bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neural Correlates of Face Familiarity in Institutionally Reared Children With Distinctive, Atypical Social Behavior
Authors: Mesquita Ana R. , Belsky Jay , Crego Alberto , Fachada Inês , Oliveira Paula , Sampaio Adriana , Soares Isabel 
Published: April 2015

Although the impact of early adverse experience on neural processing of face familiarity has been studied, research has not taken into account disordered child behavior. This work compared the neural processing of familiar versus strangers' faces in 47 institutionalized children with a mean age of 54 months to determine the effects of (a) the presence versus absence of atypical social behavior and (b) inhibited versus indiscriminant atypical behavior. Results revealed a pattern of cortical hypoactivation in institutionalized children manifesting atypical social behavior and that inhibited children displayed larger neural response to a caregiver's face than to the stranger's, while indiscriminant children did not discriminate between stimuli. These findings suggest that neural correlates of face familiarity are associated with social functioning in institutionalized children.
Breakdown of blood‐nerve barrier in immune‐mediated neuropathy
Authors: Shimizu Fumitaka , Kanda Takashi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe blood–nerve barrier (BNB) is a peripheral nerve‐specific capillary barrier system that blocks the entrance of pathogenic leukocytes and toxic soluble mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines and immunoglobulin, from the circulating blood to the parenchyma of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The pathological breakdown of the BNB might play pivotal pathophysiological roles in the onset of various immune‐mediated neuropathies, including Guillain–Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) and a subset of diabetic neuropathy. However, fewer studies have so far been carried out regarding the cell biology and clinical significance of the BNB compared with the total number of studies of the blood–brain barrier because of the lack of adequate human cell lines derived from the BNB. In recent studies, we successfully established human immortalized cell lines of BNB origin in our laboratory and describe their detailed cellular properties. Although CIDP is now recognized as involving several clinical phenotypes, including both typical CIDP and atypical CIDP, disruption of the BNB could determine the clinical phenotype, severity and course of disease in the case of CIDP. Although the underlying pathomechanisms of MMN have not yet been clarified, BNB breakdown can cause persistent demyelination at sites of conduction block in patients with MMN. In the present review article, we highlight the recently acquired insight regarding the pathology and pathophysiology of BNB breakdown in the setting of the immune‐mediated neuropathy. In addition, we discuss how this knowledge can be used to develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating immune‐mediated neuropathies by manipulating the BNB.
Study design, rationale and methods for a population‐based study of myopia in schoolchildren: the Myopia Investigation study in Taipei
Authors: Tsai Der‐Chong , Lin Li‐Ju , Huang Nicole , Hsu Chih‐Chien , Chen Shing‐Yi , Chiu Allen Wen‐Hsiang , Liu Catherine Jui‐Ling 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundTo describe the study design, rationale and methodology of the Myopia Investigation Study in Taipei (MIT).DesignThe MIT was a citywide, population‐based cohort study.ParticipantsParticipants were grade 2 students (Fall 2013) of all 153 elementary schools in Taipei City.MethodsThe baseline data on the risk factors for myopia development was collected by parent‐administered questionnaire surveys covering demographics, medical history, parental myopia, time spent on near work and outdoor activities, reading habits and eye care‐seeking behaviour. Ocular examinations focused on the measurement of visual acuity (unaided and best‐corrected) and refractive status (before and after cycloplegia), which will be carried out for the eligible schoolchildren biannually for 3 years consecutively. Once myopic children are identified, case manager‐led telecoaching for health‐care instructions and reminders will be delivered to parents or caregivers.Main Outcome MeasuresTo build a comprehensive database for prevalence, incidence and risk factors of early childhood myopia over a 3‐year follow‐up period.ResultsOf all 19 374 eight‐year‐old schoolchildren (10 210 [52.7%] boys) eligible for the MIT, 16 486 (85.1%) responded to the questionnaire, 12 019 (62.0%) were examined during the third quarter of 2013 and 11 590 (59.8%) (6267 [52.9%] boys) completed cycloplegic autorefraction on both eyes and were enrolled for further data analysis. There was no significant difference in terms of demographics between the analysed participants and all grade 2 students in Taipei City.ConclusionsData from the MIT will provide population‐based information concerning the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for myopia development among young schoolchildren in a metropolitan area of Taiwan.
