bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attributions in Pediatric Asthma Self-Management Success and Failure
Authors: Shegog Ross , Pozmantier Amy , Addy Robert C.
Published: October 2012

“Lack of effort” attributions for failure (behavioral self-blame) have been associated with a greater sense of control over illness outcomes because the failure is attributed to internal (ie, subject to personal factors), unstable (ie, amenable to different outcomes on future occasions), and controllable (ie, subject to personal intent) causes. This study examines the causal attributions (locus, stability, control) used by children and their parents to explain success and failure in 3 asthma self-management domains: symptom monitoring, medication adherence, and environmental trigger avoidance. Participants included 65 children (9-13 years) diagnosed with asthma and their primary caregivers, recruited from urban specialty and community clinics and schools. Responses to a structured interview presenting 18 scenarios of self-management success and failure were coded along causal dimensions and causal labels using the Coding Scheme of Perceived Causality. Children attributed self-management success and failure of themselves and other children mainly to internal (84.6% to 98.1%), unstable (50.8% to 79.4%), and controllable (73% to 98.4%) causes. Compared to other children, respondents regarded their own failure in monitoring symptoms as more unstable. Parents attributed their child’s management mainly to internal (66.7% to 90.5%), unstable (52.4% to 84.1%), and controllable (54.0% to 85.5%) causes. Personal effort and intrinsic motivation were the primary causal labels provided. Understanding a child’s causal attributions for asthma self-management could help asthma educators intervene on beliefs that may be undermining management success. Further research of causal attributions for asthma self-management is required to understand the potential of this theory to inform education and treatment strategies.
Assessing a Population-Based Approach to Asthma and COPD Education
Authors: Vine M. M. , Latycheva O. , Fenton N. E. , Hampson C. , Haynes M. , Elliott S. J.
Published: October 2012

In 2008, chronic respiratory disease—including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—was the fourth leading cause of death in Canada. Chronic respiratory disease represents a major burden of illness on individuals, families, and the health system. Provision of asthma and COPD education and management resources can serve to improve self-management strategies, leading to an improved quality of life. The Partnership in Lung Age Testing and Education (PLATE) program was a unique demonstration project examining a population-based approach to the management of respiratory disease. Objectives included improving patient education, increasing public awareness about chronic respiratory disease, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. First, 13 “Airways Clinics” in Toronto and Hamilton were undertaken in various community settings (eg, pharmacies, shopping malls), providing respiratory health education and FEV1 measurement. Second, a follow-up survey examined knowledge gained from phase I. Eighty-seven participants included those with physician-diagnosed asthma, physician-diagnosed COPD, and symptomatic without diagnosis and/or long-time smokers. Airways Clinics were positively received by participants, with 77% of respondents more aware of the role healthy lifestyles play in disease management. Findings indicate that the highest level of interest came from high-needs communities, including low-income and older populations (between 50 and 79 years).
Oral Health in Individuals With Asthma
Authors: Patil Seema , Iyengar Asha R. , Nagesh K. S. , Ramneek
Published: October 2012

Objective. The prevalence of bronchial asthma is increasing globally by 50% every decade. With more individuals presenting with a medical history of asthma and concurrent medication usage, its impact on oral cavity needs to be recognized. The present study was conducted with an aim to assess the oral health status of individuals with asthma aged 12 years and older and to evaluate the effect of various antiasthma medications on oral health. Materials and Methods. Forty individuals with asthma (22 females and 18 males) between 12 and 66 years of age were included in the study after following extensive exclusion criteria. For all subjects a detailed case history was taken. A thorough oral examination was conducted to determine caries experience, periodontal status, and candidiasis. Furthermore, whole unstimulated saliva was collected for pH estimation and cytological smears obtained for the screening of candidiasis. Results. Of the 40 subjects examined, a history of xerostomia was found in 55%, stomatopyrosis in 22%, and halitosis in 5%. The mean DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) was 4.97. Periodontal treatment need evaluation revealed the requirement for oral hygiene education and professional prophylaxis in most of the subjects. However, no significant correlation was found between use of antiasthma medications and periodontal needs. An acidic pH was found in 52.5% of the subjects and candidiasis was detected in 65%. Conclusion. A high incidence of xerostomia, acidic pH, and candidiasis was found in those having asthma. Studies with a larger sample size may help confirm these findings. However, it is suggested that asthma patients on regular antiasthma treatment need special attention in the area of oral health care.
Measurement of asthma control according to global initiative for asthma guidelines: a comparison with the asthma control questionnaire
Authors: Olaguibel José María , Quirce Santiago , Juliá Berta , Fernández Cristina , Fortuna Ana María , Molina Jesús , Plaza Vicente ,   on behalf of the MAGIC Study Group
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) is a validated tool to measure asthma control. Cut-off points that best discriminate “well-controlled” or “not well-controlled” asthma have been suggested from the analysis of a large randomized clinical trial but they may not be adequate for daily clinical practice.

Aims

To establish cut-off points of the ACQ that best discriminate the level of control according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2006 guidelines in patients with asthma managed at Allergology and Pulmonology Departments as well as Primary Care Centers in Spain.

Patients and methods

An epidemiological descriptive study, with prospective data collection. Asthma control following GINA-2006 classification and 7-item ACQ was assessed. The study population was split in two parts: 2/3 for finding the cut-off points (development population) and 1/3 for validating the results (validation population).

