bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnic-Specific Spectrum of GJB2 and SLC26A4 Mutations
Authors: Tsukada Keita , Nishio Shin-ya , Hattori Mitsuru , Usami Shin-ichi 
Published: May 2015

Objective: The mutation spectrum of the GJB2 and SLC26A4 genes, the 2 most common genes causing deafness, are known to be ethnic specific. In this study, the spectrum of the reported GJB2 and SLC26A4 mutations in different populations are reviewed and considered from a human migration perspective. Methods: Fifty-two and 17 articles on GJB2 and SLC26A4 mutations, respectively, were reviewed through the PubMed database from April 1996 to September 2014. The 4 most prevalent mutations were selected and compared. A cluster analysis was subsequently performed for these selected mutations. Results: The present review of frequent mutations shows the ethnic-specific GJB2 and SLC26A4 gene mutation spectrum. A cluster analysis of the GJB2 and SLC26A4 genes revealed similarities between ethnic populations. Conclusion: The mutation spectrum reviewed in this study clearly indicated that the frequent mutations in the GJB2 and SLC26A4 genes are consistent with the founder mutation hypothesis. A comparison with the Y-chromosome phylogenetic tree indicated that these mutations may have occurred during human migration.
Education Improves Public Health and Promotes Health Equity
Authors: Hahn Robert A. , Truman Benedict I. 
Published: May 2015

This article describes a framework and empirical evidence to support the argument that educational programs and policies are crucial public health interventions. Concepts of education and health are developed and linked, and we review a wide range of empirical studies to clarify pathways of linkage and explore implications. Basic educational expertise and skills, including fundamental knowledge, reasoning ability, emotional self-regulation, and interactional abilities, are critical components of health. Moreover, education is a fundamental social determinant of health – an upstream cause of health. Programs that close gaps in educational outcomes between low-income or racial and ethnic minority populations and higher-income or majority populations are needed to promote health equity. Public health policy makers, health practitioners and educators, and departments of health and education can collaborate to implement educational programs and policies for which systematic evidence indicates clear public health benefits.
Social Environmental Mining Conflicts in Mexico
Authors: Tetreault Darcy 
Published: May 2015

