bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploration of spiritual needs of Taiwanese patients with advanced cancer during the therapeutic processes
Authors: Hsiao Szu‐Mei , Gau Meei‐Ling , Ingleton Christine , Ryan Tony , Shih Fu‐Jin
Published: November 2010

Aims and objectives.  This study explores the spiritual needs of patients with advanced cancer during their therapeutic process in Taiwan and analyses the influence of Chinese culture in addressing their spiritual needs.

Background.  Many nurse clinicians have concerns about the difficulties of providing spiritual care for ethnic‐Chinese cancer clients within their cultural context, possibly as a result of lack of knowledge and training. There has been little research exploring the potential impact of Chinese cultural values on the spiritual needs of patients with advanced cancer.

Design.  Explorative qualitative enquiry was used.

Methods.  Data were collected through participant observation and in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews. Transcribed interview data were analysed by using qualitative content analysis. The purposive sample (n = 33) was drawn from a leading medical center (n = 19) with 3000 beds in the capital and a community‐based rural teaching hospital (n = 14) with 581 beds in Taiwan.

Results.  Four spiritual needs emerged from the analysis: the need to foster hope for survival and obtain a peaceful mindset, to fulfil the meanings of life and preserve one’s dignity, to experience more reciprocal human love and finally, to receive assistance in facing death peacefully.

Conclusion.  This research has shown that patients with advanced cancer need caregivers, friends and the help of their religion to meet their spiritual needs during the therapeutic processes.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of this study could assist health professionals to detect the unmet spiritual needs of ethnic‐Chinese patients with cancer in the context of their cultural or religious background as early as possible.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of problem‐solving approaches towards symptom management in cancer care
Authors: Lee Yun‐Hsiang , Chiou Piao‐Yi , Chang Pi‐Hua , Hayter Mark
Published: November 2010

Aims.  To investigate the evidence of problem‐solving approach interventions on symptom management in cancer care.

Background.  Symptom‐related problems are a common challenge in cancer care. The problem‐solving approach is one strategy of cognitive behavioural therapy used to help patients with cancer self‐manage their symptoms. However, no systematic review has investigated the effectiveness of this approach.

Design.  Systematic review.

Method.  A systematic search for intervention studies using randomised controlled designs, controlled clinical trial and quasi‐experimental studies designs was conducted using the following electronic databases: EBSCO host, CINAHL (1991–2008), Medline (1975–2009), Electronic Periodical Services (Chinese) and Electronic Theses and Dissertations System (Taiwan).

Results.  Seven studies published in English between 1975–2009 were included in this systematic review. All studies were randomly assigned and almost all studies demonstrated the positive effects of a problem‐solving approach in reducing symptomatic problems in the target participants. Varying protocols and qualities of methodological design (14% good, 43% fair and 43% poor) were found in this review.

Conclusions.  This systematic review highlighted the potential of a problem‐solving approach in the management of symptom problems in patients with cancer. However, more rigourous studies are needed and a better evaluation of the most effective problem‐solving approach protocols is required.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Cancer care nurses should explore the use of problem‐solving approach interventions in their practice as the evidence base suggests the value of this approach – but caution is needed in regard to the precise structure of the problem‐solving approach protocol.
Viewpoint: Scientific dogmas, paradoxes and mysteries of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Zumla Alimuddin , Atun Rifat , Maeurer Markus , Mwaba Peter , Ma Zhenkun , O’Grady Justin , Bates Matthew , Dheda Keertan , Hoelscher Michael , Grange John
Published: November 2010

Worldwide, there are nearly 10 million new cases of active TB and 1.8 million associated deaths every year. WHO estimates that one‐third of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), forming a huge latent Mtb global reservoir. This renders the prospect of ever eliminating Mtb from the human race almost impossible. Several controversial issues regarding host‐pathogen interactions and existing prevention and eradication strategies for latent Mtb infections need to be critically re‐examined. In this viewpoint, widely held assumptions on Mtb latency and isoniazid monotherapy and chemoprophylaxis are challenged. We highlight the need for future research to resolve these issues and to develop evidence‐based strategies for better understanding of equilibrium and escape of Mtb in the human body, eventually leading to global recommendations for elimination of the latent Mtb state through informed policy and practice. Until such strategies and policies are realized, WHO and TB experts will have to settle for global TB control rather than eradication.
Viewpoint: Why do we need a point‐of‐care CD4 test for low‐income countries?
Authors: Zachariah R. , Reid S. D. , Chaillet P. , Massaquoi M. , Schouten E. J. , Harries A. D.
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we discuss the reasons why we urgently need a point‐of‐care (POC) CD4 test, elaborate the problems we have experienced with the current technology which hampers CD4‐count coverage and highlight the ideal characteristics of a universal CD4 POC test. It is high‐time that CD4 technology is simplified and adapted for wider use in low‐income countries to change the current paradigm of restricted access once and for all.
Living donor evaluation and exclusion: the Stanford experience
Authors: Lapasia Jessica B. , Kong Soo‐yee , Busque Stephan , Scandling John D. , Chertow Glenn M. , Tan Jane C.
Published: November 2010

Lapasia JB, Kong S‐Y, Busque S, Scandling JD, Chertow GM, Tan JC. Living donor evaluation and exclusion: the Stanford experience.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 697–704. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  The proportion of prospective living donors disqualified for medical reasons is unknown. The objective of this study is to delineate and quantify specific reasons for exclusion of prospective living donors from kidney donation.