Establishment of a porcine pancreatic stem cell line using T‐REx™ system‐inducible Wnt3a expression
Authors: Han Wei , He Xin , Zhang Mingzhi , Hu Shuxian , Sun Fen , Ren Lipeng , Hua Jinlian , Peng Sha 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesPorcine pancreatic stem cells (PSCs) are highly valuable in transplantation applications for type II diabetes. However, there are still many problems to be solved before they can be used in the clinic, such as insufficient cell number availability and low secretion level of insulin. It has been reported that Wnt3a plays pivotal roles during cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, we have aimed to establish an ideal research platform using the T‐REx™ system, to study mechanisms of Wnt3a during PSC proliferation and differentiation.Materials and methodsConstruction of the recombinant plasmid and cell transfection were used for establishment of a porcine PSC line. Related gene expressions were examined using quantitative real‐time PCR (QRT‐PCR), western blotting, immunostaining and flow cytometry. BrdU incorporation assay and cell cycle analysis were used to investigate Wnt3a roles in PSCs.ResultsWnt3a‐expressing clones regulated by T‐REx™ were successfully obtained. Wnt3a and GFP expression were strictly regulated by Dox in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that Wnt3a‐expressing porcine PSCs induced by Dox exhibited raised proliferative potential. After Dox stimulation, expression of PCNA, C‐MYC and active β‐catenin were higher, but were down‐regulated after Dkk1 addition.ConclusionWe established a porcine PSC line that dynamically expressed Wnt3a, and we found that Wnt3a promoted PSC proliferative potential. This inducible expression system thus provides an important tool for further study on porcine PSC development and differentiation.
Moonlighting Politicians: Motivation Matters!
Authors: Fedele Alessandro , Naticchioni Paolo 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe study self-selection into politics and effort once in office of citizens with different abilities and motivations in a framework where moonlighting is allowed. We find that high-ability motivated (public-fit) politicians exert higher effort in politics than high-ability non-motivated (market-fit) politicians, and that high-ability citizens, both public-fit and market-fit, may decide to enter politics. We test our predictions using a database of Italian parliamentarians for the period 1996-2006. We find evidence of advantageous selection of both market-fit and public-fit parliamentarians. We also show that public-fit parliamentarians have higher voting attendance and that only voting attendance of market-fit parliamentarians is negatively affected by income opportunities.
Abnormal expression of RNA polymerase II‐associated proteins in muscle of patients with myofibrillar myopathies
Authors: Guglielmi Valeria , Marini Matteo , Masson Émilie Fiola , Malatesta Manuela , Forget Diane , Tomelleri Giuliano , Coulombe Benoit , Vattemi Gaetano 
Published: April 2015

AimsMyofibrillar myopathies (MFMs) are a group of inherited or sporadic neuromuscular disorders characterized morphologically by foci of myofibril dissolution, disintegration of the Z‐disk and insoluble protein aggregates within the muscle fibres. The sequential events leading to muscle fibre damage remains largely unknown.Methods and resultsWe investigated the expression and the cellular localization of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)‐associated proteins (RPAPs) in muscle biopsies from patients with genetically proven and sporadic MFMs. Our data demonstrated that RPAP2, and to a lesser extent GPN1/RPAP4, are accumulated focally in the cytoplasm of MFM muscle fibres in which they co‐localize with POLR2A/RPB1, the largest subunit of RNAPII, and correspond to αB‐cystallin deposits in distribution and staining intensity. No abnormal staining for RPAP2 has been observed in muscle of patients with central cores, minicores and neurogenic target fibres.ConclusionsTogether, these findings could provide new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of MFMs and suggest that RPAP2 immunostaining can be a useful diagnostic tool to depict protein aggregates in MFMs.
