bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of 17β‐estradiol‐DNA adducts on the replication of exon # 5 of the human suppressor gene p53
Authors: Yu Fu-Li , Zheng Wei-Yun , Wang Mian-Ying , Bender Wanda , Cheerva Alexandra , Miller James
Published: July 2002

Using a PCR technique, exon # 5 of the human tumor suppressor gene p53 was amplified and ligated into the pCRII vector and transformed into Escherichia coli INVαF’ competent cells. The cloned exon # 5 was 184 bp long. Evidence is presented to show that after dimethyldioxirane epoxidation, 17β‐estradiol was able to form 17β‐estradiol‐DNA adducts and to strongly inhibit the replication of the cloned exon # 5 producing smaller sizes of DNA fragments and introducing errors of incorporation at the 3′‐end of the terminating DNAs. The errors occurred mainly at the clusters of the complementary ‘G’ and ‘A’ bases on the template strand DNA, presumably, the major sites where the 17β‐estradiol‐DNA adducts were formed.
Cloning, sequence analysis and tissue distribution of the mouse and rat urotensin II precursors
Authors: Coulouarn Yolaine , Jégou Sylvie , Tostivint Hervé , Vaudry Hubert , Lihrmann Isabelle
Published: July 2002

Urotensin II (UII) is a cyclic neuropeptide initially isolated from the caudal neurosecretory system of teleost fish. The recent cloning of the UII precursor in frog and human has demonstrated that the peptide is not restricted to the fish urophysis but that it is also expressed in the central nervous system of tetrapods. Here, we describe the characterization of the cDNAs encoding prepro‐UII in mouse and rat. A comparison of the primary structures of mouse and rat UII with those of other vertebrate UII reveals that the sequence of the cyclic region of the molecule (CFWKYC) has been fully conserved. In contrast, the N‐terminal flanking domain of prepro‐UII has markedly diverged with only 48% sequence identity between the mouse or rat and the human precursors. In situ hybridization histochemistry showed that the prepro‐UII gene is predominantly expressed in motoneurons of the brainstem and spinal cord, suggesting that UII may play a role in the control of neuromuscular functions.
Cloning and characterization of Bδ, a novel regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A
Authors: Strack Stefan , Chang Dennis , Zaucha Julie A. , Colbran Roger J. , Wadzinski Brian E.
Published: July 2002

Variable regulatory subunits of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) modulate activity, substrate selectivity and subcellular targeting of the enzyme. We have cloned a novel member of the B type regulatory subunit family, Bδ, which is most highly related to Bα. Bδ shares with Bα epitopes previously used to generate subunit‐specific antibodies. Like Bα, but unlike Bβ and Bγ which are highly brain‐enriched, Bδ mRNA and protein expression in tissues is widespread. Bδ is a cytosolic subunit of PP2A with a subcellular localization different from Bα and may therefore target a pool of PP2A holoenzymes to specific substrates.
The E‐box DNA binding protein Sgc1p suppresses the gcr2 mutation, which is involved in transcriptional activation of glycolytic genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sato Takashi , Lopez M.Cecilia , Sugioka Shigemi , Jigami Yoshifumi , Baker Henry V. , Uemura Hiroshi
Published: July 2002

Glycolytic gene expression is mediated by the Gcr1p‐Gcr2p transcriptional activation complex. A screen for multicopy suppressors of gcr2 yielded SGC1. SGC1's suppression activity was specific to gcr2, it did not extend to gcr1. Disruption of SGC1 moderately affected glycolytic enzyme activities, although no growth defect was evident. Sgc1p exhibits a bHLH motif which is characteristic of E‐box DNA‐binding proteins. DNA footprinting experiments demonstrated Sgc1p's ability to bind at an E‐box. However, its binding specificity was less than 10‐fold, which is also characteristic of E‐box binding proteins. LexA fusion experiments demonstrated that Sgc1p has weak intrinsic activating activity independent of GCR1 and GCR2. We propose that Sgc1p binds at E‐boxes of glycolytic genes and contributes to their activation.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) management during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period
Authors: Rushwan H
Published: July 2002

