bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combat‐training increases intestinal permeability, immune activation and gastrointestinal symptoms in soldiers
Authors: Li X. , Kan E. M. , Lu J. , Cao Y. , Wong R. K. , Keshavarzian A. , Wilder‐Smith C. H.
Published: February 2013

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in soldiers in combat or high‐pressure operational situations and often lead to compromised performance. Underlying mechanisms are unclear, but neuroendocrine dysregulation, immune activation and increased intestinal permeability may be involved in stress‐related GI dysfunction.

Aim

To study the effects of prolonged, intense, mixed psychological and physical stress on intestinal permeability, systemic inflammatory and stress markers in soldiers during high‐intensity combat‐training.

Methods

In 37 male army medical rapid response troops, GI symptoms, stress markers, segmental intestinal permeability using the 4‐sugar test (sucrose, lactulose, mannitol and sucralose) and immune activation were assessed during the 4th week of an intense combat‐training and a rest period.

Results

Combat‐training elicited higher stress, anxiety and depression scores (all P < 0.01) as well as greater incidence and severity of GI symptoms [irritable bowel syndrome symptom severity score (IBS‐SSS), P < 0.05] compared with rest. The IBS‐SSS correlated with depression (r = 0.41, P < 0.01) and stress (r = 0.40, P < 0.01) ratings. Serum levels of cortisol, interleukin‐6, and tumour necrosis factor‐α, and segmental GI permeability increased during combat‐training compared with rest (all P < 0.05). The lactulose:mannitol ratio was higher in soldiers with GI symptoms (IBS‐SSS ≥75) during combat‐training than those without (IBS‐SSS <75) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Prolonged combat‐training not only induces the expected increases in stress, anxiety and depression, but also GI symptoms, pro‐inflammatory immune activation and increased intestinal permeability. Identification of subgroups of individuals at high‐risk of GI compromise and of long‐term deleterious effects of operational stress as well as the development of protective measures will be the focus of future studies.
A systematic review of the evidence on the treatment of rapid cycling bipolar disorder
Authors: Fountoulakis Konstantinos N , Kontis Dimitrios , Gonda Xenia , Yatham Lakshmi N
Published: February 2013

Fountoulakis KN, Kontis D, Gonda X, Yatham LN. A systematic review of the evidence on the treatment of rapid cycling bipolar disorder.  Bipolar Disord 2013: 15: 115–137. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Objective:  Rapid cycling is associated with longer illness duration and greater illness severity in bipolar disorder. The aim of the present study was to review the existing published randomized trials investigating the effect of treatment on patients with rapid cycling bipolar disorder.

Methods:  A MEDLINE search was conducted using combinations of the following key words: bipolar and rapid or rapid‐cycling or rapid cycling and randomized. The search was conducted through July 16, 2011, and no conference proceedings were included.

Results:  The search returned 206 papers and ultimately 25 papers were selected for review. Only six randomized, controlled trials specifically designed to study a rapid cycling population were found. Most data were derived from post hoc analyses of trials that had included rapid cyclers. The literature suggested that: (i) rapid cycling patients perform worse in the follow‐up period; (ii) lithium and anticonvulsants have comparable efficacies; (iii) there is inconclusive evidence on the comparative acute or prophylactic efficacy of the combination of anticonvulsants versus anticonvulsant monotherapy; (iv) aripiprazole, olanzapine, and quetiapine are effective against acute bipolar episodes; (v) olanzapine and quetiapine appear to be equally effective to anticonvulsants during acute treatment; (vi) aripiprazole and olanzapine appear promising for the maintenance of response of rapid cyclers; and (vii) there might be an association between antidepressant use and the presence of rapid cycling.

Conclusion:  The literature examining the pharmacological treatment of rapid cycling is still sparse and therefore there is no clear consensus with respect to its optimal pharmacological management. Clinical trials specifically studying rapid cycling are needed in order to unravel the appropriate management of rapid cycling bipolar disorder.
The relationship between clinical outcomes and quality of life in first‐episode mania: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Michalak Erin E , Torres Ivan J , Bond David J , Lam Raymond W , Yatham Lakshmi N
Published: February 2013

Objectives:  Despite growing attention to the relationship between bipolar disorder (BD) and quality of life (QoL), there remains a lack of information about QoL in the early stages of BD, and about the course of QoL in people with BD over time. Here, we report on QoL and symptomatic outcomes over a 1.5‐year period in a Canadian sample of first‐episode mania patients.

Methods:  Patients (n = 63) with DSM‐IV‐TR BD type I recovering from a recent episode of mania were recruited from a university‐based hospital setting in Vancouver, BC, Canada and assessed at six monthly intervals for 18 months. In addition to symptomatic and cognitive assessments, two self‐report QoL scales [the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q‐LES‐Q) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF‐36)] were administered.

Results:  Baseline QoL scores were high, with mean Q‐LES‐Q scores at 70% of the maximum possible score; QoL continued to show a trend towards improvement over time. Multiple hierarchical regressions were used to explore predictors of QoL over time, finding that: (i) length of illness and severity of depressive symptoms at baseline predicted Q‐LES‐Q scores at both baseline and six months; (ii) the number of previous depressive episodes and severity of depression at baseline and 12 months all predicted QoL at 12 months; and (iii) only severity of depressive symptoms at 12 months predicted QoL at 18 months.

