bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controlled‐release melatonin, singly and combined with cognitive behavioural therapy, for persistent insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorders: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: CORTESI FLAVIA , GIANNOTTI FLAVIA , SEBASTIANI TERESA , PANUNZI SARA , VALENTE DONATELLA 
Published: May 2012

SummaryAlthough melatonin and cognitive–behavioural therapy have shown efficacy in treating sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders, little is known about their relative or combined efficacy. One hundred and sixty children with autism spectrum disorders, aged 4–10 years, suffering from sleep onset insomnia and impaired sleep maintenance, were assigned randomly to either (1) combination of controlled‐release melatonin and cognitive–behavioural therapy; (2) controlled‐release melatonin; (3) four sessions of cognitive–behavioural therapy; or (4) placebo drug treatment condition for 12 weeks in a 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 ratio. Children were studied at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Treatment response was assessed with 1‐week actigraphic monitoring, sleep diary and sleep questionnaire. Main outcome measures, derived actigraphically, were sleep latency, total sleep time, wake after sleep onset and number of awakenings. The active treatment groups all resulted in improvements across all outcome measures, with moderate‐to‐large effect sizes from baseline to a 12‐week assessment. Melatonin treatment was mainly effective in reducing insomnia symptoms, while cognitive–behavioural therapy had a light positive impact mainly on sleep latency, suggesting that some behavioural aspects might play a role in determining initial insomnia. The combination treatment group showed a trend to outperform other active treatment groups, with fewer dropouts and a greater proportion of treatment responders achieving clinically significant changes (63.38% normative sleep efficiency criterion of >85% and 84.62%, sleep onset latency <30 min). This study demonstrates that adding behavioural intervention to melatonin treatment seems to result in a better treatment response, at least in the short term.
Recent speciation between sympatric Tanganyikan cichlid colour morphs
Authors: WAGNER CATHERINE E. , McCUNE AMY R. , LOVETTE IRBY J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractLake Tanganyika, Africa’s oldest lake, harbours an impressive diversity of cichlid fishes. Although diversification in its radiating groups is thought to have been initially rapid, cichlids from Lake Tanganyika show little evidence for ongoing speciation. In contrast, examples of recent divergence among sympatric colour morphs are well known in haplochromine cichlids from Lakes Malawi and Victoria. Here, we report genetic evidence for recent divergence between two sympatric Tanganyikan cichlid colour morphs. These Petrochromis morphs share mitochondrial haplotypes, yet microsatellite loci reveal that their sympatric populations form distinct genetic groups. Nuclear divergence between the two morphs is equivalent to that which arises geographically within one of the morphs over short distances and is substantially smaller than that among other sympatric species in this genus. These patterns suggest that these morphs diverged only recently, yet that barriers to gene flow exist which prevent extensive admixture despite their sympatric distribution. The morphs studied here provide an unusual example of active diversification in Lake Tanganyika’s generally ancient cichlid fauna and enable comparisons of speciation processes between Lake Tanganyika and other African lakes.
Long‐term genetic monitoring reveals contrasting changes in the genetic composition of newly established populations of the intertidal snail Bembicium vittatum
Authors: JASON KENNINGTON W. , HEVROY TANYA H. , JOHNSON MICHAEL S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractNewly established populations are susceptible to founder events that reduce genetic variation. This may be counterbalanced by gene flow after populations become established or founders coming from genetically different populations. However, initial gains in genetic diversity may be short‐lived if there is limited mixing between lineages and subsequent inbreeding, or if one lineage sweeps to fixation through selection or genetic drift. Here, we report on the genetic changes taking place within two newly established populations of intertidal snail over a 15‐year period (∼ 10 generations). Each translocation was set up using multiple, genetically distinct source populations. Our data show that higher levels of variation in the translocated populations compared to the source populations were maintained over time for both nuclear (microsatellite) and mitochondrial genes. Small changes in allele and haplotype frequencies were observed in the source populations and in one of the translocated populations, but marked changes were evident in the other, where there was a dramatic shift towards the genetic make‐up of one of the source populations. These genetic changes occurred despite relatively large numbers of founders (200–374 adults) and no evidence of the population experiencing a severe reduction in effective population size. Our study shows that the genetic composition of newly established populations can vary greatly over time and that genetic outcomes can be highly variable, and significantly different from initial expectations, even when they are established using high numbers of individuals and involve source populations from the same geographic regions.
