bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The worker's ear: A history of noise‐induced hearing loss
Authors: Thurston Floyd E.
Published: July 2012

Hearing loss afflicts millions of people throughout the world, and many of those millions are workers who have been exposed to excessive noise. People have always been surrounded by a variety of sounds in their environments, but the invention of gunpowder and the Industrial Revolution introduced new sounds of greater intensity than ever before. It is only within the past 40 years that serious efforts to reduce excessive noise at work sites have been initiated. In the latter half of the 20th century, many governments imposed regulations to limit workers' exposure to loud sounds. Because of this recent action, some people may believe that the recognition of occupational noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL) is relatively new. However, a review of selected historical and medical manuscripts, books, and articles show that the association of hearing changes with loud noise exposure was recognized for centuries before systematic attempts were made to limit the exposure. Delays in implementing controls to limit noise exposure were due to cultural reasons, technical problems in controlling noise generation, and a lack of understanding of the mechanics of hearing loss. A historical perspective on this issue may remind health care providers that they need to continue to emphasize hearing conservation measures as occupational noise exposures change with the shift of industrial activities between countries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:367–377, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Screening for MYO15A gene mutations in autosomal recessive nonsyndromic, GJB2 negative Iranian deaf population
Authors: Fattahi Zohreh , Shearer A. Eliot , Babanejad Mojgan , Bazazzadegan Niloofar , Almadani Seyed Navid , Nikzat Nooshin , Jalalvand Khadijeh , Arzhangi Sanaz , Esteghamat Fatemehsadat , Abtahi Rezvan , Azadeh Batool , Smith Richard J.H. , Kahrizi Kimia , Najmabadi Hossein
Published: July 2012

MYO15A is located at the DFNB3 locus on chromosome 17p11.2, and encodes myosin‐XV, an unconventional myosin critical for the formation of stereocilia in hair cells of cochlea. Recessive mutations in this gene lead to profound autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) in humans and the shaker2 (sh2) phenotype in mice. Here, we performed a study on 140 Iranian families in order to determine mutations causing ARNSHL. The families, who were negative for mutations in GJB2, were subjected to linkage analysis. Eight of these families showed linkage to the DFNB3 locus, suggesting a MYO15A mutation frequency of 5.71% in our cohort of Iranian population. Subsequent sequencing of the MYO15A gene led to identification of 7 previously unreported mutations, including 4 missense mutations, 1 nonsense mutation, and 2 deletions in different regions of the myosin‐XV protein. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of deletion and duplication in a patient with a 46,XX,der(7)t(7;17)(q36;p13)mat karyotype
Authors: Frühmesser Anne , Haberlandt Edda , Judmaier Werner , Schinzel Albert , Utermann Barbara , Erdel Martin , Fauth Christine , Utermann Gerd , Zschocke Johannes , Kotzot Dieter
Published: July 2012

Exact breakpoint determination by DNA‐array has dramatically improved the analysis of genotype–phenotype correlations in chromosome aberrations. It allows a more exact definition of the most relevant genes and particularly their isolated or combined impact on the phenotype in an unbalanced state. Here, we report on a 21‐year‐old female with severe growth retardation, severe intellectual disability, hypoplasia of the corpus callosum, unilateral sacral hypoplasia, tethered cord, various minor facial dysmorphisms, and a telomeric deletion of about 4.4 Mb in 7q36.2‐>qter combined with a telomeric duplication of about 8 Mb in 17pter‐>p13.1. Fine mapping was achieved with the Illumina® Infinium HumanOmni1‐Quad v1.0 BeadChip. Most of the major clinical features correspond to the well‐known effects of haploinsufficiency of the MNX1 and SHH genes. In addition, review of the literature suggests an association of the 17p duplication with specific facial dysmorphic features and skeletal anomalies, but also an aggravating effect of the duplication‐deletion for severe growth retardation as well as sacral and corpus callosum hypoplasia by one or more genes located on the proximal half of the segmental 17p duplication could be elaborated by comparison with other patients from the literature carrying either the deletion or the duplication found in our patient. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Macrocephaly, obesity, mental (intellectual) disability, and ocular abnormalities: Alternative definition and further delineation of MOMO syndrome
Authors: Di Donato N. , Riess A. , Hackmann K. , Rump A. , Huebner A. , von der Hagen M. , Hahn G. , Schrock E. , Tinschert S.
Published: July 2012

MOMO syndrome, previously defined as Macrosomia, Obesity, Macrocephaly, and Ocular abnormalities (OMIM 157980) is a rare intellectual disability syndrome of unknown cause. We describe two further patients with MOMO syndrome. Reported data of patients with MOMO syndrome and our own findings indicate that overgrowth does not appear to be a specific feature. We propose to form the acronym “MOMO” from Macrocephaly, Obesity, Mental (intellectual) disability, and Ocular abnormalities, excluding macrosomia from the syndrome name. The combination of obesity, macrocephaly, and colobomas is unique, therefore these features can be used as major diagnostic criteria of MOMO syndrome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of allelic heterogeneity of the CCK‐A receptor gene in paranoid schizophrenia
Authors: Zheng Chunming , Fu Qiang , Shen Yan , Xu Qi
Published: July 2012

