bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychological and clinical correlates of functional somatic complaints in depression
Authors: Chakraborty Kaustav , Avasthi Ajit , Kumar Suresh , Grover Sandeep 
Published: December 2010

Background: Studies have shown that functional somatic symptoms are common in patients of depression. However, very few studies have assessed the socio-demographic, psychological and clinical correlates of functional somatic complaints in depression. Method: Fifty (50) patients of first-episode unipolar depression (except for severe depression with psychotic symptoms), aged 18 to 50 years, with duration of depression of more than one month, with no comorbid psychiatric disorders and comorbid medical illnesses, and with at least one symptom on Bradford Somatic Inventory were assessed on the Beck’s Depression Inventory, the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale – Anxiety Index, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (Hindi version), the Somato-sensory Amplification Scale and the Whiteley Index. Results: The most commonly reported functional somatic complaints were a lack of energy much of the time (98%) and feeling tired when not working (82%). A significant positive correlation (Pearson’s product moment value = 0.362, p < 0.01) was found between severity of depression and number of functional somatic complaints. Significant negative Spearman’s rank correlation (−0.346, p < 0.05) was found between Bradford Somatic Inventory total score and Toronto Alexithymia Scale severity grade. A significant positive correlation between Bradford Somatic Inventory total score and somato-sensory amplification emerged only when common items were taken care of. No correlation was found between Bradford Somatic Inventory total score and any of the socio-demographic variables, age at onset of illness, total duration of illness, melancholic symptoms, suicidality, level of anxiety and hypochondriacal worry. Beck’s Depression Inventory total score alone accounted for 11.3% of the variance in the Bradford Somatic Inventory total score. Conclusion: Functional somatic complaints are more prevalent in patients with higher severity of depression, high somato-sensory amplification and less alexithymia. There is no correlation of functional somatic complaints with level of anxiety and hypochondriacal worry.
Impulse Buying
Authors: Kalla Supriya M. , Arora A.P. 
Published: December 2010

This article reviews extant literature in the field of impulse buying. This review has been undertaken with a specific focus on understanding the phenomenon of ‘impulse buying’ and the factors that work towards motivating impulsive action in perspective of buying. Starting with a historical overview that provides genesis of this thought, the review moves into analysis of current definitions of ‘impulse buy-ing’. After providing a thorough picture of this phenomenon, the article deals with internal and external motivators of impulse buying. At various points in the article and at the end, future research directions that follow the relevant sections are discussed as propositions. Design/methodology/approach: The existing body of academic literature in the area under consideration is reviewed and an attempt has been made to provide an integrated portrayal of current level of knowledge in this field. In addition, this literature review comprises contributions from different and yet relevant fields of knowledge, in order to present a holistic perspective of impulse buying phenomenon. This article covers thoughts on the subject from domain of marketing and for developing a deeper understanding of consumer with respect to the phenomenon of ‘impulse buying’; this review looks into disciplines of psychology and social psychology. Academic papers, books and other electronic sources that were used for this purpose were then chronologically placed from 1959–2009. Research papers and books from this time period have been selected basis their relevance to topic of this review. As a first step, the keywords used in electronic journal databases were ‘impulse’ and ‘impulse buying’. As a second step, contributions that concentrate on previously suggested scope of review were selected. References from these studies were examined to identify further contributions from additional sources. Originality/value: This study critically reviews the current state of research and knowledge across related disciplines. From an academic perspective, it may serve as a starting point for a future research agenda that addresses current knowledge gaps in this field of ‘impulse buying’. From a practitioner’s perspective, it is helpful for understanding relevant influence factors and for developing appropriate selling strategies.
Idiopathic pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: clinical and imaging characteristics
Authors: Wong H.H. , Chan R.P. , Klatt R. , Faughnan M.E. 
Published: December 2010

