bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic mirnas as potential biomarkers for malignancy
Authors: Healy N.A. , Heneghan H.M. , Miller N. , Osborne C.K. , Schiff R. , Kerin M.J.
Published: May 2012

MiRNAs are a class of short, endogenous, single‐stranded RNA molecules that play a role in the regulation of gene expression. They have been shown to modulate a number of cellular processes including cell differentiation, growth and apoptosis and as a result have been implicated in carcinogenesis. They are detectable in tumour tissue, and altered expression levels have been identified in various cancer types. Of interest, miRNAs have recently been detected and identified to be dysregulated in the circulation of patients with breast cancer. The fact that a minimally invasive test can distinguish the presence or absence of disease illustrates the immense potential these molecules hold as predictive markers. This review serves to identify those systemic miRNAs that are upregulated or downregulated in malignancy and how treatment impacts on their circulating levels. In addition, this review questions the source of these small molecules in the bloodstream and how they may possibly play a role in the future detection of cancer as either prognostic or predictive markers. © 147.
Weekly Change in Mindfulness and Perceived Stress in a Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction Program
Authors: Baer Ruth A. , Carmody James , Hunsinger Matthew
Published: May 2012

Objective

The purpose of the study was to examine weekly change in self‐reported mindfulness and perceived stress in participants who completed an 8‐week course in mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR).

Method

Participants were 87 adults with problematic levels of stress related to chronic illness, chronic pain, and other life circumstances (mean age = 49 years, 67% female) participating in MBSR in an academic medical center. They completed weekly self‐report assessments of mindfulness skills and perceived stress. It was hypothesized that significant improvement in mindfulness skills would precede significant change in stress.

Results

Mindfulness skills and perceived stress both changed significantly from pretreatment to posttreatment. Significant increases in mindfulness occurred by the second week of the program, whereas significant improvements in perceived stress did not occur until week 4. Extent of change in mindfulness skills during the first three weeks predicted change in perceived stress over the course of the intervention.

Conclusions

Evidence that changes in mindfulness precede changes in perceived stress in a standard MBSR course is consistent with previous studies suggesting that improvements in mindfulness skills may mediate the effects of mindfulness training on mental health outcomes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Clin. Psychol. 68:755‐765, 2012
Findings of Long‐Term Depression up to 8 Years Post Infection From West Nile Virus
Authors: Nolan Melissa S. , Hause Anne M. , Murray Kristy O.
Published: May 2012

Objective

To examine the psychological sequelae following West Nile virus (WNV) infection among a large cohort of participants over an 8‐year period.

Design

We conducted a longitudinal study to assess mental health outcomes among a cohort of 171 WNV‐positive participants in Houston, Texas.

Results

We found 35% of participants met the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale definition for new onset clinical depression. Multivariate analysis found that severe depression was significantly associated with gender and physical disability (Barthel index score <100) at 5 years post‐WNV infection.

Conclusions

Practitioners should be aware of depression as a possible outcome in patients who were infected with WNV and include this as a part of their routine assessment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Clin. Psychol. 68:801‐808, 2012.
Adsorption and reduction reactions of anthraquinone derivatives on gold electrodes studied with electrochemical surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Dai Ke , Huang Rong , Jiang Rui , Ke Hui‐Xian , Li Fei , Jin Shan , Wu De‐Yin , Tian Zhong‐Qun
Published: May 2012

Electrochemical surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EC‐SERS), combined with cyclic voltammetry, and the density functional theoretical (DFT) method were used to investigate self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) adsorption and reduction processes. Here, we choose the system of interest, being thiolacetyl‐terminated 2‐phenylene ethynylene‐substituted anthraquinone molecule (2‐AQ) on gold electrodes in buffered aqueous and aprotic solutions. In the buffered aqueous solution, the results of cyclic voltammetry and EC‐SERS measurements, as well as DFT calculations, indicate that the adsorbed molecules pass through a two‐electron two‐proton reduction reaction with cathodic polarization. In particular, the latter two methods confirmed the structural changes of SAMs during the process of redox reaction, 2‐AQ + 2e + 2H+ → 2‐AQH2, where 2‐AQ and 2‐AQH2 are the oxidized and reduced forms, respectively. In aprotic solutions (acetonitile), a stepwise reaction mechanism was proposed on the basis of the results of EC‐SERS and DFT calculations. The first reduction peak should be a half reaction process 2‐AQ + e → 2‐AQ−, where 2‐AQ− is a single electron reduced form. Compared with that of 2‐AQ SAMs in the buffered aqueous solution, the results of EC‐SERS and DFT calculations in aprotic solution suggested that the solvent effect significantly influences the redox process of 2‐AQ in electrochemical interfaces. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of humic and glutamic acids in nutrient solution on the N metabolism in lettuce
Authors: Haghighi Maryam
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: This paper reports for the first time the influence of partially replacing the nitrogen (N) source of a nutrient solution with amino acids and humic acid on the physiological and antioxidant activities and N metabolism in lettuce. A hydroponic experiment was designed to replace 25 and 50% of the N in nutrient solutions (NSs) with glutamic acid (GA) and humic acid (HA) and evaluate the effects on growth, nitrate (NO3) assimilation, protein content, nitrate reductase (NR) activity and antioxidant changes in lettuce.