Conclusions:  Our observation that QoL in patients who have recently experienced an episode of mania can be relatively preserved offers hope, both for healthcare providers and for those newly diagnosed. Further, that severity of depressive symptoms even in the early stages of the disease was the consistent predictor of QoL suggests that depressive symptoms need to be aggressively treated to improve QoL.
Rhabdoid Tumors: An Initial Clue to the Role of Chromatin Remodeling in Cancer
Authors: Lee Ryan S. , Roberts Charles W. M.
Published: February 2013

The discovery of biallelic, inactivating SMARCB1 mutations in rhabdoid tumors (RTs) over a decade ago represented the first recognized link between chromatin remodeling and tumor suppression. SMARCB1 is a core subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, and the recent emergence of frequent mutations in genes that encode subunits of this complex across a wide variety of cancers suggests that perturbation of this chromatin remodeling complex constitutes a key driver of cancer formation. Despite the highly aggressive nature of RTs, they are genetically simple cancers that appear to lack chromosomal instability and contain very few mutations. Indeed, the mutation rate in RTs is among the lowest of all cancers sequenced, with loss of SMARCB1 as essentially the sole recurrent event. Given the genetic simplicity of this disease, understanding the chromatin dysregulation caused by SMARCB1 loss may provide more general insight into how epigenetic alterations can contribute to oncogenic transformation and may reveal opportunities for targeted therapy not only of RT but also the variety of other SWI/SNF mutant cancers.
Predicting length of stay and readmission for psychiatric inpatient youth admitted to adult mental health beds in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Stewart Shannon L. , Kam Chester , Baiden Philip
Published: February 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine demographic, background, and psychopathology variables that predict length of stay and readmission among youth with mental health needs.

Method

We analyzed data on 2445 youth who were admitted into adult psychiatric beds in Ontario, Canada. Multiple regression was used to examine length of stay, whereas logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of readmission.

Results

Youth were likely to stay longer in hospital if they were older, were boys, had a diagnosis of schizophrenia, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and intellectual disability. Education, discharged against medical advice, and a diagnosis of adjustment disorders were all associated with shorter length of stay. Age, living in a group home or assisted care, a diagnosis of schizophrenia, mood disorders, and intellectual disability predicted readmission.

Conclusion

Strategies to improve current psychiatric services (e.g. how to reduce psychiatric hospital readmissions) are discussed.
Mind‐Mindedness and Theory of Mind: Mediating Roles of Language and Perspectival Symbolic Play
Authors: Meins Elizabeth , Fernyhough Charles , Arnott Bronia , Leekam Susan R. , de Rosnay Marc
Published: February 2013

Relations among indices of maternal mind‐mindedness (appropriate and nonattuned mind‐related comments) and children's: (a) internal state vocabulary and perspectival symbolic play at 26 months (N = 206), and (b) theory of mind (ToM) at 51 months (n = 161) were investigated. Appropriate comments were positively associated with ToM, but were unrelated to internal state language and perspectival symbolic play. Nonattuned comments were negatively correlated with internal state language and perspectival symbolic play, but were unrelated to ToM. Path analyses indicated that the best fit model assumed: (a) indirect links between nonattuned comments and ToM via children's perspectival symbolic play, (b) a direct link between appropriate comments and ToM, and (c) an indirect link between appropriate comments and ToM via children's concurrent receptive verbal ability.
The Development of Language Constancy: Attention to Native Versus Nonnative Accents
Authors: Kitamura Christine , Panneton Robin , Best Catherine T.
Published: February 2013

The time frame for infants' acquisition of language constancy was probed, using the phonetic variation in a rarely heard accent (South African English) or a frequently heard accent (American English). A total of 156 Australian infants were tested. Six‐month‐olds looked longer to Australian English than less commonly heard South African accent, but at 9 months, showed similar looking times. With the more frequently heard American accent, 3‐month‐olds looked longer to Australian and American English, whereas 6‐month‐olds looked equally. Together these results imply that in the 1st year, differential attention to native versus nonnative accents decreases as infants develop a sense of language constancy for the common native language. However, experience with the nonnative accent can expedite this process.
Temperament Moderates Associations Between Exposure to Stress and Children's Externalizing Problems
Authors: Schermerhorn Alice C. , Bates John E. , Goodnight Jackson A. , Lansford Jennifer E. , Dodge Kenneth A. , Pettit Gregory S.
Published: February 2013

The interaction between a temperament profile (four groups determined by high vs. low resistance to control [unmanageability] and unadaptability [novelty distress]) and family stress in predicting externalizing problems at school in children followed from kindergarten through eighth grade (ages 5–13) was investigated. The sample consisted of 556 families (290 boys). At Time 1 just prior to kindergarten, mothers retrospectively reported on their child's temperament during infancy. Each year, mothers reported stress and teachers reported children's externalizing problems. Temperament profile was tested as a moderator of the stress–externalizing association for various time periods. Results indicated that the combination of high resistance to control and high unadaptability strengthens the stress–externalizing association. Findings are discussed in terms of possible underlying mechanisms.
Effect of glycine powder air‐polishing as an adjunct in the treatment of peri‐implant mucositis: a pilot clinical trial
Authors: Ji Ying‐Jie , Tang Zhi‐Hui , Wang Ren , Cao Jie , Cao Cai‐Fang , Jin Li‐Jian
Published: February 2013

