bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parameters of mortality in human populations with widely varying life spans
Authors: Siler William 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA three‐component, competing‐risk mortality model, developed for animal survival data, fits human life table data for all ages over a range of mean life spans from 16 to 74 years. The competing risks are a novel exponentially‐decreasing hazard, dominant during immaturity; a constant hazard, dominant during adulthood; and an exponentially increasing Gompertzian hazard, dominant during senescence. By fitting the model to a specific life table using non‐linear techniques, estimates of the five model parameters and their standard errors obtain; the proportion of deaths expected from each hazard alone may then be calculated. Preliminary analysis of 13 life tables indicates that for human populations under heavy stress, with very short mean life spans of about 20 years, the three hazard components account for roughly equal numbers of deaths; for modern populations, with mean life spans of about 75 years, nearly all deaths are due to the hazard of senescence. Factor analysis of the correlation matrix of parameter values for the 13 populations shows a two‐factor structure. One factor involves only the multiplicative constants (initial values) of the three hazards, but not the hazard rates of change; the second factor involves only the parameters of the immaturity hazard and the rate of acceleration of the senescence hazard, but not the constant hazard nor the multiplicative constant (initial value) of the senescence hazard.
Age differences in strain and emotional reactivity to stressors in professional careers
Authors: Rauschenbach Cornelia , Hertel Guido 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWhile age differences of workers gain increasing importance because of demographic changes in most industrialized countries, age differences in stress experience and resistance have been rarely addressed. In this initial empirical study, we explore the general relationship of age and strain as a function of three processes: (1) older workers might experience less strain because of better coping strategies; (2) older workers might experience more strain because of higher vulnerability; or (3) age and strain might be curvilinearly related with highest strain reported by middle‐age workers. Using both general and experience‐based measures, strain and emotional reactivity to stressful job events were reported by 274 workers aged between 18 and 65 years. Results showed an inverted U‐shaped relationship between age and strain experience. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traumatic reactions from antiquity to the 16th century: was there a common denominator?
Authors: Ben‐Ezra Menachem 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe history of psychological trauma is neglected in the psychiatric literature in comparison with other mental diseases. Most mental disorders have a long documented history (e.g. depressive disorders and anxiety disorders), and boast scores of medical sources since ancient times. Although scarce, there is evidence of psychological trauma in historical, literal, mythical and medical manuscripts. These fragments provide us with hints of psychological trauma throughout human history, shedding a bit of light on the concept of psychological trauma. The author presents evidence of psychological trauma from antiquity to the Renaissance era. The paper has four parts. Each part corresponds to a different historical period. The four periods in human history are: antiquity, ancient Greece and Rome, the dark and medieval ages and the European Renaissance era until the 16th century. The author inquires as to why psychological trauma was neglected and remained obscure for centuries, and whether there was a common denominator of psychological trauma that is beyond culture, race, gender and time. The paper aimed to address these inquires. In conclusion, these aspects in the history of psychological trauma are of scholastic and practical importance, and may also contribute to the broader understanding of modern psychotraumatology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aptatag‐Based Multiplexed Assay for Protein Detection by Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Fabris Laura , Schierhorn Martin , Moskovits Martin , Bazan Guillermo C. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractSilver‐nanoparticle dimers held together by a Raman reporter, capped with DNA aptamers and stabilized by polyethylene glycol chains, can be used to develop a multiplexed heterogeneous bioassay for protein detection with high sensitivity and selectivity.
