bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning alters theta amplitude, theta-gamma coupling and neuronal synchronization in inferotemporal cortex
Authors: Kendrick Keith M , Zhan Yang , Fischer Hanno , Nicol Alister U , Zhang Xuejuan , Feng Jianfeng 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
How oscillatory brain rhythms alone, or in combination, influence cortical information processing to support learning has yet to be fully established. Local field potential and multi-unit neuronal activity recordings were made from 64-electrode arrays in the inferotemporal cortex of conscious sheep during and after visual discrimination learning of face or object pairs. A neural network model has been developed to simulate and aid functional interpretation of learning-evoked changes.

Results
Following learning the amplitude of theta (4-8 Hz), but not gamma (30-70 Hz) oscillations was increased, as was the ratio of theta to gamma. Over 75% of electrodes showed significant coupling between theta phase and gamma amplitude (theta-nested gamma). The strength of this coupling was also increased following learning and this was not simply a consequence of increased theta amplitude. Actual discrimination performance was significantly correlated with theta and theta-gamma coupling changes. Neuronal activity was phase-locked with theta but learning had no effect on firing rates or the magnitude or latencies of visual evoked potentials during stimuli. The neural network model developed showed that a combination of fast and slow inhibitory interneurons could generate theta-nested gamma. By increasing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor sensitivity in the model similar changes were produced as in inferotemporal cortex after learning. The model showed that these changes could potentiate the firing of downstream neurons by a temporal desynchronization of excitatory neuron output without increasing the firing frequencies of the latter. This desynchronization effect was confirmed in IT neuronal activity following learning and its magnitude was correlated with discrimination performance.

Conclusions
Face discrimination learning produces significant increases in both theta amplitude and the strength of theta-gamma coupling in the inferotemporal cortex which are correlated with behavioral performance. A network model which can reproduce these changes suggests that a key function of such learning-evoked alterations in theta and theta-nested gamma activity may be increased temporal desynchronization in neuronal firing leading to optimal timing of inputs to downstream neural networks potentiating their responses. In this way learning can produce potentiation in neural networks simply through altering the temporal pattern of their inputs.
Using e-mail recruitment and an online questionnaire to establish effect size: A worked example
Authors: Kirkby Helen M , Wilson Sue , Calvert Melanie , Draper Heather 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Sample size calculations require effect size estimations. Sometimes, effect size estimations and standard deviation may not be readily available, particularly if efficacy is unknown because the intervention is new or developing, or the trial targets a new population. In such cases, one way to estimate the effect size is to gather expert opinion. This paper reports the use of a simple strategy to gather expert opinion to estimate a suitable effect size to use in a sample size calculation.

Methods
Researchers involved in the design and analysis of clinical trials were identified at the University of Birmingham and via the MRC Hubs for Trials Methodology Research. An email invited them to participate.
An online questionnaire was developed using the free online tool 'Survey Monkey©'. The questionnaire described an intervention, an electronic participant information sheet (e-PIS), which may increase recruitment rates to a trial. Respondents were asked how much they would need to see recruitment rates increased by, based on 90%. 70%, 50% and 30% baseline rates, (in a hypothetical study) before they would consider using an e-PIS in their research.
Analyses comprised simple descriptive statistics.

Results
The invitation to participate was sent to 122 people; 7 responded to say they were not involved in trial design and could not complete the questionnaire, 64 attempted it, 26 failed to complete it. Thirty-eight people completed the questionnaire and were included in the analysis (response rate 33%; 38/115). Of those who completed the questionnaire 44.7% (17/38) were at the academic grade of research fellow 26.3% (10/38) senior research fellow, and 28.9% (11/38) professor. Dependent upon the baseline recruitment rates presented in the questionnaire, participants wanted recruitment rate to increase from 6.9% to 28.9% before they would consider using the intervention.

Conclusions
This paper has shown that in situations where effect size estimations cannot be collected from previous research, opinions from researchers and trialists can be quickly and easily collected by conducting a simple study using email recruitment and an online questionnaire. The results collected from the survey were successfully used in sample size calculations for a PhD research study protocol.
Experiences of outreach workers in promoting smoking cessation to Bangladeshi and Pakistani men: longitudinal qualitative evaluation
Authors: Begh Rachna A , Aveyard Paul , Upton Penney , Bhopal Raj S , White Martin , Amos Amanda , Prescott Robin J , Bedi Raman , Barton Pelham M , Fletcher Monica , Gill Paramjit , Zaidi Qaim , Sheikh Aziz 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Despite having high smoking rates, there have been few tailored cessation programmes for male Bangladeshi and Pakistani smokers in the UK. We report on a qualitative evaluation of a community-based, outreach worker delivered, intervention that aimed to increase uptake of NHS smoking cessation services and tailor services to meet the needs of Bangladeshi and Pakistani men.