The cholecystokinin type A receptor (CCKAR) gene has been found to be associated with positive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia but the results reported to date are inconsistent. Considering the involvement of allelic heterogeneity in poor replication of the CCKAR finding, we genotyped five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the 5′ putative regulatory region of the CCKAR gene in a Chinese case–control sample and then applied the 5‐SNP haplotype analysis to extract allelic heterogeneity information. The results showed that three individual haplotypes were strongly associated with increased risk of schizophrenia (corrected P = 2.9 × 10−4, P = 2.5 × 10−5, and P = 1.4 × 10−5, respectively) and their combination gave an odds ratio (OR) of 6.12 with 95% CI 3.67–10.21 (P = 6.7 × 10−15). The haplotypes were also associated with some clinical symptoms including hallucination, suspiciousness, and hostility. Our work provided further evidence in support of the CCKAR hypothesis of schizophrenia and also suggested that haplotype‐based association analysis may be a powerful approach for identification of allelic heterogeneity of a disease‐underlying gene, which is very likely to be attributable to poor replication of an initial finding due to the reduction of sample power and the complexity of genetic architectures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of array comparative genomic hybridization in 102 patients with epilepsy and additional neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Bartnik Magdalena , Szczepanik Elżbieta , Derwińska Katarzyna , Wiśniowiecka‐Kowalnik Barbara , Gambin Tomasz , Sykulski Maciej , Ziemkiewicz Kamila , Kędzior Marta , Gos Monika , Hoffman‐Zacharska Dorota , Mazurczak Tomasz , Jeziorek Anetta , Antczak‐Marach Dorota , Rudzka‐Dybała Mariola , Mazurkiewicz Hanna , Goszczańska‐Ciuchta Alicja , Zalewska‐Miszkurka Zofia , Terczyńska Iwona , Sobierajewicz Małgorzata , Shaw Chad A. , Gambin Anna , Mierzewska Hanna , Mazurczak Tadeusz , Obersztyn Ewa , Bocian Ewa , Stankiewicz Paweł
Published: July 2012

Copy‐number variants (CNVs) collectively represent an important cause of neurodevelopmental disorders such as developmental delay (DD)/intellectual disability (ID), autism, and epilepsy. In contrast to DD/ID, for which the application of microarray techniques enables detection of pathogenic CNVs in ∼10–20% of patients, there are only few studies of the role of CNVs in epilepsy and genetic etiology in the vast majority of cases remains unknown. We have applied whole‐genome exon‐targeted oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) to a cohort of 102 patients with various types of epilepsy with or without additional neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Chromosomal microarray analysis revealed 24 non‐polymorphic CNVs in 23 patients, among which 10 CNVs are known to be clinically relevant. Two rare deletions in 2q24.1q24.3, includingKCNJ3and 9q21.13 are novel pathogenic genetic loci and 12 CNVs are of unknown clinical significance. Our results further support the notion that rare CNVs can cause different types of epilepsy, emphasize the efficiency of detecting novel candidate genes by whole‐genome array CGH, and suggest that the clinical application of array CGH should be extended to patients with unexplained epilepsies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The association of TGF‐β1 codon 10 polymorphism with suicide behavior
Authors: Omrani Mir Davood , Bagheri Morteza , Bushehri Behzad , Azizi Faezeh , Anoshae Mohamad‐Reza
Published: July 2012

Many risk factors have been identified for suicide behavior and although a role for cytokines has been suggested in specific psychiatric conditions and suicide behavior, this role is not well‐defined. Since some polymorphisms can alter the expression of cytokines, in this study we attempted to assess the role of TGF‐β1 codon 10 (T/C) polymorphisms (rs1982073) in suicide behavior. A total of 145 individuals with suicide behavior as well as 200 control participants (without any history of suicide behavior) were included in the study. TGF‐β1 codon 10 polymorphism was determined using allele‐specific oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction. Our results demonstrated that the TGF‐β1 codon 10 T/T genotype was significantly more prevalent in individuals with suicide behavior (41.7%), in comparison with the controls (27%). The findings of this study demonstrated an association between TGF‐β1 (codon 10) T/C polymorphisms and suicide behavior. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mutations in potassium channel kcnd3 cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 19
Authors: Duarri Anna , Jezierska Justyna , Fokkens Michiel , Meijer Michel , Schelhaas Helenius J. , den Dunnen Wilfred F. A. , van Dijk Freerk , Verschuuren‐Bemelmans Corien , Hageman Gerard , van de Vlies Pieter , Küsters Benno , van de Warrenburg Bart P. , Kremer Berry , Wijmenga Cisca , Sinke Richard J. , Swertz Morris A. , Kampinga Harm H. , Boddeke Erik , Verbeek Dineke S.
Published: July 2012

Objective:

To identify the causative gene for the neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia type 19 (SCA19) located on chromosomal region 1p21‐q21.