A behavioral and molecular analysis of ketamine in zebrafish
Authors: Zakhary Sherry M. , Ayubcha Diana , Ansari Farah , Kamran Kiran , Karim Mehwish , Leheste Joerg R. , Horowitz Judith M. , Torres German 
Published: July 2010

AbstractKetamine exerts powerful anesthetic, psychotic, and antidepressant effects in both healthy volunteers and clinically depressed patients. Although ketamine targets particular glutamate receptors, there is a dearth of evidence for additional, alternative molecular substrates for the behavioral actions of this N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist drug. Here, we provide behavioral and molecular evidence for the actions of ketamine using a new vertebrate model for psychiatric disorders: the zebrafish. Subanesthetic doses of ketamine produced a variety of abnormal behaviors in zebrafish that were qualitatively analogous to those previously measured in humans and rodents treated with drugs that produce transient psychosis. In addition, we revealed that the transcription factor Phox2b is a molecular substrate for the actions of ketamine, particularly during periods of hypoxic stress. Finally, we also show that SIRT1, a histone deacetylase widely recognized for its link to cell survival is also affected by hypoxia crises. These results establish a relevant assay system in which the effects of psychotomimetic drugs can rapidly be assessed, and provide a plausible and novel neuronal mechanism through which ketamine affects critical sensory circuits that monitor breathing behavior. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protection of epidermal growth factor against clivorine‐induced mitochondrial‐mediated apoptosis in hepatocytes
Authors: Ji Lili , Liu Tianyu , Wang Zhengtao 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are well‐known natural hepatotoxins. In this study, we investigated the protection of epidermal growth factor (EGF) against the hepatotoxicity of clivorine, which is an otonecine‐type PA from traditional Chinese medicine Ligularia hodgsonii Hook. Cell viability assay and cell morphology observation showed that EGF (1 ng/mL) reversed clivorine‐induced cytotoxicity on human normal liver L‐02 cells. EGF (1 ng/mL) also inhibited clivorine‐induced DNA fragmentation and caspase‐3 cleavage. Our previous study has showed that antiapoptotic Bcl‐xL degradation and mitochondrial‐mediated apoptosis was involved in clivorine‐induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, we found that EGF (1 ng/mL) inhibited clivorine‐induced antiapoptotic Bcl‐xL protein decrease, caspase‐9 activation, and release of cytosolic cytochrome C. We further investigated the effects of vascular epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 on clivorine‐induced cytotoxicity, and there is no significant protection observed. Our results suggest that EGF exerts its protective effects against clivorine‐induced hepatotoxicity probably by modulating mitochondrial‐mediated apoptotic signal pathway. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2010.
Semantics and cognition
Authors: Goddard Cliff , Wierzbicka Anna 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe words and grammar of any language encode a vast array of complex prepackaged concepts, most of them language‐specific and culture‐related. These concepts are manipulated routinely in almost every waking hour of most people's lives. They are largely acquired in infancy and they are intersubjectively shared among members of the speech community. It is hard to imagine such elaborate and variable representation systemsnothaving a substantial role to play in ordinary cognition, and yet the language‐and‐thought question continues to be a contested one across the various disciplines and sub‐disciplines of cognitive science. This article provides an overview from the vantage point of linguistic semantics.WIREs Cogni Sci2011 2 125–135 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.101This article is categorized under:Linguistics > Language in Mind and Brain
Bilateral Superficial Cervical Plexus Block Combined with General Anesthesia Administered in Thyroid Operations
Authors: Shih Ming‐Lang , Duh Quan‐Yang , Hsieh Chung‐Bao , Liu Yao‐Chi , Lu Chueng‐He , Wong Chih‐Shung , Yu Jyh‐Cherng , Yeh Chun‐Chang 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated the analgesic efficacy of bilateral superficial cervical plexus block in patients undergoing thyroidectomy and to determine whether it reduces the adverse effects of general anesthesia.MethodsWe prospectively recruited 162 patients who underwent elective thyroid operations from March 2006 to October 2007. They were randomly assigned to receive a bilateral superficial cervical block (12 ml per side) with isotonic saline (group A; n = 56), bupivacaine 0.5% (group B; n = 52), or levobupivacaine 0.5% (group C; n = 54) after induction of general anesthesia. The analgesic efficacy of the block was assessed with: intraoperative anesthetics (desflurane), numbers of patients needing postoperative analgesics, the time to the first analgesics required, and pain intensity by visual analog scale (VAS). Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) for 24 h were also assessed by the “PONV grade.” We also compared hospital stay, operative time, and discomfort in swallowing.ResultsThere were no significant differences in patient characteristics. Each average end‐tidal desflurane concentration was 5.8, 3.9, and 3.8% in groups A, B, and C, respectively (p < 0.001). Fewer patients in groups B and C required analgesics (A: B: C = 33:8:7; p < 0.001), and it took longer before the first analgesic dose was needed postoperatively (group A: B: C = 82.1:360.8:410.1 min; p < 0.001). Postoperative pain VAS were lower in groups B and C for the first 24 h postoperatively (p < 0.001). Incidences of overall and severe PONV were lower, however, there were not sufficient numbers of patients to detect differences in PONV among the three groups. Hospital stay was shorter in group B and group C (p = 0.011). There was no significant difference in operative time and postoperative swallowing pain among the three groups.ConclusionsBilateral superficial cervical plexus block reduces general anesthetics required during thyroidectomy. It also significantly lowers the severity of postoperative pain during the first 24 h and shortens the hospital stay.
