bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activity‐dependent actin dynamics are required for the maintenance of long‐term plasticity and for synaptic capture
Authors: Fonseca Rosalina 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe maintenance of long‐lasting forms of plasticity, such as long‐term potentiation (LTP) is dependent on the capture of plasticity‐related proteins (PRPs) in an input‐specific manner – synaptic capture. Here, it is shown that LTP, induced at Schaffer collaterals–CA1 synapses in acute rat hippocampal slice preparation, is not sensitive to protein synthesis inhibition if N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors are blocked, suggesting that synaptic activation is involved in the modulation of LTP maintenance. Similarly, it was found that synaptic activation also determines the sensitivity of LTP to manipulations of the actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Suspending synaptic activation or concomitant NMDA receptor inhibition is sufficient to rescue the impairment on LTP maintenance induced by actin polymerization blockade. Additionally, concomitant inhibition of protein degradation can partially prevent the LTP decay observed under actin polymerization blockade, suggesting that protein degradation is involved in the destabilization of LTP maintenance induced by actin polymerization blockade. Taken together, these observations suggest that LTP maintenance is determined by a balance of synthesis and degradation of PRPs modulated by synaptic activation and actin dynamics. Finally, it was uncovered that inhibition of actin depolymerization blocks synaptic capture, whereas inhibition of actin polymerization can extend the temporal window for synaptic capture. Additionally, inhibition of actin polymerization can rescue the impairment in synaptic capture induced by CaMKII inhibition, suggesting a link between CaMKII activation and modulation of actin dynamics during synaptic capture. These results show that an activity‐dependent regulation of actin dynamics plays a critical role in LTP maintenance and synaptic capture.
Regulator of calmodulin signaling knockout mice display anxiety‐like behavior and motivational deficits
Authors: Davis Maya M. , Olausson Peter , Greengard Paul , Taylor Jane R. , Nairn Angus C. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractRegulator of calmodulin (CaM) signaling (RCS), when phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA) on Ser55, binds to CaM and inhibits CaM‐dependent signaling. RCS expression is high in the dorsal striatum, nucleus accumbens and amygdala, suggesting that the protein is involved in limbic‐striatal function. To test this hypothesis, we examined RCS knockout (KO) mice in behavioral models dependent on these brain areas. Mice were tested for food‐reinforced instrumental conditioning and responding under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement and in models of anxiety (elevated plus maze and open field). While RCS KO mice showed normal acquisition of a food‐motivated instrumental response, they exhibited a lower breakpoint value when tested on responding under a PR schedule of reinforcement. RCS KO mice also displayed decreased exploration in both the open arms of an elevated plus maze and in the center region of an open field, suggesting an enhanced anxiety response. Biochemical studies revealed a reduction in the levels of dopamine and cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP‐32) in the striatum of RCS KO mice. DARPP‐32 is important in reward‐mediated behavior, suggestive of a possible role for DARPP‐32 in mediating some of the effects of RCS. Together these results implicate a novel PKA‐regulated phosphoprotein, RCS, in the etiology of motivational deficits and anxiety.
Cellular anatomy, physiology and epileptiform activity in the CA3 region of Dcx knockout mice: a neuronal lamination defect and its consequences
Authors: Bazelot Michael , Simonnet Jean , Dinocourt Céline , Bruel‐Jungerman Elodie , Miles Richard , Fricker Desdemona , Francis Fiona 
Published: January 2012

AbstractWe report data on the neuronal form, synaptic connectivity, neuronal excitability and epileptiform population activities generated by the hippocampus of animals with an inactivated doublecortin gene. The protein product of this gene affects neuronal migration during development. Human doublecortin (DCX) mutations are associated with lissencephaly, subcortical band heterotopia, and syndromes of intellectual disability and epilepsy. In Dcx−/Y mice, CA3 hippocampal pyramidal cells are abnormally laminated. The lamination defect was quantified by measuring the extent of the double, dispersed or single pyramidal cell layer in the CA3 region of Dcx−/Y mice. We investigated how this abnormal lamination affected two groups of synapses that normally innervate defined regions of the CA3 pyramidal cell membrane. Numbers of parvalbumin (PV)‐containing interneurons, which contact peri‐somatic sites, were not reduced in Dcx−/Y animals. Pyramidal cells in double, dispersed or single layers received PV‐containing terminals. Excitatory mossy fibres which normally target proximal CA3 pyramidal cell apical dendrites apparently contact CA3 cells of both layers in Dcx−/Y animals but sometimes on basilar rather than apical dendrites. The dendritic form of pyramidal cells in Dcx−/Y animals was altered and pyramidal cells of both layers were more excitable than their counterparts in wild‐type animals. Unitary inhibitory field events occurred at higher frequency in Dcx−/Y animals. These differences may contribute to a susceptibility to epileptiform activity: a modest increase in excitability induced both interictal and ictal‐like discharges more effectively in tissue from Dcx−/Y mice than from wild‐type animals.
