bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Sphingomyelin Synthase 1 Deficiency on Sphingolipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis in Mice
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Fan Yifan , Liu Jing , Li Yan , Huan Chongmin , Bui Hai H. , Kuo Ming-Shang , Park Tae-Sik , Cao Guoqing , Jiang Xian-Cheng 
Published: May 2012

Objective—
Sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) catalyzes the conversion of ceramide to sphingomyelin and sits at the crossroads of sphingolipid biosynthesis. SMS has 2 isoforms: SMS1 and SMS2. Although they have the same SMS activity, they are different enzymes with distinguishable subcellular localizations and cell expression patterns. It is conceivable that these differences could yield different consequences, in terms of sphingolipid metabolism and its related atherogenesis.

Methods and Results—

We created
Sms1
gene knockout mice and found that
Sms1
deficiency significantly decreased plasma, liver, and macrophage sphingomyelin (59%, 45%, and 54%, respectively), but only had a marginal effect on ceramide levels. Surprisingly, we found that
Sms1
deficiency dramatically increased glucosylceramide and GM3 levels in plasma, liver, and macrophages (4- to 12-fold), whereas
Sms2
deficiency had no such effect. We evaluated the total SMS activity in tissues and found that
Sms1
deficiency causes 77% reduction in SMS activity in macrophages, indicating SMS1 is the major SMS in macrophages. Moreover,
Sms1
-deficient macrophages have a significantly higher glucosylceramide synthase activity. We also found that
Sms1
deficiency significantly attenuated toll-like 4 receptor–mediated nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation after lipopolysaccharide treatment. To evaluate atherogenicity, we transplanted
Sms1
knockout mouse bone marrow into low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice (
Sms1
–/–
→Ldlr
–/–
). After 3 months on a western diet, these animals showed a significant decrease of atherosclerotic lesions in the root and the entire aorta (35% and 44%,
P
<0.01, respectively) and macrophage content in lesions (51%,
P
<0.05), compared with wild-type
→Ldlr
–/–
mice.

Conclusion—

Sms1
deficiency decreases sphingomyelin, but dramatically increases the levels of glycosphingolipids. Atherosclerosis in
Sms1
–/–
→Ldlr
–/–
mice is significantly decreased.
A Novel Regulator of Macrophage Activation
Authors: Zhuang Guoqing , Meng Cong , Guo Xin , Cheruku Patali S. , Shi Lei , Xu Hang , Li Honggui , Wang Gang , Evans Ashley R. , Safe Stephen , Wu Chaodong , Zhou Beiyan 
Published: May 2012

Background—
Macrophage activation plays a crucial role in regulating adipose tissue inflammation and is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of obesity-associated cardiovascular diseases. On various types of stimuli, macrophages respond with either classic (M1) or alternative (M2) activation. M1- and M2-mediated signaling pathways and corresponding cytokine production profiles are not completely understood. The discovery of microRNAs provides a new opportunity to understand this complicated but crucial network for macrophage activation and adipose tissue function.

Methods and Results—

We have examined the activity of microRNA-223 (miR-223) and its role in controlling macrophage functions in adipose tissue inflammation and systemic insulin resistance. miR-223
−/−
mice on a high-fat diet exhibited an increased severity of systemic insulin resistance compared with wild-type mice that was accompanied by a marked increase in adipose tissue inflammation. The specific regulatory effects of miR-223 in myeloid cell–mediated regulation of adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance were then confirmed by transplantation analysis. Moreover, using bone marrow–derived macrophages, we demonstrated that miR-223 is a novel regulator of macrophage polarization, which suppresses classic proinflammatory pathways and enhances the alternative antiinflammatory responses. In addition, we identified Pknox1 as a genuine miR-223 target gene and an essential regulator for macrophage polarization.

Conclusion—
For the first time, this study demonstrates that miR-223 acts to inhibit Pknox1, suppressing proinflammatory activation of macrophages; thus, it is a crucial regulator of macrophage polarization and protects against diet-induced adipose tissue inflammatory response and systemic insulin resistance.
Theta Burst Stimulation Over the Right Broca's Homologue Induces Improvement of Naming in Aphasic Patients
Authors: Kindler Jochen , Schumacher Rahel , Cazzoli Dario , Gutbrod Klemens , Koenig Monica , Nyffeler Thomas , Dierks Thomas , Müri René M. 
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—
Improvements of language production in aphasic patients have been reported following repeated 1-Hz transcranial magnetic stimulation over the nondamaged right hemisphere. Most studies examined aphasic patients in the chronic phase. The effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation application in acute or subacute patients has not been systematically studied. We aimed to evaluate whether continuous theta burst stimulation, an inhibitory protocol with a shorter application time than the common 1-Hz protocol, is able to improve naming performance in aphasic patients in different poststroke phases.