RESULTS: The results showed that, when a portion of the N was replaced with GA and HA, the fresh and dry weights of lettuce shoots did not change significantly compared with the full NO3 treatment. The titratable acidity was not affected by adding HA and/or GA to the NS. The nitrite concentration and NR activity decreased with reductions in the N concentration of the NS and improved with the addition of GA and HA. GA enhanced the NO3 uptake and protein content more than HA. Changes in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities and malondialdehyde content were inconclusive: SOD and POD activities decreased with decreasing N content of the NS, and HA addition improved the SOD and POD activities.

CONCLUSION: When HA and GA were substituted for NO3 in an NS, the acids effectively adjusted the N metabolism and growth in lettuce and decreased the N consumption of the NS. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Texture analysis of 5182 aluminum alloy sheets for improved drawability by rolling process
Authors: Kim K. J. , Won S.‐T. , Park J.‐H.
Published: May 2012

To fabricate aluminum alloys with good drawability, the texture evolution of AA5182 sheets after rolling with high reduction ratios and subsequent annealing was studied. The measurement of the deformed textures was carried out for sheets with high reduction ratio and the change of the recrystallization texture was investigated after heat‐treatments of the rolled sheets. Rolling without lubrication and subsequent annealing led to the formation of favorable rot‐CND {001}<110> and γ‐fiber ND//<111> textures in AA5182 sheets. From the results, the γ‐fiber ND//<111> component well evolved during rolling at high l/δ parameter of 6.77. The initial shear deformation texture, especially, the γ‐fiber ND//<111> texture was not rotated during heat treatment at holding time of 180~7,200 sonds on AA5182 in present rolling condition. Since the measured textures of the AA5182 sheets were nearly the same as IF (interstitial free) steel, the plastic strain ratio (R‐value) were measured. The measurement of the plastic strain ratio was carried out for the AA5182 sheets which were cold rolled by using the symmetric roll and annealed in order to analyze the sheet drawability. The average plastic strain ratio of the AA5182 sheets was 1.50. It was considered that the higher plastic strain ratio resulted from the γ‐fiber ND//<111> component evolved during rolling and maintained during annealing. Therefore, the AA5182 sheets were fabricated by rolling having well evolved γ‐fiber ND//<111> texture which is advantageous for a good drawability of the sheets.
Sol‐gel synthesis and washing of amorphous g‐FeO(OH) xerogels
Authors: Durães L. , Benedini L. , Costa B. F. O. , Portugal A.
Published: May 2012

Iron(III) oxyhydroxide xerogels were prepared by the sol‐gel technology including a washing step for removal of a salt by‐product. The synthesis involved an iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate as precursor, ethanol as solvent and ammonium hydroxide as gelation agent, following the procedure of an earlier work. As this chemical route originates ammonium nitrate as a by‐product dispersed in the iron oxyhydroxide matrix, the removal of this salt by washing the gel before the drying stage is here studied. Two solvents were tested, namely water and ethanol, being the best washing efficiency (95%) achieved with water and two washing batches. Comparing the xerogels obtained without and with the washing step, the later only contained an insignificant amount of ammonium nitrate salt, as confirmed by Elemental Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The iron phase in the washed xerogels was found to be g‐FeO(OH), according to FTIR and Mössbauer spectroscopy results, and in consonance with the prevailing iron phase in the unwashed xerogels. The washed xerogels are amorphous and formed by large clusters of well connected nanocrystallites of iron oxyhydroxide. The washing step enhanced the clearing of mesopores, originating materials with a specific surface area of ˜ 250 m2/g, 60 times higher than for unwashed xerogels.
Antituberculosis Drug Research: A Critical Overview
Authors: Beena  , Rawat Diwan S.
Published: May 2012

The increasing drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to the currently used drugs and HIV coinfection has caused alarm in the international scientific community. Subsequently, there is an urgent need for the development of new drug molecules with newer targets and with an alternative mechanism of action. Since the last 50 years, the same long‐duration, multidrug treatment plan is being followed for the treatment of tuberculosis. The objective of this review article is to critically analyze the antitubercular potential of various classes of compounds (quinoline, diamine, quinolone, fluoroquinolone, quinone, nitroimidazole, terpenoid, isonicotinyl, oxazolidinone, pyrimidine, and purine), their possibility to be a future drug candidate, and latest information on the clinical status of some novel antitubercular compounds. Compounds such as moxifloxacin, PA824, and TMC207 are well tolerated and there is no adverse effect shown by them. Moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin shows cross‐resistance to the currently used drugs while no cross‐resistance observed in case of TMC207 and PA824. Some compounds like OPC67683 and PA824 are bactericidal in nature.
Hydroxyl‐functional polyurethanes and polyesters: synthesis, properties and potential biomedical application
Authors: Hahn Christian , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin
Published: May 2012