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice with serious health consequences to women that is still practiced in 28 countries with approximately 2 million girls exposed to the practice annually. The complications of FGM cause suffering to the woman all her life. Pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period are particularly important as there is increased risk of mortality and morbidity from FGM complications. Although the overall strategy should be to eliminate the practice completely, the healthcare providers and policy makers in the meantime should not only be aware but also well trained in the management of FGM complications to decrease the risk of mortality and serious morbidity.
Risk factor screening for abnormal glucose tolerance in pregnancy
Authors: Shamsuddin K. , Mahdy Z.A. , Siti Rafiaah I. , Jamil M.A. , Rahimah M.D.
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and association of frequently used screening risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to compare the validity and cost of universal screening with risk factor screening. Method: A cross‐sectional survey of 768 pregnant women at ≥24 weeks’ gestation who were attending the antenatal clinic at the Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) was made. Risk factors were determined using a questionnaire. An abnormal oral glucose tolerance test was defined as a 2‐h post‐prandial blood sugar level of ≥7.8 mmol/l. Results: A total of 191 pregnant mothers (24.9%) had GDM. The most commonly identified screening factors were positive family history of diabetes mellitus (31.4%), history of spontaneous abortion (17.8%), vaginal discharge and pruritis vulvae in current pregnancy (16.0%), and maternal age greater than 35 years (14.7%). Five hundred and thirteen mothers (66.8%) had at least one risk factor. All screening risk factors, except past history of diabetes mellitus in previous pregnancy and maternal age, were not significantly associated with abnormal glucose tolerance (GT). Risk factor screening gave a sensitivity of 72.2% and a specificity of 35.0%. Universal screening would cost RM 12.06 while traditional risk factor screening would cost RM 11.15 per identified case and will have missed 53 of the 191 cases. Conclusions: Risk factor screening scored poorly in predicting GDM. Cost analysis of universal compared with traditional risk factor screening showed a negligible difference. Thus universal screening appears to be the most reliable method of diagnosing GDM.
Cervicovaginal washing prolactin assay in prediction of preterm delivery
Authors: Leylek O.A. , Songur S. , Erselcan T. , Cetin A. , Izgic E.
Published: July 2002

Objective: Our purpose was to determine the utility of cervicovaginal washing prolactin assay in prediction of preterm birth in women without rupture of membranes. Methods: Sixty‐six women with normal singleton pregnancy were submitted to cervicovaginal washing and serum prolactin assays. The latency period to delivery and gestational age at admission and at delivery were also recorded. According to uterine contractions and obstetrical history regarding the previous preterm delivery, the pregnant women were divided into 4 groups: 18 symptomatic (group 1) and 15 asymptomatic (group 2) pregnancies who had previously had preterm delivery, and 18 symptomatic (group 3) and 15 asymptomatic (group 4) pregnancies without a history of prior preterm delivery were enrolled in the study. Results: The cervicovaginal washing prolactin concentrations were significantly higher in groups 1 and 3 than in group 4 (P < 0.0083). With respect to the latency period to delivery and the birth weeks, groups 2 and 4 were significantly higher than groups 1 and 3 (F < 0.0001). In the evaluation of the whole group, a significant negative correlation was observed both between cervicovaginal washing prolactin concentrations and the lapsed times to delivery, and the gestational ages at delivery. The finding of a cervicovaginal washing prolactin value exceeding 50 ng/ml in the 12 days preceding preterm delivery had sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 65%, 95%, 86%, and 81%, respectively. Conclusions: A cervicovaginal washing prolactin value more than 50 ng/ml precedes preterm delivery within 12 days at >29 weeks. The easy application, the good feasibility, the success in identifying pregnancies at risk for preterm labor, and the cost effectiveness suggests cervicovaginal washing prolactin assay as a biochemical marker for preterm delivery.
Ethical issues relating to reproduction control and women's health
Authors: Schenker J.G. , Eisenberg V.H.
Published: July 2002