Methods—
Eighteen right-handed aphasic patients performed a picture naming task and a language independent alertness test before and after the application of theta burst stimulation over the intact right Broca's homologue localized by the 10–20 electroencephalogram system in a randomized, sham-controlled, crossover trial.

Results—
We found that naming performance was significantly better, and naming latency was significantly shorter, after theta burst stimulation than after the sham intervention. Patients who responded best were in the subacute phase after stroke.

Conclusions—
This setting with the short theta burst stimulation application time and the simple stimulation localization procedure is suitable for clinical purposes.
Leukoaraiosis Predicts Parenchymal Hematoma After Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Shi Zhong-Song , Loh Yince , Liebeskind David S. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Gonzalez Nestor R. , Tateshima Satoshi , Jahan Reza , Feng Lei , Vespa Paul M. , Starkman Sidney , Salamon Noriko , Villablance J. Pablo , Ali Latisha K. , Ovbiagele Bruce , Kim Doojin , Viñuela Fernando , Duckwiler Gary R. 
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—
The purpose of this study was to determine whether leukoaraiosis (LA) predicts hemorrhagic transformation and poor outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated by mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods—
We retrospectively analyzed patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with Merci devices and identified LA in the deep white matter (DWM) and periventricular white matter on the preintervention MR images. We dichotomized patients into those with moderate or severe LA in the DWM versus those without. Hemorrhage rates and outcomes were evaluated between 2 groups. We analyzed the association of moderate or severe LA with hemorrhagic transformation and poor outcome.

Results—

Twenty-six of 105 patients had moderate or severe LA in the DWM. Patients with moderate or severe LA in the DWM were older, had more severe neurological deficits and worse outcome, had higher rates of hemorrhagic transformation and parenchymal hematoma, but had equivalent rates of hemorrhagic infarct and subarachnoid hemorrhage when compared with those without. Patients with only periventricular LA did not have a higher rate of parenchymal hematoma. Moderate or severe LA in the DWM was an independent predictor of hemorrhagic transformation (OR, 3.4;
P
=0.019) and parenchymal hematoma (OR, 6.3;
P
=0.005). Patients with parenchymal hematoma were less often independent (modified Rankin Scale ≤2, 3.8% versus 32.5%;
P
=0.003) and had greater in-hospital mortality (50% versus 10.4%;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
Moderate or severe LA in the DWM increases the risk of parenchymal hematoma after Merci thrombectomy for patients with acute stroke. These findings require validation in a larger prospective study.
Citicoline Enhances Neuroregenerative Processes After Experimental Stroke in Rats
Authors: Diederich Kai , Frauenknecht Katrin , Minnerup Jens , Schneider Barbara K. , Schmidt Antje , Altach Elena , Eggert Verena , Sommer Clemens J. , Schäbitz Wolf-Rüdiger 
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—
The neuroprotective potential of citicoline in acute ischemic stroke has been shown in many experimental studies and, although the exact mechanisms are still unknown, a clinical Phase III trial is currently underway. Our present study was designed to check whether citicoline also enhances neuroregeneration after experimental stroke.

Methods—
Forty Wistar rats were subjected to photothrombotic stroke and treated either with daily injections of citicoline (100 mg/kg) or vehicle for 10 consecutive days starting 24 hours after ischemia induction. Sensorimotor tests were performed after an adequate training period at Days 1, 10, 21, and 28 after stroke. Then brains were removed and analyzed for infarct size, glial scar formation, neurogenesis, and ligand binding densities of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors.

Results—
Animals treated with citicoline showed a significantly better neurological outcome at Days 10, 21, and 28 after ischemia, which could not be attributed to differences in infarct volumes or glial scar formation. However, neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus, subventricular zone, and peri-infarct area was significantly increased by citicoline. Furthermore, enhanced neurological outcome after citicoline treatment was associated with a shift toward excitation in the perilesional cortex.