This mini review gives an overview of the synthesis of polyurethanes and polyesters with pendant hydroxyl groups performed mainly in our group. Significant for the synthesis of most of these polymers with hydroxyl‐functional side groups is that no protection groups are needed. This is realised either by generating the OH group during polymer synthesis—demonstrated by the preparation of hydroxyl‐functional polyurethanes from dicarbonate monomers and diamines—or by using catalysts which discriminate between primary and secondary OH groups—demonstrated by the synthesis of hydroxyl‐functional polyesters based on malic acid using scandium triflate as catalyst. In addition, the potential of carbonate couplers for the synthesis of multifunctional polyurethane is presented. The application of such multifunctional polyurethanes as antimicrobial polymers and coatings is briefly discussed. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Accumulation of cyclophilin A isoforms in conditioned medium of irradiated breast cancer cells
Authors: Chevalier François , Depagne Jordane , Hem Sonia , Chevillard Sylvie , Bensimon Julie , Bertrand Pascale , Lebeau Jérôme
Published: May 2012

Secreted proteins play a key role in cell signaling and communication. We recently showed that ionizing radiations induced a delayed cell death of breast cancer cells, mediated by the death receptor pathways through the expression of soluble forms of “death ligands.” Using the same cell model, the objective of our work was the identification of diffusible factors, secreted following cell irradiation, potentially involved in cell death signaling. Differential proteomic analysis of conditioned media using 2DE resulted in detection of numerous spots that were significantly modulated following cell irradiation. The corresponding proteins were identified using MALDI‐TOF MS and LC‐MS/MS approaches. Interestingly, five isoforms of cyclophilin A were observed as increased in conditioned medium of irradiated cells. These isoforms differed in isoelectric points and in accumulation levels. An increase of cyclophilin A secretion was confirmed by Western blotting of conditioned media of irradiated or radiosentive mammary cells. These isoforms displayed an interesting pattern of protein maturation and post‐translational modifications, including an alternating removal of N‐terminal methionine, associated with a combination of acetylations and methylations. The role of the protein is discussed in relation with its potential involvement in the mechanisms of intercells relationships and radiosensitivity.
Protein cross‐talk in CD133+ colon cancer cells indicates activation of the Wnt pathway and upregulation of SRp20 that is potentially involved in tumorigenicity
Authors: Corbo Claudia , Orrù Stefania , Gemei Marica , Noto Rosa Di , Mirabelli Peppino , Imperlini Esther , Ruoppolo Margherita , Vecchio Luigi Del , Salvatore Francesco
Published: May 2012

The cancer stem cell (CSC) theory represents a breakthrough in cancer research. We characterized the protein pattern of CSCs to identify specific intracellular pathways in this subpopulation of tumor cells. We studied colon CSCs using two different colon cancer cell lines: CaCo‐2 and HCT‐116. Putative CSCs were separated from non‐CSCs by flow cytometry using CD133 as stemness marker. Total protein extracts of CD133+ cells were then compared to protein extracts of CD133– cells by 2D DIGE. The protein spots differentially expressed in the two subpopulations of cells were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics analysis of the identified proteins indicated alteration of two main processes: energy metabolism and the Wnt pathway. Interestingly, we observed upregulation of the splicing factor SRp20, a newly identified target gene of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, and we demonstrated a direct cause–effect relationship between Wnt pathway activation and the increased SRp20 expression. Our results also show that SRp20 influences cell proliferation, which suggests it plays a role in the tumorigenicity of CD133+ cells. In conclusion, activation of the Wnt pathway in CD133+ cells and upregulation of SRp20, which is implicated in tumorigenesis, raises the possibility of a sequential series of molecular events occurring in connection with this process.
Mass spectrometric identification of novel posttranslational modification sites in Huntingtin
Authors: Dong Gaofeng , Callegari Eduardo , Gloeckner Christian J. , Ueffing Marius , Wang Hongmin
Published: May 2012

Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a CAG triplet repeat expansion in exon 1 of the Huntingtin (Htt) gene, encoding an abnormal expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) tract that confers toxicity to the mutant Htt (mHtt) protein. Recent data suggest that posttranslational modifications of mHtt modulate its cytotoxicity. To further understand the cytotoxic mechanisms of mHtt, we have generated HEK293 cell models stably expressing Strep‐ and FLAG‐tagged Htt containing either 19Q (wild‐type Htt), 55Q (mHtt), or 94Q (mHtt) repeats. Following tandem affinity purification, the tagged Htt and associated proteins were subjected to tandem mass spectrometry or 2D nano‐LC tandem mass spectrometry and several novel modification sites of mHtt containing 55Q or 94Q were identified. These were phosphorylation sites located at Ser431 and Ser432, and ubiquitination site located at Lys444. The two phosphorylation sites were confirmed by Western blot analysis using phosphorylation site‐specific antibodies. In addition, prevention of phosphorylation at the two serine sites altered mHtt toxicity and accumulation. These modifications of mHtt may provide novel therapeutic targets for effective treatment of the disorder.
Comparative proteomic analysis reveals similar and distinct features of proteins in dry and wet stigmas
Authors: Sang Ya Lin , Xu Meng , Ma Fang Fang , Chen Hao , Xu Xiao Hui , Gao Xin‐Qi , Zhang Xian Sheng
Published: May 2012