Examination of social environmental conflicts around mining in Mexico indicates that neoliberal reforms have facilitated “accumulation by dispossession,” first by transferring public resources in the form of mineral rights and state-run mining companies to the private sector and second by dispossessing smallholder farmers and indigenous communities of their land, water, and cultural landscapes in order to allow mining companies to carry out their activities. The resistance movements that have emerged to confront this dispossession are led on the local level by people whose livelihoods, health, and cultures are threatened by large-scale mining projects. They reflect “the environmentalism of the poor” in that they seek to keep natural resources outside of the sphere of the capitalist mode of production. El examen de los conflictos socioambientales en torno a la minería en México indica que las reformas neoliberales han facilitado la “acumulación por desposesión”: primero, transferiendo recursos públicos en forma de concesiones mineras y compañías paraestatales al sector privado y, segundo, despojando a los pequeños agricultures y a las comunidades indígenas de sus tierras, agua y paisajes culturales con el fin de permitirle a las compañías mineras llevar a cabo sus actividades. Los movimientos de resistencia que han surgido para afrontar este despojo están dirigidos en el plano local por personas cuyos medios de subsistencia, su salud y su cultura se ven amenazadas por los proyectos de minería en gran escala. Ellos reflejan “el ecologismo de los pobres” ya que buscan mantener los recursos naturales fuera de la esfera del modo de producción capitalista.
Role of Obesity on the Prognosis of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Adults
Authors: Hwang Juen‐Haur 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of obesity/overweight on the prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL).Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingOutpatient department of a community hospital.Subjects and MethodsWe collected 254 adult patients with SSHL from a community hospital. The odd ratios of body mass index (BMI) or obesity/overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) on the recovery of SSHL were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThere were 120 (47.2%) patients in the nonobesity group (BMI <25 kg/m2) and 134 (52.8%) patients in the obesity/overweight group (BMI ≥25 kg/m2). The complete and partial recovery rates were 10.0% and 49.2% in the nonobesity group and 9.7% and 47.0% in the obesity/overweight group, respectively. Univariate logistic regression showed that BMI had no significant association with recovery of SSHL (odds ratio [OR] of complete and partial recovery versus no recovery = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.965‐1.113, P =. 327). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also showed that BMI (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.964‐1.131, P =. 292) was not significantly associated with the recovery of SSHL for all subjects, after adjusting for all considered variables. Also, obesity/overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) had no significant association with the recovery of SSHL.ConclusionObesity/overweight would appear to have no significant effect on the prognosis of SSHL.
An Innovative 3‐dimensional Model of the Epitympanum for Teaching of Middle Ear Anatomy
Authors: Ng Chew Lip , Liu Xuandao , Chee Shuo Chian Jeremy , Ngo Raymond Yeow Seng 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveTo facilitate teaching of the anatomy of the epitympanum, we developed and evaluated the effectiveness of an interactive 3‐dimensional (3D) computer model that can be viewed from all angles.Study DesignQuestionnaire‐based prospective randomized controlled trial.SettingUndergraduate medical education program.Subjects and MethodsThe model was created using Google Sketchup, a 3D modeling software. We recruited 72 graduating medical students and randomized them into 2 groups. One group was given the 3D model and reading materials on the epitympanic anatomy (3D group), while the other group relied on reading material and pictures (2‐dimensional [2D] group). A questionnaire and anatomy quiz assessed the utility of the 3D model in learning the anatomy of the epitympanum.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 22 years. There were no statistically significant differences in demographics and previous experience with 3D models. The 3D group was significantly more confident in its ability to identify structures of the epitympanum on pictures and computed tomography scans when compared to the 2D group. Most participants were in favor of the model as a useful learning tool and preferred to use it with an instructor. In the anatomy quiz, the 3D group fared significantly better, achieving a mean score of 65.1% compared to 32.4% in the 2D group (P <. 001).ConclusionThe 3D teaching model of the epitympanum is efficacious in short‐term recall. By allowing the learner to visualize relations of the epitympanum from all directions, the model aids in appreciation of anatomy and identifications of structures of this region.
Sex-related differences in methods of and reasons for suicide in Turkey between 1990 and 2010
Authors: Oner Setenay , Yenilmez Cinar , Ozdamar Kazim 
Published: May 2015

Objective To analyse suicides occurring in Turkey between 1990 and 2010 according to sex, age, reason and method. Methods Data concerning suicides occurring in Turkey between 1990 and 2010 were obtained from annual records published by the Turkish Statistical Institute. Data were analysed according to sex, age, reason for suicide and suicide method. Results The crude suicide rate was 2.42 per 100 000 population in 1990 and 4.02 per 100 000 population in 2010. The highest number of suicides was seen in those aged 15–24 years. In this age group, the number of suicides in females was significantly higher than in males. The most common suicide method in Turkey was hanging. Men used firearms more frequently than women. All the reasons for suicide occurred in a higher number of males than females; however, the difference between males and females was more significant for economic problems, relationship problems and educational failure. The leading reason for suicide in females was relationship problems. Conclusion Detecting population subgroups with a high suicide risk and obtaining regional demographic data are of great importance for future studies on suicide prevention.
Intravaginally applied oxytocin improves post-menopausal vaginal atrophy
Authors: Al-Saqi Shahla H , Uvnäs-Moberg Kerstin , Jonasson Aino F 
Published: May 2015