Methods:  All adult prospective kidney donors who contacted our transplant program between October 1, 2007 and April 1, 2009 were included in our analysis (n = 484). Data were collected by review of an electronic transplant database.

Results:  Of the 484 prospective donors, 39 (8%) successfully donated, 229 (47%) were excluded, 104 (22%) were actively undergoing evaluation, and 112 (23%) were withdrawn before evaluation was complete. Criteria for exclusion were medical (n = 150), psychosocial (n = 22), or histocompatibility (n = 57) reasons. Of the 150 prospective donors excluded for medical reasons, 79% were excluded because of obesity, hypertension, nephrolithiasis, and/or abnormal glucose tolerance. One hundred and forty‐seven (61%) intended recipients had only one prospective living donor, of whom 63 (42%) were excluded.

Conclusions:  A significant proportion of prospective living kidney donors were excluded for medical reasons such as obesity (body mass index >30), hypertension, nephrolithiasis, and abnormal glucose tolerance. Longer‐term studies are needed to characterize the risks to medically complex kidney donors and the potential risks and benefits afforded to recipients.
Comparison between psychosocial long‐term outcomes of recipients and donors after adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Noma Shun’ichi , Hayashi Akiko , Uehara Minako , Uemoto Shinji , Murai Toshiya
Published: November 2010

Noma S, Hayashi A, Uehara M, Uemoto S, Murai T. Comparison between psychosocial long‐term outcomes of recipients and donors after adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 714–720. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine psychosocial states of recipients and donors several years after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and to find out the pre‐transplant predictors of desirable post‐transplant psychosocial states. The recipients and donors of adult‐to‐adult LDLT at Kyoto University Hospital, Japan, from November 2001 through July 2003 were interviewed and examined by means of questionnaires about anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL), and the participants were evaluated by the same test batteries sent by mail three to five yr after LDLT. Twenty‐seven pairs of recipients and donors, 13 recipients, and three donors participated in this study. The recipients and the donors had a decline in social QOL. The main predictor of psychosocial states of the recipients was the length of wait for LDLT, and the predictors of the donors were family or support system availability and recipients’ depressive states at LDLT. The donors who were spouses of the recipients had better QOL than other donors. It might be better to perform LDLT as soon as possible once LDLT has been judged to be necessary, and the relative who is on close terms with the recipient should be selected as donor.
Biochemical and molecular characterization of senescence‐related cysteine protease–cystatin complex from spinach leaf
Authors: Tajima Takayuki , Yamaguchi Akemi , Matsushima Shuhei , Satoh Masashi , Hayasaka Satoshi , Yoshimatsu Katsuhiko , Shioi Yuzo
Published: November 2010

Cysteine proteases (CPs) withN‐succinyl‐Leu‐Tyr‐4‐methylcoumaryl‐7‐amide (Suc‐LY‐MCA) cleavage activity were investigated in green and senescent leaves of spinach. The enzyme activity was separated into two major and several faint minor peaks by hydrophobic chromatography. These peaks were conventionally designated as CP1, CP2 and CP3, according to their order of elution. From the analyses of molecular mass, subunit structure, amino acid sequences and cDNA cloning, CP2 was a monomer complex (SoCP–CPI) (51 kDa) composed of a 41‐kDa core protein,SoCP (Spinacia oleraceacysteine protease), and 14‐kDa cystatin, a cysteine protease inhibitor (CPI), while CP3 was a trimer complex (SoCP–CPI)3(151 kDa) of the same subunits asSoCP–CPI and showed a wider range of specificity toward natural substrates thanSoCP–CPI. Trimer (SoCP–CPI)3was irreversibly formed from monomers through association. The results of reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) revealed that mRNAs of CPI andSoCP are hardly expressed in green leaves, but they are coordinately expressed in senescent leaves, suggesting that these proteases involve in senescence. Purified recombinant CPI had strong inhibitory activity against trimerSoCP, (SoCP)3, which had a cystatin deleted with Kivalue of 1.33 × 10−9M. After treatment of the enzyme with a succinate buffer (pH 5) at the most active pH of the enzyme, sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and activity analyses showed that cystatin was released from both monomerSoCP–CPI and trimer (SoCP–CPI)3complexes with a concomitant activation. Thus, the removal of a cystatin is necessary to activate the enzyme activity.
Flowering response of the uniflora:blind:self‐pruning and jointless:uniflora:self‐pruning tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) triple mutants
Authors: Quinet Muriel , Kinet Jean‐Marie , Lutts Stanley
Published: November 2010