Methods
This was a longitudinal, qualitative study, nested within a phase II cluster randomised controlled trial of a complex intervention. We explored the perspectives and experiences of five outreach workers, two stop smoking service managers and a specialist stop smoking advisor. Data were collected through focus group discussions, weekly diaries, observations of management meetings, shadowing of outreach workers, and one-to-one interviews with outreach workers and their managers. Analysis was undertaken using a modified Framework approach.

Results
Outreach workers promoted cessation services by word of mouth on the streets, in health service premises, in local businesses and at a wide range of community events. They emphasised the reasons for cessation, especially health effects, financial implications, and the impact of smoking on the family. Many smokers agreed to be referred to cessation services, but few attended, this in part being explained by concerns about the relative inflexibility of existing service provision. Although outreach workers successfully expanded service reach, they faced the challenges of perceived lack of awareness of the health risks associated with smoking in older smokers and apathy in younger smokers. These were compounded by perceptions of "lip service" being given to their role by community organisations and tensions both amongst the outreach workers and with the wider management team.

Conclusions
Outreach workers expanded reach of the service through taking it to diverse locations of relevance to Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. The optimum method of outreach to retain and treat Bangladeshi and Pakistani smokers effectively in cessation programmes needs further development.
Drug Checking: A prevention measure for a heterogeneous group with high consumption frequency and polydrug use - evaluation of zurich's drug checking services
Authors: Hungerbuehler Ines , Buecheli Alexander , Schaub Michael 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
The increasing party culture in Zurich presents new challenges, especially regarding the consumption of alcohol and so-called party drugs. Streetwork, the youth advisory service of the city of Zurich, has provided onsite and stationary Drug Checking facilities since 2001 and 2006, respectively. Drug Checking always involves filling out an anonymous questionnaire, which allows the collection of important information about a largely unknown group of users and their consumption patterns.

Methods
The questionnaires assessed sociodemographic characteristics, consumption patterns, Drug Checking experiences, information behavior and social support. The collected data were statistically analyzed by the Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction (RIPHA).

Results
The majority of Drug Checking service patrons were male and between 20 and 35 years old. These patrons reported high lifetime prevalences and high consumption frequencies of legal and illegal substances, and they often reported polydrug use. Aside from tobacco and alcohol, the most consumed drugs during typical party nights were ecstasy, amphetamines, cannabis and cocaine. Party drug consumers using Drug Checking services form a heterogeneous group with respect to sociodemographic characteristics and consumption patterns. Users of the onsite Drug Checking facilities were significantly younger, were less experienced with drug testing, and reported more polydrug use than users of the stationary Drug Checking service.

Conclusions
Drug Checking combined with a consultation appears to be an important harm reduction and prevention measure that reaches a group of consumers with high consumption frequency and polydrug use. Because of the heterogeneity of the target group, different prevention measures must be offered and embedded in an overall local concept.
HCV genotype-specific correlation with serum markers: Higher predictability for genotype 4a
Authors: Ahmad Waqar , Ijaz Bushra , Javed Fouzia T , Kausar Humera , Sarwar Muhammad T , Gull Sana , Asad Sultan , Shahid Imran , Hassan Sajida 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Several factors have been proposed to assess the clinical outcome of HCV infection. The correlation of HCV genotypes to possible serum markers in clinical prediction is still controversial. The main objective of this study was to determine the existence of any correlation between HCV genotypes to viral load and different clinical serum markers.

Methods
We performed a prospective cross-sectional and observational study. About 3160 serum HCV RNA positive patients were chosen from 4020 randomly selected anti-HCV positive patients. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 16 software package. ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curves were used to compare diagnostic values of serum markers to predict genotypes.

Results
The most prevalent genotype was 3a (73.9%) followed by 1a (10.7%), 4a (6.4%) and 3b (6.1%) in Pakistani population. No correlation was found between viral load and serum markers for genotype 3a in a large no. of sample (n = 2336). While significant correlation was observed between viral load and AST in genotype 3b, ALP with viral load and ALT for genotype 1a. Patients with genotype 4a showed a significant inverse correlation with viral load and Hb level and AST with ALP. For genotype 4a, AUC (area under the curve) of ALT, ALP, AST, bilirubin, Hb level and viral load was 0.790, 0.763, 0.454, 0.664, 0.458 and 0.872 respectively.