Angiosperm stigma supports compatible pollen germination and tube growth, resulting in fertilization and seed production. Stigmas are mainly divided into two types, dry and wet, according to the absence or presence of exudates on their surfaces. Here, we used 2DE and MS to identify proteins specifically and preferentially expressed in the stigmas of maize (Zea Mays, dry stigma) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum, wet stigma), as well as proteins rinsed from the surface of the tobacco stigma. We found that the specifically and preferentially expressed proteins in maize and tobacco stigmas share similar distributions in functional categories. However, these proteins showed important difference between dry and wet stigmas in a few aspects, such as protein homology in “signal transduction” and “lipid metabolism,” relative expression levels of proteins containing signal peptides and proteins in “defense and stress response.” These different features might be related to the specific structures and functions of dry and wet stigmas. The possible roles of some stigma‐expressed proteins were discussed. Our results provide important information on functions of proteins in dry and wet stigmas and reveal aspects of conservation and divergence between dry and wet stigmas at the proteomic level.
Quantitative proteomics of primary tumors with varying metastatic capabilities using stable isotope‐labeled proteins of multiple histogenic origins
Authors: Lund Rikke Raaen , Terp Mikkel Green , Lænkholm Anne‐Vibeke , Jensen Ole Nørregaard , Leth‐Larsen Rikke , Ditzel Henrik Jørn
Published: May 2012

The development of metastasis is a complex, multistep process that remains poorly defined. To identify proteins involved in the colonization phase of the metastatic process, we compared the proteome of tumors derived from inoculation of a panel of isogenic human cancer cell lines with different metastatic capabilities into the mammary fat pad of immunodeficient mice. Using a protein standard generated by SILAC‐labeling, a total of 675 proteins were identified and 30 were differentially expressed between at least two of the tumors. The protein standard contained the proteomes of seven cell lines from multiple histogenic origins and displayed superior features compared to standard super‐SILAC. The expression of some proteins correlated with metastatic capabilities, such as myosin‐9 (nonmuscle myosin II A) and L‐lactate dehydrogenase A, while the expression of elongation factor tu correlated inversely to metastatic capabilities. The expression of these proteins was biochemically validated, and expression of myosin‐9 in clinical breast cancer samples was further shown to be altered in primary tumors versus corresponding lymph node metastasis. Our study demonstrates an improved strategy for quantitative comparison of an unlimited number of tumor tissues, and provides novel insights into key proteins associated with the colonization phase of metastasis formation.
Impact of ArcA loss in Shewanella oneidensis revealed by comparative proteomics under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
Authors: Yuan Jie , Wei Buyun , Lipton Mary S. , Gao Haichun
Published: May 2012

Shewanella inhabit a wide variety of niches in nature and can utilize a broad spectrum of electron acceptors under anaerobic conditions. How they modulate their gene expression to adapt is poorly understood. ArcA, homologue of a global regulator controlling hundreds of genes involved in aerobic and anaerobic respiration in E. coli, was shown to be important in aerobiosis/anaerobiosis of S. oneidensis as well. Loss of ArcA, in addition to altering transcription of many genes, resulted in impaired growth under aerobic condition, which was not observed in E. coli. To further characterize the impact of ArcA loss on gene expression on the level of proteome under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, liquid‐chromatography‐mass‐spectrometry (LC‐MS) based proteomic approach was employed. Results show that ArcA loss led to globally altered gene expression, generally consistent with that observed with transcripts. Comparison of transcriptomic and proteomic data permitted identification of 17 high‐confidence ArcA targets. Moreover, our data indicate that ArcA is required for regulation of cytochrome c proteins, and the menaquinone level may play a role in regulating ArcA as in E. coli. Proteomic data‐guided growth assay revealed that the aerobic growth defect of ArcA mutant is presumably due to impaired peptide utilization.
Software for analysing ion mobility mass spectrometry data to improve peptide identification
Authors: Xia Dong , Ghali Fawaz , Gaskell Simon J. , O'Cualain Ronan , Sims Paul F. G. , Jones Andrew R.
Published: May 2012

The development of ion mobility (IM) MS instruments has the capability to provide an added dimension to peptide analysis pipelines in proteomics, but, as yet, there are few software tools available for analysing such data. IM can be used to provide additional separation of parent ions or product ions following fragmentation. In this work, we have created a set of software tools that are capable of converting three dimensional IM data generated from analysis of fragment ions into a variety of formats used in proteomics. We demonstrate that IM can be used to calculate the charge state of a fragment ion, demonstrating the potential to improve peptide identification by excluding non‐informative ions from a database search. We also provide preliminary evidence of structural differences between b and y ions for certain peptide sequences but not others. All software tools and data sets are made available in the public domain at http://code.google.com/p/ion-mobility-ms-tools/.
Comparative label‐free LC‐MS/MS analysis of colorectal adenocarcinoma and metastatic cells treated with 5‐fluorouracil
Authors: Bauer Kerry M. , Lambert Paul A. , Hummon Amanda B.
Published: May 2012

