish the barrier and comprises a major part of the immediate host response to injured tissue. Pathways involving transforming growth factor beta and activation of epidermal growth factor receptor are both of critical importance, although cross‐pathway interactions have been poorly characterized. Agent‐based modeling has been showed to be useful in integrating disparate bodies of knowledge and showing the dynamic consequences of pathway structures and cellular population behavior and is used herein to create an in silico analog of an in vitro scratch assay. The In Vitro Scratch Agent‐Based Model consists of agents representing individual epithelial cells in a simulated extracellular matrix. Agents sense signals from the damaged environment and produce effector molecules, leading to their healing behavior. The In Vitro Scratch Agent‐Based Model qualitatively matched wound healing dynamics when compared against data from traditional experiments. Putative cross‐talk mechanisms were then instantiated into the In Vitro Scratch Agent‐Based Model and their relative plausibility examined, suggesting interaction at the receptor tyrosine kinase level. This highlights the utility of dynamic knowledge representation in the integration of pathways previously studied in separate contexts.
Resolvin D2 prevents secondary thrombosis and necrosis in a mouse burn wound model
Authors: Bohr Stefan , Patel Suraj J , Sarin Dhruv , Irimia Daniel , Yarmush Martin L. , Berthiaume Francois 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDeep partial thickness burns are subject to delayed necrosis of initially viable tissues surrounding the primary zone of thermally induced coagulation, which results in an expansion of the burn wound, both in area and depth, within 48 hours postburn. Neutrophil sequestration and activation leading to microvascular damage is thought to mediate this secondary tissue damage. Resolvins, a class of endogenous mediators derived from omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been shown to regulate the resolution of inflammation. We hypothesized that exogenous resolvins could mitigate the deleterious impact of the inflammatory response in burn wounds. Using two different mouse burn injury models involving significant partial thickness injuries, we found that a systemically administered single dose of resolvin D2 (RvD2) as low as 25 pg/g bw given within an interval of up to 4 hours postburn effectively prevented thrombosis of the deep dermal vascular network and subsequent dermal necrosis. By preserving the microvascular network, RvD2 enhanced neutrophil access to the dermis, but prevented neutrophil‐mediated damage through other anti‐inflammatory actions, including inhibition of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and neutrophil platelet–endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1. In a clinical context, RvD2 may be therapeutically useful by reducing the need for surgical debridement and the area requiring skin grafting.
Predicting Road Test Performance in Adults with Cognitive or Visual Impairment Referred to a Veterans Affairs Medical Center Driving Clinic
Authors: Niewoehner Patricia M. , Henderson Rochelle R. , Dalchow Jami , Beardsley Tracy L. , Stern Robert A. , Carr David B. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesTo develop a screening battery for office‐based clinicians that would assist with the prediction of impaired driving performance and deciding who should proceed to road testing in a sample of adults with cognitive or visual deficits.DesignProspective observational study.SettingDriving evaluation clinic at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in St. Louis, Missouri.ParticipantsSeventy‐seven individuals aged 23 to 91 with diagnoses of cognitive or visual impairment or both referred to an occupational therapy based driving clinic by VAMC providers because of concerns regarding driving safety.MeasurementsPredictor variables included tests of visual and cognitive functioning and activities of daily living. The major outcome was pass or fail on a standardized performance‐based on‐road driving test.ResultsThirty percent of the referrals failed the road test. The best predictors of driving performance were the Trail‐Making Test Part A and the Mazes Test from the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery.ConclusionMeasures of visual search, psychomotor speed, and executive functioning accurately predicted road test performance in a significant number of participants. These brief tests may assist clinicians in deciding who should proceed with a road test in a driver rehabilitation clinic or perhaps to whom it should be recommended to cease driving.
Advancing the Field of Elder Abuse: Future Directions and Policy Implications
Authors: Dong XinQi 
Published: October 2012