Results

A total of 1,363 stable asthmatic patients were included (mean age 38 ± 14 years, 60.3% women; 69.1% non-smokers). Patient classification according to GINA-defined asthma control was: controlled 13.6%, partially controlled 34.2%, and uncontrolled 52.3%. The ACQ cut-off points that better agreed with GINA-defined asthma control categories were calculated using receiver operating curves (ROC). The analysis showed that ACQ < 0.5 was the optimal cut-off point for “controlled asthma” (sensitivity 74.1%, specificity 77.5%) and 1.00 for “uncontrolled asthma” (sensitivity 73%, specificity 88.2%). Kappa index between GINA categories and ACQ was 0.62 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The ACQ cut-off points associated with GINA-defined asthma control in a real-life setting were <0.5 for controlled asthma and ≥1 for uncontrolled asthma.
All-cause and cause-specific mortality associated with diabetes in prevalent hemodialysis patients
Authors: Sattar Abdus , Argyropoulos Christos , Weissfeld Lisa , Younas Nizar , Fried Linda , Kellum John A , Unruh Mark
Published: October 2012

Background

Diabetes is the most common risk factor for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and has been associated with increased risk of death. In order to better understand the influence of diabetes on outcomes in hemodialysis, we examine the risk of death of diabetic participants in the HEMODIALYSIS (HEMO) study.

Methods

In the HEMO study, 823 (44.6%) participants were classified as diabetic. Using the Schoenfeld residual test, we found that diabetes violated the proportional hazards assumption. Based on this result, we fit two non-proportional hazard models: Cox’s time varying covariate model (Cox-TVC) that allows the hazard for diabetes to change linearly with time and Gray’s time-varying coefficient model.

Results

Using the Cox-TVC, the hazard ratio (HR) for diabetes increased with each year of follow up (p = 0.02) for all cause mortality. Using Gray’s model, the HR for diabetes ranged from 1.41 to 2.21 (p <0.01). The HR for diabetes using Gray’s model exhibited a different pattern, being relatively stable at 1.5 for the first 3 years in the study and increasing afterwards.

Conclusion

Risk of death associated with diabetes in ESRD increases over time and suggests that an increasing risk of death among diabetes may be underappreciated when using conventional survival models.
Proof of Concept: Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor decreases inflammation and improves muscle insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Frankwich Karen , Tibble Courtney , Torres-Gonzalez Moises , Bonner Mariah , Lefkowitz Roy , Tyndall Matt , Schmid-Schönbein Geert W , Villarreal Francisco , Heller Mike , Herbst Karen
Published: October 2012

Background

Obesity is a state of subclinical inflammation resulting in loss of function of insulin receptors and decreased insulin sensitivity. Inhibition of the inflammatory enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), for 6 months in rodent models restores insulin receptor function and insulin sensitivity.

Methods

This 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo (PL)-controlled proof-of-concept study was performed to determine if the MMP inhibitor (MMPI), doxycycline, decreased global markers of inflammation and enhanced muscle insulin sensitivity in obese people with type 2 diabetes (DM2). The study included non-DM2 controls (n = 15), and DM2 subjects randomized to PL (n = 13) or doxycycline 100 mg twice daily (MMPI; n = 11). All participants were evaluated on Day 1; MMPI and PL groups were also evaluated after 84 days of treatment.

Results

There was a significant decrease in inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (P < 0.05) and myeloperoxidase (P = 0.01) in the MMPI but not PL group. The MMPI also significantly increased skeletal muscle activated/total insulin signaling mediators: 3’phosphoinositide kinase-1 (PDK1) (p < 0.03), protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) (p < 0.004), and glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) (p < 0.03).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated short term treatment of people with diabetes with an MMPI resulted in decreased inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity. Larger, longer studies are warranted to determine if doxycycline can improve glucose control in people with diabetes.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01375491
Preliminary study of an intestinal bio-robot system based on nerve stimulation
Authors: Zhu Lan , Liu Hongying , Wang Zhenyu , Pi Xitian , Zhou Shengshan
Published: October 2012

Background

Wireless capsule endoscopes for diagnosis and treatment in the gastrointestinal tract face the common problem of active actuation. To tackle this difficulty, a non-invasive intestinal bio-robot system with active actuation based on nerve stimulation was developed.

Methods

This intestinal inspection system utilized a natural organism—the mud eel—to serve as the locomotion mechanism, and it was controlled by a LabVIEW-programmed pulse generator. The exterior control unit was able to actively drive and remotely control the navigation and site-specific anchoring of the organism.

Results

Through in vitro stimulation experiments, a method of controlling the organism’s forward motion was obtained: when the organism was stimulated at the tail, it moved forward at a relatively fast speed and with high repeatability. The stimulator parameters were as follows: amplitude 1.85 μA, frequency 2 Hz, pulse duration 500 μs.