Conclusions—
Our present data demonstrate that, apart from the well-known neuroprotective effects in acute ischemic stroke, citicoline also possesses a substantial neuroregenerative potential. Thanks to its multimodal effects, easy applicability, and history as a well-tolerated drug, promising possibilities of neurological treatment including chronic stroke open up.
Social Indicators of Deception
Authors: Driskell James E. , Salas Eduardo , Driskell Tripp 
Published: May 2012

Objective: This study addresses a practical homeland security issue of considerable current concern: In a situation in which the opportunity exists to question or interview concurrently two or more suspects, how does one determine truth or deception at a social level? Background: Recent world events have led to an increased emphasis on the capacity to detect deception, especially in military, security, and law enforcement settings. In many screening or checkpoint situations, the opportunity exists to question two or more suspects regarding their involvement in some activity, yet investigators know very little regarding characteristics of speech or behavior that are exhibited between two suspects that indicate truth or deception. Method: We conducted an empirical study in which pairs of police officers and firefighters who had served together as partners took part. In the “truth” conditions, each dyad described a recent event in which they had actually taken part, and in the “deceptive” conditions, each dyad fabricated a story that did not take place. We expected that the officers in the truth-telling dyads would be able to draw on shared or transactive memory of the actual event they had participated in and would describe this event in a more interactive manner than would those in deceptive dyads. Results: Results indicated greater evidence of synchrony of behavior as well as more interactive behaviors, such as mutual gaze and speech transitions, in truthful dyads than in deceptive dyads. Conclusion: This research provides a unique perspective on detecting deception in a social context, and the results have both theoretical and practical value. Application: These results can inform training programs and refine strategies used by screeners in field settings.
Suicide in the absence of mental disorder? A review of psychological autopsy studies across countries
Authors: Milner Allison , Sveticic Jerneja , De Leo Diego 
Published: May 2012

Background: While numerous past reviews of psychological autopsy (PA) studies have examined the relationship between mental disorder and suicide, there has been little systematic investigation of suicide occurring in the absence of any identifiable psychiatric condition. Aim: This article reviews available literature on the topic by considering Axis I, sub-threshold, mild disorders and personality disorders. Method: We conducted a systematic review of PA studies from 2000 onwards. Studies included in the review had to clearly describe the proportion of suicide cases without a classifiable mental disorder or sub-threshold condition. Results: Up to 66.7% of suicide cases remained without diagnosis in those studies that only examined Axis I disorders ( n = 14). Approximately 37.1% of suicide cases had no psychiatric condition in research papers that assessed personality and Axis I disorders ( n = 9), and 37% of suicides had no Axis I, sub-threshold/mild conditions ( n = 6). In general, areas in China and India had a higher proportion of suicides without a diagnosis than studies based in Europe, North America or Canada. Conclusion: Variation in the proportion of suicide cases without a psychiatric condition may reflect cultural specificities in the conceptualization and diagnosis of mental disorder, as well as methodological and design-related differences between studies.
Psychological Experience of Parents of Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Whittemore Robin , Jaser Sarah , Chao Ariana , Jang Myoungock , Grey Margaret 
Published: May 2012

Purpose The purpose of this review is to describe the prevalence of psychological distress in parents of children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), the relationship between parental psychological distress and health outcomes, and parents’ psychological experience of having a child with T1DM. Clinical and research implications are presented. Method A systematic mixed-studies review was undertaken to review the quantitative and qualitative research on the parental experience of having a child with T1DM. A total of 34 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Results The prevalence of parental psychological distress across all studies ranged from 10% to 74%, with an average of 33.5% of parents reporting distress at diagnosis and 19% of parents reporting distress 1 to 4 years after diagnosis. Parental psychological distress in parents of children with T1DM, regardless of how it was defined, was associated with higher child self-report of stress and depressive symptoms, more problematic child behavior, and lower child self-report of quality of life. Parental psychological distress also had negative effects on diabetes management. Themes of the qualitative synthesis indicated that parents perceived T1DM as a difficult diagnosis that contributed to significant family disruption. Adjustment occurred over time; however, ongoing stress was experienced. Conclusions Screening for psychological distress in parents of children with T1DM is indicated, and preventive interventions are needed.
Association of Cadherin23 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism with Age‐Related Hearing Impairment in Han Chinese
Authors: Hwang Juen‐Haur , Liu Kris Sun , Wu Chien‐Chi , Liu Tien‐Chen 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveGenetic variation of cadheri23 (cdh23; 753G>A in exon 7) has been implicated with age‐related hearing impairment (ARHI) in mice. This study aimed to test the association of the CDH23 tag single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in intron 7 with ARHI in Han Chinese.Study DesignIndividual cohort study.SettingTertiary medical center.Subjects and MethodsA total of 1175 Han Chinese subjects were divided into the case group (n = 310, 26% with poorest hearing) and the control group (n = 308, the 26% with best hearing) according to the Zhigh score converted from the original frequency‐specific hearing thresholds. The CDH23 SNP locus (rs7087735: C/T) in intron 7 (coordinate: 72996763) shown in the HapMap was genotyped with correlation to the hearing phenotype.ResultsThe genotype distributions of CDH23 (CC/CT/TT) were not significantly different between the case and control group (P =. 489). Compared with genotype CC, the odds ratios of the genotypes CT and TT for ARHI were not significantly different after adjustment for other environmental factors (P =. 299 for CT; P =. 610 for TT).ConclusionsDespite that the Ahl allele of Cdh23 had been implicated with ARHI in mice, we found no positive association of the CDH23 tag SNP in intron 7 with ARHI in Han Chinese.
Distant Metastases and Survival Prediction in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Dong Hwan , Kim Min Joo , Roh Jong‐Lyel , Kim Sung‐Bae , Choi Seung‐Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveThis study was designed to identify the risk factors associated with distant metastases (DM) and survival outcomes in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Study DesignDatabase analysis plus chart review.SettingTertiary care academic medical center.Subjects and MethodsFour hundred four eligible patients were involved who were treated with a minimum 2‐year follow‐up from January 2005 through August 2009. Confirmation of DM was performed by histopathology or follow‐up imaging. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used for factors predictive of DM. The survival of patients was calculated by the Kaplan‐Meier method.ResultsThirty‐six of the 404 eligible patients (8.9%) developed DM, most frequently in the lungs (80.6%). Univariate analyses revealed that T and N classifications, lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion of the primary tumor, and locoregional recurrences were each significantly associated with the development of DM (P <. 05). Multivariate analyses showed that T and N classifications and locoregional recurrences were independent predictors of DM (P <. 05). The overall 1‐ and 2‐year survival rates of the 36 patients with DMs were 40.6% and 13.5%, respectively. Metastases to more than 1 organ negatively affected patient survival (P <. 001).ConclusionPatients with advanced tumors, nodal involvement, or locoregional recurrences may require more frequent surveillance for the development of DMs.
Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy with Double Posteriorly Based Nasal and Lacrimal Flaps
Authors: Khalifa Mohammed A. , Ragab Sameh M. , Saafan Magdy E. , El‐Guindy Ahmed S. 
Published: May 2012