Methods:

Exome sequencing was used to identify the causal mutation in a large SCA19 family. We then screened 230 ataxia families for mutations located in the same gene (KCND3, also known as Kv4.3) using high‐resolution melting. SCA19 brain autopsy material was evaluated, and in vitro experiments using ectopic expression of wild‐type and mutant Kv4.3 were used to study protein localization, stability, and channel activity by patch‐clamping.

Results:

We detected a T352P mutation in the third extracellular loop of the voltage‐gated potassium channel KCND3 that cosegregated with the disease phenotype in our original family. We identified 2 more novel missense mutations in the channel pore (M373I) and the S6 transmembrane domain (S390N) in 2 other ataxia families. T352P cerebellar autopsy material showed severe Purkinje cell degeneration, with abnormal intracellular accumulation and reduced protein levels of Kv4.3 in their soma. Ectopic expression of all mutant proteins in HeLa cells revealed retention in the endoplasmic reticulum and enhanced protein instability, in contrast to wild‐type Kv4.3 that was localized on the plasma membrane. The regulatory β subunit Kv channel interacting protein 2 was able to rescue the membrane localization and the stability of 2 of the 3 mutant Kv4.3 complexes. However, this either did not restore the channel function of the membrane‐located mutant Kv4.3 complexes or restored it only partially.

Interpretation:

KCND3 mutations cause SCA19 by impaired protein maturation and/or reduced channel function. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:870–880
Bayesian approach to electron correlation in density functional theory
Authors: Tsekov R. , Vayssilov G.N.
Published: July 2012

In the present communication we applied the Bayesian conditional probability approach to the wave function of a many‐electron system that resulted in the appearance of a quantum vector potential in the DFT Schrödinger equation due to electron correlation, apart from the correlation energy term. Mathematically, the effect of this vector potential is equivalent to a magnetic field that corresponds in particular to a conservative irrotational one if it is considered in connection with the correlation potential. An analysis of the effect of the correlation momentum on the electronic transitions suggested that the electron correlation increases the transition probability.
Preparation and characterization of TiO2 nanofibers via using polylactic acid as template
Authors: Liu Mengzhu , Cheng Zhiqiang , Yan Juntao , Qiang Linhui , Ru Xin , Liu Fei , Ding Dawei , Li Junfeng
Published: July 2012

A simple procedure is reported for the fabrication of TiO2 nanofibers via electrospinning technique using polylactic acid (PLA), tetrabutyl titanate, and hexafluoroisopropanol as a spinning solution. TiO2 nanofibers (600–700 nm in diameter), with bundled nanofibrils align in the fiber direction, are obtained from the calcination of the as‐spun TiO2/PLA composite nanofibers at 550°C. The structure and physicochemical property of generated nanofibers are elucidated by Fourier transform‐Infrared radiation spectrometer, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and Thermogravimetric‐differential thermal analysis, respectively. The photocatalytical activity of the TiO2 nanofibers is testified by quantifying the degradation of methylene orange. The result indicates that the TiO2 nanofibers with pure anatase phase, which are prepared at 550°C, shows an excellent photocatalytic activity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Peering into polypyrrole–SDS nanodispersions: Rheological view
Authors: Gangopadhyay Rupali
Published: July 2012

Synthesis and rheological properties of a series of polypyrrole (PPy) nanodispersions stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) are described here. Changes in particle size, morphology, spectroscopy (UV–vis), and rheological properties (steady and dynamic) of the dispersions with variation in PPy fraction were studied. PPy nanoparticles (20–50 nm) incorporated within large micellar entanglements (>700 nm) were identified from transmission electron micrograph and dynamic light scattering studies. On standing the dispersions, electrostatic interaction among the micelles via Fe3+ comes into play and the dispersion is gradually crosslinked to form a soft gel. Shear thinning generally observed for steady rheology measurements (1–500 s−1) on freshly prepared dispersion is accounted for the breakdown of larger entanglements under high shear. The aged dispersion (before gelling), however, exhibits a viscosity plateau, characteristic of the crosslinked systems. The dispersion [with loss (G″) moduli > storage (G′) moduli] behaves like a viscous liquid and resembles to semidilute polymeric solutions. Zimm model is roughly followed by the system as revealed from the respective slopes of G′ and G″ curves. The partially crosslinked system (aged by 7 days) partly follows Maxwell model, and a crossover of G′ and G″ corresponding to a single relaxation time is obtained. Stability of the dispersion, nanoscopic particle size, moderate conductivity, and shear thinning behavior encourage its prospect as conducting ink/paint. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Essential work of fracture of low‐filled poly(methyl methacrylate)/starch composites
Authors: Ali S. Mohammad , Unnikrishnan G. , Joseph M. A.
Published: July 2012