Conclusions

Since this is a preliminary study, considerable work remains to be done. However, the results could provide a solid theoretical basis for further research toward producing a practical intestinal bio-robot for the diagnosis and treatment of the gastrointestinal tract.
Attenuation of an adult T-cell leukemia skin lesion after treatment of a concomitant herpes simplex infection: a case study
Authors: Tomita Hajime , Ogawa Fumihide , Kuwatsuka Sayaka , Toriyama Fumi , Yasumoto Shinichirou , Kamihira Shimeru , Utani Atsushi
Published: October 2012

We report the development and treatment of eczema herpeticum in a 51-year-old male suffering from adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). Lesions of eczema herpeticum coexisted with the skin lesions of ATL. Treatment of eczema herpeticum resulted in a concomitant improvement in the symptoms of ATL, including a reduction in the size of the ATL plaques, for over 2 months before relapse.
Intravenous flurbiprofen for post-thymectomy pain relief in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Su Chunhua , Su Yihua , Chou Chiu-Wen , Liu Weibing , Zou Jianyong , Luo Honghe , Chen Zhenguang
Published: October 2012

Background

Post-thymectomy pain in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients can inhibit breathing and coughing. Inappropriate usage of analgesics may exacerbate respiratory inhibition and even cause myasthenic crisis. Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to control moderate postoperative pain and is not associated with respiratory inhibition. We hypothesized that flurbiprofen may provide post-thymectomy pain relief without increasing the risk of complications in MG patients.

Methods

Two hundred MG patients underwent extended thymectomy from March 2006 to December 2010 and were randomly allocated to a flurbiprofen group (110 patients, 50 mg intravenous flurbiprofen axetil) or a control group (90 patients, 100 mg intramuscular tramadol) as postoperative analgesia. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse oximetry (SpO2), and adverse effects were recorded before and up to 24 h after drug administration.

Results

There were no significant differences in the preoperative clinical characteristics of the flurbiprofen and control (tramadol) groups. Both flurbiprofen and tramadol significantly alleviated post-thymectomy pain (p < 0.05 for both), but patients in flurbiprofen group had significantly lower VAS pain scores at 0.5 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h after surgery (p < 0.05 for all times). There were no significant post-thymectomy changes of heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial blood pressure, or SpO2 in either group at all time points.

Conclusions

Post-thymectomy intravenous administration of flurbiprofen axetil provides safe and effective analgesia for MG patients.
Hepatoprotective activities of a sesquiterpene-rich fraction from the aerial part of Cichorium glandulosum
Authors: Yang Wei-Jun , Luo Yu-Qin , Aisa Haji Akber , Xin Xue-Lei , Totahon Z , Mao Yan , Hu Meng-Ying , Xu Lei , Zhang Rui-Ping
Published: October 2012

Background

Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet is used for treatment of liver disorders, and its effects are attributed to sesquiterpenes. This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of a sesquiterpene-rich fraction (SRF) from the aerial part of C. glandulosum on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute hepatotoxicity in mice, and on priming with Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) followed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immunological liver injury in mice.

Methods

SRF was suspended in water and administered to mice at 0.05, 0.10 and 0.20 g/kg body weight for 7 consecutive days. An active control drug (bifendate pills) was suspended in distilled water and administered to mice at 0.40 g/kg body weight for 7 consecutive days. Hepatotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 0.1% CCl4 (0.2 mL/mouse) at 13 h before the last drug administration, or by tail intravenous injection of BCG (0.2 mL/mouse) before the first drug administration and LPS (0.2 mL/mouse; 8 μg) at 15 h before the last drug administration. Blood samples and the livers were collected for evaluation of the biochemical parameters of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin (TBIL).

Results

SRF significantly reduced the impact of CCl4 toxicity. The highest dose of SRF (0.20 g/kg) was the most effective, reflected by significant reductions in the levels of AST (P = 0.001), ALT (P = 0.000) and TBIL (P = 0.009). The serum enzymatic levels induced by BCG and subsequent LPS injection were significantly and dose-dependently restored by SRF, reflected by significant reductions in the levels of AST (P = 0.003), ALT (P = 0.003) and TBIL (P = 0.007) for the highest dose of SRF (0.20 g/kg).

Conclusion

SRF is hepatoprotective in animal models of chemical and immunological acute liver injury.
Chromosome anomalies in bone marrow as primary cause of aplastic or hypoplastic conditions and peripheral cytopenia: disorders due to secondary impairment of RUNX1 and MPL genes
Authors: Marletta Cristina , Valli Roberto , Pressato Barbara , Mare Lydia , Montalbano Giuseppe , Menna Giuseppe , Loffredo Giuseppe , Bernardo Maria Ester , Vinti Luciana , Ferrari Simona , Di Cesare-Merlone Alessandra , Zecca Marco , Lo Curto Francesco , Locatelli Franco , Pasquali Francesco , Maserati Emanuela
Published: October 2012

Background

Chromosome changes in the bone marrow (BM) of patients with persistent cytopenia are often considered diagnostic for a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Comprehensive cytogenetic evaluations may give evidence of the real pathogenetic role of these changes in cases with cytopenia without morphological signs of MDS.

Results

Chromosome anomalies were found in the BM of three patients, without any morphological evidence of MDS: 1) an acquired complex rearrangement of chromosome 21 in a boy with severe aplastic anaemia (SAA); the rearrangement caused the loss of exons 2–8 of the RUNX1 gene with subsequent hypoexpression. 2) a constitutional complex rearrangement of chromosome 21 in a girl with congenital thrombocytopenia; the rearrangement led to RUNX1 disruption and hypoexpression. 3) an acquired paracentric inversion of chromosome 1, in which two regions at the breakpoints were shown to be lost, in a boy with aplastic anaemia; the MPL gene, localized in chromosome 1 short arms was not mutated neither disrupted, but its expression was severely reduced: we postulate that the aplastic anaemia was due to position effects acting both in cis and in trans, and causing Congenital Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia (CAMT).