Long‐term quality of life in patients with permanent sigmoid colostomy
Authors: Sjödahl R. , Schulz C. , Myrelid P. , Andersson P. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim  The study aimed to assess quality of life (QoL) in patients with a sigmoid colostomy using a simple general and disease‐specific instrument. A subgroup not doing well was identified and examined further.Method  The Short Health Scale (SHS) is a four‐item instrument exploring severity of symptoms, function in daily life, worry, and general well‐being, using visual analogue scales ranging from 0 to 100 where 100 is the worst possible situation. The SHS was delivered to 206 patients with a sigmoid colostomy. It was returned by 181 (87.9%) patients [88 men; median age 73 (33–91) years]. Follow‐up was 61 (10–484) months for 178 (86.4%) patients returning usable questionnaires. A subgroup of 16 patients scoring more than 50 in all four items of the SHS was further examined with StomaQOL where 100 is best possible.Results  The median score for severity of symptoms was 18 (2–95), function in daily life 21 (0–95), worry 17 (3–98) and general well‐being 22 (0–99). A score of < 50 in the SHS was recorded in 84.9%, 82.1%, 79.9% and 70.5% respectively. In the group scoring more than 50 in all four items patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome constituted 43.8% to compare with 5.6% in the entire study group (P < 0.001). Median score for StomaQOL was 37 (22–62) in this group.Conclusion  Most patients with a permanent sigmoid colostomy have a good QoL consistent with previous findings. However, this is reduced in a subgroup of patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.
Barium proctography vs magnetic resonance proctography for pelvic floor disorders: a comparative study
Authors: Pilkington S. A. , Nugent K. P. , Brenner J. , Harris S. , Clarke A. , Lamparelli M. , Thomas C. , Tarver D. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim  Accurate and reliable imaging of pelvic floor dynamics is important for tailoring treatment in pelvic floor disorders; however, two imaging modalities are available. Barium proctography (BaP) is widely used, but involves a significant radiation dose. Magnetic resonance (MR) proctography allows visualization of all pelvic midline structures but patients are supine. This project investigates whether there are measurable differences between BaP and MR proctography. Patient preference for the tests was also investigated.Methods  Consecutive patients referred for BaP were invited to participate (National Research Ethics Service approved). Participants underwent BaP in Poole and MR proctography in Dorchester. Proctograms were reported by a consultant radiologist with pelvic floor subspecialization.Results  A total of 71 patients were recruited. Both tests were carried out on 42 patients. Complete rectal emptying was observed in 29% (12/42) on BaP and in 2% (1/42) on MR proctography. Anismus was reported in 29% (12/42) on BaP and 43% (18/42) on MR proctography. MR proctography missed 31% (11/35) of rectal intussusception detected on BaP. In 10 of these cases no rectal evacuation was achieved during MR proctography. The measure of agreement between grade of rectal intussusception was fair (κ = 0.260) although MR proctography tended to underestimate the grade. Rectoceles were extremely common but clinically relevant differences in size were evident. Patients reported that they found MR proctography less embarrassing but harder to empty their bowel.Conclusions  The results demonstrate that MR proctography under‐reports pelvic floor abnormalities especially where there has been poor rectal evacuation.