Background

Glycine powder air‐polishing (GPAP) has the potential to effectively erase biofilms and may improve the treatment efficacy of peri‐implant mucositis. This pilot clinical trial evaluated the effect of GPAP as an adjunct in treating peri‐implant mucositis.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐four subjects having at least one implant with peri‐implant mucositis were randomly assigned to test (12 subjects with 17 implants) and control (12 subjects with 16 implants) groups. Following baseline assessment, all subjects received oral hygiene instruction and non‐surgical debridement. In the test group, the sites with probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm were additionally treated by GPAP for 5 sec. Clinical parameters were measured at 1‐week, 1‐month, and 3‐month recall visits.

Results

At the 3‐month visit, the mean reductions in PD at site level were 0.93 ± 0.93 mm and 0.91 ± 0.98 mm in the test and control groups, respectively (P < 0.05), and no significant difference existed between two groups. Mean bleeding score was also significantly reduced in both groups after the intervention. No complications or discomfort were reported during the study.

Conclusions

This pilot clinical trial suggests that non‐surgical mechanical debridement may effectively control peri‐implant mucositis, and adjunctive GPAP treatment seems to have a limited beneficial effect as compared with mechanical debridement alone. However, further clinical trials with a large sample size are needed to confirm this preliminary observation.
Implants placed in fresh extraction sockets in the maxilla: clinical and radiographic outcomes from a 3‐year follow‐up examination
Authors: Sanz Mariano , Cecchinato Denis , Ferrus Jorge , Salvi Giovanni E. , Ramseier Christoph , Lang Niklaus P. , Lindhe Jan
Published: February 2013

Aim

The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter study was to determine the 3‐year efficacy and stability of the soft and hard tissues at implants with a different geometry that were placed in fresh extraction sockets.

Material and methods

Implants with two different configurations, cylindrical (Group A) or conical/cylindrical (Group B) were installed, and healing abutments were attached. Sixteen weeks after implant placement, subjects returned for a re‐entry procedure. Prosthetic restorations were delivered 22 weeks after implant placement. Each subject was placed in a 3‐year follow‐up program, including examinations at yearly visits including various soft tissue and bone level parameters.

Results

The percentage of sites that were considered inflamed during the follow‐up period was stable and varied between 8.8% and 10.2%. The radiographic examinations documented improved bone levels at the final examination and the mean improvement from baseline (placement of permanent restoration; PR) amounted to 0.17 ± 0.67 mm. More than 70% (54 of 76) of the implants monitored in this study suffered no bone loss during the maintenance period. Moreover, there was an obvious “gain” of interproximal soft tissue volume and at the 3‐year examination around 25% of all embrasure gaps were completely filled with “papillae”.

Conclusions

Both conical/cylindrical and cylindrical implants placed in fresh extraction sockets allowed proper soft and hard tissue healing to occur. At both types of implants, mucosal inflammation was infrequent, marginal bone levels were maintained, and soft tissue volume increased gradually after the placement of the permanent restoration.
GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND EXPENDITURE IN THE RENT‐SEEKING INDUSTRY: THE CASE OF JAPAN FOR 1998–2004
Authors: YAMAMURA EIJI , KONDOH HARUO
Published: February 2013

Since the end of the 1990s, local governments in Japan have enacted Information Disclosure Ordinances, which require the disclosure of official government information. This article uses Japanese prefecture‐level data for the period 1998–2004 to examine how this enactment affected the rate of government construction expenditure. The Dynamic Panel model is used to control for unobserved prefecture‐specific effects and endogenous bias. The major finding is that disclosure of government information reduces the rate of government construction expenditure. This implies that information disclosure reduces losses from rent‐seeking activity, which is consistent with public choice theory. (JELD73, D78, H79)
ARE DISAGREEMENTS AMONG MALE AND FEMALE ECONOMISTS MARGINAL AT BEST?: A SURVEY OF AEA MEMBERS AND THEIR VIEWS ON ECONOMICS AND ECONOMIC POLICY
Authors: MAY ANN MARI , MCGARVEY MARY G. , WHAPLES ROBERT
Published: February 2013

The authors survey economists in the United States holding membership in the American Economic Association (AEA) to determine if there are significant differences in views between male and female economists on important policy issues. Controlling for place of current employment (academic institution with graduate program, academic institution—undergraduate only, government, for‐profit institution) and decade of PhD, the authors find many areas in which economists agree. However, important differences exist in the views of male and female economists on issues including the minimum wage, views on labor standards, health insurance, and especially on explanations for the gender wage gap and issues of equal opportunity in the labor market and the economics profession itself. These results lend support to the notion that gender diversity in policy‐making circles may be an important aspect in broadening the menu of public policy choices. (JEL A11, J78, A14)
DO POLITICS CAUSE REGIME SHIFTS IN MONETARY POLICY?
Authors: CHEN SHIU‐SHENG , WANG CHUN‐CHIEH
Published: February 2013