Conclusions

A clonal anomaly in BM does not imply per se a diagnosis of MDS: a subgroup of BM hypoplastic disorders is directly due to chromosome structural anomalies with effects on specific genes, as was the case of RUNX1 and MPL in the patients here reported with diagnosis of SAA, thrombocytopenia, and CAMT. The anomaly may be either acquired or constitutional, and it may act by deletion/disruption of the gene, or by position effects. Full cytogenetic investigations, including a-CGH, should always be part of the diagnostic evaluation of patients with BM aplasia/hypoplasia and peripheral cytopenias.
Vitamin and antioxidant rich diet increases MLH1 promoter DNA methylation in DMT2 subjects
Authors: Switzeny Olivier J , Müllner Elisabeth , Wagner Karl-Heinz , Brath Helmut , Aumüller Eva , Haslberger Alexander G
Published: October 2012

Background

Oxidative stress may lead to an increased level of unrepaired cellular DNA damage, which is discussed as one risk for tumor initiation. Mismatch repair (MMR) enzymes act as proofreading complexes that maintain the genomic integrity and MMR-deficient cells show an increased mutation rate. One important gene in the MMR complex is the MutL homolog 1 (MLH1) gene. Since a diet rich in antioxidants has the potential to counteract harmful effects by reactive oxygen species (ROS), we investigated the impact of an antioxidant, folate, and vitamin rich diet on the epigenetic pattern of MLH1. These effects were analyzed in individuals with non-insulin depended diabetes mellitus type 2 (NIDDM2) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG).

Methods

In this post-hoc analysis of a randomized trial we analyzed DNA methylation of MLH1, MSH2, and MGMT at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention, consisting of 300 g vegetables and 25 ml plant oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids per day. DNA methylation was quantified using combined bisulfite restriction enzyme analysis (COBRA) and pyrosequencing. MLH1 and DNMT1 mRNA expression were investigated by qRT-PCR. DNA damage was assessed by COMET assay. Student’s two-tailed paired t test and one-way ANOVA with Scheffé corrected Post hoc test was used to determine significant methylation and expression differences. Two-tailed Pearson test was used to determine correlations between methylation level, gene expression, and DNA strand break amount.

Results

The intervention resulted in significantly higher CpG methylation in two particular MLH1 promoter regions and the MGMT promoter. DNA strand breaks and methylation levels correlated significantly. The expression of MLH1, DNMT1, and the promoter methylation of MSH2 remained stable. CpG methylation levels and gene expression did not correlate.

Conclusion

This vitamin and antioxidant rich diet affected the CpG methylation of MLH1. The higher methylation might be a result of the ROS scavenging antioxidant rich diet, leading to lower activity of DNA demethylating enzymes. Our results suggest the hypothesis of CpG demethylation via DNA repair enzymes under these circumstances. NIDDM2 and IFG patients benefit from this simple dietary intervention involving epigenetic and DNA repair mechanisms.
Conservation and evolutionary divergence in the activity of receptor-regulated smads
Authors: Sorrentino Gina M , Gillis William Q , Oomen-Hajagos Jamina , Thomsen Gerald H
Published: October 2012

Background

Activity of the Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) pathway is essential to the establishment of body axes and tissue differentiation in bilaterians. Orthologs for core pathway members have been found in all metazoans, but uncertain homology of the body axes and tissues patterned by these signals raises questions about the activities of these molecules across the metazoan tree. We focus on the principal canonical transduction proteins (R-Smads) of the TGFβ pathway, which instruct both axial patterning and tissue differentiation in the developing embryo. We compare the activity of R-Smads from a cnidarian (Nematostella vectensis), an arthropod (Drosophila melanogaster), and a vertebrate (Xenopus laevis) in Xenopus embryonic assays.

Results

Overexpressing NvSmad1/5 ventralized Xenopus embryos when expressed in dorsal blastomeres, similar to the effects of Xenopus Smad1. However, NvSmad1/5 was less potent than XSmad1 in its ability to activate downstream target genes in Xenopus animal cap assays. NvSmad2/3 strongly induced general mesendodermal marker genes, but weakly induced ones involved in specifying the Spemann organizer. NvSmad2/3 was unable to induce a secondary trunk axis in Xenopus embryos, whereas the orthologs from Xenopus (XSmad2 and XSmad3) and Drosophila (dSmad2) were capable of doing so. Replacement of the NvSmad2/3 MH2 domain with the Xenopus XSmad2 MH2 slightly increased its inductive capability, but did not confer an ability to generate a secondary body axis.