A label‐free mass spectrometric strategy was used to examine the effect of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) on the primary and metastatic colon carcinoma cell lines, SW480 and SW620, with and without treatment. 5‐FU is the most common chemotherapeutic treatment for colon cancer. Pooled biological replicates were analyzed by nanoLC‐MS/MS and protein quantification was determined via spectral counting. Phenotypic and proteomic changes were evident and often similar in both cell lines. The SW620 cells were more resistant to 5‐FU treatment, with an IC50 2.7‐fold higher than that for SW480. In addition, both cell lines showed pronounced abundance changes in pathways relating to antioxidative stress response and cell adhesion remodeling due to 5‐FU treatment. For example, the detoxification enzyme NQO1 was increased with treatment in both cell lines, while disparate members of the peroxiredoxin family, PRDX2 or PRDX5 and PRDX6, were elevated with 5‐FU exposure in either SW480 or SW620, respectively. Cell adhesion‐associated proteins CTNNB1 and RhoA showed decreased expression with 5‐FU treatment in both cell lines. The differential quantitative response in the proteomes of these patient‐matched cell lines to drug treatment underscores the subtle molecular differences separating primary and metastatic cancer cells.
Family experience with difficult decisions in end‐of‐life care
Authors: Huang Hsien‐Liang , Chiu Tai‐Yuan , Lee Long‐Teng , Yao Chien‐An , Chen Ching‐Yu , Hu Wen‐Yu
Published: May 2012

Objective

The difficult decisions encountered by family caregivers in the process of care for patients with terminal cancer are seldom studied. Investigating their experiences with difficult decisions may help relieve their psychological distress. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and difficulty of decisions experienced in end‐of‐life care and to identify related factors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study using questionnaires was conducted with family caregivers of patients who died of cancer in a university hospital. Difficulty of decisions and relevant influencing variables including demographic data, knowledge in palliative care and the Natural Death Act, and beliefs on the Natural Death Act were measured.

Results

A total of 302 bereaved family caregivers were included in the final analysis. The most difficult decisions commonly encountered in both hospice and non‐hospice wards related to truth telling, place of care, and alternative treatments. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that older age (odds ratio = 0.92, 95% confidence interval = 0.89–0.95), not being the main family caregiver (0.20, 0.06–0.62), and less perception of burdens regarding the Natural Death Act (0.61, 0.37–0.99) were negatively correlated with the difficulty of decisions.

Conclusions

Families frequently encountered difficult decisions while caring for terminally ill loved ones. Better communication with family members, particularly the main caregiver, to diminish negative perceptions of the Natural Death Act could help to decrease psychological distress. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strong resistance to phosphine in the rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae): its characterisation, a rapid assay for diagnosis and its distribution in Australia
Authors: Nayak Manoj K , Holloway Joanne C , Emery Robert N , Pavic Hervoika , Bartlet Justin , Collins Patrick J
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: The recent development of very high resistance to phosphine in rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), seriously threatens stored‐grain biosecurity. The aim was to characterise this resistance, to develop a rapid bioassay for its diagnosis to support pest management and to document the distribution of resistance in Australia in 2007–2011.

RESULTS: Bioassays of purified laboratory reference strains and field‐collected samples revealed three phenotypes: susceptible, weakly resistant and strongly resistant. With resistance factors of > 1000 × , resistance to phosphine expressed by the strong resistance phenotype was higher than reported for any stored‐product insect species. The new time‐to‐knockdown assay rapidly and accurately diagnosed each resistance phenotype within 6 h. Although less frequent in western Australia, weak resistance was detected throughout all grain production regions. Strong resistance occurred predominantly in central storages in eastern Australia.

CONCLUSION: Resistance to phosphine in the rusty grain beetle is expressed through two identifiable phenotypes: weak and strong. Strong resistance requires urgent changes to current fumigation dosages. The development of a rapid assay for diagnosis of resistance enables the provision of same‐day advice to expedite resistance management decisions. © 2012 Commonwealth of Australia. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicology of insecticides to mammals
Authors: Marrs Timothy C
Published: May 2012

Many insecticides target structures or functions in non‐target species, including mammals. This is particularly true of those that target the insect nervous system, such as the organochlorines, anticholinesterases and GABA antagonists. Another group of insecticides target structures or functions not present in mammals, and this group of insecticides has considerable target species specificity, but there are often potential targets in mammals. Octopamine is closely related to adrenaline and amitraz (an octopamine receptor agonist) and acts in mammals at α2‐adrenergic receptors. Although there are potential targets in mammals for juvenile hormone mimics and ecdysone receptor agonists, there is no evidence that the mammalian toxicity of either group is related to their insecticidal activity. Nor do chitin synthesis inhibitors have high mammalian toxicity. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of azadirachtin on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and its compatibility with predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on strawberry
Authors: Bernardi Daniel , Botton Marcos , da Cunha Uemerson Silva , Bernardi Oderlei , Malausa Thibaut , Garcia Mauro Silveira , Nava Dori Edson
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: The spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is the major strawberry pest in Brazil. The main strategies for its control comprise synthetic acaricides and predatory mites. The recent register of a commercial formula of azadirachtin (Azamax® 12 g L−1) can be viable for control of T. urticae. In this work, the effects of azadirachtin on T. urticae and its compatibility with predatory mites Neoseiulus californicus and Phytoseiulus macropilis in the strawberry crop were evaluated.