Functional neuroanatomy of bipolar disorder: structure, function, and connectivity in an amygdala–anterior paralimbic neural system
Authors: Blond Benjamin N , Fredericks Carolyn A , Blumberg Hilary P 
Published: May 2012

Blond BN, Fredericks CA, Blumberg HP. Functional neuroanatomy of bipolar disorder: structure, function, and connectivity in an amygdala–anterior paralimbic neural system.  Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 340–355. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Objectives:  In past decades, neuroimaging research in bipolar disorder has demonstrated a convergence of findings in an amygdala–anterior paralimbic cortex neural system. This paper reviews behavioral neurology literature that first suggested a central role for this neural system in the disorder and the neuroimaging evidence that supports it.Methods:  Relevant articles are reviewed to provide an amygdala–anterior paralimbic cortex neural system model of bipolar disorder, including articles from the fields of behavioral neurology and neuroanatomy, and neuroimaging.Results:  The literature is highly supportive of key roles for the amygdala, anterior paralimbic cortices, and connections among these structures in the emotional dysregulation of bipolar disorder. The functions subserved by their more widely distributed connection sites suggest that broader system dysfunction could account for the range of functions—from neurovegetative to cognitive—disrupted in the disorder. Abnormalities in some components of this neural system are apparent by adolescence, while others, such as those in rostral prefrontal regions, appear to progress over adolescence and young adulthood, suggesting a neurodevelopmental model of the disorder. However, some findings conflict, which may reflect the small sample sizes of some studies, and clinical heterogeneity and methodological differences across studies.Conclusions:  Consistent with models derived from early behavioral neurology studies, neuroimaging studies support a central role for an amygdala–anterior paralimbic neural system in bipolar disorder, and implicate abnormalities in the development of this system in the disorder. This system will be an important focus of future studies on the developmental pathophysiology, detection, treatment, and prevention of the disorder.
Comparative analysis of the pathological events involved in immune and non‐immune TRALI models
Authors: Tamarozzi M. B. , Soares S. G. , Sá‐Nunes A. , Paiva H. H. , Saggioro F. P. , Garcia A. B. , Lucena‐Araujo A. R. , Falcão R. P. , Bordin J. O. , Rego E. M. 
Published: May 2012

Background and Objectives  Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is characterized by leukocyte transmigration and alveolar capillary leakage shortly after transfusion. TRALI pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. In some cases, the infusion of alloantibodies (immune model), whereas in others the combination of neutrophil priming by proinflammatory molecules with the subsequent infusion of biological response modifiers (BRMs) in the hemocomponent (non‐immune model) have been implicated. Our aim was to compare the pathological events involved in TRALI induced by antibodies or BRMs using murine models.Materials and Methods  In the immune model, human HNA‐2+ neutrophils were incubated in vitro with a monoclonal antibody (anti‐CD177, clone 7D8) directed against the HNA‐2 antigen and injected i.v. in NOD/SCID mice. In the non‐immune model, BALB/c mice were treated with low doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed by platelet‐activating factor (PAF) infusion 2 h later. Forty minutes after PAF administration, or 6 h after neutrophil injection, lungs were isolated and histological analysis, determination of a variety of cytokines and chemokines including keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC), MIP‐2, the interleukins IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 as well as TNFα, cell influx and alveolar capillary leakage were performed.Results  In both models, characteristic histological findings of TRALI and an increase in KC and MIP‐2 levels were detected. In contrast to the immune model, in the non‐immune model, there was a dramatic increase in IL‐1β and TNFα. However, capillary leakage was only detected if PAF was administrated.Conclusions  Regardless of the triggering event(s), KC, MIP‐2 and integrins participate in TRALI pathogenesis, whereas PAF is essential for capillary leakage when two events are involved.