Elder abuse, sometimes called elder mistreatment or elder maltreatment, includes psychological, physical, and sexual abuse; neglect (caregiver neglect and self‐neglect); and financial exploitation. Evidence suggests that one in 10 older adults experiences some form of elder abuse, but only one in 25 cases is reported to social services agencies. At the same time, elder abuse is associated with significant morbidity and premature mortality. Despite these findings, there is a great paucity in research, practice, and policy addressing the pervasive issues of elder abuse. Through my experiences as a American Political Sciences Association Congressional Policy Fellow and Health and Aging Policy Fellow working with the Administration on Community Living (ACL) (previously known as the Administration on Aging) for the last 2 years, I will describe the major functions of the ACL and highlight two major pieces of federal legislation: The Older Americans Act and the Elder Justice Act. I will also highlight major research gaps and future policy relevant research directions for the field of elder abuse.
China's New Political Discourse
Authors: WEIWEI ZHANG 
Published: October 2012

At the turn of the 20th Century when Western power was at its height, Sun Yat‐Sen sought to blend the Confucian tradition of meritocratic governance and Western‐style democracy in his vision for modern China. With the “rise of the rest” in the 21st Century—led by China—perhaps the political imagination is open once again, this time not only to Western ideas flowing East, but Eastern ideas flowing West as well.The political imagination has been pried open anew not only because of the sustained success of non‐Western modernity in places like Singapore and China, but because democracy itself has become so dysfunctional across the West, from its ancient birthplace in Greece to its most advanced outpost in California. That liberal democracy is the best form of governance ever achieved in the long arc of history is no longer self‐evident. Today, democracy, which has been captured by a short‐term, special‐interest political culture, has to prove and improve itself by incorporating elements of meritocracy and the long‐term perspective. If not, political decay beckons.In this section, we evaluate the tradeoeffs and ponder the possibilities of combining a more knowledegable democracy with a more accountable meritocracy.
All Choices are Ugly for Europe
Authors: BLAIR TONY 
Published: October 2012

Three years into the protracted Eurocrisis “all choices are ugly,” as former British prime minister Tony Blair comments. Indeed, the high cost of bad options is prompting some to question whether Europe is worth saving the euro.Along with Tony Blair, the former Italian prime minister Romano Prodi as well as two of the best financial minds around—Nouriel Roubini and Mohamed el‐Erian—warn of the dire consequences of a euro breakup. One of France's most prominent philosophers, André Glucksmann, wonders whether the idea of a united Europe—a reaction to the horrors of World War II—can hold everyone together in the future when peace is the norm.
A Euro Breakup: Cardiac Arrest for Europe
Authors: EL‐ERIAN MOHAMED , ROUBINI NOURIEL 
Published: October 2012

Three years into the protracted Eurocrisis “all choices are ugly,” as former British prime minister Tony Blair comments. Indeed, the high cost of bad options is prompting some to question whether Europe is worth saving the euro.Along with Tony Blair, the former Italian prime minister Romano Prodi as well as two of the best financial minds around—Nouriel Roubini and Mohamed el‐Erian—warn of the dire consequences of a euro breakup. One of France's most prominent philosophers, André Glucksmann, wonders whether the idea of a united Europe—a reaction to the horrors of World War II—can hold everyone together in the future when peace is the norm.
Europe, Land of Anguish and Nostalgia
Authors: GLUCKSMANN ANDRÉ 
Published: October 2012

Three years into the protracted Eurocrisis “all choices are ugly,” as former British prime minister Tony Blair comments. Indeed, the high cost of bad options is prompting some to question whether Europe is worth saving the euro.Along with Tony Blair, the former Italian prime minister Romano Prodi as well as two of the best financial minds around—Nouriel Roubini and Mohamed el‐Erian—warn of the dire consequences of a euro breakup. One of France's most prominent philosophers, André Glucksmann, wonders whether the idea of a united Europe—a reaction to the horrors of World War II—can hold everyone together in the future when peace is the norm.
Perceived factors which shape decision‐making around the time of residential care admission in older adults: A qualitative study
Authors: Heppenstall Claire P , Keeling Sally , Hanger H Carl , Wilkinson Tim J 
Published: October 2012