There are many ethical aspects which derive from the application of reproduction control in women's health. Women's health can be enhanced if women are given the opportunity to make their own reproduction choices about sex, contraception, abortion and application of reproductive technologies. The main issues that raise ethical dilemmas following the development of assisted reproduction techniques are: the right to procreate or reproduce; the process of in vitro fertilization itself — is it morally acceptable to interfere in the reproduction process?; the moral status of the embryo; the involvement of a third party in the reproductive process by genetic material donation; the practice of surrogacy; cryopreservation of pre‐embryos; genetic manipulation; experiments on pre‐embryos, etc. Induced abortion raises ethical issues related to the rights of the woman versus the rights of the fetus. For those who consider life to begin at conception abortion always equals murder and is therefore forbidden. Those who believe in the absolute autonomy of the woman over her body take the other extreme approach. The discussion surrounding abortion usually centers on whether it should be legal or illegal. Access to safe abortion is critical to the health of women and to their autonomy. The development of new effective contraceptive methods has a profound impact on women's lives. By the use of contraception it is possible to lessen maternal, infant and child mortality and to reduce the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. Research and development of new effective reversible contraceptives for women and men is needed. Dissemination of information about the safety and effectiveness of contraceptive methods is of great importance. Female genital mutilation is still practiced worldwide due to customs and tradition among various ethnic groups. The procedure is considered to be medically detrimental to the physical and mental health of women and girls, and is considered by many as oppression of women. The practice has to be stopped. Recognition of the fetus as a ‘patient’ has a potential effect on women's right for autonomy; they have no legal obligation to undergo invasive procedures and to risk their health for the sake of their fetuses. The woman carries ethical obligations toward her fetus. This obligation should not be enforced by the law. At present women bear most of the burden of reproductive health. All of them have a right of access to fertility regulation. Governments and society must ensure the women's equal rights to health care just as men have in the regulation of their fertility.
Declining fetal growth standards in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Onah H.E
Published: July 2002

Objective: To compare the birth‐weights of babies born before and after the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Program in Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the birth‐weights of all singleton live births at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Eastern Nigeria, in 1984 and 1998. Results: The babies were on average 183 g lighter in 1998 than in 1984. The mean birth‐weight for each gestational age, parity and fetal sex was significantly lower in 1998 than in 1984. The incidences of low birth‐weight, intrauterine growth retardation and preterm delivery were significantly higher in 1998 than in 1984. The above findings were associated with a significant reduction in the mean gestational age, parity and utilization of the hospital's maternity services, probably consequences of an adverse socio‐economic environment. Conclusion: Reversing the declining growth standards of Nigerian fetuses would entail improving the socio‐economic status of Nigerian women as well as the quality of maternity care.
A taxonomy of manufacturing strategies revisited
Authors: Frohlich Markham T , Dixon J.Robb
Published: July 2002

While our field has done commendable work putting forward new ideas in operations strategy, we have historically done a less effective job validating concepts after their introduction. Given this issue, we attempted to test and extend one of the most influential OM configurations — Miller and Roth’s [Management Science 40 (1994) 285] taxonomy of manufacturing strategies. Their taxonomy was longitudinally replicated with a newer set of North America Manufacturing Futures data as well as an entirely different global sample. Our replications partially supported Miller and Roth’s taxonomy of three strategy‐types (Caretakers, Marketeers, and Innovators), but found no evidence of the two underlying dimensions of manufacturing strategy that they called market scope and differentiation. Interestingly, the Marketeers were replaced in the 1990s by a new strategy called Designers, and three other unique manufacturing strategies were identified in the global data.
Osteosarcoma cell apoptosis induced by selenium
Authors: Hiraoka Koji , Komiya Setsuro , Hamada Tetsuya , Zenmyo Michihisa , Inoue Akio
Published: July 2002