Objective To explore the efficacy of local oxytocin for the treatment of post-menopausal vaginal atrophy. Design Double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Setting Healthy post-menopausal women in Stockholm, Sweden. Participants Sixty four post-menopausal women between February and June 2012 at the Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge/Sweden. Main outcome measures The efficacy of oxytocin for treatment of vaginal atrophy after seven weeks and cytological evaluation. Results The percentage of superficial cells in the vaginal smears and the maturation values were significantly increased after seven weeks of treatment with vagitocin 400 IU ( p = 0.0288 and p = 0.0002, respectively). The vaginal pH decreased significantly after seven weeks of treatment with vagitocin 100 IU ( p = 0.02). The scores of vaginal atrophy, according to the histological evaluation, were significantly reduced after administration of vagitocin 100 IU ( p = 0.03). The thickness of the endometrium did not differ between the treatment and placebo groups after seven weeks of treatment. The symptom experienced as the most bothersome was significantly reduced after seven weeks of treatment in the women receiving vagitocin 400 IU compared to women in the placebo group ( p = 0.0089). Conclusions Treatment with intravaginally applied oxytocin could be an alternative to local estrogen treatment in women with post-menopausal vaginal atrophy.
Mouse prenatal platelet-forming lineages share a core transcriptional program but divergent dependence on MPL
Authors: Potts Kathryn S. , Sargeant Tobias J. , Dawson Caleb A. , Josefsson Emma C. , Hilton Douglas J. , Alexander Warren S. , Taoudi Samir 
Published: May 2015

Key PointsPrenatal platelet-forming lineages are subject to common transcription factor controls despite distinct spatial and ancestral origins. Platelet-forming lineage production is MPL-independent on emergence, but MPL is required in the late fetus for efficient thrombopoiesis.
EBV-positive large B-cell lymphomas in young patients: a nodal lymphoma with evidence for a tolerogenic immune environment
Authors: Nicolae Alina , Pittaluga Stefania , Abdullah Shahed , Steinberg Seth M. , Pham Thu Anh , Davies-Hill Theresa , Xi Liqiang , Raffeld Mark , Jaffe Elaine S. 
Published: May 2015

Key Points
EBV+ LBCLs in young patients resemble those seen in the elderly, but usually have a good outcome. Tumor cells exhibit PD-L1 expression, with high indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase–positive cell content, indications of a tolerogenic immune state.
Intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity and alternative driver genetic alterations in breast cancers with heterogeneous HER2 gene amplification
Authors: Ng Charlotte KY , Martelotto Luciano G , Gauthier Arnaud , Wen Huei-Chi , Piscuoglio Salvatore , Lim Raymond S , Cowell Catherine F , Wilkerson Paul M , Wai Patty , Rodrigues Daniel N , Arnould Laurent , Geyer Felipe C , Bromberg Silvio E , Lacroix-Triki Magali , Penault-Llorca Frederique , Giard Sylvia , Sastre-Garau Xavier , Natrajan Rachael , Norton Larry , Cottu Paul H , Weigelt Britta , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Reis-Filho Jorge S 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Background
HER2 is overexpressed and amplified in approximately 15% of invasive breast cancers, and is the molecular target and predictive marker of response to anti-HER2 agents. In a subset of these cases, heterogeneous distribution of HER2 gene amplification can be found, which creates clinically challenging scenarios. Currently, breast cancers with HER2 amplification/overexpression in just over 10% of cancer cells are considered HER2-positive for clinical purposes; however, it is unclear as to whether the HER2-negative components of such tumors would be driven by distinct genetic alterations. Here we sought to characterize the pathologic and genetic features of the HER2-positive and HER2-negative components of breast cancers with heterogeneous HER2 gene amplification and to define the repertoire of potential driver genetic alterations in the HER2-negative components of these cases.

Results
We separately analyzed the HER2-negative and HER2-positive components of 12 HER2 heterogeneous breast cancers using gene copy number profiling and massively parallel sequencing, and identified potential driver genetic alterations restricted to the HER2-negative cells in each case. In vitro experiments provided functional evidence to suggest that BRF2 and DSN1 overexpression/amplification, and the HER2 I767M mutation may be alterations that compensate for the lack of HER2 amplification in the HER2-negative components of HER2 heterogeneous breast cancers.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that even driver genetic alterations, such as HER2 gene amplification, can be heterogeneously distributed within a cancer, and that the HER2-negative components are likely driven by genetic alterations not present in the HER2-positive components, including BRF2 and DSN1 amplification and HER2 somatic mutations.
Expression of Wnt and Notch signaling pathways in inflammatory bowel disease treated with mesenchymal stem cell transplantation: evaluation in a rat model
Authors: Xing Yanfen , Chen Xiaojie , Cao Yanwen , Huang Jianyun , Xie Xuhong , Wei Yaming 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Introduction
The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of Wnt and Notch signaling pathway-related genes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with mesenchymal stem cell transplantation (MSCT).