Development and validation of the Arizona Cognitive Test Battery for Down syndrome
Authors: Edgin Jamie O. , Mason Gina M. , Allman Melissa J. , Capone George T. , DeLeon Iser , Maslen Cheryl , Reeves Roger H. , Sherman Stephanie L. , Nadel Lynn 
Published: July 2010

AbstractNeurocognitive assessment in individuals with intellectual disabilities requires a well-validated test battery. To meet this need, the Arizona Cognitive Test Battery (ACTB) has been developed specifically to assess the cognitive phenotype in Down syndrome (DS). The ACTB includes neuropsychological assessments chosen to 1) assess a range of skills, 2) be non-verbal so as to not confound the neuropsychological assessment with language demands, 3) have distributional properties appropriate for research studies to identify genetic modifiers of variation, 4) show sensitivity to within and between sample differences, 5) have specific correlates with brain function, and 6) be applicable to a wide age range and across contexts. The ACTB includes tests of general cognitive ability and prefrontal, hippocampal and cerebellar function. These tasks were drawn from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery (CANTAB) and other established paradigms. Alongside the cognitive testing battery we administered benchmark and parent-report assessments of cognition and behavior. Individuals with DS (n = 74, ages 7–38 years) and mental age (MA) matched controls (n = 50, ages 3–8 years) were tested across 3 sites. A subsample of these groups were used for between-group comparisons, including 55 individuals with DS and 36 mental age matched controls. The ACTB allows for low floor performance levels and participant loss. Floor effects were greater in younger children. Individuals with DS were impaired on a number ACTB tests in comparison to a MA-matched sample, with some areas of spared ability, particularly on tests requiring extensive motor coordination. Battery measures correlated with parent report of behavior and development. The ACTB provided consistent results across contexts, including home vs. lab visits, cross-site, and among individuals with a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and differences in ethnicity. The ACTB will be useful in a range of outcome studies, including clinical trials and the identification of important genetic components of cognitive disability.
Percutaneous Excision: A Viable Alternative to Manage Benign Breast Lesions
Authors: Slanetz Priscilla J. , Wu Shieh-Pei , Mendel Jeffrey B. 
Published: July 2010

Objective Benign breast masses, such as fibroadenomas, are common, and their management is variable, depending on symptoms and patient concerns. We undertook this study to determine the safety, efficacy, and patient acceptance of percutaneous excision of benign breast masses by using a hand-held vacuum-assisted device. Methods By using sonographic guidance, percutaneous removal was performed in 40 patients with 42 lesions by using a 9-gauge ( n = 13) or 12-gauge ( n = 29) probe (ATEC; Suros Surgical). Technical success, procedural complications, and patient experience were recorded at the time of excision and at 48 hours. Clinical, imaging, and/or surgical follow-up was obtained for 39 of 42 lesions (93%). Three of 42 lesions (7%) were lost to follow-up. Results Of 42 lesions, maximal diameters ranged from 0.6–4.0 cm (mean 1.6 cm), with lesion volumes between 0.05 and 11.2 mL (mean [SD] 1.4 ± 2.1 mL, median 7 mL). The procedure was well tolerated by all patients, and no residual mass was visible in any case at the conclusion of the procedure. All the patients preferred this approach to open surgical biopsy. After percutaneous excision, surgery was performed on 3 of 42 lesions (7%) for atypia ( n = 2) or malignancy ( n = 1), with a residual mass found only for the malignant case. Of the 26 of 42 lesions (62%) with imaging follow-up, 24 (92%) had no lesion recurrence. Overall, the procedure either completely removed the mass and/or relieved the patient's symptoms of a mass in 36 of 39 lesions (92%) for which clinical, imaging, and/or surgical follow-up was available. Three lesions were lost to follow-up. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided percutaneous excision of benign breast masses is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated minimally invasive procedure for the diagnosis and removal of benign breast masses. It may serve as an alternative to surgical excision for women with a known benign or probably benign breast mass who desire excision but prefer to avoid surgery or who are poor surgical candidates.