Impact of fresh and saline water flooding on leaf gas exchange in two Italian provenances of Tamarix africana Poiret
Authors: Jaoudé R. Abou , de Dato G. , Palmegiani M. , De Angelis P. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn Mediterranean coastal areas, changes in precipitation patterns and seawater levels are leading to increased frequency of flooding and to salinization of estuaries and freshwater systems. Tamarix spp. are often the only woody species growing in such environments. These species are known for their tolerance to moderate salinity; however, contrasting information exists regarding their tolerance to flooding, and the combination of the two stresses has never been studied in Tamarix spp. Here, we analyse the photosynthetic responses of T. africana Poiret to temporary flooding (45 days) with fresh or saline water (200 mm) in two Italian provenances (Simeto and Baratz). The measurements were conducted before and after the onset of flooding, to test the possible cumulative effects of the treatments and effects on twig aging, and to analyse the responses of twigs formed during the experimental period. Full tolerance was evident in T. africana with respect to flooding with fresh water, which did not affect photosynthetic performances in either provenance. Saline flooding was differently tolerated by the two provenances. Moreover, salinity tolerance differently affected the two twig generations. In particular, a reduction in net assimilation rate (−48.8%) was only observed in Baratz twigs formed during the experimental period, compared to pre‐existing twigs. This reduction was a consequence of non‐stomatal limitations (maximum carboxylation rate and electron transport), probably as a result of higher Na transport to the twigs, coupled with reduced Na storage in the roots.
Biochemical and growth acclimation of birch to night temperatures: genotypic similarities and differences
Authors: Mäenpää M. , Ossipov V. , Kontunen‐Soppela S. , Keinänen M. , Rousi M. , Oksanen E. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe responses of plants to environmental factors are connected to the time of day. In this study, silver birch (Betula pendula) was grown in growth chambers at five different night temperatures (6–22 °C), using gradual changes during the evening and morning hours. Despite the increased night respiration and unaffected daytime net photosynthesis (per square metre), the carbon uptake (biomass) of birch did not decrease, probably due to enhanced biochemical processes on warmer nights and the advantage of higher temperatures during the evening and morning hours. The plant stem height, internode length, stem dry weight (DW), stem mass fraction and specific leaf area increased with warmer night temperatures. Changes in growth and metabolite concentrations were partly nonlinear along the temperature gradient. Thus, the temperature effect depends on the temperature window considered. Genotypes had both common and genotype‐specific biochemical responses to night temperatures. The common responses among genotypes were related to growth responses, whereas the unique responses may indicate genotype‐specific differences in acclimation. The differences in genotypic growth and metabolite levels are valuable for assessing genotype qualities and understanding the connections between the metabolome and growth.
Vaginal evisceration 3 years after abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy
Authors: Orito Seiya , Masuya Norio , Sakurabashi Ayako , Minoura Shigeki 
Published: May 2012

AbstractVaginal evisceration after a pelvic operation is a rare gynecological emergency. When intercourse is the cause, most cases occur within 1 year of surgery. A 53‐year‐old woman presented to the emergency room for vaginal evisceration half a day after the first postoperative occurrence of intercourse 3 years after an abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy. In an emergency laparotomy, the protruding small bowel was replaced within the abdominal cavity. The avulsed vaginal cuff, which measured 6 cm in length and had atrophic but non‐necrotic margins, was sutured. Women who go for long periods without intercourse after a hysterectomy, especially post‐menopausal women, should be made aware of unrecognized vaginal atrophy that could, in some cases, lead to rupture and evisceration during the next occurrence of intercourse.