Indicators of self‐rated health in the Canadian population with diabetes
Authors: Badawi G. , Gariépy G. , Pagé V. , Schmitz N. 
Published: January 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1021–1028 (2012)AbstractAims  Self‐rated health is a widely used measure of general health assessing risk factors and poor health outcomes in health surveys and clinical settings. The characteristics of self‐rated health may be different in populations with specific chronic conditions, such as populations with diabetes. This study investigates the characteristics of self‐rated health in a Canadian community sample of people with diabetes.Methods  Self‐rated health was obtained from 1837 adults with Type 2 diabetes participating in the Montreal Diabetes Health and Well‐Being Study. Global disability and depression were assessed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II and the Patient Health Questionnaire, respectively. Logistic regressions studied the association between self‐rated health and depression, disability, diabetes‐related characteristics, socio‐demographic factors, social support and lifestyle‐related behaviours in both men and women.Results  Participants’ answers were dichotomized into excellent/very good/ good (78%) and fair/poor (22%) self‐rated health. Both depression (men: odds ratio 1.9, 95% CI 1.4–2.6; women: odds ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.9) and disability (men: odds ratio 1.7, 95% CI 1.4–1.9; women: odds ratio 1.7, 95% CI 1.5–1.9) were associated with fair/poor self‐rated health. The associations remained unchanged even after controlling for diabetes characteristics. After controlling for confounding variables, chronic conditions were associated with fair/poor self‐rated health in both men and women. Obesity was associated with fair/poor self‐rated health in women only, while lifestyle behaviours such as being physically active and alcohol consumption were associated with good/very good/excellent self‐rated health in men.Conclusions  In men and women, depression and disability are important factors that are associated with self‐rated health in a large sample of individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
Vitamin D and diabetes in Koreans: analyses based on the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2008–2009
Authors: Rhee S. Y. , Hwang Y.‐C. , Chung H. Y. , Woo J.‐T. 
Published: January 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1003–1010 (2012)AbstractAims  A causal relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the incidence of diabetes mellitus has been suggested, but little research has been conducted on the Korean population.Methods  We analysed the glucose tolerance status and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in 12 263 subjects > 19 years old who were registered for the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2008–2009.Results  Various demographic variables such as gender, age, season, resident area, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, marital status, education and occupation were associated with serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations. After adjusting for these variables as confounders, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in subjects with diabetes were significantly lower than those in subjects with normal glucose tolerance and those with impaired fasting glucose (P = 0.005). Compared with the ≥ 75 nmol/l subgroup of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration, the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals fordiabetes mellitus were 1.206 (95% CI 0.948–1.534) in the 50‐ to 74‐nmol/l subgroup, 1.339 (1.051–1.707) in the 25‐to49‐nmol/l subgroup and 1.759 (1.267–2.443) in the < 25‐nmol/l subgroup. Compared with the serum ≥ 75‐nmol/l 25‐hydroxyvitamin D subgroup, serum insulin and homeostasis model assessment 2%B, a marker of insulin secretory capacity, were significantly higher, and homeostasis model assessment 2%S, a marker of insulin sensitivity, was significantly lower in the < 25‐ and 25‐ to 49‐nmol/l serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D subgroups than those in the other subgroups (P < 0.001).Conclusions  The findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency, possibly involving altered insulin sensitivity, is associated with an increased risk for diabetes mellitus in the Korean population.
Andropausal symptoms in men with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Fukui M. , Tanaka M. , Toda H. , Okada H. , Ohnishi M. , Mogami S. , Kitagawa Y. , Hasegawa G. , Yoshikawa T. , Nakamura N. 