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a day‐neutral plant with a sympodial growth habit. Triple mutants were produced in order to investigate the genetic interactions in the flowering regulation of this species in the initial and sympodial segments. The jointless:uniflora:self‐pruning and uniflora:blind:self‐pruning triple mutants were produced by crossing the jointless:uniflora and uniflora:blind double mutants with the uniflora:self‐pruning double mutant. The phenotype of the triple mutants was characterized and the expression of the affected genes was studied in the uniflora (uf) mutant through semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The triple mutants produced solitary flowers, as their uf parent, instead of inflorescences. They were both late flowering in the initial segment with a flowering time intermediate between their parental double mutants. The flowering time of the sympodial segments was delayed in the jointless:uniflora:self‐pruning triple mutant while the uniflora:blind:self‐pruning triple mutant did not initiate sympodial segments. The expression of the studied genes was not markedly affected by the uf mutation. These results suggest that floral transition of the primary shoot and of sympodial segments is regulated differently in tomato. The UNIFLORA (UF) gene acts upstream of the other investigated genes in controlling reproductive structure and flowering time of the initial segment although their expression does not seem to be affected by the uf mutation. In the sympodial segments, the self‐pruning determinate phenotype is strengthened by the blind mutation and suppressed by the jointless mutation.
Good to the bone: microbial community thrives within bone cavities of a bison carcass at Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Reeb Valérie , Kolel Avraham , McDermott Timothy R. , Bhattacharya Debashish
Published: November 2010

The discovery of unanticipated microbial diversity in remote, often hostile environments has led to a greater appreciation of the complexity and richness of the natural world. Yellowstone National Park (YNP) has long been a focus of work on taxa that inhabit extreme environments. Here we report the finding of microbial flora that inhabit an unexpected niche: the cavities of bone remnants from a bison carcass in Norris Geyser Basin in YNP. Although bleached white on the surface, the bone cavities are bright green due to the presence of Stichococcus‐like trebouxiophyte green algae. The cavities also harbour different fungi and bacteria. Stichococcus species are common lichen photobionts and the Thelebolales fungi present in the bone cavities have previously been found in association with animal remains. Scanning electron microscope analysis suggests the fungi and algae do not form lichen‐like associations in the bone. Rather these taxa and the bacteria appear to be opportunists that have colonized an isolated oasis that provides nutrients and protection from desiccation and UV radiation.
DESIGNING ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IN A DECENTRALIZED FISCAL SYSTEM
Authors: Alm James , Banzhaf H. Spencer
Published: November 2010

AbstractWhen external effects are important, markets will be inefficient, and economists have considered several broad classes of economic instruments to correct these inefficiencies. However, the standard economic analysis has tended to take the region, and the government, as a given; that is, this work has neglected important distinctions and interactions between the geographic scope of different pollutants, the enforcement authority of various levels of government, and the fiscal responsibilities of the various levels of government. It typically ignores the possibility that the externality may be created and addressed by local governments, and it does not consider the implications of decentralization for the design of economic instruments targeted at environmental problems. This paper examines the implications of decentralization for the design of corrective policies; that is, how does one design economic instruments in a decentralized fiscal system in which externalities exist at the local level and in which subnational governments have the power to provide local public services and to choose tax instruments that can both finance these expenditures and correct the market failures of externalities?
Hybrid recommendations for mobile commerce based on mobile phone features
Authors: Liou Chuen‐He , Liu Duen‐Ren
Published: November 2010

Mobile data communications have evolved as the number of third generation (3G) subscribers has increased. The evolution has triggered an increase in the use of mobile devices, such as mobile phones, to conduct mobile commerce and mobile shopping on the mobile web. There are fewer products to browse on the mobile web; hence, one‐to‐one marketing with product recommendations is important. Typical collaborative filtering (CF) recommendation systems make recommendations to potential customers based on the purchase behaviour of customers with similar preferences. However, this method may suffer from the so‐called sparsity problem, which means there may not be sufficient similar users because the user‐item rating matrix is sparse. In mobile shopping environments, the features of users' mobile phones provide different functionalities for using mobile services; thus, the features may be used to identify users with similar purchase behaviour. In this paper, we propose a mobile phone feature (MPF)‐based hybrid method to resolve the sparsity issue of the typical CF method in mobile environments. We use the features of mobile phones to identify users' characteristics and then cluster users into groups with similar interests. The hybrid method combines the MPF‐based method and a preference‐based method that uses association rule mining to extract recommendation rules from user groups and make recommendations. Our experiment results show that the proposed hybrid method performs better than other recommendation methods.
From sending to host societies: immigration in Greece, Ireland and Spain in the 21st century
Authors: Muñoz de Bustillo Rafael , Antón José Ignacio
Published: November 2010

In a relatively short period of time, new immigration patterns have changed the geography of immigration of the EU15, bringing three old emigration countries, Ireland, Spain and Greece, to the forefront of the new immigration wave. This article studies the analogies and differences of the recent immigration experience of this group of countries, focusing on the demographic characteristics of the immigrants (origin, sex, gender and education), labour market insertion (wages, labour market segregation and quality of matching) and overall economic performance in terms of poverty rates.
Post‐partum voiding dysfunction and urinary retention
Authors: LIM Jeanette L.
Published: November 2010