In this study, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/starch composites were prepared by a simple solvent casting method. The morphologies of the PMMA/starch composites were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The intermolecular interaction between PMMA and starch was investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermal properties of the PMMA/starch composites were compared with those of the pure PMMA sample. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability increased as the starch content increased in the composites. The biodegradability of the PMMA/starch composites was studied with a soil burial test. The degradability was measured in terms of mechanical strength, which increased as the starch content increased. The essential work of fracture (EWF) of the PMMA/starch composite films was investigated by the application of EWF theory under in‐plane (mode I) conditions, and we found that the toughness, in terms of the EWF of composites, increased compared to that of pure PMMA. The fracture of the composites was also evaluated by ANSYS software, and the results were compared to the experimental output. The increased toughness of these PMMA/starch composites may enable their application in the automobile and packaging industries. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis, characterization, and application of novel amphiphilic poly(D‐gluconamidoethyl methacrylate)‐b‐polyurethane‐b‐ poly(D‐gluconamidoethyl methacrylate) triblock copolymers
Authors: Vishwakarma Niraj Kumar , Mishra Avnish Kumar , Mishra Abhinay , Paira Tapas , Patel Vijay Kumar , Biswas Chandra Sekhar , Mandal Tarun Kumar , Maiti Pralay , Ray Biswajit
Published: July 2012

Novel amphiphilic ABA‐type poly(D‐gluconamidoethyl methacrylate)‐b‐polyurethane‐b‐poly(D‐gluconamidoethyl methacrylate) (PGAMA‐b‐PU‐b‐PGAMA) tri‐block copolymers were successfully synthesized via the combination of the step‐growth and copper‐catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Dihydroxy polyurethane (HO‐PU‐OH) was synthesized by the step‐growth polymerization of hexamethylene diisocyanate with poly(tetramethylene glycol). PGAMA‐b‐PU‐b‐PGAMA block copolymers were synthesized via copper‐catalyzed ATRP of GAMA in N, N‐dimethyl formamide at 20°C in the presence of 2, 2′‐bipyridyl using Br‐PU‐Br as macroinitiator and characterized by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and GPC. The resulting block copolymer forms spherical micelles in water as observed in TEM study, and also supported by 1H NMR spectroscopy and light scattering. Miceller size increases with increase in hydrophilic PGAMA chain length as revealed by DLS study. The critical micellar concentration values of the resulting block copolymers increased with the increase of the chain length of the PGAMA block. Thermal properties of these block copolymers were studied by thermo‐gravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetric study. Spherical Ag‐nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using these block copolymers as stabilizer. The dimension of Ag nanoparticle was tailored by altering the chain length of the hydrophilic block of the copolymer. A mechanism has been proposed for the formation of stable and regulated Ag nanoparticle using various chain length of hydrophilic PGAMA block of the tri‐block copolymer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Radiolytic introduction of multiple functional groups to multiwalled carbon nanotubes and their application as biosensor supports
Authors: Kim Kyo‐Il , Kim Beom‐Ju , Kim Ki‐Chul , Choi Seong‐Ho
Published: July 2012

Tyrosinase was immobilized on multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) supports that were functionalized with multiple groups. It was then used for the detection of phenolic compounds. The radiation‐induced graft polymerization of 1‐[(4‐ethenylphenyl)methyl]‐3‐buthyl‐imidazolium chloride and vinyl ferrocene introduced functional groups derived from both species onto the nanotubes' surfaces: imidazolium salts that contained sites for the enzyme's immobilization via ionic bonding and ferrocene compounds that acted as electron transfer mediators via redox reactions. Using these additives at a 1 : 4 molar ratio resulted in an electrode with optimized current. The multifunctionalized nanotube supports were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The prepared tyrosinase‐immobilized biosensor showed a sensing range of 1.0 × 10−4
M to 7.0 × 10−4
M and was used for the detection of phenolic compounds in red wines. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Improving filtration performance of electrospun nanofiber mats by a bimodal method
Authors: Mei Yan , Wang Zhiming , Li Xinsong
Published: July 2012

Nanofiber filtration is drawing an ever‐increasing attention nowadays because of its high filtration efficiency as well as low basic weight. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of structural characteristics on filtration performance with a single nanofiber mat between two pieces of nonwoven membranes. The filtration performance of nanofiber mats was evaluated by quality factor, the ratio of aerosol filtration efficiency to pressure drop. It was found that the quality factor dropped rapidly when the average fiber diameter (df) increased from 358 to 425 nm and decreased slowly from df = 425 nm to df = 1250 nm. This proved that gas‐slip effect occurred on nanofibers with smaller diameters. Similarly, the quality factor of unimodal nanofiber mat declined as the packing density increased. Meanwhile, these data were compared with corresponding prediction of ideal mats predominantly from theoretical equations. Nanofiber mats with bimodal fiber size distributions were tested at the same condition. When compared with the unimodal nanofiber mats having the same weight‐averaged fiber diameter and similar packing density, the bimodal nanofiber mats exhibited higher quality factors. Hence, the bimodal method is an effective method for the improvement of filtration performance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Tunicamycin Inhibits PDGF‐BB‐Induced Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Through Induction of HO‐1
Authors: Yi Nan , Chen Si‐yu , Ma Ai , Chen Peng‐sheng , Yao Bing , Liang Ting‐ming , Liu Chang
Published: July 2012

The abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC), which is triggered by various external stimuli, contributes importantly to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis. Recent studies indicate that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is intensively involved in the pathophysiological changes of VSMCs by various stimuli. However, the direct effects of ER stress on VSMC proliferation and migration remain unknown. In this study, we found that pretreatment with tunicamycin (Tm), an ER stress inducer, significantly inhibited platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB‐induced VSMC proliferation and migration in a dose‐dependent manner without causing significant apoptosis. Tm stimulated the expression of the antioxidant gene heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) both at the transcriptional and translational levels, while reducing phosphorylation and activation of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases. The negative regulative effects of Tm were associated with a decrease in cyclins and cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) activation. More importantly, HO‐1 siRNA partially abolished the beneficial effects of Tm on VSMCs. These results indicate that Tm‐induced ER stress provides protection against the abnormal VSMC activation by PDGF‐BB, which may be mediated by the induction of HO‐1 and blockade of cell cycle reentry. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between maternal age and birth defects of unknown etiology ― United States, 1997–2007
Authors: Gill Simerpal K. , Broussard Cheryl , Devine Owen , Green Ridgely Fisk , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Reefhuis Jennita ,   and the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Birth defects affect 3% of babies born, and are one of the leading causes of infant mortality. Both younger and older maternal age may pose increased risks for certain birth defects. This study assessed the relationship between maternal age at the estimated delivery date and the risk for birth defects. METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a population‐based case‐control study including mothers across 10 states. Maternal age was stratified into six categories: <20, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, and ≥40 years, and also analyzed as a continuous variable. Logistic regression models adjusted formaternal race/ethnicity, education, body mass index (BMI), folic acid use, smoking, gravidity, and parental age difference were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: For maternal age <20 years, associations with total anomalous pulmonary venous return (aOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3–4.0), amniotic band sequence (aOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.5–3.8), and gastroschisis (aOR, 6.1; 95% CI, 4.8–8.0) were observed. For the ≥40 year age group, associations with several cardiac defects, esophageal atresia (aOR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.7–4.9), hypospadias (aOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4–3.0), and craniosynostosis (aOR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.4) were observed. Results using maternal age as a continuous variable were consistent with those that used categorized maternal age. CONCLUSION: Elucidating risk factors specific to women ateither extreme of maternal age may offer prevention opportunities. All women should be made aware of prevention opportunities, such as folic acid supplementation, to reduce the occurrence of birth defects. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
COX‐2 in the neurodegenerative process of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Teismann Peter
Published: July 2012

The enzyme cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), responsible for the first committed step in the synthesis of several important mediators which are involved in both initiation and resolution of inflammation, and the subsequent generation of prostaglandins (PGs) upon activation has been shown to participate in the neurodegenerative processes of a variety of diseases. This review looks particular at the role of COX‐2 in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, involving the generation of PGs and the role of the two different parts of the cyclooxygenase—cyclooxygenase and peroxidase activity. © 2012 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
The Development and Classification Accuracy of the Life Assessment Questionnaire in the Detection of Pain‐Related Malingering
Authors: Tearnan Blake H. , Ross Sylvia An
Published: July 2012

This paper describes three phases of the development and validation of the Life Assessment Questionnaire (LAQ), a multi‐scale inventory for assessing potential malingering in adults reporting chronic pain. Study 1 involved scale construction and item analysis. Discriminant validity was investigated in Study 2 by comparing scores for the clinical reference group with participants instructed to simulate chronic pain. Study 3 examined the convergent validity of the LAQ with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐2 (MMPI‐2) and Behavioral Assessment of Pain (BAP). Results revealed that the simulation groups scored significantly higher than the clinical reference group across all scales. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed sensitivity and specificity scores ranging from 0.44 to 0.57 and 0.88 to 0.93, respectively. Positive predictive power values ranged between 0.79 and 0.88. Strong convergent validity was found for the LAQ. These studies demonstrated the effectiveness of the LAQ in classifying individuals who feign pain complaints, supporting the utility of the LAQ for reaching conclusions about the presence of malingering. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arteriotomy closure device safety after percutaneous coronary intervention in the direct thrombin inhibitor era: A comparative study
Authors: Theodos Gus , Raymond Chad , Becker Matthew C. , Thornton Julie , Ellis Stephen G. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Raymond Russell E.
Published: July 2012

Objectives

To investigate the safety and risk of vascular complications of arteriotomy closure devices (ACD) with the direct thrombin inhibitor bivalirudin in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

ACDs and manual compression have been shown to have a similar risk of complications in the setting of PCI with heparin ± glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitor usage. In many centers bivalirudin is becoming the most frequent type of anticoagulation used during PCI. We sought to determine the risk of vascular complications using Angio‐Seal, Perclose, and manual compression for groin hemostasis using predominantly bivalirudin.

Methods

Our institution's interventional database retrospectively identified 14,354 consecutive patients undergoing PCI from 2000 to 2008. Patients were grouped by the adjunctive anticoagulation used (bivalirudin vs. heparin + GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors) as well as ACD employed. The incidence of complications was evaluated using multivariable analysis to account for baseline differences between groups.