Whether or not politics cause changes in monetary policy is controversial in the literature. This article re‐examines the link between politics and regime shifts in monetary policy using two alternative approaches. First, empirical results show that both the presidential and Federal Reserve Bank (Fed) chairmanship regimes do not influence monetary policy under the assumption that the Fed closely follows an interest rate rule. On the other hand, evidence also suggests that changes in political regimes are able to account for the deviations from the optimal Taylor rule. (JELE52, E58, D78)
BEAUTY AND PRODUCTIVITY: THE CASE OF THE LADIES PROFESSIONAL GOLF ASSOCIATION
Authors: AHN SEUNG CHAN , LEE YOUNG HOON
Published: February 2013

There is evidence that attractive looking workers earn more than average looking workers, even after controlling for a variety of individual characteristics. The presence of such beauty premiums may influence the labor supply decisions of attractive workers. For example, if one unit of a product by an attractive worker is more rewarded than that by her less attractive coworker, the attractive worker may put more effort into improving her productivity. We examine this possibility by analyzing panel data for individual female golfers participating in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tour. We found that attractive golfers recorded lower than average scores and earn more prize money than average looking players, even when controlling for player experience and other variables related to their natural talents. This finding is consistent with the notion that physical appearance is associated with individual workers' accumulation of human capital or skills. If the human capital of attractive workers is at least partly an outcome of favoritism toward beauty, then the premium estimates obtained by previous studies may have been downwardly biased. (JEL J3, J7, L8)
The Value of Aneurysm Volume and Myocardial Strain Rate for Evaluating Cardiac Function of Ischemia‐Related Left Ventricular Aneurysm in a Rabbit Model Using Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Imaging Combined with Speckle Tracking Imaging
Authors: Zhai Hong , Mu Yuming , Guan Lina , Li Yanhong
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) volume and myocardial strain on left ventricular function in a rabbit model using real time three‐dimensional echocardiographic imaging (RT‐3DE) combined with two‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D‐STI).

Methods

A rabbit model of LVA was prepared in 30 New Zealand rabbits by ligating the middle segment of the left anterior descending artery and the left circumflex artery (LVA group); 10 control rabbits underwent thoracotomy alone. Four weeks later, RT‐3DE was performed to obtain data on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV), and LVA volume. The peak short‐axis radial (SrR) and circumferential (SrC) strain rates were measured using 2D‐STI technique.

Results

Compared with control rabbits, LVA group rabbits had significant left ventricular enlargement at the end‐systolic and end‐diastolic phases (both P < 0.05). LVEF, SrR‐Systolic, and SrC‐Systolic were significantly lower in the LVA group (all P < 0.05). Moreover, there were high correlations between LVEF and SrC‐Systolicanterior wall, SrR‐Systolicanterior wall, SrC‐Systoliclateral wall, and SrR‐Systoliclateral wall (r = −0.895, −0.887, −0.890, −0.891, respectively, all P < 0.05). Of note, LVA volume/LVEDV had the tightest inverse relationship with LVEF (r = −0.911, P < 0.01). Specifically, LVA volume/LVEDV >16% corresponded to LVEF <50%, and LVEF decreased 1.1% while LVA volume/LVEDV increased 1%.

Conclusions

LVA volume/LVEDV provided a sensitive indicator reflecting cardiac function with LVA. Measurement of various parameters using RT‐3DE might be a useful means to evaluate cardiac function after LVA formation.
Relationship between Left Atrial Function and Size and Level of Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Sahebjam Mohammad , Zoroufian Arezou , Sadeghian Hakimeh , Roomi Zahra Savand , Sardari Akram , Mirzamani Shirin Sadat , Tokaldany Masoumeh Lotfi , Jalali Arash
Published: February 2013

Aim

To study whether there is any relation between left atrial (LA) size or function and the level of left ventricular dyssynchrony (LV) in patients with heart failure.

Method

Fifty‐two patients (male 34, mean age = 65.77 ± 8.69 years) with ejection fraction (EF) <35%, who were candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), underwent conventional transthoracic echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Intra‐ventricular dyssynchrony, inter‐ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (IVMD), and related time intervals were measured. The LA size and function were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography and deformation imaging using LA lateral wall strain (ST) and strain rate (SR), and the septal wall ST.

Results

The LA volume showed severe dilation in 41 (78.8%) patients. 44 (84.6%) cases had intra‐ventricular dyssynchrony and 33 (63.5%) had IVMD. In univariable analysis, the LA lateral wall ST and SR as well as the LA septal wall ST had significant but poor correlation with IVMD. There were also poor to moderate correlation between these parameters and the LV end diastolic diameter and mitral annulus tissue velocity at early and late diastole. However, after adjustment for all the related factors, IVMD remained a significant independent correlate for the LA lateral wall ST and SR. This correlation for the LA septal wall ST was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

IVMD was a significant independent correlate for the LA lateral wall ST and SR. This correlation for the LA septal wall ST was nonsignificant. Future studies are needed to examine whether the correction of inter‐ventricular dyssynchrony by CRT in patients with concomitant LA dysfunction can have an independent role in the improvement of the LA function.
Quantitative and ultrastructural study of serotonin innervation of the globus pallidus in squirrel monkeys
Authors: Eid Lara , Champigny Marie‐France , Parent André , Parent Martin
Published: February 2013