Voiding difficulty and urinary retention is a common phenomenon in the immediate post‐partum period. The importance of prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of this condition cannot be over‐emphasised as it is the key to ensuring a rapid return to normal bladder function. Despite this, studies revealed a low level of awareness of this problem amongst obstetric units, and there is little information regarding this condition in the published literature. This article aims at reviewing the available literature and providing an informative guide as to the associated risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and management of this largely overlooked condition.
Microstructure and Connectivity Quantification of Complex Composite Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrode Three‐Dimensional Networks
Authors: Gostovic Danijel , Vito Nicholas J. , O'Hara Kathryn A. , Jones Kevin S. , Wachsman Eric D.
Published: November 2010

Composite electrodes extend the electrochemically active region for solid oxide fuel cells. The complex microstructural and chemical composition of composite cathodes often make them difficult to fully characterize. The discrimination between the two oxide phases of the composite cathode as well as between them and the pore phase has been achieved using epoxy impregnation. The active regions of composite cathodes were analyzed at various length scales using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM) and transmission electron microscope techniques. Dual beam FIB/SEM three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions provided information of various microstructural parameters. Over 5900 nodes were evaluated in these complex 3D networks. Topological connectivity of the composite LCM/ScSZ system was evaluated with the average connectivity ranging between 2.69 and 2.94 for the various phases. Topological length of the composite cathode network ranged between 1.5 and 2.7 μm, with average composite cathode particle sizes between 1 to 4  μm. Such connectivity quantification provides the opportunity for an advanced understanding of the transport processes in composite materials.
Thin‐Film Thermocouples Based on the System In2O3–SnO2
Authors: Chen Ximing , Gregory Otto J. , Amani Matin
Published: November 2010

Ceramic thermocouples are being developed to replace noble‐metal thermocouples that are unable to withstand the harsh environments inside the hot sections of turbine engines used for power generation and propulsion. A number of alloys in the system indium oxide (In2O3):tin oxide (SnO2) were systematically investigated as thermocouples. Specifically, solid solutions containing up to 10 wt% SnO2 were initially tested relative to a platinum reference electrode and the resulting thermoelectric properties were measured. The results indicated that the thermoelectric response was dependent on the SnO2 content in the alloy. Seebeck coefficients ranged from 53 to 224 μV/°C at temperatures up to 1300°C, which are considerably larger than those generated from metal thermocouples. Bi‐ceramic thermocouples based on selected solid solutions of indium tin oxide (ITO) exhibited high temperature stability and Seebeck coefficient on the order of 160 μV/°C. Postdeposition treatments had a significant effect on the stability of the ceramic thermocouples. High‐temperature annealing improved the film uniformity, stability, and reproducibility of the ITO thin‐film thermocouples. A bi‐ceramic thermocouple consisting of In2O3 and In2O3:SnO2 (95:5 wt%) was the best‐performing thermocouple of all compositions studied.
Morphologically Textured Mullite in Sintered Tape‐Cast Kaolin
Authors: Yang Kai‐Hsun , Wu Jia‐Han , Hsi Chi‐Shiung , Lu Hong‐Yang
Published: November 2010

A commercial Malaysian kaolin powder made into an aqueous slurry was cast into green tapes ∼200 μm in thickness using the doctor‐blade technique. A kaolinite (001)K(aolinite) texture was found on the green tapes using X‐ray diffractometry (XRD). Subsequent sintering at 1600°C/1 h induces the preferred crystallographic orientations of (100)M(ullite), (110)M, (120)M, and (210)M in the mullite crystals thus formed by vitrification, as determined using electron backscatter diffraction. A nonunique orientation was observed on these crystals, suggesting that the texture is morphological with the c‐axis, i.e., [001]M lying parallel to the sample surface, rather than crystallographical. An additional preferred orientation on (100)M, a forbidden reflection of the systematic absence from XRD is detected using pole figure. Kaolin is vitrified at 1600°C into mullite when the texture is developed, and sintering is initially facilitated by an SiO2–Al2O3 liquid formed at >1260°C, the eutectic temperature of metastable equilibrium. Further densification is promoted by additional particle rearrangement in an SiO2–mullite liquid formed at >1587°C, the stable equilibrium eutectic temperature. Alumina used as a substrate for the kaolin sintering does not play a significant role in developing the mullite morphological texture.
The Ultra‐Wide Band Gap Property Induced by Lattice Period Gradually Changing in Three‐Dimensional Photonic Crystals
Authors: Dai Wei , Wang Hong , Zhou Di , Shen Zhiyuan , Li Yong , Li Dichen
Published: November 2010