Conclusions

Vertebrate and cnidarian Smad1/5 have similar axial patterning and induction activities, although NvSmad1/5 is less efficient than the vertebrate gene. We conclude that the activities of Smad1/5 orthologs have been largely conserved across Metazoa. NvSmad2/3 efficiently activates general mesendoderm markers, but is unable to induce vertebrate organizer-specific genes or to produce a secondary body axis in Xenopus. Orthologs dSmad2 and XSmad3 generate a secondary body axis, but activate only low expression of organizer-specific genes that are strongly induced by XSmad2. We suggest that in the vertebrate lineage, Smad2 has evolved a specialized role in the induction of the embryonic organizer. Given the high level of sequence identity between Smad orthologs, this work underscores the functional importance of the emergence and fixation of a few divergent amino acids among orthologs during evolution.
Validation of a multiplex chip-based assay for the detection of autoantibodies against citrullinated peptides
Authors: Hansson Monika , Mathsson Linda , Schlederer Thomas , Israelsson Lena , Matsson Per , Nogueira Leonor , Jakobsson Per-Johan , Lundberg Karin , Malmström Vivianne , Serre Guy , Holmdahl Rikard , Nystrand Mats , Klareskog Lars , Rönnelid Johan
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Autoantibodies directed against citrullinated proteins/peptides (ACPAs) are highly specific and predictive for the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Different subgroups of RA patients, which have different prognoses and may require different treatments, are characterized by different autoantibody profiles. The objective of this study was to develop a microarray for the detection of multiple RA-associated autoantibodies, initially focusing on responses against citrullinated epitopes on candidate autoantigens in RA.

Methods

The microarray is based on Phadia's ImmunoCAP ISAC system, with which reactivity to more than 100 antigens can be analyzed simultaneously, by using minute serum volumes (< 10 μl). Twelve citrullinated peptides, and the corresponding native arginine-containing control peptides, were immobilized in an arrayed fashion onto a chemically modified glass slide, allowing a three-dimensional layer with high binding capacity. The assay was optimized concerning serum dilution and glass surface, whereas each individual antigen was optimized concerning coupling chemistry, antigen concentration, and selection of spotting buffer. The performance of each peptide in the ImmunoCAP ISAC system was compared with the performance in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Serum from 927 RA patients and 461 healthy controls from a matched case-control study were applied onto reaction sites on glass slides, followed by fluorescent-labeled anti-human immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. Fluorescence intensities were detected with a laser scanner, and the results analyzed by using image-analysis software.

Results

Strong correlations between the ImmunoCAP ISAC system and ELISA results were found for individual citrullinated peptides (Spearman ρ typically between 0.75 and 0.90). Reactivity of RA sera with the peptides was seen mainly in the anticyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (CCP2)-positive subset, but some additional reactivity with single citrullinated peptides was seen in the anti-CCP2-negative subset. Adjusting for reactivity against arginine-containing control peptides did not uniformly change the diagnostic performance for antibodies against the individual citrullinated peptides.

Conclusions

The multiplexed array, for detection of autoantibodies against multiple citrullinated epitopes on candidate RA autoantigens, will be of benefit in studies of RA pathogenesis, diagnosis, and potentially as a guide to individualized treatment.
Breast vibro-acoustography: initial results show promise
Authors: Alizad Azra , Whaley Dana H , Urban Matthew W , Carter Rickey E , Kinnick Randall R , Greenleaf James F , Fatemi Mostafa
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Vibro-acoustography (VA) is a recently developed imaging modality that is sensitive to the dynamic characteristics of tissue. It detects low-frequency harmonic vibrations in tissue that are induced by the radiation force of ultrasound. Here, we have investigated applications of VA for in vivo breast imaging.

Methods

A recently developed combined mammography-VA system for in vivo breast imaging was tested on female volunteers, aged 25 years or older, with suspected breast lesions on their clinical examination. After mammography, a set of VA scans was acquired by the experimental device. In a masked assessment, VA images were evaluated independently by 3 reviewers who identified mass lesions and calcifications. The diagnostic accuracy of this imaging method was determined by comparing the reviewers' responses with clinical data.

Results

We collected images from 57 participants: 7 were used for training and 48 for evaluation of diagnostic accuracy (images from 2 participants were excluded because of unexpected imaging artifacts). In total, 16 malignant and 32 benign lesions were examined. Specificity for diagnostic accuracy was 94% or higher for all 3 reviewers, but sensitivity varied (69% to 100%). All reviewers were able to detect 97% of masses, but sensitivity for detection of calcification was lower (≤ 72% for all reviewers).

Conclusions

VA can be used to detect various breast abnormalities, including calcifications and benign and malignant masses, with relatively high specificity. VA technology may lead to a new clinical tool for breast imaging applications.
Psychological interventions for difficult-to-treat
depression
Authors: Williams Chris , Ridgway Nicola
Published: October 2012

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) may be helpful in preventing
relapse in those with three or more depressive episodes. Recent research
suggests it may also benefit those who have experienced fewer previous
episodes of depression. If confirmed, this raises challenges of how MBCT is
offered, accessed and supported.
Validation of the Security Needs Assessment Profile (SNAP) by a national survey of secure units in England
Authors: Davies Steffan , Collins Mick , Ashwell Chris
Published: October 2012

Aims and method

The Security Needs Assessment Profile (SNAP) was developed to provide a detailed description of individual patient's security requirements in the then Trent Region of England. A national survey of secure units was undertaken to examine the content validity of the item structure of SNAP and revise the item definitions to reflect more broadly based clinical practice. A follow-up survey sought views on the usefulness of SNAP in clinical practice.