Insular cortex lesion diminishes neuropathic and inflammatory pain‐like behaviours
Authors: Coffeenl Ulises , Ortega‐Legaspil J. Manuel , López‐Muñozl Francisco J. , Simón‐Arceol Karina , Jaimesl Orlando , Pellicerl Francisco 
Published: July 2010

AbstractInjury to the insular cortex in humans produces a lack of appropriate response to pain. Also, there is controversial evidence on the lateralization of pain modulation. The aim of this study was to test the effect of insular cortex lesions in three models of pain in the rat. An ipsilateral, contralateral or bilateral radiofrequency lesion of the rostral agranular insular cortex (RAIC) was performed 48 h prior to acute, inflammatory or neuropathic pain models in all the experimental groups. Acute pain was tested with paw withdrawal latency (PWL) after thermal stimulation. Inflammation was induced with carrageenan injected in the paw and PWL was tested 1 h and 24 h afterwards. Neuropathic pain was tested after ligature of the sciatic nerve by measuring mechanical nociceptive response after stimulation with the von Frey filaments. Another model of neuropathy consisted of thermo stimulation followed by right sciatic neurectomy prior to the recording of autotomy behaviour. Acute pain was not modified by the RAIC lesion. All the RAIC lesion groups showed diminished pain‐related behaviours in inflammatory (increased PWL) and neuropathic models (diminished mechanical nociceptive response and autotomy score). The lesion of the RAIC produces a significant decrease in pain‐related behaviours, regardless of the side of the lesion. This is a clear evidence that the RAIC plays an important role in the modulation of both inflammatory and neuropathic—but not acute—pain.
German Validation of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales–self-report (CAARS-S) I: Factor Structure and Normative Data
Authors: Christiansen H. , Kis B. , Hirsch O. , Philipsen A. , Henneck M. , Panczuk A. , Pietrowsky R. , Hebebrand J. , Schimmelmann B.G. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often persists into adulthood. Instruments for diagnosing ADHD in childhood are well validated and reliable, but diagnosis of ADHD in adults remains problematic. Attempts have been made to develop criteria specific for adult ADHD, resulting in the development of self-report and observer-rated questionnaires. To date, the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) are the international standard for questionnaire assessment of ADHD. The current study evaluates a German version of the CAARS self-report (CAARS-S).MethodsEight hundred and fifty healthy German control subjects were recruited to fill out the CAARS-S and to answer questions on sociodemographic variables. Explorative and confirmative factor analyses were conducted to obtain the factor structure for the German model and to replicate the factor structure of the original American model. Analyses on gender, age, and education level were calculated for normative data.ResultsThe explorative factor analysis of the German sample results in a six-factor solution that explained 52% of the variance. A confirmative analysis that was based on the 42 items of the original American model showed a high model-fit. Analyses of normative data showed significant influences of age, gender, and education level on the emerging subscales.ConclusionEven though the explorative factor analysis yields a solution different from the American original, the confirmative factor analysis results in such a high model-fit that use of the American version is justified with respect to international multicenter studies, for which this instrument will be highly valuable.