Results

Patients undergoing PCI with adjunctive bivalirudin had significantly fewer complications overall, regardless of closure method (2.9% vs. 8.7%, P < 0.001). The Perclose group had significantly fewer complications than the Angio‐Seal and manual compression groups (3.9% vs. 5.6% vs. 9.0%, P < 0.001) respectively; the Angio‐Seal group had significantly fewer complications than manual compression. Multivariable analysis also identified age ≥65, female gender, BMI ≤ 26, and operator as independent predictors of complications.

Conclusions

The use of adjunctive bivalirudin during PCI was associated with fewer vascular complications. In addition, the Perclose and Angio‐Seal devices had significantly fewer complications than manual compression and women ≥65 are at highest risk. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DOTAM‐type ligands possessing arginine pendant groups for use in PARACEST MRI
Authors: Suchý Mojmír , Li Alex X. , Milne Mark , Bartha Robert , Hudson Robert H. E.
Published: July 2012

A synthetic methodology was developed for the preparation of metal‐chelating ligands that possess arginine pendant groups relying on the alkylation of 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen) with arginine‐containing electrophiles. Conditions for the selective trialkylation or peralkylation of cyclen are described, the outcome being dependent on the nature of the arginine‐derived electrophile and the solvent used for the reaction. Lanthanide metal complexes of the ligands prepared by the described route were evaluated for their suitability as PARACEST contrast agents for use in magnetic resonance imaging. The Dy3+ and Tm3+ complexes display CEST effects that are associated with the amide protons proximate to the metal center. These signals exhibit pH dependence in the range of 6.0–8.0 and thus may have the potential for pH measurement in physiological range. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperpolarized 13C‐labelled anhydrides as DNP precursors of metabolic MRI agents
Authors: Colombo Serra Sonia , Karlsson Magnus , Giovenzana Giovanni Battista , Cavallotti Camilla , Tedoldi Fabio , Aime Silvio
Published: July 2012

The extraordinary enhancement of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal that can be obtained by dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) techniques is prompting new avenues of research based on the in vivo detection of metabolic abnormalities associated with the onset and progression of human diseases. 13C‐labelled short‐chain fatty acids appear to be interesting candidates for this novel class of metabolic‐active contrast agents (MCAs), as they have been shown to report on metabolic differences between healthy and ischaemic tissues in mice. In spite of their promising biological efficacy, the formulations of short‐chain fatty acids that fulfil the many technical constraints of the DNP procedure, as it is today, may limit their clinical potential. New solutions have been sought to circumvent technology‐related challenges and facilitate clinical translation of these molecules. In particular, it has been shown that, by using symmetric anhydrides as chemical precursors for short‐chain fatty acids, no glass‐forming additives are needed in the DNP formulations. Furthermore, novel esterified trityl radicals and lipophilic gadolinium complexes allow easy removal of the polarization‐promoting additives at the end of the DNP process. By applying the three concepts reported, we have succeeded in preparing aqueous formulations of short‐chain fatty acids for pharmaceutical use that have favourable properties compared with those obtained from current procedures. The use of organic derivatives as chemical precursors of the MCA of interest appears to be a generally valid concept, not restricted to symmetric anhydrides of fatty acids, which can markedly improve the clinical potential of other 13C‐labelled compounds. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonuniform distribution of contacts from noradrenergic and serotonergic boutons on the dendrites of cat splenius motoneurons
Authors: Montague Steven J. , Fenrich Keith K. , Mayer‐Macaulay Colin , Maratta Robert , Neuber‐Hess Monica S. , Rose P. Ken
Published: July 2012

The input‐output properties of motoneurons are dynamically regulated. This regulation depends, in part, on the relative location of excitatory and inhibitory synapses, voltage‐dependent and ‐independent channels, and neuromodulatory synapses on the dendritic tree. The goal of the present study was to quantify the number and distribution of synapses from two powerful neuromodulatory systems that originate from noradrenergic (NA) and serotonergic (5‐HT) neurons. Here we show that the dendritic trees of motoneurons innervating a dorsal neck extensor muscle, splenius, in the adult cat are densely, but not uniformly innervated by both NA and 5‐HT boutons. Identified splenius motoneurons were intracellularly stained with Neurobiotin. Using 3D reconstruction techniques we mapped the distributions of contacts formed by NA and 5‐HT boutons on the reconstructed dendritic trees of these motoneurons. Splenius motoneurons received an average of 1,230 NA contacts (range = 647–1,507) and 1,582 5‐HT contacts (range = 1,234–2,143). The densities of these contacts were 10 (NA) to 6 (5‐HT)‐fold higher on small compared to large‐diameter dendrites. This relationship largely accounts for the bias of NA and 5‐HT contacts on distal dendrites and is partially responsible for the higher density of NA contacts on dendrites located more than 200 μm dorsal to the soma. These results suggest that the neuromodulatory actions of NA and 5‐HT are compartmentalized and regulate the input‐output properties of motoneurons according to precisely arranged interactions with voltage‐dependent and ‐independent channels that are primarily located on small‐diameter dendrites. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:638–656, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of small‐field bistratified amacrine cells in macaque retina labeled by antibodies against synaptotagmin‐2
Authors: Neumann Sonja , Haverkamp Silke
Published: July 2012