AimTo understand the perceived factors that shape decision‐making around the time of residential care admission in older people.MethodTwo qualitative methods (telephone interviews at intervals post discharge from geriatric inpatient care and face‐to‐face interviews with older people and their family carers) were used as part of a multiphase mixed methods study of a cohort of 144 older people discharged from medical wards in a subacute assessment, treatment and rehabilitation facility.ResultsKey topics and themes were derived from interviews: the role of the informal carer and other community supports, attitudes to decision‐making and loneliness were key aspects of social context. Physical health, the experience of repeated hospital admissions and health professionals' attitudes to repeated admissions were also seen as important.ConclusionsSocial context as an essential component of older people's decisions to enter aged residential care is highlighted in this qualitative study.
Sprague-Dawley and Fischer Female Rats Differ in Acute Effects of Fluoxetine on Sexual Behavior
Authors: Miryala Chandra Suma J. , Hiegel Cindy , Uphouse Lynda 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine, leads to sexual dysfunction in a substantial proportion of women. In studies with the Fischer inbred rat, the 5-HT1A receptor has been implicated in this sexual dysfunction. Whether this association with 5-HT1A receptors holds for other rat strains is not known.

Aim
The effects of acute fluoxetine on sexual behavior in two strains of rats that differ in their response to a 5-HT1A receptor agonist were examined. Whether the strain difference is comparable in naturally cycling and hormonally primed, ovariectomized rats was determined.

Methods
Proestrous rats and ovariectomized rats, hormonally primed with estradiol benzoate and progesterone, were treated with varying doses of fluoxetine. Sexual behavior was examined before and after treatment with the SSRI.

Main Outcome Measures
Lordosis to mount ratios, lordosis quality, and proceptive behaviors were quantified. Sprague-Dawley and Fischer females were compared on each of these measures. The IC50 for inhibition of lordosis behavior was determined.

Results
In both the intact and the hormonally primed, ovariectomized model, Sprague-Dawley females were less sensitive to the effects of fluoxetine on sexual behavior. In both groups, fluoxetine showed dose dependency in behavioral inhibition, but a higher dose was required for Sprague-Dawley than for Fischer females. Naturally cycling, proestrous rats required a higher dose of fluoxetine than hormonally primed ovariectomized rats to produce significant inhibition of sexual behavior. Thus, the strain difference in the response to fluoxetine does not parallel strain differences in the response to a 5-HT1A receptor agonist.

Conclusions
Acute treatment with fluoxetine inhibits lordosis behavior in both Fischer and Sprague-Dawley females and the strain difference cannot be explained by reported strain differences in the response to a 5-HT1A receptor agonist. Fluoxetine's inhibition of female rat sexual behavior may involve effects of the SSRI in addition to activation of the 5-HT1A receptor.
Perceived Effects of Sexually Explicit Media Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Psychometric Properties of the Pornography Consumption Effects Scale (PCES)
Authors: Hald Gert Martin , Smolenski Derek , Rosser B.R. Simon 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Researchers have proposed that consumption of Sexually Explicit Media (SEM) may not only adversely influence sexual attitudes and behaviors of Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) but (also) play a positive role in the development and sexual education of MSM, be a major source of sexual information for MSM, and provide validation, understanding, and confirmation of MSM's sexual orientation. However, such claims are in urgent need of empirical validation as is the development of psychometrically sound and easily implemented instruments able to reliably assist such validations.

Aims
To investigate how MSM who consume SEM self-perceive the impact of SEM on their sexually-transmitted-infections-related sexual risk behaviors (i.e., anal intercourse), sexual knowledge, enjoyment of sex, interest in sex, attitudes toward sex, and understanding of their sexual orientation. Further, to provide a thorough psychometric validation of a reduced and reworked version of the Pornography Consumption Effects Scale (PCES).

Main Outcome Measure
A revised version of the PCES by Hald and Malamuth.