ObjectivesTo conduct the first prospective randomized controlled trial assessing and comparing the safety and efficacy of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with double posteriorly based nasal and lacrimal flaps to conventional endoscopic DCR in adult patients with acquired complete nasolacrimal obstruction.Study DesignA prospective randomized controlled study.SettingGeneral hospital.Subjects and MethodsSeventy‐four adult patients with a total of 80 procedures were recruited to undergo endoscopic DCR. They were prospectively equally randomized into 2 groups: endoscopic DCR with flaps (group I) and conventional endoscopic DCR (group II). Regular follow‐up settings were done to document the patient’s subjective improvement, judge ostium patency on irrigation, and record any complications.ResultsEndoscopic DCR with flaps had a higher (92.1%) but nonsignificant difference in success rate when compared with conventional endoscopic DCR (87.4%). There was no significant difference between the 2 techniques in operative time, adverse events, and tolerability of the technique to be done under local anesthesia with minimal sedation. Group I demonstrated a significantly lower number of debridement sessions than did group II.ConclusionEndoscopic DCR with double posteriorly based nasal and lacrimal flaps provides a viable alternative to conventional endoscopic DCR in managing acquired nasolacrimal duct obstructions in adults. It has a comparable success rate, operative time, and safety profile, with a suggestion of a better healing profile in terms of mucosal recovery, wound healing, and less need for debridement sessions.
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring during Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Phelan Eimear , Potenza Andre , Slough Cristian , Zurakowski David , Kamani Dipti , Randolph Gregory 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveInjury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) remains a significant cause of morbidity during thyroid surgery. Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) is being applied in many centers to facilitate nerve identification. The aim of this study was to elucidate normative human vagal and recurrent laryngeal nerve electromyograhic (EMG) parameters during standard IONM application.Study DesignA prospective IONM study conducted over an 8‐month period. Internal review board (IRB) approval was obtained.SettingsDepartment of Otolaryngology, Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston.Subjects and MethodsAll patients who were scheduled for routine thyroid, parathyroid, or neck exploration surgery were invited to participate. All patients had a preoperative and postoperative laryngeal examination to assess vocal cord function. Any patient with an abnormal preoperative laryngeal examination was excluded.ResultsFifty‐eight patients participated in this study. The right and left RLN latencies were similar. The left vagus latency was greater than the right vagus but was not significant. The RLN latency was significantly less than the vagus nerve. The right vagus nerve amplitude was significantly greater than the left. There was no difference between male and female amplitudes for either the RLN or vagus nerve.ConclusionThis study highlights the electrophysiological/EMG differences and similarities between the RLN and vagus nerve. Normative amplitude measurements for bilateral RLN and vagus nerve stimulation are presented. There are limited data available in the literature on normal RLN and vagal EMG signals generated during thyroid surgery.