An essential nutrient selenium has been reported to be a potential cancer preventive and inhibitory agent, although no exact mechanism has yet been proposed. Since little is known about the anti‐proliferative effect of selenium on osteosarcoma, this issue was addressed in the present study in vitro using three osteosarcoma cell lines, and in vivo using an osteosarcoma transplantable to nude mice. Selenium inhibited the tumor growth in vitro and morphological changes indicative of apoptosis were demonstrated. Osteosarcomas in nude mice were inhibited in growth by selenium with no cytotoxic change in normal tissues. The findings suggested that selenium may offer a novel therapeutic modality for osteosarcoma. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Punlished by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A critical period for the influence of peripheral targets on the central projections of developing sensory neurons
Authors: Mears Simon C. , Frank Eric
Published: July 2002

During development, the projections that sensory neurons make within the spinal cord are influenced by the specific targets they contact in the periphery. If sensory ganglia normally supplying principally cutaneous targets are forced to grow into limb muscles, in early stage tadpoles, many sensory neurons within these ganglia innervate limb muscles and subsequently develop spinal projections appropriate for muscle spindle afferents. If the same procedure is performed with adult frogs, however, these novel projections do not form. In this study, we have determined the developmental stages at which this sensitivity to peripheral targets exists. Axons from sensory neurons in thoracic (largely cutaneous) dorsal root ganglia were re‐routed into the front leg at various stages through metamorphosis, and the central spinal projections of these re‐routed fibers were assessed with HRP labeling. We found that thoracic sensory axons could be made to project to limb muscles throughout development, but that the central projections of these neurons were only appropriate for spindle afferents if the fibers were re‐routed before stage XVIII, shortly before metamorphic climax. Because sensory neurons can regenerate specifically into the appropriate spinal laminae even in adult frogs, these results suggest that changes in either the DRG or the arm musculature occur by stage XVII so that DRG neurons cannot respond to novel peripheral targets.
Insulin binding and fluid‐phase endocytosis stimulation in the mouse neuroblastoma cell line 41A3
Authors: Sartori Claudia , Silvestroni Leopoldo , Stefanini Stefania , Tocco Gabriella Augusti
Published: July 2002

As well as many other hormones and growth factors, insulin is known to influence several processes in the CNS; its specific effects, however, are still poorly understood. Neuroblastoma cell lines represent a useful experimental system for the analysis of the insulin‐specific effect on neurons, in the absence of possible regulatory mechanisms elicited by other neuronal/glial cells and/or soluble factors. The expression and the binding properties of insulin receptors, as well as the insulin effects on both membrane fluidity and cell surface architecture, have been investigated in 41A3 mouse neuroblastoma cells, respectively by radioligand‐binding fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In the same cells, insulin‐induced modifications on cytoskeletal organisation also have been studied.

Binding studies were performed using 125I‐insulin, while the cationic fluorescent probe trimethylammonium 1,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐hexatriene was used for biophysical investigations.

The results presented in this paper provide evidence that insulin interacts with 41A3 neuroblastoma cells through a receptor‐mediated mechanism and that, in these cells, insulin binding modifies the cell surface morphology and stimulates endocytosis.
Localisation and expression of metallothionein immunoreactivity in the developing sheep brain
Authors: Holloway Adele F. , Stennard Fiona A. , Dziegielewska Katarzyna M. , Weller Lee , West Adrian K.
Published: July 2002