Published: January 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1036–1042 (2012)AbstractAims  Serum androgen concentration is reported to be low in patients with Type 2 diabetes. There have been no studies comparing andropausal symptoms such as sleep disturbance, depression, erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms simultaneously between men with Type 2 diabetes and subjects without diabetes.Methods  We compared andropausal symptom scores such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Self‐Rating Depression Scale, the International Index of Erectile Function and the International Prostate Symptom Score in 296 men with Type 2 diabetes and in 267 subjects without diabetes. Furthermore, we evaluated relationships of andropausal symptom scores to various anthropometric factors and compared andropausal symptom scores according to diabetic complications in men with Type 2 diabetes.Results  Andropausal symptom scores such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Self‐Rating Depression Scale, the International Index of Erectile Function and the International Prostate Symptom Score were 4.2 ± 2.6 vs. 5.0 ± 3.3, P < 0.01 by unpaired Student’s t‐test, 34.8 ± 8.2 vs. 38.4 ± 9.3, P < 0.0001, 11.5 ± 6.4 vs. 9.9 ± 6.9, P < 0.01 and 7.3 ± 6.7 vs. 9.0 ± 7.1, P < 0.01 in subjects without diabetes and in patients with diabetes, respectively. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was higher in patients with neuropathy than without. The Self‐Rating Depression Scale was higher in patients with advanced retinopathy. The International Index of Erectile Function was lower in patients with advanced retinopathy and nephropathy. The International Index of Erectile Function was lower and the International Prostate Symptom Score was higher in patients with cardiovascular disease than without.Conclusions  Our data demonstrated that men with Type 2 diabetes have higher prevalence of andropausal symptoms, especially those with diabetic complications.
Alcohol‐associated risks for young adults with Type 1 diabetes: a narrative review
Authors: Barnard K. , Sinclair J. M. A. , Lawton J. , Young A. J. , Holt R. I. G. 
Published: January 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 434–440 (2012)AbstractAim  To undertake a narrative review of the impact and pattern of alcohol consumption in young adults with Type 1 diabetes.Methods  Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, meeting abstracts of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, the American Diabetes Association and Diabetes UK, Current Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, UK Clinical Research Network, scrutiny of bibliographies of retrieved papers and contact with experts in the field. Inclusion criteria: relevant studies of any design of alcohol consumption and young adults with Type 1 diabetes (age 14–25 years) were included. The key outcomes were the quantity, pattern and impact of alcohol consumption, the effect on diabetes control and the effect of interventions to minimize the risks of alcohol for this population.Results  Six articles and two conference abstracts met the inclusion criteria. There were six cross‐sectional studies, one qualitative study and one within‐subjects design study. Quality of studies was variable. Alcohol use amongst young adults with Type 1 diabetes was reported to be common and potentially harmful. There was a paucity of evidence on interventions to minimize the risks of alcohol in this target group.Conclusions  Research is required to understand the social context of alcohol consumption in this population with a view to developing appropriate interventions to minimize the risks associated with its use.
The long‐term cost‐effectiveness of obesity prevention interventions: systematic literature review
Authors: Lehnert T. , Sonntag D. , Konnopka A. , Riedel‐Heller S. , König H.‐H. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryObesity prevention provides a major opportunity to improve population health. As health improvements usually require additional and scarce resources, novel health technologies (interventions) should be economically evaluated. In the prevention of obesity, health benefits may slowly accumulate over time and it can take many years before an intervention has reached full effectiveness. Decision‐analytic simulation models (DAMs), which combine evidence from diverse sources, can be utilized to evaluate the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of such interventions. This literature review summarizes long‐term economic findings (defined as ≥40 years) for 41 obesity prevention interventions, which had been evaluated in 18 cost‐utility analyses, using nine different DAMs. Interventions were grouped according to their method of delivery, setting and risk factors targeted into behavioural (n = 21), community (n = 12) and environmental interventions (n = 8). The majority of interventions offered good value for money, while seven were cost‐saving. Ten interventions were not cost‐effective (defined as >50,000 US dollar), however. Interventions that modified a target population's environment, i.e. fiscal and regulatory measures, reported the most favourable cost‐effectiveness. Economic findings were accompanied by a large uncertainty though, which complicates judgments about the comparative cost‐effectiveness of interventions.