The protective properties of melatonin against aluminium‐induced neuronal injury
Authors: Al‐Olayan Ebtesam M. , El‐Khadragy Manal F. , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryAluminium (Al) toxicity is closely linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This experimental study investigated the neuroprotective effect of melatonin (Mel; 10 mg/kg bwt) on aluminium chloride (AlCl3; 34 mg/kg bwt) induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Adult male albino Wistar rats were injected with AlCl3 for 7 days. The effect on brain structure, lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO) levels, glutathione (GSH) content, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GR), apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bcl‐2) and an apoptotic enzyme (caspase‐3) was investigated. No apparent changes occurred following the injection of melatonin. Melatonin pretreatment of the AlCl3‐administered rats reduced brain damage, and the tissues appeared like those of the control rats. Compared to treatment with AlCl3, pretreatment with melatonin decreased LPO and NO levels and increased the GSH content and antioxidant enzyme activity. Moreover, melatonin increased the levels of the anti‐apoptotic protein, Bcl‐2, decreased the levels of the pro‐apoptotic protein, Bax, and inhibited caspase‐3 activity. Therefore, our results indicate that melatonin may provide therapeutic value against aluminium‐induced oxidative stress and histopathological alternations in the rat brain and that these effects may be related to anti‐apoptotic and antioxidant activities.
Comparison of ginsenosides in radix and rhizome of wild Panax species using LC‐ELSD and LC‐Q‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Yunusova Nozimakhonim , Kim Jae Young , Lee Gwang Jin , Hong Ji Yeon , Shin Byong‐kyu , Cai Shao‐Qing , Piao Xiang‐Lan , Park Jeong Hill , Kwon Sung Won 
Published: April 2015

SummaryHigh‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (Q‐TOF‐MS) were used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of wild Panax species, especially wild P. vietnamensis, which is an important medicinal plant. We determined the types and concentrations of ginsenosides in radix and rhizome of wild P. vietnamensis. Identification of ginsenosides was achieved using Q‐TOF‐MS; concentrations were determined by ELSD. The most abundant ginsenosides in wild Vietnamese ginseng were of the ocotillol type, accounting for more than 50% of the total. Compared to the rhizome, the radix had 31% higher ginsenoside content due to variation in protopanaxatriol‐type ginsenoside contents. We also found an unusual difference in the chromatograms of the two parts of wild P. vietnamensis. This difference did not appear in other wild species such as P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius. Our study provides an opportunity for further in‐depth study of the distinctive characteristics of P. vietnamensis.
Difference in the Clinical Characteristics of Ventricular Fibrillation Occurrence in the Early Phase of an Acute Myocardial Infarction Between Patients With and Without J Waves
Authors: NARUSE YOSHIHISA , NOGAMI AKIHIKO , HARIMURA YOSHIE , ISHIBASHI MAYU , NOGUCHI YUICHI , SEKIGUCHI YUKIO , SATO AKIRA , AONUMA KAZUTAKA 
Published: April 2015

Characteristics of VF in AMI Patients with J WavesIntroductionWe recently showed that the presence of J waves increases the risk of ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurrence in the early phase of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of VF occurrences in the early phase of an AMI between patients with and without J waves.Methods and ResultsThis retrospective, observational study included 281 consecutive patients with an AMI (69 ± 12 years; 207 men) in whom 12‐lead ECGs before AMI onset could be evaluated. The patients were classified based on a VF occurrence <48 hours after AMI onset and the presence of J waves. J waves were electrocardiographically defined as an elevation of the terminal portion of the QRS complex of >0.1 mV from baseline in at least 2 contiguous inferior or lateral leads. VF occurred in 24 patients, and J waves were present in 37. VF occurrence was more prevalent in the patients with than without J waves (27% vs. 6%; P < 0.001). Among the 244 patients without J waves, peak creatine kinase level (P < 0.01), number of diseased coronary arteries (P < 0.01), and male sex (P < 0.05) were higher in the patients with than without VF occurrence. However, among the 37 patients with J waves, there was no significant difference in these variables. There was no association between the location of J waves and the infarct area.ConclusionsIn patients with AMI, those with J waves were more likely to develop VF and less likely to have high‐risk clinical characteristics than those without J waves.