Sulfur metabolism in archaea reveals novel processes
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Beer Laura L. , Whitman William B. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryStudies on sulfur metabolism in archaea have revealed many novel enzymes and pathways and have advanced our understanding on metabolic processes, not only of the archaea, but of biology in general. A variety of dissimilatory sulfur metabolisms, i.e. reactions used for energy conservation, are found in archaea from both the Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota phyla. Although not yet fully characterized, major processes include aerobic elemental sulfur (S0) oxidation, anaerobic S0 reduction, anaerobic sulfate/sulfite reduction and anaerobic respiration of organic sulfur. Assimilatory sulfur metabolism, i.e. reactions used for biosynthesis of sulfur‐containing compounds, also possesses some novel features. Cysteine biosynthesis in some archaea uses a unique tRNA‐dependent pathway. Fe‐S cluster biogenesis in many archaea differs from that in bacteria and eukaryotes and requires unidentified components. The eukaryotic ubiquitin system is conserved in archaea and involved in both protein degradation and biosynthesis of sulfur‐containing cofactors. Lastly, specific pathways are utilized for the biosynthesis of coenzyme M and coenzyme B, the sulfur‐containing cofactors required for methanogenesis.
Low BMI at age 20 years predicts gestational diabetes independent of BMI in early pregnancy in Japan: Tanaka Women’s Clinic Study
Authors: Yachi Y. , Tanaka Y. , Nishibata I. , Sugawara A. , Kodama S. , Saito K. , Sone H. 
Published: May 2012

Diabet. Med. 30, 70–73 (2013)AbstractAims  Maternal obesity and weight gain since early adulthood are known predictors of gestational diabetes in Western countries. However, their impact has not been evaluated well in Asia, where mean BMI levels are generally lower than in Western countries. We therefore examined the associations of BMI at age 20 years and BMI change since age 20 years with the risk of gestational diabetes in Japanese pregnant women.Methods  Six hundred and twenty‐four consecutive pregnant women without recognized diabetes before pregnancy, whose initial obstetric clinic visit was before 13 weeks’ gestation, were prospectively observed. Weight at age 20 years was self‐reported. Baseline height and weight measurements were obtained at the initial obstetric visit. Multivariate logistic regression analysis estimated the risk of incident gestational diabetes for BMI change since 20 years and BMI at age 20 years.Results  Twenty‐eight women developed incident gestational diabetes. By multivariate logistic regression analysis that adjusted for maternal age, parity and baseline BMI, we observed a statistically significant inverse association between BMI at age 20 years and incidence of gestational diabetes (odds ratio 0.68, 95% CI 0.51–0.92). Similarly, when we assessed the association of BMI change since age 20 years, adjusted for maternal age and parity, BMI change was associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes (odds ratio 1.26, 95% CI 1.03–1.53). When we focused on the threshold of risk of gestational diabetes, women with BMI at 20 years of less than 18 kg/m2 had a 6.30‐fold (2.26–17.59) greater risk than women with both BMI at age 20 years of 18 kg/m2 or more and BMI change since age 20 years of less than 1.85.Conclusions  Both low BMI at age 20 years and BMI change since age 20 years were significantly associated with increased risk of incident gestational diabetes.