The present immunohistochemical study was aimed at characterizing the serotonin (5‐HT) innervation of the internal (GPi) and external (GPe) pallidal segments in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) with an antibody against the 5‐HT transporter (SERT). At the light microscopic level, unbiased counts of SERT+ axon varicosities showed that the density of innervation is similar in the GPi (0.57 ± 0.03 × 106 varicosities/mm3 of tissue) and the GPe (0.60 ± 0.04 × 106), with the anterior half of both segments being more densely innervated than the posterior half. Dorsoventral and mediolateral decreasing gradients of SERT varicosities occur in both pallidal segments, but are statistically significant only in the GPi. The neuronal density being significantly greater in the GPe (3.41 ± 0.23 × 103 neurons/mm3) than in the GPi (2.90 ± 0.11 × 103), the number of 5‐HT axon varicosities per pallidal neuron was found to be superior in the GPi (201 ± 27) than in the GPe (156 ± 26). At the electron microscopic level, SERT+ axon varicosities are comparable in size and vesicular content in GPi and GPe, where they establish mainly asynaptic contacts with unlabeled profiles. Less than 25% of SERT+ varicosities display a synaptic specialization, which is of the symmetrical or asymmetrical type and occurs exclusively on pallidal dendrites. No SERT+ axo‐axonic synapses are present, suggesting that 5‐HT exerts its well‐established modulatory action upon various pallidal afferents mainly through diffuse transmission, whereas its direct control of pallidal neurons results from both volumic and synaptic release of the transmitter.
Low‐temperature plasmas at atmospheric pressure: toward new pharmaceutical treatments in medicine
Authors: Yousfi Mohammed , Merbahi Nofel , Pathak Atul , Eichwald Olivier
Published: February 2013

This article concerns a new field covered by low‐temperature plasmas at atmospheric pressure for medical treatments. This is based on the very attractive possibility to tune and design plasmas as possible pharmaceutical products using selectively some active species (charged particles, radicals, atomic and molecular agents, UV radiations) and even electric fields self‐generated by the plasma. The delivery of active species occurs at the gaseous level. This means that there is no need for a carrier medium, and the treatment of living tissue or surface is optimal because plasmas can penetrate small pores, spread over rough surfaces, and reach both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The present article gives first a review on the main low‐temperature plasma setups potentially usable for medical treatments with an emphasis on the setups as, for instance, plasma jets developed in our laboratory. Then, the present article gives a review of the current state of the art of such plasmas as pharmaceutical products or therapeutic tools in medicine with a light on a selection of forefront researches particularly in the field of chronic wounds, blood coagulation, and cancer treatment.
Benzimidazole analogs of l‐tryptophan are substrates and inhibitors of tryptophan indole lyase from Escherichia coli
Authors: Harris Austin P. , Phillips Robert S.
Published: February 2013

Tryptophan indole lyase (TIL), an enzyme found in Escherichia coli and related enterobacteria, produces indole from l‐tryptophan (l‐Trp). Indole is a signaling molecule in bacteria, affecting biofilm formation, pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance. β‐(Benzimidazol‐1‐yl)‐l‐alanine (BZI‐Ala), 2‐amino‐4‐(benzimidazol‐1‐yl)butyric acid (homo‐BZI‐Ala) and 2‐amino‐5‐(benzimidazol‐1‐yl)pentanoic acid (bishomo‐BZI‐Ala) were synthesized and tested as substrates and inhibitors of TIL. BZI‐Ala is a good substrate of TIL, with Km = 300 μm, kcat = 5.6 s−1 and kcat/Km = 1.9 × 104, similar to l‐Trp. BZI‐Ala is also a good substrate for H463F mutant TIL, which has very low activity with l‐Trp. In contrast, homo‐BZI‐Ala was found to be a potent competitive inhibitor of TIL, with a Ki of 13.4 μm. However, the higher homolog, bishomo‐BZI‐Ala, was inactive as an inhibitor of TIL at a concentration of 600 μm, and is thus a much weaker inhibitor. The reaction of TIL with BZI‐Ala was too fast to be observed in the stopped‐flow spectrophotometer, and shows an aldimine intermediate in the steady state. However, H463F TIL shows equilibrating mixtures of aldimine and quinonoid complexes in the steady state. The spectra of the reaction of TIL with homo‐BZI‐Ala show a rapidly formed intermediate absorbing at 340 nm, probably a gem‐diamine, that decays slowly to form a quinonoid complex absorbing at 494 nm. The potent binding of homo‐BZI‐Ala may be due to it being a ‘bi‐product’ analog of the indole‐α‐aminoacrylate complex. These results demonstrate that an amino acid substrate may be converted to a potent inhibitor of TIL simply by homologation, which may be useful in the design of other potent TIL inhibitors.
Consequences of membrane topography
Authors: Parmryd Ingela , Önfelt Björn
Published: February 2013