Results

Thirty-five secure units from National Health Service and independent sector providers participated. No new security items were generated. All the item definitions were reviewed, many amended, and a small number revised extensively. Units' security profiles were rated on the original and revised instruments.

Clinical implications

The revised SNAP has been shown to be generalisable across secure services in England; 92% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that SNAP would be useful in providing a structured security needs assessment.
Decisions on disclosure to third parties made at MAPP meetings: opinions and practice
Authors: Penny Catherine , Craissati Jackie
Published: October 2012

Aims and method

We investigated how decisions regarding disclosure of an offender's history to a third party without the offender's consent are made at Multi-Agency Public Protection (MAPP) meetings. Ten questionnaires were sent to a level 2 MAPP meeting in each of the 33 police and probation areas in London, with a request that the MAPP meeting administrator hand them out to up to 10 regular attendees.

Results

Of 321 questionnaires handed out, 196 were returned, giving a response rate of 61.1%. Seventy-six participants (37%) had made a disclosure without a MAPP meeting discussion in the past 12 months. A total of 109 participants (55.9%) reported that in their experience it had always been possible to reach a consensus on disclosure at MAPP meetings, but participants' responses to five hypothetical scenarios indicated a wide spread of opinions about when a disclosure should be made. Significant proportions of participants endorsed statements suggesting that people have a right to know offenders' histories.

Clinical implications

Training on the evidence base, law and guidance relevant to disclosure decisions is necessary, and a governance system to monitor and improve decision-making should be considered. Advocacy for offenders may also improve practice.
Nuclear Receptor 5A (NR5A) Family Regulates 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Synthase 1 (ALAS1) Gene Expression in Steroidogenic Cells
Authors: Ju Yunfeng , Mizutani Tetsuya , Imamichi Yoshitaka , Yazawa Takashi , Matsumura Takehiro , Kawabe Shinya , Kanno Masafumi , Umezawa Akihiro , Kangawa Kenji , Miyamoto Kaoru
Published: October 2012

5-Aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1) is a rate-limiting enzyme for heme biosynthesis in mammals. Heme is essential for the catalytic activities of P450 enzymes including steroid metabolic enzymes. Nuclear receptor 5A (NR5A) family proteins, steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), and liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) play pivotal roles in regulation of steroidogenic enzymes. Recently, we showed that expression of SF-1/LRH-1 induces differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into steroidogenic cells. In this study, genome-wide analysis revealed that ALAS1 was a novel SF-1-target gene in differentiated mesenchymal stem cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and reporter assays revealed that SF-1/LRH-1 up-regulated ALAS1 gene transcription in steroidogenic cells via binding to a 3.5-kb upstream region of ALAS1. The ALAS1 gene was up-regulated by overexpression of SF-1/LRH-1 in steroidogenic cells and down-regulated by knockdown of SF-1 in these cells. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α, a coactivator of nuclear receptors, also strongly coactivated expression of NR5A-target genes. Reporter analysis revealed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α strongly augmented ALAS1 gene transcription caused by SF-1 binding to the 3.5-kb upstream region. Finally knockdown of ALAS1 resulted in reduced progesterone production by steroidogenic cells. These results indicate that ALAS1 is a novel NR5A-target gene and participates in steroid hormone production.
Preconditioning of Stem Cells by Oxytocin to Improve Their Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Noiseux Nicolas , Borie Mélanie , Desnoyers Alexandra , Menaouar Ahmed , Stevens Louis Mathieu , Mansour Samer , Danalache Bogdan A. , Roy Denis-Claude , Jankowski Marek , Gutkowska Jolanta
Published: October 2012

Principal limitation of cell therapy is cell loss after transplantation because of the interplay between ischemia, inflammation, and apoptosis. We investigated the mechanism of preconditioning of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with oxytocin (OT), which has been proposed as a novel strategy for enhancing therapeutic potential of these cells in ischemic heart. In this study, we demonstrate that rat MSCs express binding sites for OT receptor and OT receptor transcript and protein as detected by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, respectively. In response to OT (10−10 to 10−6m) treatment, MSCs respond with rapid calcium mobilization and up-regulation of the protective protein kinase B (PKB or Akt) and phospho-ERK1/2 proteins. In OT-stimulated cells, phospho-Akt accumulates intracellularly close to the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4. Functional analyses reveal the involvement of Akt/ERK1/2 pathways in cell proliferation, migration, and protection against the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of hypoxia and serum deprivation. In addition, OT preconditioning increases MSC glucose uptake. Genes with angiogenic, antiapoptotic, and cardiac antiremodeling properties, such as heat shock proteins (hsps) HSP27, HSP32, HSP70, vascular endothelial growth factor, thrombospondin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, and matrix metalloproteinase-2, were also up-regulated upon OT exposure. Moreover, coculture with OT-preconditioned MSC reduces apoptosis, as measured using terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay in newborn rat cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia and reoxygenation. In conclusion, these results indicate that OT treatment evokes MSC protection through both intrinsic pathways and secretion of cytoprotective factors. Ex vivo cellular treatment with OT represents an attractive strategy aimed to maximize the biological and functional properties of effector cells.
Reaction Pathways and Dynamics Effects for Ionizations of Vinyl Diazonium Ions
Authors: Mizutani Tomoyuki , Jinguji Masaru , Yamataka Hiroshi
Published: October 2012