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) can cause stroke, brain abscess or life-threatening haemorrhage. Most PAVMs are associated with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of those with idiopathic PAVMs, which has not previously been described in the literature.Patients with idiopathic PAVMs were identified at our HHT centre. Retrospective review of charts and imaging were performed.20 patients were identified with idiopathic PAVMs. The most common symptoms reported were dyspnoea and migraines (50 and 30% of patients, respectively). Previous complications of PAVMs included haemoptysis (20%), stroke (20%) and brain abscess (5%). A total of 28 focal PAVMs were identified. Most patients (80%) had a solitary PAVM. 13 out of 28 PAVMs (46%) were located in the lower lobes. Most were simple and fistulous rather than complex and plexiform. Transcatheter embolotherapy was performed in 17 patients and was successful in improving oxygenation in all cases.The clinical manifestations and complications of idiopathic PAVMs are similar to those associated with HHT. Idiopathic PAVMs are anatomically similar to HHT-related PAVMs except for a greater number of solitary PAVMs and a lack of lower lobe predominance. Transcatheter embolotherapy is a safe and effective method for treating idiopathic PAVMs.
The impact of using different symptom-based exacerbation algorithms in patients with COPD
Authors: Trappenburg J.C.A. , van Deventer A.C. , Troosters T. , Verheij T.J.M. , Schrijvers A.J.P. , Lammers J-W.J. , Monninkhof E.M. 
Published: December 2010

