bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forms and Functions of Aggression in Adolescent Friendship Selection and Influence: A Longitudinal Social Network Analysis
Authors: Sijtsema Jelle J. , Ojanen Tiina , Veenstra René , Lindenberg Siegwart , Hawley Patricia H. , Little Todd D. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAggressive children are known to have friends. However, less is known about the impact of aggression on friendship development and how this can differ for overt and relational (i.e., the forms) and instrumental and reactive (i.e., the functions) aggression. This longitudinal study utilized the forms and functions perspective on aggression to assess social selection and influence in adolescents' (N = 337, 12–14 years) friendship networks. Instrumentally and relationally aggressive peers became mutual friends with similar peers. Influence effects were observed in all types of aggression except overt aggression, suggesting that instrumental, reactive, and relational aggression may be the most susceptible to social influence. The findings are discussed in terms of theoretical and methodological implications for the study of aggression and adolescent friendships.
Methotrexate/narrowband UVB phototherapy combination vs. narrowband UVB phototherapy in the treatment of chronic plaque‐type psoriasis – a randomized single‐blinded placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Mahajan R , Kaur I , Kanwar AJ 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground  Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring inflammatory disease affecting the skin, joints and nails that has a significant negative impact on the quality of life. Efficacy of combination of methotrexate/narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy in the treatment of psoriasis has been rarely assessed.Objectives  To compare the efficacy of methotrexate/NBUVB phototherapy combination vs. NBUVB phototherapy in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.Methods  Forty patients with chronic plaque‐type psoriasis (body surface area involvement >10%) were randomized to receive either methotrexate/NBUVB phototherapy (group A) or placebo/NBUVB phototherapy (group B). End point of treatment was 75% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) Score or upto 6 months, whichever was earlier. Patients were then followed up for a period of 12 weeks for assessment of relapse.Results  Of 40 patients, 37 completed the treatment period and 29 both the treatment period and follow‐up. PASI 75 was achieved in 19/20 patients in group A and 14/20 patients in group B (P < 0.04). The mean number of weeks(P = 0.001), the mean cumulative dose of NBUVB (P = 0.001) and the mean number of phototherapy sessions (P = 0.0001) required to achieve PASI 75 were significantly less in group A compared with group B. There was no significant difference in the number of patients who relapsed during the follow‐up period (P = 0.68).Conclusion  Combination of methotrexate and NBUVB phototherapy provides more rapid clinical improvement compared with NBUVB monotherapy in the treatment for chronic plaque‐type psoriasis.
Melasma in men: a clinical, aetiological and histological study
Authors: Sarkar R , Puri P , Jain RK , Singh A , Desai A 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground  Melasma, a facial hypermelanosis, is more common in women. In Indians, men seem to be frequently involved. There are hardly any studies delineating the clinical, aetiological and histological features of melasma in men and the present study was taken up to fill this lacuna.Materials and methods  A total of 200 patients with melasma were screened for only men having melasma. Data including duration, illnesses, sunlight exposure, use of cosmetics, oil or medication, familial pigmentation, nutritional, parasitic infestations, infections, hepatic disorders, occupation were taken followed by general physical, cutaneous and Woods light examination. Laboratory investigations including skin biopsy were performed.Results  Of 200 patients screened, 41 (20.5%) were men. Their ages ranged from 19 to 53 years. Twenty‐four (58.5%) of the patients were outdoor workers. Twelve (29.3%) originally belonged to hilly regions. Clinical patterns were malar in 61%, centrofacial in 29.3% and mandibular in 9.7%. The aetiological factors identified were: sun‐exposure in 20 (48.8%), mustard oil usage in 18 (43.9%), family history in 16 (37%), chronic illnesses in five (12.2%) and phenytoin in three (7.3%); of these sun‐exposure and family history were statistically significant when compared with those for women. Laboratory investigations revealed anaemia in five (12.2%), giardiasis in two (4.9%), increased leuteinizing hormone (LH) and low testosterone in four (9.7%) men. Skin biopsies in 20 (48.8%) patients revealed features of epidermal melasma in 10 (50%) and a mixed type in nine (45%) patients.Conclusions  Melasma is frequently observed in Indian men. The main causative factors among the male patients appeared to be sun‐exposure and family history. Melasma in men is definitely less common than in women, but shares the same clinicohistopathological characteristics as in women.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: From inclusion to exclusion: some unintended consequences of Valuing People
Authors: Simpson Graeme , Price Vicky 
Published: December 2009