The lattice period gradually changing and its ultra‐wide band gap property were studied in the three‐dimensional diamond photonic crystals (PC) fabricated by rapid prototyping and gel casting techniques using alumina. The band gap width and center frequency of the band gap almost kept stable when the lattice period changed along the direction in vertical to the propagation direction of the electromagnetic wave. When the lattice period stretched along the propagation direction of the electromagnetic wave, the center frequency of the band gap shifted to the lower frequency range while the band gap width increased slightly. Several PCs that stretched along the electromagnetic wave propagation direction were combined together to investigate their complex band gap properties. The band gap width increased with the period change of the combined PCs. When the period change reached 134%, the band gap width became the widest and was 153% of that of the perfect PC, which agreed well with the simulation results by Ansoft HFSS.
Phase Transitional Behavior and Electrical Properties of Sr2K0.1Na0.9Nb5−xTaxO15 Ceramics
Authors: Wei Lingling , Yang Zupei , Ren Hongmei , Chen Xiubi
Published: November 2010

Lead‐free Sr2K0.1Na0.9Nb5−xTaxO15 ceramics were prepared using the conventional mixed‐oxide method. The phase transition corresponding to the tetragonal ferroelectric (4mm) to paraelectric (4/mmm) phase was observed with increasing x according to the XRD and dielectric properties results. Ta5+ substitution for Nb5+ inhibited the grain growth and also prevented the abnormal grain growth behavior. The dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the ceramics decreased and even vanished with increasing Ta5+ substitution. Besides, the underlying mechanism for variations of the structures and properties due to Ta5+ substitution was explained in this work.
Effect of PbO Seeding Layers on the Structure and Properties of the Sol–Gel‐Derived BiScO3–PbTiO3Thin Films
Authors: Zhong Caifu , Wang Xiaohui , Wu Yunyi , Li Longtu
Published: November 2010

Structure and dielectric/piezoelectric properties of the sol–gel‐derived 0.36BiScO3–0.64PbTiO3(BSPT) thin films deposited on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) substrates with PbO seeding layers are investigated. Highly (100)‐oriented BSPT thin films with thickness ranging from 250 to 950 nm were synthesized by alternatively coating PbO seeding layers and BSPT layers. The as‐deposited BSPT film with thickness of 950 nm showed high dielectric constant of 1850 and effective piezoelectric coefficientd33*of approximate 150 pm/V, the latter was comparable with that of the (001) epitaxial BSPT films grown on Nb–SrTiO3single crystal substrates. The influence of PbO seeds on the structure and electric properties of the films is discussed as well.
Surface Topology of Advanced Alumina/Zirconia Composite Femoral Head as Compared with Commercial Femoral Heads Made of Monolithic Zirconia
Authors: Pezzotti Giuseppe , Saito Takuma , Takahashi Yasuhito , Fukatsu Kyoju , Sugano Nobuhiko
Published: November 2010

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been systematically used to image the surface of a femoral head made of alumina/zirconia composite (henceforth referred to as zirconia‐toughened alumina, ZTA), in comparison with two types of commercially available femoral heads made of monolithic zirconia. AFM experiments were conducted before and after in vitro exposure in water moist environment. All materials contained zirconia partly stabilized with yttria. AFM observations were performed on wide areas of several heads of each type (i.e., in the order of several tens of μm2), in order to ensure statistical reliability in the topologic measurements. Tetragonal‐to‐monoclinic phase transformation, which was quantitatively characterized by confocal Raman spectroscopy, showed significant difference among the investigated samples. Such differences were similarly found with respect to both roughness and time needed for topologic changes to occur. Variation of topologic statistic parameters, such as skewness and kurtosis of surface height histograms, confirmed the main impact of zirconia grain size on the environmental stability of the head surface, the finer the grain size the higher the stability.
Herpes zoster, odontalgia and nephropathy: a case report and review
Authors: Pattni N. , Hudson P. , Yates J.M.
Published: November 2010

Herpes zoster is an uncommon acute viral infection caused by reactivation of varicella‐zoster virus. Presented is a case of herpes zoster involving the trigeminal nerve masquerading as odontalgia. The difficulties in diagnosis and management are discussed.
Extension from inpatients to outpatients: validity and reliability of the Oxford Knee Score in measuring health outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: XIE Feng , YE Hua , ZHANG Yu , LIU Xia , LEI Ting , LI Shu‐Chuen
Published: November 2010

Objective: To validate the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) in outpatients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: Eligible patients were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire containing the OKS, the Short Form (SF)‐6D, and the EuroQol Group 5‐Dimension Self‐Report Questionnaire score (EQ‐5D). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, dimensionality using principal component factor analysis and item‐total correlations, convergent and discriminant construct validity using expected correlations between the OKS and the SF‐6D and the EQ‐5D.

Results: The OKS were well accepted by patients in a pilot testing. When administered to a convenient sample of 187 patients with knee OA (mean age 64 years, 74% female, mean duration of OA 7.6 years), Cronbach’s alpha exceeded 0.8 and factor analysis yielded two factors with eigenvalues > 1. Hypothesized item‐total correlations (ρ ≥ 0.4) were observed for all items. Convergent construct validity was supported by the presence of hypothesized moderate to strong correlations between the OKS and SF‐6D physical functioning, role limitation, social functioning and pain, EQ‐5D mobility, self‐care, usual activities, and pain/discomfort, and mobility visual analogue scale (ρ = 0.47–0.82). Discriminant construct validity was not satisfactory. The OKS correlated weakly with SF‐6D vitality (ρ = 0.35), but strongly with SF‐6D mental health and EQ‐5D anxiety/depression (ρ = 0.51 and 0.41, respectively).