The surface of mammalian cells is neither smooth nor flat and cells have several times more plasma membrane than the minimum area required to accommodate their shape. We discuss the biological function of this apparent excess membrane that allows the cells to migrate and undergo shape changes and probably plays a role in signal transduction. Methods for studying membrane folding and topography – atomic force microscopy, scanning ion conductance microscopy, fluorescence polarization microscopy and linear dichroism – are described and evaluated. Membrane folding and topography is frequently ignored when interpreting microscopy data. This has resulted in several misconceptions regarding for instance colocalization, membrane organization and molecular clustering. We suggest simple ways to avoid these pitfalls and invoke Occam's razor – that simple explanations are preferable to complex ones. Topography, i.e. deviations from a smooth surface, should always be ruled out as the cause of anomalous data before other explanations are presented.
The Effects of Multistrain Probiotic Compound on Bismuth‐Containing Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Triple‐Blind Study
Authors: Shavakhi Ahmad , Tabesh Elham , Yaghoutkar Arezoo , Hashemi Houriye , Tabesh Faezeh , Khodadoostan Mahsa , Minakari Mohammad , Shavakhi Sara , Gholamrezaei Ali
Published: February 2013

Background

Evidence has shown benefits of single‐strain probiotics for Helicobacter pylori eradication. We investigated the effects of adding a multistrain probiotic compound on bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy for H. pylori infection.

Materials and Methods

Adult patients with peptic ulcer disease and confirmed H. pylori infection (n = 180) were randomized to receive bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy (omeprazole, bismuth subcitrate, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin) plus a probiotic compound or placebo for 2 weeks. The probiotic compound contained seven bacterial species including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains and Streptococcus thermophiles. Eradication of H. pylori was assessed 4 weeks after medication by 13C urea breath test. Other outcomes were dyspepsia symptoms, therapy‐related adverse effects, and patient's tolerance.

Results

Eighty‐four patients in the probiotic and 86 in the placebo group completed the trial. With per‐protocol (intention to treat) analysis, H. pylori was eradicated in 82.1% (76.6%) of the probiotic and 84.8% (81.1%) of the placebo group, p = .392 (0.292). Symptoms were significantly improved with similar trends in both groups. Regarding the adverse effects, diarrhea was less frequent (2.2 vs 11.1%, p = .016), while abdominal pain was more frequent (10 vs 2.2%, p = .029) in the probiotic group. The two groups were similar in treatment tolerance (p = .851).

Conclusions

In overall, our studied multistrain probiotic compound has not beneficial effects in the treatment of H. pylori infection. It might be related to the low dosage of our probiotic regimen and/or high frequency of upper gastrointestinal adverse effects which in turn could decrease the eradication efficacy.
Radiofrequency ablation combined with transarterial chemoembolization for intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tanaka Masatoshi , Ando Eiji , Simose Shigeo , Hori Maisa , Kuraoka Kei , Ohno Miki , Yutani Shigeru , Harada Kazunori , Sata Michio
Published: February 2013

Aim

Radiofrequency ablation therapy (RFA) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) (combination therapy) is effective for early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to compare the long‐term effects of combination therapy with supportive care alone for intermediate HCC.

Methods

The study included 58 patients with intermediate HCC who received combination therapy (n = 34) or supportive care alone (n = 24). The inclusion criteria were a single nodule of more than 50 mm in diameter or two to three nodules, each measuring more than 30 mm in diameter, or more than three nodules, no vascular invasion and no extrahepatic metastasis.

Results

The overall survival rates at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years of the combination therapy group (91%, 65%, 53% and 27%, respectively) were significantly better (P < 0.0001) than those of the supportive care group (42%, 8%, 8% and 0%, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified treatment modality (combination therapy vs supportive care alone: P < 0.0001, risk ratio [RR] = 4.290 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.157–8.529]) and serum α‐fetoprotein (P = 0.017, RR = 2.318 [95% CI = 1.166–4.610]) as independent and significant factors of overall survival.

Conclusion

The combination of TACE and RFA is a safe and effective therapy in patients with intermediate HCC.
Prediction of efficacy to pegylated interferon‐α‐2b plus ribavirin in patients with genotype 2 hepatitis C virus using viral response within 2 weeks
Authors: Wada Yuki , Tamai Hideyuki , Uno Akiko , Kawashima Akira , Shingaki Naoki , Mori Yoshiyuki , Moribata Kosaku , Miyata Kaori , Higashi Katsuhiko , Deguchi Hisanobu , Ueda Kazuki , Inoue Izumi , Maekita Takao , Iguchi Mikitaka , Kato Jun , Ichinose Masao
Published: February 2013

Aim

Rapid virological response (RVR), defined as serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA negativity at 4 weeks, is the most useful predictor of sustained virological response (SVR) to standard pegylated interferon (PEG IFN) plus ribavirin therapy for patients infected with genotype 2 HCV. The aim of the present study was to predict SVR using viral response within 2 weeks of therapy initiation.

Methods

Of 64 HCV genotype 2 patients with a high viral load treated with standard PEG IFN‐α‐2b plus weight‐based ribavirin for 24 weeks, 58 patients whose adherence was more than 67% were analyzed. RNA and core antigen levels were measured at four time points: the day of therapy initiation, the following day, and at 1 and 2 weeks.

Results

SVR was achieved in 73% (47/64) of patients. Univariate analysis of SVR contributing factors showed significant differences with age, bodyweight, white blood cell count, platelet count, fibrosis marker levels, baseline core antigen level and viral response. The area under the receiver–operator curve (AUC) of the core antigen level at 1 week (AUC, 0.940) was the highest among the significant SVR predicting factors. Setting 100 fmol/L as the cut‐off value for core antigen level at 1 week, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for predicting SVR were 100%, 86%, 96%, 100% and 97%, respectively, and for predicting RVR were 66%, 93%, 97%, 46% and 72%, respectively.