Accessible summary:

Valuing People is a policy which aims to help people with learning disabilities become included in all parts of life. It needs money and resources to make it work.
It has worked well for some people but others have had some very bad experiences as a result of how the policy has worked.
This has led to these people not being included, and this is something that nobody intended to happen.
We make some suggestions of how things could be improved, so that the aims of Valuing People can be met.

SummaryThe paper examines aspects of the implementation of Valuing People by focusing upon four case studies of people, which are representative of a greater number of referrals to an organisation providing support for people with learning disabilities. It shows that despite many positive aspects of the policy, it sometimes fails the most vulnerable, resulting in greater levels of social exclusion for this group. The paper draws on Scull (1983) and Burton & Kagan’s (2006) documentary analysis of Valuing People (Department of Health, 2001) to argue that the policy, in its implementation, is firmly located within the Government’s neo‐liberal ideology. The conclusion is that whilst the policy is intended to be one which enhances social inclusion, its implementation has the unintended consequences of social exclusion, which could have been, and still can be, avoided.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Effective communication training interventions for paid carers supporting adults with learning disabilities
Authors: Kyle Seonaid , Melville Craig A. , Jones Andrea 
Published: December 2009

Accessible summary

Communication is an important part of everybody’s life.
Carers attended training about communication.
The training improved the carers’ confidence about communication.
Carers with good communication skills can have a positive effect on the well‐being of people with learning disabilities.

SummaryCarer communication skills contribute to the well being of individuals with learning disabilities. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of communication training interventions, and there is a lack of robust measures of outcome. A communication self‐efficacy measure relevant to carers supporting adults with learning disabilities was developed and piloted. Paid carers supporting adults with learning disabilities participated in the study. A pre–post intervention study design was used to examine the reliability and sensitivity to change of the Glasgow‐Communication Efficacy Scale (G‐CES). Twenty‐six paid carers completed the G‐CES before and after participating in a communication training intervention. The scale had good internal and test–retest reliability. Carer communication efficacy increased after taking part in the training. Use of the G‐CES in clinical services and research studies can help to develop the evidence base on the effectiveness of communication training interventions relevant to working with persons with learning disabilities.
Frequency of the AGT Pro11Leu Polymorphism in Humans: does Diet Matter?
Authors: Ségurel Laure , Lafosse Sophie , Heyer Evelyne , Vitalis Renaud 
Published: December 2009

SummaryThe Pro11Leu substitution in the AGXT gene, which causes primary hyperoxaluria type 1, is found with high frequency in some human populations (e.g., 5–20% in Caucasians). It has been suggested that this detrimental mutation could have been positively selected in populations with a meat‐rich diet. In order to test this hypothesis, we investigated the occurrence of Pro11Leu in both herder and agriculturalist populations from Central Asia. We found a lower frequency of this detrimental mutation in herders, whose diet is more meat‐rich, as compared to agriculturalists, which therefore challenges the universality of the previous claim. Furthermore, when combining our original data with previously published results, we could show that the worldwide genetic differentiation measured at the Pro11Leu polymorphism does not depart from neutrality. Hence, the distribution of the variation observed in the AGXT gene could be due to demographic history, rather than local adaptation to diet.
Epidemiological Approach to Identifying Genetic Predispositions for Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Sullivan Maren , Erlic Zoran , Hoffmann Michael M. , Arbeiter Klaus , Patzer Ludwig , Budde Klemens , Hoppe Bernd , Zeier Martin , Lhotta Karl , Rybicki Lisa A. , Bock Andreas , Berisha Gani , Neumann Hartmut PH 
Published: December 2009

SummaryAtypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is caused by several susceptibility genes. A registry including analyses of susceptibility genes, familial occurrence and genotype‐phenotype correlation should provide classification insights.Registry data of 187 unrelated index patients included age at onset, gender, family history, relapse of aHUS and potentially triggering conditions. Mutation analyses were performed in the genes CFH, CD46 and CFI and in the six potential susceptibility genes, FHR1 to FHR5 and C4BP.Germline mutations were identified in 17% of the index cases; 12% in CFH, 3% in CD46 and 2% in CFI. Twenty‐nine patients had heterozygous mutations and one each had a homozygous and compound heterozygous mutation. Mutations were not found in the genes FHR1‐5 and C4BP. In 40% of the patients with familial HUS a mutation was found. Penetrance by age 45 was 50% among carriers of any mutation including results of relatives of mutation‐positive index cases. The only risk factor for a mutation was family history of HUS (p = 0.02). Penetrance of aHUS in carriers of mutations is not complete. Occurrence of homo‐ and heterozygous mutations in the same gene suggests that the number of necessary DNA variants remains unclear. Among clinical information only familial occurrence predicts a mutation.
Inferring Continental Ancestry of Argentineans from Autosomal, Y‐Chromosomal and Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Corach Daniel , Lao Oscar , Bobillo Cecilia , Van Der Gaag Kristiaan , Zuniga Sofia , Vermeulen Mark , Van Duijn Kate , Goedbloed Miriam , Vallone Peter M. , Parson Walther , De Knijff Peter , Kayser Manfred 
Published: December 2009

SummaryWe investigated the bio‐geographic ancestry of Argentineans, and quantified their genetic admixture, analyzing 246 unrelated male individuals from eight provinces of three Argentinean regions using ancestry‐sensitive DNA markers (ASDM) from autosomal, Y and mitochondrial chromosomes. Our results demonstrate that European, Native American and African ancestry components were detectable in the contemporary Argentineans, the amounts depending on the genetic system applied, exhibiting large inter‐individual heterogeneity. Argentineans carried a large fraction of European genetic heritage in their Y‐chromosomal (94.1%) and autosomal (78.5%) DNA, but their mitochondrial gene pool is mostly of Native American ancestry (53.7%); instead, African heritage was small in all three genetic systems (<4%). Population substructure in Argentina considering the eight sampled provinces was very small based on autosomal (0.92% of total variation was between provincial groups, p = 0.005) and mtDNA (1.77%, p = 0.005) data (none with NRY data), and all three genetic systems revealed no substructure when clustering the provinces into the three geographic regions to which they belong. The complex genetic ancestry picture detected in Argentineans underscores the need to apply ASDM from all three genetic systems to infer geographic origins and genetic admixture. This applies to all worldwide areas where people with different continental ancestry live geographically close together.
Sesbania rostrata: a case study of natural variation in legume nodulation
Authors: Capoen Ward , Oldroyd Giles , Goormachtig Sofie , Holsters Marcelle 
Published: December 2009