Methods
Online cross-sectional survey study of 1,333 US adult Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Results
This study found that 97% of MSM reported positive effects of SEM consumption on their sexual knowledge, enjoyment of and interest in sex, attitudes toward sex, and understanding of their sexual orientation. Only 3% reported any negative effects of their SEM consumption. SEM consumption was found to significantly increase consumers' interest in having protected anal intercourse while not significantly influencing their interests in having unprotected anal intercourse. The revised version of the PCES showed excellent psychometric performance.

Conclusion
The study found that MSM generally report positive effects of their consumption of sexually explicit materials in areas related to their sexual knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and orientation. This finding could have important implications for the sexual health and well-being of MSM by suggesting that SEM-based education and intervention might hold considerable overall health potential for MSM.
Expression of Aquaporin Proteins in Vagina of Diabetes Mellitus Rats
Authors: Pei Lijun , Jiang Jun , Jiang Rui , Ouyang Fang , Yang Haifan , Cheng Yong , Fan Zhongcai 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins that facilitate water movement across biological membranes. Vaginal lubrication may be mediated by blood flow and other potential mechanisms related to transudation of fluid. The most common female sexual dysfunction in diabetes is inadequate vaginal lubrication.

Aim
To investigate the expression of AQP1–3 in vaginal tissue of diabetes mellitus rats.

Methods
Female Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 20) were randomly divided into group A (12-week-old nondiabetic control, N = 5), group B (16-week-old nondiabetes control, N = 5), group C (12-week-old diabetes mellitus rats, N = 5), and group D (16-week-old diabetes mellitus rats, N = 5). Vaginal fluid was measured by fluid weight absorbed by cotton swabs after pelvic nerve electrostimulation and anterior vaginal tissue was dissected for determining the expression of AQP1–3 by immunohistochemical study and Western blot.

Main Outcome Measures
The expression of AQP1–3 was determined in the vagina of diabetes mellitus rats by Western blot.

Results
There are no significant differences in serum estradiol concentrations of rats among these groups (P &gt; 0.05). Vaginal fluid was significantly lower in group C (2.7 ± 0.67 mg) and group D (2.5 ± 1.03 mg) than in group A (5.74 ± 1.23 mg) and group B (5.5 ± 1.08 mg) (P &lt; 0.05), respectively. The protein expressions of AQP1–3 were significantly lower in group C (43.40 ± 4.83, 60.60 ± 12.80, and 59.60 ± 6.95) and group D (20.81 ± 2.86, 47.80 ± 11.43, and 54.20 ± 5.26) than in group A (116.62 ± 3.21, 110.81 ± 8.044, and 108.80 ± 4.97) and group B (122.12 ± 14.54, 111.21 ± 15.07, and 106.40 ± 4.16) (P &lt; 0.05), respectively.