Not all exacerbations are captured by reliance on healthcare contacts. Symptom-based exacerbation definitions have shown to provide more adequate measures of exacerbation rates, severity and duration. However, no consensus has been reached on what is the most useful method and algorithm to identify these events. This article provides an overview of the existing symptom-based definitions and tests the hypothesis that differences in exacerbation characteristics depend on the algorithms used.We systematically reviewed symptom-based methods and algorithms used in the literature, and quantified the impact of the four most referenced algorithms on exacerbation-related outcome using an existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cohort (n = 137).We identified 51 studies meeting our criteria using 14 widely varying symptom algorithms to define onset, severity and recovery. The most (71%) frequently referenced algorithm (modified Anthonisen) identified an incidence rate of 1.7 episodes·patient-yr−1(95% CI 1.4–2.1), while for requiring only one major or two major symptoms this was 1.9 episodes·patient-yr−1(95% CI 1.6–2.3) and 1.5 episodes·patient-yr−1(95% CI 0.6–1.0), respectively. Studies were generally lacking methods to enhance validity and accuracy of symptom recording.This review revealed large inconsistencies in definitions, methods and accuracy to define symptom-based COPD exacerbations. We demonstrated that minor changes in symptom criteria substantially affect incidence rates, clustering type and classification of exacerbations.
TLR engagement prior to virus infection influences MHC-I antigen presentation in an epitope-dependent manner as a result of nitric oxide release
Authors: Siddiqui Sarah , Alatery Attiya , Kus Agnieszka , Basta Sameh 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT
Microorganisms contain PAMPs that can interact with different TLR-Ls. Cooperative signals from these receptors may modify innate and adaptive immune responses to invading pathogens. Therefore, a better understanding of the role TLRs play in initiating host defense during infections requires assessing the influence of multiple TLR engagement on pAPC activation and antigen presentation. In this study, we investigated the effects of combined TLR2, TLR3, or TLR4 engagement on DC activation and the presentation of LCMV antigens focusing on the major epitopes derived from NP and GP proteins encoded by the virus. Our results demonstrate that combined TLR ligation affected antigen presentation of NP205–212, GP33–41, and GP276–286, but not NP396–404. The altered antigen presentation was associated with changes in proteasomal activities and NO production as a result of TLR engagement. Taken together, the data demonstrate that combined TLR ligation could result in changes of innate effectors that may directly influence the adaptive immune response.
Identification of Prolactin-Sensitive GABA and Kisspeptin Neurons in Regions of the Rat Hypothalamus Involved in the Control of Fertility
Authors: Kokay Ilona C. , Petersen Sandra L. , Grattan David R. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
High levels of circulating prolactin are known to cause infertility, but the precise mechanisms by which prolactin influences the neuroendocrine axis are yet to be determined. We used dual-label in situ hybridization to investigate whether prolactin-receptor (PRLR) mRNA is expressed in GnRH neurons. In addition, because γ-aminobutyric acidergic and kisspeptin neurons in the rostral hypothalamus are known to regulate GnRH neurons and, hence, might mediate the actions of prolactin, we investigated whether these neurons coexpress PRLR mRNA. 35S-labeled RNA probes to detect PRLR mRNA were hybridized together with digoxigenin-labeled probes to detect either GnRH, Gad1/Gad2, or Kiss1 mRNA in the rostral hypothalamus of ovariectomized (OVX), estradiol-treated rats. Additional sets of serial sections were cut through the arcuate nucleus of OVX rats, without estradiol replacement, to examine coexpression of PRLR mRNA in the arcuate population of kisspeptin neurons. PRLR mRNA was highly expressed throughout the rostral preoptic area, particularly in periventricular regions surrounding the third ventricle, and there was a high degree of colocalization of PRLR mRNA in both Gad1/Gad2 and Kiss1 mRNA-containing cells (86 and 85.5%, respectively). In contrast, only a small number of GnRH neurons (&lt;5%) was found to coexpress PRLR mRNA. In the arcuate nucleus of OVX rats, the majority of Kiss1 mRNA-containing cells also coexpressed PRLR mRNA. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that, in addition to a direct action on a small subpopulation of GnRH neurons, prolactin actions on GnRH neurons are predominantly mediated indirectly, through known afferent pathways.
Androgen Receptor Expression in the Caput Epididymal Epithelium Is Essential for Development of the Initial Segment and Epididymal Spermatozoa Transit
Authors: O'Hara Laura , Welsh Michelle , Saunders Philippa T.K. , Smith Lee B. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe epididymis plays an essential role in male fertility, and disruption of epididymal function can lead to obstructive azoospermia. Formation and function of the epididymis is androgen-dependent. The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in both the stromal and epithelial compartments of the epididymis, and androgen action mediated via stromal cells is vital for its normal development and function. However the impact of epithelial specific AR-dependent signaling in the epididymis remains underexplored. To address this, we used conditional gene-targeting in mice to selectively ablate AR from the caput epididymal epithelium, and characterized the resulting phenotype at multiple postnatal ages. Caput epithelium androgen receptor knock-out mice have normal serum testosterone concentrations at day (d) 21 and d100, but do not develop an epididymal initial segment. The remaining caput epithelium displays a significant decrease in epithelial cell height from d11 and lumen diameter from d21 and disruption of the smooth muscle layer of the caput epididymis at d100. From d21, caput epithelium androgen receptor knock-out mice accumulate cell debris, proteinaceous material, and, at later ages, spermatozoa in their efferent ducts, which prevents normal passage of spermatozoa from the testis into the cauda epididymis resulting in infertility when tested at d100. This efferent duct obstruction leads to fluid back-pressure and disruption of the seminiferous epithelium of the adult testis. We conclude that epithelial AR signaling is essential for postnatal development and function of the epididymal epithelium and that disruption of this signaling can contribute to obstructive azoospermia.
Differential Effects of PPAR-γ Activation versus Chemical or Genetic Reduction of DPP-4 Activity on Bone Quality in Mice
Authors: Kyle Kimberly A. , Willett Thomas L. , Baggio Laurie L. , Drucker Daniel J. , Grynpas Marc D. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of fracture that can be further exacerbated by thiazolidinediones. A new class of antidiabetic agents control glucose through reduction of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) activity; however the importance of DPP-4 for the control of bone quality has not been extensively characterized. We compared the effects of the thiazolidinedione pioglitazone and the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin on bone quality in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed wild-type mice. In complementary studies, we examined bone quality in Dpp4+/+ vs. Dpp4−/− mice. Pioglitazone produced yellow bones with greater bone marrow adiposity and significantly reduced vertebral bone mechanics in male, female, and ovariectomized (OVX) HFD fed female mice. Pioglitazone negatively affected vertebral volumetric bone mineral density, trabecular architecture, and mineral apposition rate in male mice. Sitagliptin treatment of HFD-fed wild-type mice significantly improved vertebral volumetric bone mineral density and trabecular architecture in female mice, but these improvements were lost in females after OVX. Genetic inactivation of Dpp4 did not produce a major bone phenotype in male and female Dpp4−/− mice; however, OVX Dpp4−/− mice exhibited significantly reduced femoral size and mechanics. These findings delineate the skeletal consequences of pharmacological and genetic reduction of DPP-4 activity and reveal significant differences in the effects of pioglitazone vs. sitagliptin vs. genetic Dpp4 inactivation on bone mechanics in mice.
Dihydrotestosterone Administration Does Not Increase Intraprostatic Androgen Concentrations or Alter Prostate Androgen Action in Healthy Men: A Randomized-Controlled Trial
Authors: Page Stephanie T. , Lin Daniel W. , Mostaghel Elahe A. , Marck Brett T. , Wright Jonathan L. , Wu Jennifer , Amory John K. , Nelson Peter S. , Matsumoto Alvin M. 
Published: December 2010