Conclusion: The OKS has demonstrated good psychometric properties and thus can be considered a reliable and valid measurement for outpatients with OA.
Optogenetic experimentation on astrocytes
Authors: Figueiredo M. , Lane S. , Tang F. , Liu B. H. , Hewinson J. , Marina N. , Kasymov V. , Souslova E. A. , Chudakov D. M. , Gourine A. V. , Teschemacher A. G. , Kasparov S.
Published: November 2010

We briefly review the current literature where optogenetics has been used to study various aspects of astrocyte physiology in vitro and in vivo. This includes both genetically engineered Ca2+ sensors and effector proteins, such as channelrhodopsin. We demonstrate how the ability to target astrocytes with cell‐specific viral vectors to express optogenetic constructs helped to unravel some previously unsuspected roles of these inconspicuous cells.
Light‐ and drug‐activated G‐protein‐coupled receptors to control intracellular signalling
Authors: Masseck Olivia A. , Rubelowski Johanna M. , Spoida Katharina , Herlitze Stefan
Published: November 2010

G‐Protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) integrate extracellular cues into intracellular signals to modulate the cellular state. Owing to their diverse modulatory functions, GPCRs represent one of the major drug targets of the pharmaceutical industry. Until now, the characterization and control of GPCRs and their intracellular signalling cascades have mainly relied on chemical compounds, which either activate or inhibit GPCR pathways, albeit with limited receptor and cell‐type specificity. Recently, new approaches have been developed to control signalling cascades in cell‐ and receptor‐type‐specific ways. The chemical approach focuses on GPCR design and activation by an inert chemical compound, whereas the physical approach uses designer GPCRs and activation by physical stimuli, such as light.
Alterations in cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular reactivity during 14 days at 5050 m
Authors: Lucas Samuel J. E. , Burgess Keith R. , Thomas Kate N. , Donnelly Joseph , Peebles Karen C. , Lucas Rebekah A. I. , Fan Jui‐Lin , Cotter James D. , Basnyat Rishi , Ainslie Philip N.
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

Brain blood flow increases during the first week of living at high altitude. We do not understand completely what causes the increase or how the factors that regulate brain blood flow are affected by the high‐altitude environment. Our results show that the balance of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) pressures in arterial blood explains 40% of the change in brain blood flow upon arrival at high altitude (5050 m). We also show that blood vessels in the brain respond to increases and decreases in CO2 differently at high altitude compared to sea level, and that this can affect breathing responses as well. These results help us to better understand the regulation of brain blood flow at high altitude and are also relevant to diseases that are accompanied by reductions in the pressure of oxygen in the blood.
Acute effects of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species on the contractile function of skeletal muscle
Authors: Lamb Graham D. , Westerblad Håkan
Published: November 2010

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) are important for skeletal muscle function under both physiological and pathological conditions. ROS/RNS induce long‐term and acute effects and the latter are the focus of the present review. Upon repeated muscle activation both oxygen and nitrogen free radicals likely increase and acutely affect contractile function. Although fluorescent indicators often detect only modest increases in ROS during repeated activation, there are numerous studies showing that manipulations of ROS can affect muscle fatigue development and recovery. Exposure of intact muscle fibres to the oxidant hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) affects mainly the myofibrillar function, where an initial increase in Ca2+ sensitivity is followed by a decrease. Experiments on skinned fibres show that these effects can be attributed to H2O2 interacting with glutathione and myoglobin, respectively. The primary RNS, nitric oxide (NO•), may also acutely affect myofibrillar function and decrease the Ca2+ sensitivity. H2O2 can oxidize the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channels. This oxidation has a large stimulatory effect on Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release of isolated channels, whereas it has little or no effect on the physiological, action potential‐induced Ca2+ release in skinned and intact muscle fibres. Thus, acute effects of ROS/RNS on muscle function are likely to be mediated by changes in myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity, which can contribute to the development of muscle fatigue or alternatively help counter it.
Molecular basis of epithelial Ca2+ and Mg2+ transport: insights from the TRP channel family
Authors: Dimke Henrik , Hoenderop Joost G. J. , Bindels René J. M.
Published: November 2010

Maintenance of plasma Ca2+ and Mg2+ levels is of vital importance for many physiological functions. This is achieved via a coordinated interplay between the intestine, bone and kidney by amending the rate of absorption, storage and excretion, respectively. Discovery of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family identified several new ion channels acting as gatekeepers of Ca2+ and Mg2+ transport in these epithelia, greatly increasing our understanding of the molecular processes that facilitate the movement of these minerals. In the intestine, TRP channels contribute to the saturable active transcellular movement of divalent cations from the lumen into the enterocyte. Furthermore, in bone, TRPV channels play important roles by influencing the osteoclastic resorption process, thereby contributing importantly to overall bone mineral content. The divalent cation‐permeable TRPV5 and TRPM6 channels are located in the renal distal convolution, the main site of active transcellular Ca2+ and Mg2+ transport. The channels are regulated by a multitude of factors and hormones that contribute importantly to keeping the systemic concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ within normal limits. Dysregulation of either channel impacts the renal reabsorptive capacity for these cations. This review summarizes the current knowledge related to TRP channels in epithelial Ca2+ and Mg2+ transport.
Modeling-Simulation and Analysis of MEMS Capacitive Millibar Pressure Sensor
Authors: Manoharan P. A. , Nedumaran D.
Published: November 2010