Conclusions
Decreased vaginal fluid in diabetes mellitus rats after electrostimulation may be partly due to estrogen-independent decreases of AQP1–3 in vaginal tissue.
Intravenous Alfacalcidol Once Versus Twice or Thrice Weekly in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Alghareeb Abdulrazak , Sabry Alaa , Bawadekji Hassan , Alsaran Khalid 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSecondary hyperparathyroidism remains a serious problem in hemodialysis patients. The use of vitamin D analogs still constitutes a basis for its treatment. This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous administration of alfacalcidol once versus twice or thrice weekly in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Twenty‐nine end‐stage renal disease patients maintained on hemodialysis for more than one year were included in this prospective study after signing the consent. These patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism had been on intravenous alfacalcidol twice or thrice per week and were followed up to 4 months (stage 1). Then they were shifted to intravenous alfacalcidol once weekly starting with the last total weekly intravenous dose for another 4 months (stage 2). The dose of alfacalcidol was adjusted according to intact parathyroid hormone, serum calcium and phosphorus levels, and calcium‐phosphorus product. Intact parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus, calcium‐phosphorus product were measured monthly. Parathyroid ultrasound was done as a baseline and then repeated at the end of stage 1 and stage 2. The intact parathyroid hormone was reduced from 49.72 ± 2.72 pmol/L (mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM] during stage 1 to 42.13 ± 2.15 pmol/L during stage 2 (P = 0.005). Dose of alfacalcidol was reduced from 18.80 ± 1.15 µg/month (mean ± SEM) in stage 1 to 15.18 ± 1.27 µg/month in stage 2 (P = 0.008), and consequently the cost of alfacalcidol was reduced from 21.05 ± 1.25 US$/month (mean ± SEM) during stage 1 to 16.87 ± 1.40 US$/month during stage 2 (P = 0.008). Although the phosphorus level increased from 1.56 ± 0.36 mmol/L (mean ± SD) in stage 1 to 1.70 ± 0.46 mmol/ L in stage 2 (P = 0.003), and calcium‐phosphorus product increased from 3.48 ± 0.82 mmol2/L2 (mean ± SD) in stage 1 to 3.76 ± 1.00 mmol2/L2 in stage 2 (P = 0.017), they remained in the target levels recommended by the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines. No serious effects were observed during stage 1 and stage 2, respectively. Intravenous alfacalcidol once weekly is effective, safe and less costly in suppressing intact parathyroid hormone compared to twice or thrice weekly administration in chronic hemodialysis patients.
Effect of Timing of the First Cannulation on Survival of Arteriovenous Hemodialysis Grafts
Authors: Feldman Leonid , Shani Michal , Mursi Jabir , Beberashvili Ilia , Bass Arie , Weissgarten Joshua , Rabin Igor 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe use of an arteriovenous graft as vascular access for hemodialysis is associated with a high rate of patency loss. The influence of timing of the first cannulation of the graft on graft survival has not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate an association between the timing of the first cannulation of the polytetrafluoroethylene arteriovenous graft and the incidence of 12‐month failure. This is a retrospective study on a cohort of chronic hemodialysis patients treated in a single center. According to the time, in weeks, between graft construction and its first successful cannulation, the grafts were divided into six groups: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th or more week after surgery. The primary outcome was primary graft failure at 12 months, defined as the first occurrence of graft thrombosis or any invasive access procedure. The secondary outcome was cumulative graft failure at 12 months, defined as complete loss of the access site for dialysis. Fifty‐eight patients with 64 newly‐created arteriovenous grafts were included in the study. In the whole cohort, the incidence of primary graft failure at 12 months was 72.2%, and the incidence of cumulative graft failure at 12 months was 40.7%. The incidences of primary graft failure and cumulative graft failure at 12 months did not differ significantly between the study groups. In our study, timing of the first cannulation of a new arteriovenous polytetrafluoroethylene graft had no significant impact on graft survival.
Adherence to antihypertensives: feasibility of two self-report instruments to investigate medication-taking behaviour in German community pharmacies
Authors: Ude Miriam , Leuner Kristina , Schüssel Katrin , Schulz Martin , Müller Walter E 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo design and test the feasibility of two questionnaires in German community pharmacies exploring self-reported adherence to antihypertensives.MethodsTwo self-report questionnaires were designed for patients treated with antihypertensives. The 29-item-questionnaire (long form, LF) was completed by pharmacists interviewing patients who were on the premises filling a prescription. The short form (SF; 19 items) was sent by pharmacies to patients via mail. The acceptance of the instruments by patients and pharmacists as well as the feasibility to measure medication-taking behaviour was investigated. Adherence was investigated by using a modified 5-(LF) or 6-item (SF) Morisky score.ResultsOf 44 community pharmacies contacted, 18 agreed to participate. Patients' response rates were 428/915 (46.8%) for the SF and 249/760 (32.8%) for the LF. One hundred and seventy-nine patients (41.8%) and 70 patients (28.1%) reported adherence problems according to the SF and LF respectively.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first attempt to develop a self-report instrument for the detection of non-adherence in patients taking antihypertensives in this setting in Germany. Patients were willing to provide detailed information about their medication-taking behaviour. Underestimation of non-adherence may be more pronounced when applying the questionnaire in the pharmacy.