Subsidising patient dispensing fees: The cost of injecting equity into the opioid pharmacotherapy maintenance system
Authors: CHALMERS JENNY , RITTER ALISON 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. Australian pharmacotherapy maintenance programs incur costs to patients. These dispensing fees represent a financial burden to patients and are inconsistent with Australian health‐care principles. No previous work has examined the current costs nor the future predicted costs if government subsidised dispensing fees.Design and Methods. A system dynamics model, which simulated the flow of patients into and out of methadone maintenance treatment, was developed. Costs were imputed from existing research data. The approach enabled simulation of possible behavioural responses to a fee subsidy (such as higher retention) and new estimates of costs were derived under such scenarios.Results. Current modelled costs (AUS$11.73m per month) were largely borne by state/territory government (43%), with patients bearing one‐third (33%) of the total costs and the Commonwealth one‐quarter (24%). Assuming no behavioural changes associated with fee subsidies, the cost of subsidising the dispensing fees of Australian methadone patients would be $3.9m per month. If retention were improved as a result of fee subsidy, treatment numbers would increase and the model estimates an additional cost of $0.8m per month. If this was coupled with greater numbers entering treatment, the costs would increase by a further $0.4m per month. In total, full fee subsidy with modelled behavioural changes would increase per annum government expenditure by $81.8m to $175.8m.Discussion and Conclusions. If government provided dispensing fee relief for methadone maintenance patients, it would be a costly exercise. However, these additional costs are offset by the social and health gains achieved from the methadone maintenance program.[Chalmers J, Ritter A. Subsidising patient dispensing fees: The cost of injecting equity into the opioid pharmacotherapy maintenance system. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:911–917]
The Impact of the Corporate Governance Code on Earnings Management – Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Chen Jean J. , Zhang Haitao 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of the 2002 Chinese Code of Corporate Governance for Listed Companies on earnings manipulations. We find that, in general, the 2002 CODE had a positive effect on curbing earnings management through the introduction of independent non‐executive directors to the board of directors and the audit committee, and accounting/financial experts to the audit committee. Although such an impact was minimal when the firms were state‐controlled, it became significant once they were privately controlled. Overall, we find regulatory reform on corporate governance plays an important role in deterring the use of earnings management.
The unexpected force of acute stroke leading to patients’ sudden death as described by nurses
Authors: Rejnö Åsa , Danielson Ella , von Post Iréne 
Published: May 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 123–130

The unexpected force of acute stroke leading to patients’ sudden death as described by nurses
Stroke occurs suddenly and unexpectedly and its consequences can mean the difference between life and death. Research into stroke is extensive but largely focused on patients who survive. The aim of the study was to describe how nurses experience the patient’s death and dying, when patients are afflicted by acute stroke and whose lives cannot be saved. The study had a descriptive design with a hermeneutical approach. Interviews were carried out with ten nurses in stroke units at three hospitals. Data were interpreted using hermeneutic textual interpretation based on Gadamer’s philosophy. The study shows that sudden death, when unexpected forces intervene in the lives of patients afflicted by acute stroke, was described by the main theme sudden death ‐ the unexpected force and the following three sub‐themes: death comes unexpectedly and without warning to the patient; the relatives are at the mercy of the unexpected and the nurses find themselves in demanding situations. The new understanding emphasizes that the unexpected and demanding situations the nurses are put in can be understood as ethical dilemmas and value conflicts because they are not free to give their time to preserving the dying patient’s dignity and are not able to give the good care they wish to. A more flexible organization could support the nurses in making use of the creative forces in the unexpected event which an acute stroke that leads to death constitutes.
The number of p16INK4a positive cells in human skin reflects biological age
Authors: Waaijer Mariëtte E.C. , Parish William E. , Strongitharm Barbara H. , van Heemst Diana , Slagboom Pieternella E. , de Craen Anton J.M. , Sedivy John M. , Westendorp Rudi G.J. , Gunn David A. , Maier Andrea B. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryCellular senescence is a defense mechanism in response to molecular damage which accumulates with aging. Correspondingly, the number of senescent cells has been reported to be greater in older than in younger subjects and furthermore associates with age‐related pathologies. Inter‐individual differences exist in the rate at which a person ages (biological age). Here, we studied whether younger biological age is related to fewer senescent cells in middle‐aged individuals with the propensity for longevity, using p16INK4a as a marker for cellular senescence. We observed that a younger biological age associates with lower levels of p16INK4a positive cells in human skin.