Macaque retinae were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies directed against the protein synaptotagmin‐2 (Syt2). Syt2 was localized in a population of small‐field amacrine cells, whose cell bodies formed a regular mosaic within the inner nuclear layer, indicating they represent a single amacrine cell type. The labeled amacrine cells had a bistratified appearance with a dense dendritic plexus in the OFF‐layer and only a few lobular processes extending into the ON‐layer of the inner plexiform layer, similar to A8 amacrine cells described in cat and human retina. Syt2‐labeled cells were immunoreactive for glycine but lacked immunoreactivity for γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), suggesting they use glycine as their neurotransmitter. The density of these cells increases from ∼200/mm2 in peripheral retina to ∼1,400/mm2 in central retina. Their bipolar cell input was studied by immunolabeling experiments using various bipolar cell markers combined with CtBP2, a marker of presynaptic ribbons. Our data show that Syt2‐labeled amacrine cells receive input from both OFF and ON cone bipolar cells, as well as from rod bipolar cells. The OFF input is dominated by the diffuse bipolar cell DB1 (44%) and the OFF midget bipolar cell (38%). Here we describe a population of bistratified small‐field amacrine cells closely resembling A8 amacrine cells and their cone‐dominated bipolar cell input. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:709–724, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two‐Dimensional Infrared Correlation Spectroscopy and Principal Component Analysis on the Carbonation of Sterically Hindered Alkanolamines
Authors: Cheon Youngeun , Jung Young Mee , Lee Jeesun , Kim Heehwan , Im Jinkyu , Cheong Minserk , Kim Hoon Sik , Park Ho Seok
Published: July 2012

Despite the academic and industrial importance of the chemical reaction between carbon dioxide (CO2) and alkanolamine, the delicate and precise monitoring of the reaction dynamics by conventional one‐dimensional (1D) spectroscopy is still challenging, due to the overlapped bands and the restricted static information. Herein, we report two‐dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy (2D IR COS) and principal component analysis (PCA) on the reaction dynamics of a sterically hindered amine, 2‐[(1,1‐dimethylethyl)amino]ethanol (TBAE) and CO2. The formation of carbonate rather than carbamate species, which contribute to the unusual high working capacity of ∼1 mole CO2 per mole of TBAE at 40 °C, occurs through deprotonation of the hydroxyl group, protonation on the nitrogen atom of the amino group, and formation of a carbonate species due to the steric hindrance of the tert‐butyl group. In particular, PCA captures the chemical transition into a carbonate species and the main contributions of ${\nu _{{\rm{CO}}_2 } }$, ${\nu _{{\rm{OH}}} }$, ${\nu _{{\rm{C - N}}} }$, and ${\nu _{{\rm{C}} = {\rm{O}}} }$ bands to the carbonation, while 2D IR COS verifies the interrelation of four bands and their changes. Therefore, these results provide a powerful analytic method to understand the complex and abnormal reaction dynamics as well as the rational design strategy for the CO2 absorbents.
Biomimetic Mineralization of Calcium Phosphate on a Functionalized Porous Silicon Carbide Biomaterial
Authors: Dey Archan , van den Hoogen Chris. J. , Rosso Michel , Lousberg Niek , Hendrix Marco M. R. M. , Friedrich Heiner , Ramírez‐Rico Joaquín , Zuilhof Han , de With Gijsbertus , Sommerdijk Nico A. J. M.
Published: July 2012

Porous biomorphic silicon carbide (bioSiC) is a structurally realistic, high‐strength, and biocompatible material which is promising for application in load‐bearing implants. The deposition of an osteoconductive coating is essential for further improvement of its integration with the surrounding tissue. A new strategy towards biomimetic calcium phosphate coatings on bioSiC is described. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis shows that using 10‐undecenoic acid methyl ester a covalently bound monolayer can be synthesized on the surface of the bioSiC. After hydrolysis it exposes carboxylic acid groups that promote the selective nucleation and growth of a very well‐defined crystalline layer of calcium phosphate. The resulting calcium phosphate coating is characterized by X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques. Further, ion beam imaging is employed to quantify the mineral deposition meanwhile, three‐dimensional dual‐beam imaging (FIB/SEM) is used to visualize the bioSiC/mineral interface. The monolayer is show to actively induce the nucleation of a well‐defined and highly crystalline mixed octacalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (OCP/HAP) coating on implantable bioSiC substrates with complex geometry. The mild biomimetic procedure, in principle, allows for the inclusion of bioactive compounds that aid in tissue regeneration. Moreover, the mixed OCP/HAP phase will have a higher solubility compared to HAP, which, in combination with its porous structure, is expected to render the coating more reabsorbable than standard HAP coatings.
Definition, necessity, and Nansen: Efficacy of dialogue in peacebuilding
Authors: Feller Amanda E. , Ryan Kelly K.
Published: July 2012