RESULTS: Azadirachtin was efficient against T. urticae, with a mortality rate similar to that of abamectin. In addition, the azadirachtin showed lower biological persistence (7 days) than abamectin (21 days). Azadirachtin did not cause significant mortality of adult predatory mites (N. californicus and P. macropilis), but it did reduce fecundity by 50%. However, egg viability of the azadirachtin treatments was similar to that of the control (>80% viability). The use of azadirachtin and predatory mites is a valuable tool for controlling T. urticae in strawberry crop.

CONCLUSIONS: Azadirachtin provided effective control of T. urticae and is compatible with the predatory mites N. californicus and P. macropilis. It is an excellent tool to be incorporated into integrated pest management for strawberry crop in Brazil. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of the Molecular Structure and Morphology of Self‐Assembled 1,3,5‐Benzenetrisamide Nanofibers on their Mechanical Properties
Authors: Kluge Daniel , Singer Julia C. , Neubauer Jens W. , Abraham Frank , Schmidt Hans‐Werner , Fery Andreas
Published: May 2012

The influence of molecular structure on the mechanical properties of self‐assembled 1,3,5‐benzenetrisamide nanofibers is investigated. Three compounds with different amide connectivity and different alkyl substituents are compared. All the trisamides form well‐defined fibers and exhibit significant differences in diameters of up to one order of magnitude. Using nanomechanical bending experiments, the rigidity of the nanofibers shows a difference of up to three orders of magnitude. Calculation of Young's modulus reveals that these differences are a size effect and that the moduli of all systems are similar and in the lower GPa range. This demonstrates that variation of the molecular structure allows changing of the fibers' morphology, whereas it has a minor influence on their modulus. Consequently, the stiffness of the self‐assembled nanofibers can be tuned over a wide range—a crucial property for applications as versatile nano‐ and micromechanical components.
Differential effects of age on human striatal adenosine A1 and A2A receptors
Authors: Mishina Masahiro , Kimura Yuichi , Naganawa Mika , Ishii Kenji , Oda Keiichi , Sakata Muneyuki , Toyohara Jun , Kobayashi Shiro , Katayama Yasuo , Ishiwata Kiichi
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age on the distribution of adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs) and adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) in the striatum of healthy subjects using PET imaging with 8‐dicyclopropylmethyl‐1‐[11C]methyl‐3‐propylxanthine ([11C]MPDX) and [7‐methyl‐11C]‐(E)‐8‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxystyryl)‐1,3,7‐trimethylxanthine ([11C]TMSX), respectively. We recruited 8 young (22.0 ± 1.7 years) and 10 elderly (65.4 ± 7.6 years) volunteers to undergo [11C]MPDX PET scanning, and 11 young (22.7 ± 2.7 years) and six elderly (60.7 ± 8.5 years) volunteers to undergo [11C]TMSX PET scanning. A dynamic series of decay‐corrected PET scans was performed for 60 min following injection of [11C]MPDX or [11C]TMSX. We calculated the binding potential (BPND) of [11C]MPDX and distribution volume ratio (DVR) of [11C]TMSX in the striatum. The BPND of [11C]MPDX was significantly lower in elderly than in young subjects, both in the putamen and head of the caudate nucleus. The BPND was negatively correlated with age in both the putamen and the head of the caudate nucleus. However, no difference was found between the DVR of [11C]TMSX in the striata of young and elderly subjects, nor was there a correlation between age and the DVR of [11C]TMSX. The effect of age on the distribution of A1Rs in the human striatum described herein is similar to previous reports of age‐related decreases in dopamine D1 and D2 receptors. Unlike A1Rs, however, this study suggests that the distribution of A2ARs does not change with age. Synapse 66:832–839, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimal power scheduling in 802.11n wireless networks for real‐time services
Authors: Deng Yiping , Lin Chuang , Ren Fengyuan , Wu Dapeng
Published: May 2012

The growing popularity of mobile devices in our daily life demands higher throughput of wireless networks. The new communication standard 802.11n has significantly improved throughput because of the use of advanced technologies such as the multiple‐input multiple‐output communication technique. Because mobile devices are usually battery‐operated, power efficiency is critical; on the other hand, delay performance can be improved by transmitting at high power. To address the conflicting requirement of power saving and small delay, power scheduling is needed. In the past, many approaches to power scheduling have been proposed for real‐time applications, but few of them have considered complicated modes of channel state information(CSI) in multiple‐input multiple‐output. In this paper, we study this and classify the CSI into four types, namely, constant, slow fading, fast fading, and unknown. For known CSI, we propose an optimal algorithm for power scheduling. For unknown CSI, we propose an approximate algorithm based on some heuristics. To improve resource utilization, a stochastic delay‐bound method is proposed for fast‐fading condition. Simulation results demonstrate that the performance achieved by the optimal and heuristic algorithms agrees well with the analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Properties of a Hydrolysis Resistant Cationic Trisiloxane Surfactant
Authors: Luo Ru‐xian , Liu Ping‐ping , Chen Yao‐bin
Published: May 2012