Effects of inorganic selenium administration in methylmercury‐induced neurotoxicity in mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Glaser Viviane , Nazari Evelise Maria , Müller Yara Maria Rauh , Feksa Luciane , Wannmacher Clóvis Milton Duval , Rocha João Batista Teixeira , de Bem Andreza Fabro , Farina Marcelo , Latini Alexandra 
Published: July 2010

AbstractSelenium can counteract methylmercury (MeHg) neurotoxicity. However, data about the neuroprotective effects of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) on the activity of mitochondrial complexes and creatine kinase (mtCK) are scarce. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of the chronic exposure to Na2SeO3 on brain energy metabolism and oxidative stress parameters in MeHg‐poisoned mice. Adult male mice were orally treated with MeHg (40 mg L−1 in drinking water, ad libitum) during 21 days and simultaneously administrated with daily subcutaneous injections of Na2SeO3 (5 μmol kg−1), a potential neuroprotectant. Mitochondrial complexes I to IV and mtCK activities were measured in cerebral cortex mitochondria. The cerebro‐cortical tissue was also used to evaluate the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities, as well as lipid peroxidation. Metal deposition was followed autometalographically (AMG). Na2SeO3 partially prevented MeHg‐induced inhibition of complexes II–III, IV and mtCK activities; however, it was unable to prevent MeHg‐induced complex I and II inhibition. MeHg increased lipid peroxidation, GR activity and decreased GPx activity in the cerebral cortex; however, Na2SeO3 did not modify such events. Furthermore, Na2SeO3per se inhibited complexes I, II–III and IV and mtCK activities and increased GPx and GR activities and lipid peroxidation. These data show that inorganic selenium was ineffective in preventing most of the MeHg‐induced brain biochemical alterations. However, the most prominent finding was the selenium‐induced reduction of cells labelled for metal deposition. Although, the literature supports the beneficial effects of selenium against mercury toxicity, the toxic effects elicited by Na2SeO3, alone or in combination with mercury, should be considered when this compound is proposed as a potential protective therapy for MeHg poisoning.
Direct-to-Consumer (DTC)-Marketing der deutschen Pharmaindustrie: Nutzen und Grenzen
Authors: Röthele Sebastian 
Published: July 2010

Einleitung
Insbesondere Patienten mit chronischen Erkrankungen haben häufig das Bedürfnis sich unabhängig von ihrem behandelnden Arzt über ihre Indikation sowie alternative Therapieformen und Arzneimittel zu informieren. Sie vertrauen nicht mehr allein auf den Rat der Ärzte, sondern nehmen Einfluss auf die Wahl der Therapie und die Verschreibung bestimmter Medikamente. Für den Arzneimittelhersteller ergeben sich somit neue Möglichkeiten, die Emanzipation des Patienten durch eine direkte Ansprache und die Vermittlung relevanter Informationen zu unterstützen.
Supplementation of iron alone and combined with vitamins improves haematological status, erythrocyte membrane fluidity and oxidative stress in anaemic pregnant women
Authors: Guo Ma Ai , Schouten Evert G. , Ye Sun Yong , Yang Fang , Xia Han Xiu , Zhi Zhang Feng , Chen Jiang Dian , Kok Frans J. 
Published: July 2010

Pregnancy is a condition exhibiting increased susceptibility to oxidative stress, and Fe plays a central role in generating harmful oxygen species. The objective of the present study is to investigate the changes in haematological status, oxidative stress and erythrocyte membrane fluidity in anaemic pregnant women after Fe supplementation with and without combined vitamins. The study was a 2 months double-blind, randomised trial. Pregnant women (n 164) were allocated to four groups: group C was the placebo control group; group I was supplemented daily with 60 mg Fe (ferrous sulphate) daily; group IF was supplemented daily with Fe plus 400 μg folic acid; group IM was supplemented daily with Fe plus 2 mg retinol and 1 mg riboflavin, respectively. After the 2-month trial, Hb significantly increased by 15·8, 17·3 and 21·8 g/l, and ferritin by 2·8, 3·6 and 11·0 μg/l, in the I, IF and IM groups compared with placebo. Polarisation (ρ) and microviscosity (η) decreased significantly in other groups compared with placebo, indicating an increase in membrane fluidity. Significant decreases of ρ and η values compared with group C were 0·033 and 0·959 for group I, 0·037 and 1·074 for group IF and 0·064 and 1·865 for group IM, respectively. In addition, significant increases of glutathione peroxidase activities and decreases of malondialdehyde were shown in all treated groups, as well as increases of plasma retinol and urine riboflavin in group IM. The findings show that supplementation with Fe and particularly in combination with vitamins could improve the haematological status as well as oxidative stress and erythrocyte membrane fluidity.