Methods
TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid) was used to establish IBD in a rat model. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were transplanted via tail vein transfusion. Saline water was used in a control group. The expression of Wnt and Notch main signaling molecules was screened by gene chips and verified by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in the IBD rat model on day 14 and day 28 after transplantation.

Results
The IBD rat models were successfully established and MSCs were transplanted into those models. Genome-wide expression profile chips identified a total of 388 differentially expressive genes, of which 191 were upregulated and 197 were downregulated in the MSC-transplanted group in comparison with the IBD control group. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed that the level of Olfm4 mRNA expression in the IBD group (2.54±0.20) was significantly increased compared with the MSCT group (1.39±0.54) and the normal group (1.62±0.25) (P <0.05). The Wnt3a mRNA was more highly expressed in IBD rats (2.92±0.94) and decreased in MSCT rats (0.17±0.63, P <0.05). The expression of GSK-3β mRNA was decreased in the setting of inflammation (0.65±0.04 versus 1.00±0.01 in normal group, P <0.05) but returned to normal levels after MSCT (0.81±0.17). The expression of β-catenin was observed to increase in IBD tissues (1.76±0.44) compared with normal tissues (1.00±0.01, P <0.05), but no difference was found in the MSCT group (1.12±0.36). Wnt11 declined at 14 days and returned to normal levels at 28 days in the IBD group; in comparison, a significantly lower expression was found in MSCT rats. There were no differences in the expression of Fzd3, c-myc, TCF4, and Wnt5a in inflammation, but all of those genes declined after MSCT treatment.

Conclusions
The canonical Wnt and Notch signaling pathways are activated in IBD and may be suppressed by stem cell transplantation to differentiate into intestinal epithelium after MSCT. Moreover, the non-canonical Wnt signaling may be inhibited by canonical Wnt signaling in the setting of inflammation and may also be suppressed by MSCT.
An image database of Drosophila melanogaster wings for phenomic and biometric analysis
Authors: Sonnenschein Anne , VanderZee David , Pitchers William R , Chari Sudarshan , Dworkin Ian 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Background
Extracting important descriptors and features from images of biological specimens is an ongoing challenge. Features are often defined using landmarks and semi-landmarks that are determined a priori based on criteria such as homology or some other measure of biological significance. An alternative, widely used strategy uses computational pattern recognition, in which features are acquired from the image de novo. Subsets of these features are then selected based on objective criteria. Computational pattern recognition has been extensively developed primarily for the classification of samples into groups, whereas landmark methods have been broadly applied to biological inference.

Results
To compare these approaches and to provide a general community resource, we have constructed an image database of Drosophila melanogaster wings - individually identifiable and organized by sex, genotype and replicate imaging system - for the development and testing of measurement and classification tools for biological images. We have used this database to evaluate the relative performance of current classification strategies. Several supervised parametric and nonparametric machine learning algorithms were used on principal components extracted from geometric morphometric shape data (landmarks and semi-landmarks). For comparison, we also classified phenotypes based on de novo features extracted from wing images using several computer vision and pattern recognition methods as implemented in the Bioimage Classification and Annotation Tool (BioCAT).