Conclusion

The HCV core antigen level at 1 week after therapy initiation is the most useful predictor for SVR.
Assessing knowledge and attitudes towards screening among users of Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
Authors: Denters Maaike J. , Deutekom Marije , Essink‐Bot Marie‐Louise , Bossuyt Patrick M. , Fockens Paul , Dekker Evelien
Published: February 2013

Background

Informed decision making is recognized as important in screening. Invitees should be provided with relevant information, enabling them to make an informed decision. This may be more difficult in ethnic minority and low socio‐economic status groups. We aimed to assess the proportion of informed decisions to participate in a faecal immunochemical test (FIT)‐based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening pilot and to explore differences in knowledge and attitude across various subgroups.

Methods

Asymptomatic persons aged 50–74 were invited to a second round of a Dutch FIT‐based pilot screening programme for CRC. An information leaflet containing all information relevant to enable informed decision making accompanied the invitation. Informed choice was assessed by a mailed questionnaire. Knowledge was elicited through 18 items and attitude towards screening through four items. Main outcome measure was the proportion of informed decision makers among participants. Differences between subgroups were evaluated using logistic regression.

Results

Of 5367 screening participants, 2774 (52%) completed the questionnaire. Knowledge was adequate in 2554 (92%); 2736 (99%) showed a positive attitude towards screening. A total of 2525 persons had made an informed choice (91%); male gender, low education level, non‐Dutch ethnicity and not speaking Dutch at home were negatively associated with having adequate knowledge in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

In FIT‐based screening for CRC, the majority of responders made an informed decision to participate. However, we did not succeed in equally providing all population subgroups with sufficient information. Future initiatives should be aimed at reaching these groups to further enable informed decision making.
Do patients have a voice? The social stratification of health center governing boards
Authors: Wright Brad
Published: February 2013

Context

To ensure community responsiveness, federally qualified health centres (FQHCs) in the United States are required to be governed by a patient majority. However, to the extent that these patient trustees resemble the typical low‐income patients served by FQHCs, status generalization theory suggests that they will be passed over for leadership positions within the board in favour of more prestigious individuals.

Methods

Using 4 years of data on health centre governing boards obtained from the Health Resources and Services Administration via a Freedom of Information Act Request, the likelihood of holding executive committee office is modelled as a function of trustee characteristics using Chamberlain's conditional logistic regressions.

Results

The results indicate that representative patient trustees are significantly less likely than other trustees to hold a position on the executive committee or serve as board chair.

Conclusions

Given the power of the board leadership to set the agenda, the reduced likelihood of representative patient trustees serving in leadership positions may ultimately limit the representative voice given to patients, making FQHCs potentially less responsive to their communities. These findings also have important implications for other settings where engaging and empowering patients is sought.
Polylactic acid vs. polyacrylamide hydrogel for treatment of facial lipoatrophy: a randomized controlled trial [Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le SIDA et les Hépatites Virales (ANRS) 132 SMILE]
Authors: Lafaurie M , Dolivo M , Girard P‐M , May T , Bouchaud O , Carbonnel E , Madelaine I , Loze B , Porcher R , Molina J‐M ,   ANRS 132 SMILE study group
Published: February 2013

Objectives

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the noninferiority of polyacrylamide hydrogel (PH) vs. polylactic acid (PLA) for the treatment of facial lipoatrophy in HIV‐infected adults.

Methods

A randomized, blinded, multicentre, noninferiority 96‐week study was carried out. Patients with facial lipoatrophy were randomly assigned to receive intradermal injections with PH or PLA, and were blinded to the filler. The primary efficacy endpoint was patient satisfaction at week 48 assessed using a visual analogue scale score (VAS). Secondary efficacy end‐points included cheek thickness and skin‐fold, lipoatrophy grading and quality of life. Safety was assessed by the reporting of adverse events.

Results

A total of 148 patients were included in the study; 93% were men, the median age was 47 years, the median CD4 count was 528 cells/μL, and the median duration of antiretroviral therapy was 12 years. Mean VAS increased from 2.8 at baseline to 7.1 and 7.5 in the PLA and PH arms, respectively, at week 48 (P = 0.0002 for noninferiority) and was sustained at week 96 (6.7 and 7.9 in the PLA and PH arms, respectively; P = 0.003 for noninferiority). Cheek thickness and skin‐fold increases and lipoatrophy improvement were similar in the two arms. Quality of life remained unchanged or improved depending on the questionnaire used. In injected patients, subcutaneous nodules emerged in 28 (41%) and 26 (37%) patients in the PLA and PH arms, respectively (P = 0.73). Four patients in the PH arm developed severe inflammatory nodules, a median of 17 months after the last injection.