Biopreservative Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Garlic Powder (Allium sativum) on Tomato Paste
Authors: Olaniran Abiola F. , Abiose Sumbo H. , Adeniran Adekanmi H. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe study investigated fresh tomato fruits (Roma VF variety) prepared into paste, proportioned into different samples with each receiving different concentrations of ginger, ginger and garlic powder (2 and 4% w/w) and stored over a period of 8 weeks. The total viable (TVC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast counts of the samples were enumerated on a weekly basis while the pure microbial isolates were identified. Results showed that TVC and LAB of control sample ranged from 3.42 to 13.45 and from 5.79 to 17.74, respectively, while samples with garlic and ginger had counts ranging from 3.34–4.87 to 3.39–4.86 (log cfu/g), respectively, over the period of storage. The microorganisms were identified as Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacilli acidophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces lactis, Hansenula anomala, Rhodotorula glutinis, Rhodotorula flava and Rhodotorula rubra. The study concluded that combined garlic and ginger (2 and 4%) suitably preserved tomato paste for 8 weeks without deterioration at refrigeration temperature (4 ± 1C).Practical ApplicationsHealth‐conscious consumers are wary of potential dangers of consuming chemical preservatives over a period of time. The use of natural products such as ginger and garlic as natural preservatives could significantly improve their utilization in industrial production of tomato paste and even in household production in Africa where refrigeration is greatly hampered by erratic power supply.
You are what you choose to eat: factors influencing young adults' food selection behaviour
Authors: Hebden L. , Chan H. N. , Louie J. C. , Rangan A. , Allman‐Farinelli M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundYoung or ‘emerging’ adulthood (ages 18–24 years) is a life‐stage characterised by rapid weight gain, particularly among those born in recent decades, when environments have become saturated with cheap, highly palatable, processed foods. Although intervening in the immediate food environments of emerging adults is indicated, little is known about the factors influencing their food selection. The present study aimed to: (i) measure the relative importance of different influences on foods selected by emerging adults for consumption from a tertiary education setting and (ii) examine whether these influences differ according to gender, adiposity status, perceived stress and dieting or physical activity behaviours.MethodsAn online survey was administered with 112 emerging adults aged 19–24 years assessing demographics, perceived stress, dieting, physical activity and influences on food selection. Adiposity indicators (body mass index and waist circumference) were measured. Analyses compared the importance of influences on food selection by gender, adiposity, perceived stress, dieting and physical activity.ResultsTaste was the most important influence on food selection, followed by convenience (availability), cost, nutrition/health value, smell and stimulatory properties (alertness). Participants with an elevated waist circumference selected foods to help them cope with stress and control their weight. Those reporting a higher level of physical activity placed greater importance on nutritional/health value of foods but less importance on taste. Female dieters also placed less importance on taste and value for money.ConclusionsHealth promotion strategies addressing tertiary education food environments of emerging adults should ensure the ready availability of tasty and nutritious foods at a low cost.
Dietary patterns of French adults: associations with demographic, socio‐economic and behavioural factors
Authors: Bertin M. , Touvier M. , Dubuisson C. , Dufour A. , Havard S. , Lafay L. , Volatier J.‐L. , Lioret S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the French eating model may differ from those of other countries, no studies to date have investigated dietary patterns in a wide age range of adults and at the national level. We aimed to identify dietary patterns (DP) of French adults and assess their associations with demographic, socio‐economic and behavioural factors.MethodsThe present study included 2624 adults (1087 men, 1537 women) aged 18–79 years from the cross‐sectional national French INCA2 dietary survey. Dietary data were collected using a 7‐day estimated food record. Clusters of DP were derived using principal component analysis and clustering, conjointly. Age‐adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association between DP and correlates.ResultsFive DP were identified, namely ‘traditional’, ‘prudent’, ‘diversified’, ‘processed’ and ‘sandwiches’. Men were more likely to follow a traditional diet and women the ‘prudent’ pattern. Members of the ‘processed’ and ‘sandwiches’ patterns were younger compared to non‐members. Healthier dietary patterns were overall positively associated with a higher socio‐economic position, healthier behaviours (in terms of sedentary behaviours and smoking status) and lower body mass index. Under‐reporting of energy intake, restrictive diet to lose weight and dietary supplement consumption were also related to specific DP, although differentially in men and women. Associations with contextual factors (i.e. household composition, agglomeration size and region) were also observed.ConclusionsThe identification of adults’ dietary patterns and associated behaviours (all modifiable) is important for the conceptualisation of multi‐behavioural programs. The additional information on social and environmental correlates is also essential for targeting the most vulnerable population groups in the context of such public health interventions.