Conclusions
Because we were able to thoroughly evaluate these strategies using the publicly available Drosophila wing database, we believe that this resource will facilitate the development and testing of new tools for the measurement and classification of complex biological phenotypes.
Components of therapy as mechanisms of change in cognitive therapy for people at risk of psychosis: Analysis of the EDIE-2 trial
Authors: Flach Clare , French Paul , Dunn Graham , Fowler David , Gumley Andrew I. , Birchwood Max , Stewart Suzanne L. K. , Morrison Anthony P. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundResearch suggests that the way in which cognitive therapy is delivered is an important factor in determining outcomes. We test the hypotheses in which the development of a shared problem list, use of case formulation, homework tasks and active intervention strategies will act as process variables.MethodPresence of these components during therapy is taken from therapist notes. The direct and indirect effect of the intervention is estimated by an instrumental variable analysis.ResultsA significant decrease in the symptom score for case formulation (coefficient =–23, 95% CI –44 to –1.7, P = 0.036) and homework (coefficient =–0.26, 95% CI –0.51 to –0.001, P = 0.049) is found. Improvement with the inclusion of active change strategies is of borderline significance (coefficient =–0.23, 95% CI –0.47 to 0.005, P = 0.056).ConclusionsThere is a greater treatment effect if formulation and homework are involved in therapy. However, high correlation between components means that these may be indicators of overall treatment fidelity.
Epidemiology and patterns of musculoskeletal motorcycle injuries in the USA
Authors: Burns Sean T. , Gugala Zbigniew , Jimenez Carlos J. , Mileski William J. , Lindsey Ronald W. 
Published: May 2015

Introduction: Motorcycles have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation despite their association with a greater risk for injury compared with automobiles. Whereas the recent incidence of annual passenger vehicle fatalities in the United States of America (USA) has progressively declined, motorcycle fatalities have steadily increased in the past 11 years. Although motorcycle injuries (MIs) have been studied, to the author’s knowledge there are no published reports on MIs in the USA during this 11-year period.Methods: Study data were derived from a prospectively collected Level I trauma center database. Data sampling included motorcycle crash injury evaluations for the 10-year period ending on 31 August 2008. This retrospective analysis included patient demographic and medical data, helmet use, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, injury severity score (ISS), length of hospital stay (LOS), specific injury diagnosis, and death. Data statistics were analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and logistic regression.Results: The study identified 1252 motorcycle crash injuries. Helmets were worn by 40.7% of patients for which helmet data were available. The rates of the most common orthopedic injuries were tibia/fibula (19.01%), spine (16.21%), and forearm (10.14%) fractures. The most common non-orthopedic motorcycle crash injuries were concussions (21.09%), skull fractures (8.23%), face fractures (13.66%), and hemo- and pneumothorax (8.79%). There was a significant correlation between greater age and higher ISS (r=0.21, P<0.0001) and longer LOS (r=0.22, P<0.0001). Older patients were also less likely to wear a helmet (OR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.98, 0.997), associated with a significantly higher risk for death (after adjustment for helmet use OR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.05). All patients without helmets had a significantly lower GCS score (P=0.0001) and a higher mortality rate (after adjustment for patient demographic data OR=2.28, 95% CI: 1.13, 4.58). Conclusion: Compared with historical reports, the prevalence of skull, face, spine, and pelvis fractures have increased in American motorcycle crashes. Compared to recent European studies, the incidence of USA skull and face fractures is much higher, while the incidence of USA spine and pelvis fractures is more comparable; however, this is not associated with increased in-hospital mortality.
Komunikologia – zarys teoretyczny i problemy praktyczne w świetle kształcenia kompetencji komunikacyjnych
Authors: Drabik-Frączek Beata , Załazińska Aneta 
Published: May 2015

Communicology – theoretical overview and practical problems, in the light of teaching of communication skills
The article discusses communicology, a research discipline that has been gaining increasing popularity lately, both among scholars specializing in the problems of human communication (psychologists, philosophers, linguists), and among rhetoric and auto presentation coaches and trainers. The first part of the paper presents problems related to the definition of the term communicology, and gives a wider description of two models of communication: the code and the orchestral model. This part also introduces the axioms of communication proposed by the scholars of the Palo Alto school (Paul Watzlawick, Janet Beavin, and Don Jackson), as they are the foundation of the modern, pragmatic approach to communication as a feedback process in which the role of the receiver is no less important than that of the sender. The second part of the paper focuses on selected problems related to teaching of practical communication skills. It discusses the questions of communicative competence (as understood by Dell Hymes), non-verbal communication, development of assertiveness and empathy, and also the problem of communicative effectiveness and of the purpose of perfecting communicative skills (interpreted from the point of view of the ritual communication model of James Carey and Eric Rothenbuhler).