abstractContext:Concern exists that androgen treatment might adversely impact prostate health in older men. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), derived from local conversion of testosterone to DHT by 5α-reductase enzymes, is the principal androgen within the prostate. Exogenous androgens raise serum DHT concentrations, but their effects on the prostate are not clear.Objective:To determine the impact of large increases in serum DHT concentrations on intraprostatic androgen concentrations and androgen action within the prostate.Design:Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled.Setting:Single academic medical center.Participants:31 healthy men ages 35–55.Intervention:Daily transdermal DHT or placebo gel.Main Outcome Measures:Serum and prostate tissue androgen concentrations and prostate epithelial cell gene expression after 4 wk of treatment.Results:Twenty-seven men completed all study procedures. Serum DHT levels increased nearly sevenfold, while testosterone levels decreased in men treated with daily transdermal DHT gel but were unchanged in the placebo-treated group (P &lt; 0.01 between groups). In contrast, intraprostatic DHT and testosterone concentrations on d 28 were not different between groups (DHT: placebo = 2.8 ± 0.2 vs. DHT gel = 3.1 ± 0.5 ng/g; T: placebo = 0.6 ± 0.2 vs. DHT gel = 0.4 ± 0.1, mean ± se). Similarly, prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen, epithelial cell proliferation, and androgen-regulated gene expression were not different between groups.Conclusions:Robust supraphysiologic increases in serum DHT, associated with decreased serum T, do not significantly alter intraprostatic levels of DHT, testosterone, or prostate epithelial cell androgen–regulated gene expression in healthy men. Changes in circulating androgen concentrations are not necessarily mimicked within the prostate microenvironment, a finding with implications for understanding the impact of androgen therapies in men.
Sustained Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress as a Cofactor of Oxidative Stress in Decidual Cells from Patients with Early Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Liu Ai-Xia , He Wei-Hua , Yin Li-Jun , Lv Ping-Ping , Zhang Yu , Sheng Jian-Zhong , Leung Peter C. K. , Huang He-Feng 
Published: December 2010

Background:
Oxidative stress is a common pathological background for different etiologies of early pregnancy loss (EPL). It has been suggested that elevated reactive oxygen species trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by influencing ER function. However, it is unclear whether ER stress is associated with EPL.

Objectives:
The aim of the study was to determine whether and how ER stress occurs during the development of EPL.

Approaches:
Proteomic analysis was performed on decidua from women with EPL, and then ER stress markers, redox status, apoptotic features, and cell viability were analyzed in EPL decidual cells (DCs).

Results:
EPL decidua were characterized by decreased levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GPR78) and valosin-containing protein and burdened with ubiquitinated proteins. Evidence of ER stress-induced apoptosis in EPL DCs was demonstrated by extensive dilation of ER, morphological features of apoptosis, and activation of caspase-4 and caspase-12. Furthermore, H2O2 reduced the viabilities in both EPL and control DCs, whereas EPL DCs were more vulnerable to additional OS challenge than the controls as a result of failed induction of GRP78 expression. The cell survival percentages of DCs were dose-dependently reduced by H2O2 and could be reversed in the presence of vitamin E. This effect was partly mediated by reducing the amount of misfolded proteins rather than regulating GRP78 expression.