Conclusions

PH and PLA have similar efficacies in the treatment of facial lipoatrophy, but PH may be associated with more delayed inflammatory nodules.
Development of New Cordierite‐Based Refractory Coatings for Casting Applications
Authors: Prstić Aurel , Aćimović‐Pavlović Zagorka , Terzić Anja , Pavlović Ljubica , Grujić Snežana
Published: February 2013

In this study, new refractory coatings based on synthesized cordierite for the casting applications were developed. The investigation included starting raw materials characterization, synthesis of the cordierite, design of the refractory coating as final product, and its application testing. The obtained results pointed out that coating suspension sediment stability was crucial quality parameter. Design and optimization of the coatings composition, with controlled rheological properties included, were achieved by application of different coating components, namely different suspension agents and by alteration of the coating production procedure. Cordierite, used as filler, was obtained by means of synthesis in the solid‐state reaction on the basis of talc, kaolin, and alumina. The investigation showed that the application of these particular types of water/alcohol‐based coatings has positive influence on surface quality and structural and mechanical properties of the castings of aluminum alloys obtained by casting into sand molds by means of evaporable models method, that is, evaporate pattern casting process.
SiC Matrix Structure–Function Composites Prepared by Pressureless Sintering and Their Microwave Attenuation Property in the X Band
Authors: Zhou Zehua , Wang Zehua , Ding Ying , Yi Yu , Jiang Shaoqun , Zhao Weihua , Tan Shouhong , Jiang Dongliang
Published: February 2013

For developing excellent microwave attenuation materials in a wide band, two series of SiC‐C (graphite) composites with different C additions were fabricated by pressureless sintering, using α‐SiC and β‐SiC green powder, respectively. β‐SBC composites were more suitable for microwave attenuation materials than α‐SBC composites. β‐SiC composites with 3 wt% C additions exhibited the best microwave absorption: The most significant microwave attenuation was −40.5 dB, and most other attenuations were above −30 dB in the whole X band. The composites were prepared with cost‐effective and easily controllable manufacturing process and can be considered as structure–function materials for particular applications.
Fabrication of Mn–Co Spinel Coatings on Crofer 22 APU Stainless Steel by Electrophoretic Deposition for Interconnect Applications in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhang Yong , Javed Athar , Zhou Mengmeng , Liang Shuquan , Xiao Ping
Published: February 2013

This study investigates the microstructure, oxidation kinetics, and electrical behavior of Mn–Co spinel coating for interconnect applications in solid oxide fuel cells. A relatively dense, uniform, and well‐adherent Mn–Co (Mn1.5Co1.5O4) spinel coating with good oxidation resistance and stable conductivity was successfully prepared on the surface of Crofer 22 APU stainless steel using electrophoretic deposition followed by sintering at 1150°C. During further thermal treatment at 800°C, the chromium oxide (Cr2O3) sublayer formed at the substrate/coating interface during sintering showed a very slow growth, and no chromium penetration was detected in the Mn–Co coating. The oxidation kinetics of the Mn–Co‐coated substrate obeyed the parabolic law with the a parabolic rate constant kp of 5.20 × 10−15 g2/cm4/s, which was 1–2 orders of magnitude lower than that of the uncoated Crofer 22 APU stainless steel substrate. For oxidation (at 800°C) times ≥50 h, the area‐specific resistance of the Mn–Co‐coated Crofer 22 APU substrate became ~17 mΩ·cm2 and was almost constant after further oxidation.
A Si–SiC Oxidation‐resistant Coating for Carbon/Carbon Composites by Hot‐pressing Reaction Technique
Authors: Fu Qiangang , Cao Cuiwei , Li Hejun , Tao Jun , Li Kezhi
Published: February 2013

A Si–SiC coating was prepared by hot‐pressing reactive sintering (HPRS) technique for protecting carbon/carbon (C/C) composites against oxidation. The Si–SiC coating has a dense and crack‐free structure with a thickness of 70–90 μm. The Si–SiC coating by HPRS has a higher SiC content and lower Si content than the coating by pressure‐less reactive sintering (PRS). It also exhibits better oxidation‐protective ability than that prepared by PRS. With hot‐pressing, the flexural strength of the Si–SiC coated C/C composites decreases from 121 MPa to 99 MPa, and the interface bonding strength increases from 6 MPa to 10 MPa.
Application of platelet‐rich gel to enhance healing of transmetatarsal amputations in diabetic dysvascular patients
Authors: Serra Raffaele , Buffone Gianluca , Dominijanni Andrea , Molinari Vincenzo , Montemurro Rossella , de Franciscis Stefano
Published: February 2013

Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) represents an effective surgical procedure used to treat several clinical conditions such as forefoot infection, gangrene and chronic ulceration in diabetic patients. TMA permits walking without the need for prosthesis, but nevertheless is burdened with a high complications rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility to use platelet gel (PG) as an adjuvant therapy when performing TMA procedure in diabetic patients. In a 6‐year period, 26 diabetic patients had undergone TMA procedure followed by autologous PG applications (group A) and 32 patients had undergone TMA as sole procedure (group B). After TMA procedure, the treatment is based on outpatient management and consists of a weekly platelet‐rich plasma gel application on the surgical wound for 1 month in group A and on clinical evaluation only for group B. For group A, healing rate was of 96·15% and one patient (3·84%) presented wound dehiscence, and no postoperative wound infections occurred. For group B, healing rate was of 59·37%; severe infection of the stump prompted to the proximal amputations in 40·62% of patients during the follow‐up period. PG application may be an effective adjuvant treatment to improve wound healing in diabetic dysvascular patients.