In international conflict resolution the term dialogue is used frequently while lacking specificity. When examined in practice, dialogue is revealed as a specific, efficacious method for conflict management and peacebuilding. This article defines dialogue specifically through description of eight characteristics: coexistence; movement; encountering the “other”; assumption; creativity and flexibility; sharing; holistic; and multigenerational. In defining dialogue, a parameter is drawn and a method clarified. The case of Macedonia and the Nansen Dialogue Network (NDN) is drawn upon to illustrate these traits and the success of the method in long‐term conflict management and peacebuilding. NDN has used its dialogic approach in Macedonia, leading to integrated schooling. As integrated schooling has continued success with NDN as an ongoing dialogue facilitator, as of 2011 the Macedonia government is considering it as an educational model. As evidence of further success, this dialogue work has led to continued funding as well as peace‐related awards and nominations to NDN. Understanding the nature and success of dialogue as practiced is an essential, though often overlooked, aspect of international relations work.
Morphogenesis of outflow tract rotation during cardiac development: The pulmonary push concept
Authors: Scherptong Roderick W.C. , Jongbloed Monique R.M. , Wisse Lambertus J. , Vicente‐Steijn Rebecca , Bartelings Margot M. , Poelmann Robert E. , Schalij Martin J. , Gittenberger‐De Groot Adriana C.
Published: July 2012

Background: Understanding of cardiac outflow tract (OFT) remodeling is essential to explain repositioning of the aorta and pulmonary orifice. In wild type embryos (E9.5–14.5), second heart field contribution (SHF) to the OFT was studied using expression patterns of Islet 1, Nkx2.5, MLC‐2a, WT‐1, and 3D‐reconstructions. Abnormal remodeling was studied in VEGF120/120 embryos. Results: In wild type, Islet 1 and Nkx2.5 positive myocardial precursors formed an asymmetric elongated column almost exclusively at the pulmonary side of the OFT up to the pulmonary orifice. In VEGF120/120 embryos, the Nkx2.5‐positive mesenchymal population was disorganized with a short extension along the pulmonary OFT. Conclusions: We postulate that normally the pulmonary trunk and orifice are pushed in a higher and more frontal position relative to the aortic orifice by asymmetric addition of SHF‐myocardium. Deficient or disorganized right ventricular OFT expansion might explain cardiac malformations with abnormal position of the great arteries, such as double outlet right ventricle. Developmental Dynamics 241:1413–1422, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mouse lines with photo‐activatable mitochondria to study mitochondrial dynamics
Authors: Pham Anh H. , McCaffery J. Michael , Chan David C.
Published: July 2012

Many pathological states involve dysregulation of mitochondrial fusion, fission, or transport. These dynamic events are usually studied in cells lines because of the challenges in tracking mitochondria in tissues. To investigate mitochondrial dynamics in tissues and disease models, we generated two mouse lines withphoto‐activatable mitochondria (PhAM). In the
PhAM
floxed line, a mitochondrially localized version of the photo‐convertible fluorescent protein Dendra2 (mito‐Dendra2) is targeted to the ubiquitously expressed Rosa26 locus, along with an upstream
loxP‐flanked termination signal. Expression of Cre in PhAM
floxed cells results in bright mito‐Dendra2 fluorescence without adverse effects on mitochondrial morphology. When crossed with Cre drivers, the PhAM
floxed line expresses mito‐Dendra2 in specific cell types, allowing mitochondria to be tracked even in tissues that have high cell density. In a second line (PhAM
excised), the expression of mito‐Dendra2 is ubiquitous, allowing mitochondria to be analyzed in a wide range of live and fixed tissues. By using photo‐conversion techniques, we directly measured mitochondrial fusion events in cultured cells as well as tissues such as skeletal muscle. These mouse lines facilitate analysis of mitochondrial dynamics in a wide spectrum of primary cells and tissues, and can be used to examine mitochondria in developmental transitions and disease states. © genesis 1–11, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficacy of family‐based treatment for adolescents with eating disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Couturier Jennifer , Kimber Melissa , Szatmari Peter
Published: July 2012

Objective:

To systematically review and quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of Family‐Based Treatment (FBT) compared with individual treatment among adolescents with eating disorders.

Method:

The literature was reviewed using the MEDLINE search terms “family therapy AND Anorexia Nervosa,” and “family therapy AND Bulimia Nervosa”. This produced 12 randomized controlled trials involving adolescents with eating disorders and family therapy which were reviewed carefully for several inclusion criteria including: allocation concealment, intent‐to‐treat analysis, assessor blinding, behavioral family therapy compared with an individual therapy, and adolescent age group. References from these articles were searched. Only three studies met these strict inclusion criteria for meta‐analysis. A random effects model and odds ratio was used for meta‐analysis, looking at “remission” as the outcome of choice.

Results:

When combined in a meta‐analysis, end of treatment data indicated that FBT was not significantly different from individual treatment (z = 1.62, p = 0.11). However, when follow‐up data from 6 to 12 months were analyzed, FBT was superior to individual treatment (z = 2.94, p < 0.003), and heterogeneity was not significant (p = 0.59).

Discussion:

Although FBT does not appear to be superior to individual treatment at end of treatment, there appear to be significant benefits at 6–12 month follow‐up for adolescents suffering from eating disorders. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013)