The denitrogenation reactions of fifteen differently substituted vinyl diazonium (ethenediazonium) ions were examined by MO method at MP2/6-31G*. The parent vinyl diazonium ion (1, CH2=CH–N2+) was shown to initially give the H-bridged cation via the anti-H migration transition state (TS) or the syn-H migration TS. The relative barrier for the two TSs is very small, being 1.0 kcal mol−1 favoring the anti-H migration TS in free energy. The primary open cation is located on a very shallow minimum, and is 4.4 kcal mol−1 less stable than the bridged cation in free energy. The reactions of Me- and Ph-substituted vinyl diazonium ions showed characteristic features depending on the substituent. Molecular dynamics simulations for the reactions of 1 revealed that trajectories from the reactant state mostly gave the bridged cation as expected from the MO result, but there were trajectories that directly led to the open cation without H-participation, a clear manifestation of a dynamics effect. A dynamics effect on the relative population of the bridged versus the open cation is also presented.
ONIOM Study of a Proton Shuttle-Catalyzed Stepwise Mechanism for Peptide Bond Formation in the Ribosome
Authors: Fukushima Kazuaki , Iwahashi Hideo , Nishikimi Morimitsu
Published: October 2012

The process of protein synthesis occurs in the ribosome and is an essential feature of life. The exact reaction mechanism for peptide bond formation in the peptidyl transferase center of the ribosome is, however, still unknown. We calculated a stepwise mechanism of peptide bond formation, which is catalyzed by proton shuttles through cyclic hydrogen bonds, using the ONIOM (B3LYP/6-31G(d,p):Amber) method. In order to investigate the steric and electronic effects of the ribosomal environment on the reaction, we compared the geometries and energies of two model systems obtained either by ONIOM (B3LYP/6-31G(d,p):Amber) calculations or by cluster model calculations using the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory. The results indicate that a steric effect of the ribosomal environment destabilizes the two transition states of the peptide bond formation, but that an electronic effect of the ribosomal environment as well as the catalytic shuttling of protons lowers the activation energy for the first step of the reaction.
Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Auripyrones A and B
Authors: Hayakawa Ichiro , Takemura Takuma , Fukasawa Emi , Ebihara Yuta , Sato Natsuki , Nakamura Takayasu , Suenaga Kiyotake , Kigoshi Hideo
Published: October 2012

The total synthesis of auripyrones was achieved by using a novel aldol-type reaction of γ-pyrone as a key step. From this synthetic work, we have established the stereostructure and absolute configuration of auripyrone B. Furthermore, the cytotoxicities of auripyrones against a panel of 39 human cancer cell lines (termed JFCR39) at the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research were investigated. The patterns of the differential cytotoxicities of auripyrones were COMPARE negative, suggesting that they inhibit cancer cell proliferation through a novel mechanism.
Possibility of Gravitational Tempering in Colloidal Epitaxy to Obtain a Perfect Crystal
Authors: Mori Atsushi , Suzuki Yoshihisa , Matsuo Shigeki
Published: October 2012

We have performed Monte Carlo simulations of hard spheres on a pattern under gravity. We found that a crystal formed at a moderate gravity strength contains essentially no defects while the one formed at a higher gravity strength contains a significant amount of defects. This result suggests the possibility of using gravitational tempering in a colloidal epitaxy to reduce the number of defects in the colloidal crystals. Moreover, we wish to emphasize on the possibility of obtaining a perfect crystal.
Kinetic Theory of Molecular Mechanism of Micellar Relaxation
Authors: Shchekin Alexander K , Rusanov Anatoly I , Kuni Fedor M
Published: October 2012

Analytical methods for finding characteristic times and overall time behavior of moments of micelle distribution during fast and slow micellar relaxation in the case of the coexistence of spherical and cylindrical micelles are considered based on Becker–Döring kinetic equation. The linearized and nonlinear forms of this equation are studied, and its solutions are derived.
Thermotropic Phase Behavior of Binary Bilayer Membrane of Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and Ergosterol
Authors: Tamai Nobutake , Inazawa Sanae , Fujiwara Daiki , Goto Masaki , Matsuki Hitoshi
Published: October 2012

We investigated the phase behavior of a binary bilayer membrane of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and ergosterol, using Prodan fluorescence spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry to construct a temperature–composition phase diagram. We found that several important features of the phase diagram can be explained by the superlattice view, on the basis of the hexagonal lattice, which suggests the presence of a molecular cluster composed of an ergosterol molecule and its six surrounding DPPC molecules above an ergosterol composition of ca. 0.15.
Effect of Heavy Water on Nonlamellar Structures of Phospholipid and Monoolein Molecular Assemblies
Authors: Takahashi Hiroshi , Jojiki Kohtaro
Published: October 2012

The effect of replacing water (H2O) with heavy water (D2O) on both lamellar and nonlamellar structures formed by phospholipids and monoolein was studied by X-ray diffraction methods. Except for lamellar crystal and inverted hexagonal phases, the lattice constants of all phases investigated were decreased. The changes in the cubic phases of monoolein can be interpreted as a reduction in the interfacial area caused by D2O. The largest change was observed in the Im3m bicontinuous cubic phase of monoolein.
Simultaneous Nanoindentation and 3D Imaging on Semicrystalline Colloidal Films
Authors: Roth Marcel , Schilde Carsten , Lellig Philipp , Kwade Arno , Auernhammer Günter K
Published: October 2012