SummaryLegumes acquired the ability to engage in a symbiotic interaction with soil‐borne bacteria and establish a nitrogen‐fixing symbiosis in a novel root organ, the nodule. Most legume crops and the model legumes Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus are infected intracellularly in root hairs via infection threads that lead the bacteria towards a nodule primordium in the root cortex. This infection process, however, does not reflect the great diversity of infection strategies that are used by leguminous plants. An alternative, intercellular invasion occurs in the semiaquatic legume Sesbania rostrata. Bacteria colonize epidermal fissures at lateral root bases and trigger cortical cell death for infection pocket formation and subsequent intercellular and intracellular infection thread progression towards the primordium. This infection mode evolved as an adaptation to waterlogged conditions that inhibit intracellular invasion. In this review, we discuss the molecular basis for this adaptation and how insights into this process contribute to general knowledge of the rhizobial infection process.
Mechanisms of Kv2.1 channel inhibition by celecoxib – modification of gating and channel block
Authors: Frolov RV , Bondarenko VE , Singh S 
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose: Selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitors such as rofecoxib (Vioxx) and celecoxib (Celebrex) were developed as NSAIDs with reduced gastric side effects. Celecoxib has now been shown to affect cellular physiology via an unexpected, COX‐independent, pathway – by inhibiting Kv2.1 and other ion channels. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of the action of celecoxib on Kv2.1 channels.Experimental approach: The mode of action of celecoxib on rat Kv2.1 channels was studied by whole‐cell patch‐clamping to record currents from channels expressed in HEK‐293 cells.Key results: Celecoxib reduced current through Kv2.1 channels when applied from the extracellular side. At low concentrations (≤3 µM), celecoxib accelerated kinetics of activation, deactivation and inactivation. Recovery of rat Kv2.1 channels from inactivation could be characterized by two components, with celecoxib selectively accelerating the slow component of recovery at ≤10 µM. At >3 µM, celecoxib led to closed‐channel block with relative slowing of activation. At 30 µM, it additionally induced open‐channel block that manifested in use‐dependent inhibition and slower recovery from inactivation.Conclusions and implications: Celecoxib reduced current through Kv2.1 channels by modifying gating and inducing closed‐ and open‐channel block, with the three effects manifesting at different concentrations. These data will help to elucidate the mechanisms of action of this widely prescribed drug on ion channels and those underlying its neurological, cardiovascular and other effects.
A unique modulator of endoplasmic reticulum stress‐signalling pathways: the novel pharmacological properties of amiloride in glial cells
Authors: Hosoi Toru , Kume Ayaka , Otani Kayo , Oba Tatsuya , Ozawa Koichiro 
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose: Stress on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) can trigger rescuer responses such as the unfolded protein response (UPR). However, pharmacological modulators of these ER‐regulated stress responses are not well understood. In the present study, we found that amiloride, a potassium‐sparing diuretic, has unique properties relating to such stress.Experimental approach: We treated mouse primary cultured glial cells with amiloride, in the absence and presence of the ER stress‐inducing reagents tunicamycin (Tm) or dithiothreitol, and measured UPR and ER stress‐induced cell death. IRE1α phosphorylation, eIF2α phosphorylation, X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1) splicing, glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) expression by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to assess UPR and lactate dehydrogenase activity was determined to measure ER stress‐induced cell death.Key results: Amiloride completely inhibited ER stress‐induced activation of IRE1α, an ER‐localized stress sensor protein, splicing of XBP1, and subsequent expression of GRP78 at the mRNA and protein levels. ER stress induces the phosphorylation of eIF2α, leading to the expression of CHOP or an attenuation of translation in cells. Surprisingly, treatment with amiloride alone markedly promoted the phosphorylation but actually inhibited ER stress‐induced CHOP expression. Finally, we found that amiloride (200 µM) synergistically enhanced ER stress‐induced cell death, which was mediated through caspases. On the other hand, a low dose of amiloride (20 µM) significantly prevented Tm‐induced cell death.Conclusions and implications: These results suggest that amiloride can modulate UPR. They also suggest amiloride to be an important pharmacological agent and provide basic information for understanding and preventing ER stress‐related diseases.
Effects of chronic sympatho‐inhibition on reflex control of renal blood flow and plasma renin activity in renovascular hypertension
Authors: Burke SL , Evans RG , Head GA 
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose:  We determined if chronic sympatho‐inhibition with rilmenidine has functional significance for the kidney by altering responses of renal blood flow (RBF) and plasma renin activity (PRA) to stress and acute hypotension in rabbits with renovascular hypertension.Experimental approach:  RBF to each kidney and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) to the left kidney were measured in rabbits in which a renal artery clip induced hypertension (2K1C) and in sham‐operated rabbits. After 2 weeks, a subcutaneous minipump was implanted to deliver rilmenidine (2.5 mg·kg−1·day−1) to 2K1C rabbits for 3 weeks.Key results:  After 5 weeks of renal artery stenosis, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was 23% higher and PRA 3‐fold greater than in sham‐operated rabbits. Blood flow and renal vascular conductance in the stenosed kidney were lower (−75% and −80%) compared with sham, and higher in the non‐clipped kidney (68% and 39%). Responses of RBF and PRA to hypotension were similar in 2K1C and sham rabbits. Airjet stress evoked a greater increase in MAP in 2K1C rabbits than sham controls. Chronic rilmenidine normalized MAP, reduced RSNA and PRA, and did not reduce RBF in the stenosed kidney. Responses of RBF (clipped and non‐clipped kidney), RSNA and PRA to hypotension and airjet were little affected by rilmenidine.Conclusions and implications:  Our observations suggest that chronic sympatho‐inhibition is an effective antihypertensive therapy in renovascular hypertension. It normalizes MAP and reduces basal PRA without compromising blood flow in the stenosed kidney or altering responses of MAP, haemodynamics and PRA to acute hypotension and stress.
Effect of long‐ and short‐term treatments with pravastatin on diabetes mellitus and pancreatic fibrosis in the Otsuka–Long–Evans–Tokushima Fatty rat
Authors: Otani M , Yamamoto M , Harada M , Otsuki M 
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose:  The effects of statins on diabetes mellitus (DM) are controversial, and their effects on pancreatic fibrosis are poorly defined. We investigated the effect of long‐ and short‐term treatments with pravastatin on the development of DM and pancreatic fibrosis in DM‐prone Otsuka–Long–Evans–Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats.Experimental approach:  Male OLETF rats were divided into four groups at 12 weeks of age. The first group received a standard rat diet until the end of the experimental period at age 80 weeks. The second group was given a diet containing 0.05% pravastatin from 12 weeks of age, before the onset of DM and pancreatic fibrosis, and the third group was given the same pravastatin diet from 28 weeks of age, after the onset of DM and pancreatic fibrosis, until age 80 weeks. The fourth group received the same pravastatin diet only for 16 weeks, from 12 to 28 weeks of age, and switched to a standard diet. Progressions of DM and pancreatic fibrosis were evaluated.Key results:  Long‐term treatments with pravastatin, either from 12 or 28 weeks of age, decreased serum glucose concentration and fibrotic area, elevated superoxide dismutase activity and down‐regulated transforming growth factor‐β1 mRNA in the pancreas. In contrast, after a short‐term treatment with pravastatin, these parameters markedly deteriorated after its cessation.Conclusions and implications:  The results suggest that long‐term treatment with pravastatin improves DM and pancreatic fibrosis via anti‐oxidative and anti‐fibrotic properties, whereas cessation of pravastatin abolishes these beneficial effects, and accelerates DM and pancreatic fibrosis.
Vagal Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Prevalence and Ablation Outcome in Patients Without Structural Heart Disease
Authors: ROSSO RAPHAEL , SPARKS PAUL B. , MORTON JOSEPH B. , KISTLER PETER M. , VOHRA JITENDRA K. , HALLORAN KAREN , MEDI CAROLINE , KALMAN JONATHAN M. 
Published: December 2009