Living gluten‐free: adherence, knowledge, lifestyle adaptations and feelings towards a gluten‐free diet
Authors: Silvester J. A. , Weiten D. , Graff L. A. , Walker J. R. , Duerksen D. R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundA gluten‐free diet (GFD) requires tremendous dedication, involving substantive changes to diet and lifestyle that may have a significant impact upon quality of life. The present study aimed io assess dietary adherence, knowledge of a GFD, and the emotional and lifestyle impact of a GFD.MethodsCommunity dwelling adults following a GFD completed a questionnaire with items related to reasons for avoiding gluten, diagnostic testing, GFD adherence, knowledge and sources of information about a GFD, the Work and Social Adjustment Scale, and the effect of a GFD diet on lifestyle, feelings and behaviours.ResultsStrict GFD adherence among the 222 coeliac disease (CD) patients was 56%. Non‐CD individuals (n = 38) were more likely to intentionally ingest gluten (odds ratio = 3.7; 95% confidence interval = 1.4–9.4). The adverse impact of a GFD was modest but most pronounced in the social domain. Eating shifted from the public to the domestic sphere and there were feelings of social isolation. Affective responses reflected resilience because acceptance and relief were experienced more commonly than anxiety or anger. Non‐CD respondents were less knowledgeable and less likely to consult health professionals. They experienced less anger and depression and greater pleasure in eating than CD respondents.ConclusionsThe findings obtained in the present suggest there is good potential for positive adaptation to the demands of a GFD; nevertheless, there is a measurable degree of social impairment that merits further study. The GFD may be a viable treatment option for conditions other than CD; however, education strategies regarding the need for diagnostic testing to exclude CD are required.
The effects of co‐occurring ADHD symptoms on electrophysiological correlates of cognitive control in young people with Tourette syndrome
Authors: Shephard Elizabeth , Jackson Georgina M. , Groom Madeleine J. 
Published: April 2015

Efficient cognitive control is implicated in tic control in young people with Tourette syndrome (TS). Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently co‐occurs with TS and is associated with impaired cognitive control. Young people with TS and ADHD (TS+ADHD) show poorer cognitive control performance than those with TS, but how co‐occurring ADHD affects underlying neural activity is unknown. We investigated this issue by examining behavioural and event‐related potential (ERP) correlates of cognitive control in young people with these conditions. Participants aged 9–17 with TS (n = 17), TS+ADHD (n = 17), ADHD (n = 11), and unaffected controls (n = 20) performed a visual Go/Nogo task during electroencephalography (EEG) recording. Behavioural performance measures (D‐prime, RT, reaction time variability, post‐error slowing) and ERP measures (N2, P3, error‐related negativity (ERN), error positivity (Pe)) were analysed in a 2 (TS‐yes, TS‐no) × 2 (ADHD‐yes, ADHD‐no) factorial analysis to investigate the effects of TS, ADHD, and their interaction. The results of these analyses showed that ADHD was associated with poorer performance and reduced amplitude of all ERPs, reflecting widespread cognitive control impairments. Tourette syndrome was associated with slowed RTs, which might reflect a compensatory slowing of motor output to facilitate tic control. There was no interaction between the TS and ADHD factors for any behavioural or ERP measure, indicating the impairing effects of ADHD on behaviour and electrophysiological markers of cognitive control were present in TS+ADHD and that RT slowing associated with TS was unaffected by co‐occurring ADHD symptoms.