High-resolution confocal microscopy at a single-colloid level was combined with testing the mechanical properties of semicrystalline colloidal films using nanoindentation experiments. Using localization and tracking algorithms, the displacements of each individual colloid in the film could be determined, allowing the identification of the dominant microscopic deformation processes. Despite strong attractive forces between the colloids, structural reorganization of the film was ubiquitous. We observed irreversible rearrangements such as dislocation defects and pile-up behavior. In comparison with amorphous systems, reversible deformations of the film were significantly more pronounced.
Controlled Formation of Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles of Carbocyanine Dye via Ion-association Approach
Authors: Enseki Tomoki , Yao Hiroshi
Published: October 2012

Organic nanoparticles of a carbocyanine dye (JC-1) are synthesized via ion-association between the dye cation and tetrakis(4-fluorophenyl)borate anion in the presence/absence of a neutral stabilizing polymer, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), in water. In particular, their fluorescence properties can be tuned by the size of the nanoparticles, which is controlled by both the concentration of the borate anion added and the stabilizing polymer.
Effect of Gold Nanoparticle Dispersion Solution on the Oscillation Behavior of Nonlinear Chemical Reaction
Authors: Nabika Hideki , Inumata Yusuke , Oikawa Tetsuro , Unoura Kei
Published: October 2012

We have investigated the effect of a gold nanoparticle dispersion solution on the oscillation dynamics of nonlinear chemical reactions. As a model system, a pH oscillation reaction in a continuous stirred tank reactor was studied, in which an autocatalytic proton production reaction was involved. Our experiments revealed the effect of added gold nanoparticle dispersions, which was supported by acceleration in oscillation dynamics. Further tuning of the nanoparticle characteristics will give a versatile and powerful approach to control the oscillation behavior of nonlinear chemical reactions.
Synthesis of Amphiphilic Copolymers Bearing a Spirobenzopyran Moiety at the End Group and Their Photoresponsive Micellar Behaviors in Water
Authors: Nakahara Yoshio , Nakamura Jin , Shirotani Naoya , Kimura Keiichi
Published: October 2012

Novel photoresponsive amphiphilic copolymers, poly{methoxy[oligo(ethylene glycol)] methacrylate-co-styrene}, were synthesized using a spirobenzopyran initiator by atom transfer radical polymerization. The spiropyran and merocyanine forms of the spirobenzopyran moiety at the end group successfully underwent photoisomerization under the conditions of micelle formation, which resulted in a drastic change in micellar properties, e.g., in the assembly state and the hydrophobic environment.
Gold-nanoparticle Inks for Room-temperature Formation of Conductive Films
Authors: Yamauchi Hirofumi , Dobashi Tetsuaki , Sato Seiichi
Published: October 2012

We show that aqueous inks containing Au nanocrystals that were slightly modified with mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA, IUPAC name: sulfanylsuccinic acid) turn into conductive films after being cured in room-temperature air. Because of the highly hydrophilic nature of MSA, the nanoparticles maintain good dispersion in water. The conductive film exhibits an electrical resistivity in the order of 10−5 Ω cm, and its temperature coefficient in the range from 290 to 20 K was 7 × 10−5 K−1 without any post-treatments such as annealing, light irradiation, or solution-immersing processes.
Effects of Ag+ and Cu2+ Ions on the Shape of Triangular Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Takezaki Makoto , Shibata Masahiro , Tominaga Toshihiro
Published: October 2012

Triangular gold nanoplates were prepared by the tartaric acid reduction of HAuCl4 in cationic surfactant solutions, in the absence and the presence of small amounts of AgNO3 and CuSO4. With increasing concentration of AgNO3, the particle shape changes from triangular to spherical. In the presence of CuSO4, triangular plates with side lengths and tips that are longer and sharper, respectively, than those of the nanoplates prepared in the absence of CuSO4, are obtained.
Control of the Long-axis Length of Gold Nanorods through Temperature Variation
Authors: Takenaka Yoshiko , Kawabata Youhei , Kitahata Hiroyuki , Ohzono Takuya
Published: October 2012

The effect of temperature on the growth of the long axis of gold nanorods is studied. The length of the nanorods decreases gradually with an increase in the growth temperature. By considering the chemical equilibrium between hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) micelles and Au ions, we suggest that the secondary nucleation of seeds in a growth solution affects the long-axis length. In addition, small-angle X-ray scattering suggests that the equilibrium self-assembled structure of surfactant molecules does not affect the long-axis length in the present system.
Behavior of Surface-adsorbed Bioluminescent Bacteria
Authors: Sasaki Satoshi , Mochizuki Mika
Published: October 2012

The bioluminescent characteristics of a marine bacterium, Photobacterium kishitanii, were evaluated using a nobly designed inorganic broth that was effective for the adsorption of the bacterium on a glass surface. Using fluorescent microscopic images, the floc shapes of the bacterial cells on the glass were compared for the cases of cultivation in organic and inorganic broths. Floc formation in the broth in the growth phase was observed to be effective for the realization of stable bioluminescence, and the use of inorganic broth was thought to be useful for the understanding of the adsorption of live bacteria on a surface.