Embedding Quality in the Agro‐food System: The Dynamics and Implications of Place‐Making Strategies in the Olive Oil Sector of Alto Palancia, Spain
Authors: Moragues‐Faus Ana M. , Sonnino Roberta 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAlthough agro‐food researchers have been calling for studies that uncover the tensions inherent in the process of construction of alternative food networks, the literature has mostly focused on individual initiatives, which make it difficult to address the implications of these processes in the wider territorial context where they operate. To overcome this fragmentation and begin to draw theoretical generalizations, we compare the different strategies used by three cooperatives of olive oil producers in the Alto Palancia County (Spain). Based on a set of in‐depth interviews with key food chain actors, the analysis uses the concept of embeddedness to examine the interplay between the social (trust and collective action) and the spatial (relationship with place) dimensions that characterise the olive oil networks. As we argue, this interplay plays a crucial role in shaping governance arrangements that are in turn responsible for constructing the quality attributes of the product. In addition to generating new insights into the nature of the relationship between food quality, power and place, the paper highlights the potential of both embeddedness and dis‐embeddedness processes in delivering rural development benefits, as well as the importance of supporting collective place‐making strategies that contribute to the creation of regional economic spaces.
Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in children with epilepsy
Authors: Durá‐Travé T. , Yoldi‐Petri M. E. , Esparza‐Estaún J. , Gallinas‐Victoriano F. , Aguilera‐Albesa S. , Sagastibelza‐Zabaleta A. 
Published: January 2012

Background and purpose:  The aim of this study is to analyze the proportional distribution of epilepsy and epileptic syndromes in children and to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities found in these patients.Methods:  Data from 457 children aged 1 month to 15 years at the time of diagnosis of epilepsy were recorded. A routine MRI has been requested in all patients with epilepsy at diagnosis according to a standardized pediatric seizure protocol. Abnormalities on MRI were classified as either significant or non‐significant (standardized scoring system). International League Against Epilepsy criteria were used for diagnoses.Results:  The prevalence of significant MRI abnormalities was 21.9% (in infants 42.3%, in childhood 18.2%, and in adolescents 15.9%). The most common abnormalities included white‐matter lesions (27.6%), volume loss (19.6%), gray‐matter lesions (19.6%), and ventricular enlargement (12%).Conclusions:  The use of MRI and a reliable standardized scoring system at diagnosis of epilepsy in children identified a high rate of significant abnormalities findings. This may have important implications for practice guidelines in this population.
Stress among Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities in Urban India: Role of Gender and Maternal Coping
Authors: John Aesha 
Published: January 2012

Background  The study assessed stress among mothers of young children with intellectual disabilities in urban India and examined the extent to which child functioning and maternal coping predict maternal stress. Through qualitative analyses, the study identified negative and positive dimensions of Indian mothers’ caregiving experiences.Materials and Methods  Mothers completed Parenting Stress Index‐Short Form, and children’s teachers completed Vineland‐II teacher rating form. Maternal responses to a semi‐structured interview were rated to assess maternal coping and content analysed to derive qualitative themes.Results  Three‐fourths of the sample obtained a clinically significant stress score, and maternal coping emerged as a robust predictor of stress for mothers of boys with intellectual disabilities. Qualitative analyses indicated positive and negative maternal experiences related to self, child, family and community.Conclusions  The high level of stress has important clinical implications. Similarly, the significant role of maternal coping, moderating role of child gender and the multidimensional caregiving experiences have implications for future research and family interventions in India.
Hybrid approaches for the two‐scenario max–min knapsack problem
Authors: Hanafi Saïd , Mansi Raïd , Wilbaut Christophe , Fréville Arnaud 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this paper, we deal with the two‐scenario max–min knapsack (MNK) problem. First, we consider several formulations of MNK as a mixed integer programming problem. Then, we propose a hybrid method as an alternative to solve the MNK exactly. The approach combines relaxation technique and the temporary setting of variables to improve iteratively two sequences of upper and lower bounds. More precisely, pseudo‐cuts are added to the problem to strengthen the bounds and reduce the gap between the best lower bound and the best upper bound. The algorithm stops when the proof of the optimality of the best solution is found. We also use a reduction technique to set some variables definitively at their optimal values. Numerical experiments demonstrate the robustness of the approach. In particular, our algorithm is efficient to solve large and correlated instances of MNK.