Conclusions:
The sum of these observations demonstrate for the first time that sustained ER stress occurs in EPL DCs and the potentially vicious relationship between ER stress and oxidative stress is likely to play an important role in the development of EPL.
D440N Mutation in the Acid-Labile Subunit of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Complexes Inhibits Secretion and Complex Formation
Authors: Firth Sue M. , Yan Xiaolang , Baxter Robert C. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe acid-labile subunit (ALS) regulates IGF bioavailability by forming heterotrimeric complexes with IGFs and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3). A homozygous missense mutation (D440N) resulting in undetectable circulating levels of ALS with a concomitant reduction in IGF-I and IGFBP-3 has been reported to cause mild growth retardation. To understand how this particular mutation affects ALS circulating levels and IGF-transport function, we expressed recombinant ALS and its variants, D440N-ALS, T442A-ALS, and D440N/T442A-ALS, using adenovirus vectors. Compared with wild-type ALS, the secretion of D440N-ALS was 80% lower. The D440N mutation was proposed to generate an N-glycosylation site additional to the seven existing motifs in ALS. D440N-ALS appeared larger than ALS, attributable to N-linked glycans because deglycosylation with N-glycosidase F reduced both proteins to the same molecular mass. When ALS was incubated with IGF-I and IGFBP-3, 70–80% of IGF-I was detected by gel-filtration chromatography in forms corresponding to the 150-kDa ternary complex. In contrast, when D440N-ALS was tested, less than 30% of IGF-I was found in high molecular mass complexes. Two other ALS variants mutated in the same putative glycosylation site, D440N/T442A-ALS and T442A-ALS, showed similar chromatographic profiles to wild-type ALS. The D440N mutation in ALS generates a hyperglycosylated form with impaired secretion and complex formation, potentially leading to dysregulation of endocrine IGF, thus contributing to the growth retardation observed in the affected patient. This is the first study to explain how a natural mutation, D440N, in ALS impairs its function.
BRAF analysis by fine needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules improves preoperative identification of papillary thyroid carcinoma and represents a prognostic factor. A mono-institutional experience
Authors: Pelizzo Maria Rosa , Boschin Isabella Merante , Barollo Susi , Pennelli Gianmaria , Toniato Antonio , Zambonin Laura , Vianello Federica , Piotto Andrea , Ide Eric Casal , Pagetta Costantino , Sorgato Nadia , Torresan Francesca , Girelli Maria Elisa , Nacamulli Davide , Mantero Franco , Mian Caterina 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background: The current preoperative diagnosis of a thyroid mass relies on microscopic evaluation of thyroid cells obtained by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). More recently, FNAB has been combined with molecular analysis to increase the accuracy of the cytological evaluation. In this mono-institutional prospective study, we evaluated whether the routine introduction of BRAF testing in thyroid FNAB could help ameliorate the preoperative recognition of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in “suspended” or malignant cytological categories. Moreover, we investigated the prognostic role of the BRAFV600E mutation in PTC.

Methods: BRAFV600E analysis was performed in thyroid FNAB from 270 patients classified into one of five cytological categories THY1, THY2, THY3, THY4, THY5. All subsequently underwent thyroidectomy±node dissection, from October 2008 to September 2009 in our Department. For each cytological category, we considered the definitive histological diagnosis of PTC and the presence of the BRAFV600E mutation. In 141 patients with a final tissue diagnosis of PTC, we correlated the presence of BRAFV600E with gender, age, histotype, TNM, size of the lesion, extracapsular extension, node metastases and multifocality.

Results: The prevalence of the BRAFV600E mutation, among PTCs at final tissue diagnosis, was 69%. It improved the FNAB diagnostic accuracy from 88% to 91%. The BRAFV600E mutation was correlated with older age, classical variant of PTC, advanced stages in patients >45 years.

Conclusions: BRAFV600E testing could play a role in improving the diagnostic accuracy of FNAB for PTC, representing a useful adjuvant tool in presurgical characterization of thyroid nodes in particular cases. There is an association between the BRAFV600E mutation and some clinico-pathological characteristics of PTC.