Design and simulation of MEMS based capacitive sensor with doubly supported serpentine meander structure for millibar pressure applications proposed in this work is analyzed using INTELLISUITE™ and NISA™ softwares. In this model, microsensing membrane (MSM) is simulated using gold, silicon, and platinum materials of 1 μm and 2 μm thickness. This model has the incorporation to study the sensitivity and spring constant of the support structures for different boundary conditions. The model is validated in terms of virtual force method and finite element method. The design performance of the model is analyzed for the MSM’s support structure stability, maximum permissible displacement limit, sensitivity, pull-in, hysteresis, and dynamic behavior for different pressure loads. Design consideration is taken care to avoid deformation of MSM for the application of pressure load. The spring constant and the effect of fringing field capacitance is evaluated to optimize the design. The key factors of design information for the fabrication of millibar pressure sensor are analyzed.
Nanotechnology Applications in Vascular Disease
Authors: Brenner Sara A. , Pautler Michelle
Published: November 2010

The confluence of nanotechnology and medicine: Nanomedicine is poised to revolutionize the delivery of health care to individuals and populations in the 21st century. Every medical specialty stands to be impacted as emerging nanotechnologies propel modalities for prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Medical interventions targeting vascular disease are becoming increasingly important, given current epidemiologic trends in morbidity and mortality due to these diseases. Vascular disease is a term that encompasses a collection of pathologies that affect the vessels (arteries, veins, and lymphatics) or vasculature in the body. The purpose of this article is to highlight current and emerging nanotechnologies aimed at vascular disease. Select, clinically relevant examples are described in the categories of drugs and drug delivery, imaging, sensors, biomaterials, diagnostics, and novel therapeutics. Several promising nanomedicine applications that target vascular disease are currently under various stages of development from bench top research to clinical trials. Given the rate of investment, promising research results and progression of many products to market nanomedicine applications in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of vascular disease holds great promise for improving the stand of care.
Holographically Fabricated Dye-Doped Nanoporous Polymers as Matrix for Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hsiao Vincent K. S. , Zheng Yue Bing , Betz Heike , Kiraly Brian , Yan Wei , Lloyd Pamela F. , Bunning Timothy J. , Cartwright Alexander N. , Huang Tony Jun
Published: November 2010

We report laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry using a dye-doped nanoporous polymer matrix. The nanoporous polymer matrix was fabricated through a holographic interference patterning technique. The periodically aligned nanopores in the resulting polymer matrix produced a high surface-to-volume ratio that facilitates the homogeneous cocrystallization of the matrix and an analyte (i.e., peptide in this demonstration). To generate nanostructures with further enhanced functionalities, dyes were also incorporated into the photopolymer. We demonstrate that by using the dye-doped nanoporous polymer matrix, we can identify peptides with an enhanced signal from the peptides and decreased noise from the ion fragmentation. These results indicate that the dye-doped nanoporous polymer matrix we use here can be a promising platform for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.
Stable Flexible Electrodes With Enzyme Cluster Decorated Carbon Nanotubes for Glucose-Driven Power Source in Biosensing Applications
Authors: Ho Thang , Rai Pratyush , Xie Jining , Varadan Vijay K. , Hestekin Jamie A.
Published: November 2010

Over the years, implantable sensor technology has found many applications in healthcare. Research projects have aimed at improving power supply lifetime for longevity of an implanted sensor system. Miniature power sources, inspired from the biofuel cell principle, can utilize enzymes (proteins) as catalysts to produce energy from fuel(s) that are perennial in the human body. Bio-nanocatalytic hierarchical structures, clusters made of enzyme molecules, can be covalently linked to the electrode’s surface to provide better enzyme loading and sustained activity. Carbon nanotube base electrodes, with high surface area for direct electron transfer, and enzyme clusters can achieve efficient enzymatic redox reaction. A redox pair of such bioelectrodes can make up a power source with improved performance. In this study, we have investigated high throughput processes for coupling enzyme catalysts with power harvesting mechanisms via a screen printing process and solution processing. The process incorporates enzyme (glucosse oxidase and catalase) micro-/nanocluster immobilization on the surface of carboxylated (functionalized) carbon nanotubes with screen printed electrodes. The 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide amide linkage chemistries were used to bind the enzyme molecules to nanotube surface, and bis[sulfosuccinimidyl] suberate (BS3) was used as the cross-linker between enzymes. Optimized enzyme cross-linking was obtained after 25 min at room temperature with 0.07 mmol BS3/nmol of enzymes, with which 44% of enzymes were immobilized onto the surface of the bioelectrode with only 24% enzyme activity lost. A cell, redox pair of bioelectrodes, was tested under continuous operation. It was able to maintain most of the enzyme activity for 7 days before complete deactivation at 16 days. Thus, the power harvesting mechanism was able to produce power continuously for 7 days. The results were also analyzed to identify impeding factors such as competitive inhibition by reaction byproduct and cathode design, and methods to rectify them have been discussed. Coupling this new and improved nanobiopower cell with a product removal mechanism and enzyme mutagenesis should provide enzyme protection and longevity. This would bring the research one step closer to development of compatible implantable battery technology for medical applications.
Biocompatibility and Delivery of NGF by Hematite Nanotubes for Differentiation of PC12 Cells
Authors: Chen Linfeng , Xie Jining , Yancey J. , Srivatsan Malathi , Varadan Vijay K.
Published: November 2010