In order to improve the hydrolysis resistant ability (HRA) of trisiloxane surfactants, a new kind of quaternary ammonium salt cationic trisiloxane surfactant (QASCTSS) was synthesized in three steps and investigated. The chemical structure of QASCTSS was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. Compared with normal trisiloxane surfactants, QASCTSS exhibits a lower surface tension, especially under strong acid or alkaline conditions. This was attributed to the protection for Si–O backbone from the quaternized side chain, and some improvement in HRA is seen in acidic conditions with ethyl instead of methyl side chains on the quaternary structure.
Participating in a policy debate program and academic achievement among at‐risk adolescents in an urban public school district: 1997–2007
Authors: Anderson Susannah , Mezuk Briana
Published: May 2012

This study investigates the relationship between participating in a high school debate program on college‐readiness in the Chicago Public School district over a 10‐year period. At‐risk school students were identified using an index including 8th grade achievement, poverty status, and enrollment in special education. Regression analyses were used to assess the association between debate participation and graduation and ACT performance. Overall, debaters were 3.1 times more likely to graduate from high school (95% confidence interval: 2.7–3.5) than non‐debaters, and more likely to reach the college‐readiness benchmarks on the English, Reading, and Science portions of the ACT. This association was similar for both low‐risk and at‐risk students. Debate intensity was positively related to higher scores on all sections of the ACT. Findings indicate that debate participation is associated with improved academic performance for at‐risk adolescents.
Dihydroartemisinin induces autophagy and inhibits the growth of iron‐loaded human myeloid leukemia K562 cells via ROS toxicity
Authors: Wang Zeng , Hu Wei , Zhang Jia-Li , Wu Xiu-Hua , Zhou Hui-Jun
Published: May 2012

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an active metabolite of artemisinin derivatives, is the most remarkable anti‐malarial drug and has little toxicity to humans. Recent studies have shown that DHA effectively inhibits the growth of cancer cells. In the present study, we intended to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the inhibition of growth of iron‐loaded human myeloid leukemia K562 cells by DHA. Mitochondria are important regulators of both autophagy and apoptosis, and one of the triggers for mitochondrial dysfunction is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We found that the DHA‐induced autophagy of leukemia K562 cells, whose intracellular organelles are primarily mitochondria, was ROS dependent. The autophagy of these cells was followed by LC3‐II protein expression and caspase‐3 activation. In addition, we demonstrated that inhibition of the proliferation of leukemia K562 cells by DHA is also dependent upon iron. This inhibition includes the down‐regulation of TfR expression and the induction of K562 cell growth arrest in the G2/M phase.
An Investigation of the Satisfaction and Perception of Fieldwork Experiences Among Occupational Therapy Students
Authors: Ariel Chiang Hsin-Yu , Pang Chu-Hou , Li Wan-Shan , Shin Yi-Nuo , Su Chia-Ting
Published: May 2012

Objective

Fieldwork practice is an essential part of education in occupational therapy (OT). For an OT educator, it is crucial to understand students’ perceptions and satisfaction of fieldwork practice to raise its overall quality.

Methods

Students’ perceptions and satisfaction of their fieldwork were measured with the students’ fieldwork satisfaction assessment. The assessment contains three subscales: the degree of satisfaction with the clinical setting, supervisors, and the improvement of professional knowledge. A total of 67 senior-year OT students from six universities in Taiwan were recruited. The students’ overall perceptions of and satisfaction with their fieldwork were obtained.

Results

Results indicated that the level of satisfaction was high among students (mean ± standard deviation = 3.94 ± 0.52). In addition, students had relatively lower satisfaction with the hospital environment (3.57 ± 0.48). Students who considered pre-fieldwork preparation to be necessary often had higher satisfaction (4.05 ± 0.51) with fieldwork experience than those who considered it unnecessary (3.61 ± 0.47; p = .004). Our results showed that students practicing in the field of physical disabilities were more satisfied with their fieldwork than were students in the field of psychiatric disabilities (p = .003). Students’ perception of OT was a significant predictor for students’ degree of satisfaction with fieldwork (p < .001).

Conclusion

To elevate the quality of the clinical education of OT students, educators may improve the facilities and spaces in the hospital departments.
Neuromuscular Prehabilitation to Prevent Osteoarthritis After a Traumatic Joint Injury
Authors: Tenforde Adam S. , Shull Pete B. , Fredericson Michael
Published: May 2012

Post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a process resulting from direct forces applied to a joint that cause injury and degenerative changes. An estimated 12% of all symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip, knee, and ankle can be attributed to a post‐traumatic cause. Neuromuscular prehabilitation is the process of improving neuromuscular function to prevent development of PTOA after an initial traumatic joint injury. Prehabilitation strategies include restoration of normative movement patterns that have been altered as the result of traumatic injury, along with neuromuscular exercises and gait retraining to prevent the development of OA after an injury occurs. A review of the current literature shows that no studies have been performed to evaluate methods of neuromuscular prehabilitation to prevent PTOA after a joint injury. Instead, current research has focused on management strategies after knee injuries, the value of exercise in the management of OA, and neuromuscular exercises after total knee arthroplasty. Recent work in gait retraining that alters knee joint loading holds promise for preventing the development of PTOA after joint trauma. Future research should evaluate methods of neuromuscular prehabilitation strategies in relationship to the outcome of PTOA after joint injury.
Obesity and Weight Loss in the Treatment and Prevention of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Vincent Heather K. , Heywood Kendrick , Connelly Jacob , Hurley Robert W.
Published: May 2012