Prevalence of Vagal Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. Introduction: The prevalence of vagal and adrenergic atrial fibrillation (AF) and the success rate of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) are not well defined. We investigated the prevalence of vagal and adrenergic AF and the ablation success rate of antral pulmonary vein isolation (APVI) in patients with these triggers compared with patients with random AF.
Methods and Results:
Two hundred and nine consecutive patients underwent APVI due to symptomatic drug refractory paroxysmal AF. Patients were diagnosed as vagal or adrenergic AF if >90% of AF episodes were related to vagal or adrenergic triggers; otherwise, a diagnosis of random AF was made. Clinical, electrocardiogram (ECG), and Holter follow‐up was every 3 months in the first year and every 6 months afterward and for symptoms. Of 209 patients, 57 (27%) had vagal AF, 14 (7%) adrenergic AF, and 138 (66%) random AF. Vagal triggers were sleep (96.4%), postprandial (96.4%), late post‐exercise (51%), cold stimulus (20%), coughing (7%), and swallowing (2%). At APVI, 94.3% of patients had isolation of all veins. Twenty‐five (12%) patients had a second APVI. At a follow‐up of 21 ± 15 months, the percentage of patients free of AF was 75% in the vagal group, 86% in the adrenergic group, and 82% for random AF (P = 0.51).
Conclusion:
In patients with PAF and no structural heart disease referred for APVI, vagal AF is present in approximately one quarter. APVI is equally effective in patients with vagal AF as in adrenergic and random AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 489‐493, May 2010)