This report discusses the compatibility of hematite nanotubes with PC12 cells and the use of these hematite nanotubes to deliver nerve growth factor (NGF) for the differentiation and growth of PC12 cells. The hematite nanotubes used in this work were synthesized using template-assisted thermal decomposition method, followed by dissolving the template. The synthesized hematite nanotubes have a diameter around 200 nm and an average length of about 10 μm, and they have a low coercivity (about 10 Oe) at room temperature. To study the biocompatibility of hematite nanotubes, PC12 cells were cultured in the presence of hematite nanotubes. Neurite (axon and dendrite) outgrowth, formation of morphological connections, and close contacts between PC12 cells and hematite nanotubes unequivocally confirmed the biocompatibility of hematite nanotubes. The efficiency of hematite nanotubes to bind with NGF and the ability of the NGF-incorporated hematite nanotubes to release the bound NGF were also investigated. It is found that NGF-incorporated hematite nanotubes enabled the differentiation of PC12 cells into neurons, and the filopodia extending from growth cones were in close proximity to the NGF-incorporated hematite nanotubes, at times appearing to extend toward or into them. These observations indicate that hematite nanotubes can be used as a vehicle for NGF delivery. This research paves the way toward developing potential treatments using magnetic nanotubes with incorporated growth factors for neurodegenerative disorders and injuries to the nervous system in the future.
Mechanical Property Enhancement of Nanocomposite Microstructures Generated by Two Photon Polymerization
Authors: Alubaidy M. , Venkatakrishnan K. , Tan B. , Mahmood Abdulsalam
Published: November 2010

The mechanical properties of nanofiber reinforced polymer microstructures were investigated in this work by means of nanoindentation. The femtosecond laser was used to generate nanofibers on selected area on the surface of the substrate and to generate microstructures. These microstructures were formed via two photon polymerization using femtosecond laser material processing by incorporation of silicon nanofibers into Ormocer matrix. Results show that the hardness and elastic modulus of the nanocomposites have improved by 25% and 75%, respectively, with the incorporation of nanofibers using the described method, which has the potential of direct fabrication of reinforced micro-/nanostructures. The volume fraction of the generated nanofibers in the nanocomposite was calculated by using nanoindentation analysis.
Optimized pharmacokinetic modeling for the detection of perfusion differences in skeletal muscle with DCE‐MRI: Effect of contrast agent size
Authors: Jaspers Karolien , Leiner Tim , Dijkstra Petra , Oostendorp Marlies , van Golde Jolanda M. , Post Mark J. , Backes Walter H.
Published: November 2010

Purpose:

The goal of this study was to optimize dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI analysis for differently sized contrast agents and to evaluate the sensitivity for microvascular differences in skeletal muscle.

Methods:

In rabbits, pathophysiological perfusion differences between hind limbs were induced by unilateral femoral artery ligation. On days 14 and 21, DCE‐MRI was performed using a medium‐sized contrast agent (MCA) (Gadomer) or a small contrast agent (SCA) (Gd‐DTPA). Acquisition protocols were adapted to the pharmacokinetic properties of the contrast agent. Model‐based data analysis was optimized by selecting the optimal model, considering fit error, estimation uncertainty, and parameter interdependency from three two‐compartment pharmacokinetic models (normal and extended generalized kinetic models and Patlak model). Model‐based parameters were compared to the model‐free parameter area‐under‐curve (AUC). Finally, the sensitivity of transfer constant and AUC for physiological and pathophysiological microvascular differences was evaluated.

Results:

For the MCA, the optimal model included and plasma fraction . For the SCA, and interstitial fraction should be incorporated. For the MCA, were ( error) and for the red soleus and white tibialis muscle, respectively, . With the SCA, were (soleus) and (tibialis) . In the ischemic limb, was significantly decreased relative to the control limb (soleus: 15%–20%; tibialis: 5%–10%). Similar differences in AUC were found for both contrast agents.

Conclusions:

For optimal estimation of microvascular parameters, both model‐based and model‐free analysis should be adapted to the pharmacokinetic properties of the contrast agent. The detection of microvascular differences based on both and AUC was most sensitive when the analysis strategy was tailored to the contrast agent used. The MCA was equally sensitive for microvascular differences as the SCA, with the advantage of improved spatial resolution.