Obesity is associated with an increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints and pain. Obesity is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA), and pain can manifest in load‐bearing and nonload‐bearing joints. The lumbar spine and the knee are 2 primary sites for pain onset in the obese patient. Irrespective of the weight loss method, reduction of body fat can lower the mechanical and inflammatory stressors that contribute to OA. Single or combined methods of weight loss including exercise, dietary modification, medications, and bariatric surgery are associated with lower joint pain and increased physical function. Methods of weight loss or maintenance in early years may reduce the life exposure of joints to the obesity induced stressors on load bearing joints.
Epidemiology of Osteoarthritis and Associated Comorbidities
Authors: Suri Pradeep , Morgenroth David C. , Hunter David J.
Published: May 2012

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of walking‐related disability among older adults in the United States, and the prevalence and incidence of OA are increasing rapidly. Systemic and local risk factors for knee OA have been identified, and obesity and joint injury appear to be the strongest risk factors that are both modifiable and have the potential for substantial impact on a population level. The risk factors for functional decline and disability in persons with symptomatic OA have been examined in relatively few studies. The course of functional decline in persons with symptomatic OA on a population level is generally one of stable to slowly deteriorating function, but on an individual level, many patients maintain function or improve during the first 3 years of follow‐up. Obesity stands out as one of few modifiable risk factors of OA that also is a potentially modifiable predictor of functional decline. Physical activity also appears to have a substantial protective impact on future OA‐related disability. Further epidemiologic studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to prioritize prevention through targeting these modifiable risk factors for OA and related disability.
Resistance Exercise for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Vincent Kevin R. , Vincent Heather K.
Published: May 2012

The initiation, progression, and severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA) have been associated with decreased muscular strength and alterations in joint biomechanics. Chronic OA pain may lead to anxiety, depression, fear of movement, and poor psychological outlook. The fear of movement may prevent participation in exercise and social events, which could lead to further physical and social isolation. Resistance exercise (RX) has been shown to be an effective intervention both for decreasing pain and improving physical function and self‐efficacy. RX may restore muscle strength and joint mechanics while improving physical function. RX also may normalize muscle firing patterns and joint biomechanics, leading to reductions in joint pain and cartilage degradation. These physical adaptations could lead to improved self‐efficacy and decreased anxiety and depression. RX can be prescribed and performed by patients across the spectrum of OA severity. When designing and implementing an RX program for a patient with knee OA, one should consider both the degree of OA severity and the level of pain. RX, either in the home or at a fitness facility, is an important component of a comprehensive regimen designed to offset the physical and psychological limitations associated with knee OA. Unique considerations for this population include (1) monitoring pain during and after exercise, (2) providing days of rest when disease flares occur, and (3) infusing variety into the exercise regimen to encourage adherence.
Pharmaceutical Therapy for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Cheng David S. , Visco Christopher J.
Published: May 2012

There are a variety of oral and topical pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of osteoarthritis. To date there is no pharmacologic agent proved to prevent disease progression. This article focuses primarily on the medications used for symptomatic relief and palliation of pain. The article reviews the medications' mechanisms of action and the available efficacy literature, as well as indications, contraindications, and common adverse effects.
Total Joint Arthroplasty for Persons With Osteoarthritis
Authors: Grayson Christopher W. , Decker Robert C.
Published: May 2012

Osteoarthritis is a process largely associated with aging, and Americans today are living longer than ever before, with the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing an average life expectancy of 78.2 years. With an increasingly older society, there will be an increased need for medical and surgical treatment of osteoarthritis. At the same time, a decline in the number of surgeons performing total joint arthroplasty is anticipated, by as much as 30% in some studies. Due to this anticipated shortage, nonoperative physicians will play a more prominent role in patient care and should become better educated in maximizing nonoperative care, recognizing appropriate surgical indications, and educating their patients on surgical outcomes. Total joint arthroplasty offers pain relief and potential functional improvement. Unfortunately, the outcomes for joint replacement differ significantly by the joint being replaced. The best examples of positive outcome for both pain relief and functional improvement are total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Shoulder arthroplasty has demonstrated encouraging outcomes but the outcome data is not yet as robust as the data for hip and knee arthroplasty. Elbow arthroplasty provides good pain relief but functional outcomes are not nearly as good, and significant potential complications exist. Lastly, ankle arthroplasty has not demonstrated outcomes that are as positive as the other major joints, and the criterion standard treatment continues to be ankle fusion. In this article, surgical options for arthroplasty will be reviewed for each of the major joints, including the joint‐specific indications and outcomes for each procedure.