Conclusions
In conclusion, there was a significant variable response of HCV genotypes with serum markers. Severity of disease is independent of serum marker level in genotype 3a, while the liver damage in genotype 4a may associate with viral cytopathic effect as well as the immune-mediated process. An index using six serum markers may correctly predict genotype 4a in patients with ≥75% accuracy.
Efficient virus-induced gene silencing in apple, pear and Japanese pear using Apple latent spherical virus vectors
Authors: Sasaki Shintarou , Yamagishi Noriko , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is an effective technology for the analysis of gene functions in plants. Though there are many reports on virus vectors for VIGS in plants, no VIGS vectors available for Rosaceae fruit trees were reported so far. We present an effective VIGS system in apple, pear, and Japanese pear using Apple latent spherical virus (ALSV) vectors.

Results
Inoculation of ALSV vectors carrying a partial sequence of endogenous genes from apple [ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase small subunit (rbcS), alpha subunit of chloroplast chaperonin (CPN60a), elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1a), or actin] to the cotyledons of seeds by a particle bombardment induced highly uniform knock-down phenotypes of each gene on the true leaves of seedlings from 2~3 weeks after inoculation. These silencing phenotypes continued for several months. Northern blot and RT-PCR analyses of leaves infected with ALSV containing a fragment of rbcS gene showed that the levels of rbcS-mRNA drastically decreased in the infected apple and pear leaves, and, in reverse, rbcS- siRNAs were generated in the infected leaves. In addition, some of apple seedlings inoculated with ALSV vector carrying a partial sequence of a TERMINAL FLOWER 1 gene of apple (MdTFL1) showed precocious flowering which is expected as a knock-down phenotype of the silencing of MdTFL1 gene.

Conclusions
The ALSV-based VIGS system developed have provides a valuable new addition to the tool box for functional genomics in apple, pear, and Japanese pear.
Mutation spectrum of MLL2 in a cohort of kabuki syndrome patients
Authors: Micale Lucia , Augello Bartolomeo , Fusco Carmela , Selicorni Angelo , Loviglio Maria N , Silengo Margherita Cirillo , Reymond Alexandre , Gumiero Barbara , Zucchetti Federica , D'Addetta Ester V , Belligni Elga , Calcagnì Alessia , Digilio Maria C , Dallapiccola Bruno , Faravelli Francesca , Forzano Francesca , Accadia Maria , Bonfante Aldo , Clementi Maurizio , Daolio Cecilia , Douzgou Sofia , Ferrari Paola , Fischetto Rita , Garavelli Livia , Lapi Elisabetta , Mattina Teresa , Melis Daniela , Patricelli Maria G , Priolo Manuela , Prontera Paolo , Renieri Alessandra , Mencarelli Maria A , Scarano Gioacchino , Monica Matteo della , Toschi Benedetta , Turolla Licia , Vancini Alessandra , Zatterale Adriana , Gabrielli Orazio , Zelante Leopoldo , Merla Giuseppe 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Kabuki syndrome (Niikawa-Kuroki syndrome) is a rare, multiple congenital anomalies/mental retardation syndrome characterized by a peculiar face, short stature, skeletal, visceral and dermatoglyphic abnormalities, cardiac anomalies, and immunological defects. Recently mutations in the histone methyl transferase MLL2 gene have been identified as its underlying cause.

Methods
Genomic DNAs were extracted from 62 index patients clinically diagnosed as affected by Kabuki syndrome. Sanger sequencing was performed to analyze the whole coding region of the MLL2 gene including intron-exon junctions. The putative causal and possible functional effect of each nucleotide variant identified was estimated by in silico prediction tools.

Results
We identified 45 patients with MLL2 nucleotide variants. 38 out of the 42 variants were never described before. Consistently with previous reports, the majority are nonsense or frameshift mutations predicted to generate a truncated polypeptide. We also identified 3 indel, 7 missense and 3 splice site.

Conclusions
This study emphasizes the relevance of mutational screening of the MLL2 gene among patients diagnosed with Kabuki syndrome. The identification of a large spectrum of MLL2 mutations possibly offers the opportunity to improve the actual knowledge on the clinical basis of this multiple congenital anomalies/mental retardation syndrome, design functional studies to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease, establish genotype-phenotype correlations and improve clinical management.
A case of bowel entrapment after penetrating injury of the pelvis: don't forget the omentumplasty
Authors: Ritchie Ewan D , Veen Eelco J , Olsman Jan , Bosscha Koop 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBowel entrapment within a pelvic injury is rare and difficult to diagnose. Usually, it is diagnosed late because of concomitant abdominal injuries. It may present itself as an acute intestinal obstruction or, more commonly, as a prolonged or intermittent ileus. Therefore, one should be aware of this late complication and primarily take measures for avoiding bowel entrapment. This report describes an unusual case of bowel entrapment within a pelvic fracture after a penetrating injury, and discusses options for preventing such a complication.
The opinion of clinical staff regarding painfulness of procedures in pediatric hematology-oncology: an Italian survey
Authors: Po' Chiara , Benini Franca , Sainati Laura , Frigo Anna C , Cesaro Simone , Farina Maria I , Agosto Caterina 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundBeliefs of caregivers about patient's pain have been shown to influence assessment and treatment of children's pain, now considered an essential part of cancer treatment. Painful procedures in hematology-oncology are frequently referred by children as the most painful experiences during illness. Aim of this study was to evaluate professionals' beliefs about painfulness of invasive procedures repeatedly performed in Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Units.MethodsPhysicians, nurses, psychologists and directors working in Hemato-Oncology Units of the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (AIEOP) were involved in a wide-nation survey. The survey was based on an anonymous questionnaire investigating beliefs of operators about painfulness of invasive procedures (lumbar puncture, bone marrow aspirate and bone marrow biopsy) and level of pain management.ResultsTwenty-four directors, 120 physicians, 248 nurses and 22 psychologists responded to the questionnaire. The score assigned to the procedural pain on a 0-10 scale was higher than 5 in 77% of the operators for lumbar puncture, 97.5% for bone marrow aspiration, and 99.5% for bone marrow biopsy. The scores assigned by nurses differed statistically from those of the physicians and directors for the pain caused by lumbar puncture and bone marrow aspiration. Measures adopted for procedural pain control were generally considered good.ConclusionsInvasive diagnostic-therapeutic procedures performed in Italian Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Units are considered painful by all the caregivers involved. Pain management is generally considered good. Aprioristically opinions about pain depend on invasiveness of the procedure and on the professional role.
The usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging of the hand and wrist in very early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kosta Paraskevi E , Voulgari Paraskevi V , Zikou Anastasia K , Drosos Alexandros A , Argyropoulou Maria I 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to study the hand and wrist in very early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the results were compared with early and established disease.

Methods
Fifty-seven patients fulfilling the new American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA, 26 with very early RA (VERA), 18 with early RA (ERA), and 13 with established RA (ESTRA), (disease duration < 3 months, < 12 months, and > 12 months, respectively) were enrolled in the study. MRI of the dominant hand and wrist was performed by using fat-suppressed T2-weighted and plain and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences. Evaluation of bone marrow edema, synovitis, and bone erosions was performed with the OMERACT RA MRI scoring system.

Results
Edema, erosions, and synovitis were present in VERA, and the prevalence was 100%, 96.15%, and 92.3%, respectively. Significant differences in edema and erosions were found between VERA and ESTRA (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in synovitis.

Conclusions
Edema, erosions, and synovitis are findings of very early RA. MRI, by detecting these lesions, may play an important role in the management of these patients.
The SLC2A9 nonsynonymous Arg265His variant and gout: evidence for a population-specific effect on severity
Authors: Hollis-Moffatt Jade E , Gow Peter J , Harrison Andrew A , Highton John , Jones Peter BB , Stamp Lisa K , Dalbeth Nicola , Merriman Tony R 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Introduction
The C allele of the nonsynonymous Arg265His (rs3733591) variant of SLC2A9 confers risk for gout in Han Chinese, Solomon Island and Japanese samples, with a stronger role in tophaceous gout. There is no evidence for an association with gout in Caucasian populations. In the present study, we tested rs3733591 for association with gout in New Zealand (NZ) Māori, Pacific Island and Caucasian samples.

Methods
Rs3733591 was genotyped across gout patients (n = 229, 232 and 327 NZ Māori, Pacific Island and Caucasian samples, respectively) and non-gout controls (n = 343, 174 and 638 Māori, Pacific Island and Caucasian samples, respectively). Further Caucasian sample sets consisting of 67 cases and 4,712 controls as well as 153 cases and 6,969 controls were obtained from the Framingham Heart Study and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, respectively. The Polynesian samples were analyzed according to Eastern and Western Polynesian ancestry.

Results
No evidence for risk conferred by the C allele of rs3733591 with gout was found in the sample sets of NZ Māori (odd ratio (OR) = 0.98, P = 0.86), Eastern Polynesians (OR = 0.99, P = 0.92), Western Polynesians (OR = 1.16, P = 0.36) or combined Caucasians (OR = 1.15, P = 0.13). The C allele was significantly overrepresented in Māori tophaceous cases compared to cases without tophi (OR = 2.21, P = 0.008), but not in the other ancestral groupings.

Conclusions
Noting that our study's power was limited for detecting weak genetic effects, we were unable to replicate associations of rs3733591 with gout in Eastern Polynesian, Western Polynesian and Caucasian samples. However, consistent with a previous study of Han Chinese and Solomon Island populations, our data suggest that rs3733591 could be a marker of severe gout in some populations. Our results also suggest that the effect of this variant is population-specific, further confirming population heterogeneity regarding the association of SLC2A9 with gout.