Metallothioneins are small cysteine‐rich proteins that bind heavy metals. In higher mammals there are complex families of metallothionein isoforms, which are well characterised at the DNA level but less so in terms of their cellular expression and function. In particular, little is known about the localisation of metallothionein in the developing mammalian brain. In this study, using sheep fetuses, we have shown that metallothionein 1 and 2 isoform expression undergoes shifts in regional and cellular localisation during development of the brain. Metallothionein l and 2 expression is first detected by embryonic days E72–E73 (gestation is 150 days) at the mRNA level and the metallothionein protein is observed in cells of the proliferating ventricular zones. Subsequent expression is detected in radial glial cells, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes in several regions of the brain, most notably the cerebral cortex. In the adult brain, metallothionein is expressed in astrocytes but not in oligodendrocytes. Double‐labelling immunohistochemistry using the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an astrocyte marker, and metallothionein revealed that although there is an overlap in the profiles of the two proteins, there is no simple correlation in their expression. These observations are consistent with metallothionein, under physiological conditions, being regulated mainly by intracellular factors.
Differential effect of taurine and serotonin on the outgrowth from explants or isolated cells of the retina
Authors: Matus P. , Cubillos S. , Lima L.
Published: July 2002

The sulfur amino acid taurine and the indoleamine serotonin increases and decreases, respectively, the outgrowth from goldfish retinal explants. Taurine seems to be acting, at least partially, through an increase in calcium fluxes, and the serotonin‐inhibiting effect appears to be mediated by serotonin1A receptors and cAMP. Isolated cells of postcrush goldfish retina and of retina from 5‐day‐old rats were cultured in the presence of taurine or serotonin. In the goldfish, the classical morphology of postcrush ganglion cells was observed. An antibody against the glycoprotein Thy‐1 labelled three types of cells in the cultures of goldfish retina. The number of cells outgrowing and the length of the main neurite was measured at 5 days in culture in both species. The number of cells presenting neurites was increased in the goldfish retina by the addition of taurine, and decreased by serotonin. However, the length of the neurites was unaffected by the addition of the modulators. In the rat, only a slight decrease in the number of cells outgrowing was observed in the presence of serotonin. The incorporation of [3H]thymidinewas not modified after 5 days in culture in the presence of taurine or serotonin, either in the goldfish or in the rat retina. The antibody Thy 1.1 can label retinal cells of the goldfish invitro, one of them being ganglion cells. The trophic effect exerted by taurine in the postcrush goldfish retina needs the integrity of the tissue favoring the interaction of cells and factors, because outgrowth increases in retinal explants, but not in isolated cells.
Amino acid transport in cerebral microvessels during plasmodium yoelii infection in mice
Authors: Agrawal Anju , Tripathi L.M. , Pandey V.C.
Published: July 2002

Plasmodium yoelii infected cerebral microvessels of mice had an enhanced time‐dependent, temperature‐sensitive, and saturable uptake of [14C]‐amino acid. viz. leucine, valine and glycine. Metabolic inhibitors caused a noticeable inhibition of amino acid uptake in normal microvessels as compared to infected cerebral microvessels indicating that the uptake of [14C]‐L‐leucine, [14C]‐L‐valine and [14C]‐glycine is an energy dependent process.
Fetuin expression in the dorsal root ganglia and trigeminal ganglia of perinatal rats
Authors: Kitchener P.D. , Dziegielewska K.M. , Knott G.W. , Miller J.M. , Nawratil P. , Potter A.E. , Saunders N.R.
Published: July 2002

Fetuin, a fetal plasma glycoprotein, has been shown previously to be present in sub‐populations of neurons in the developing central and peripheral nervous system. To gain a more complete description of the time course of the appearance of fetuin during neurogenesis we have examined fetuin immunoreactivity, and the presence of fetuin mRNA, in the developing rat trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia. Fetuin immunoreactivity and its mRNA were first seen at embryonic day 15 in the trigeminal ganglia, and at embryonic day 16 in dorsal root ganglia. In both trigeminal and dorsal root ganglion, fetuin appeared to be present up until around the time of birth, and then again between postnatal days 3 and 16. The results suggest that fetuin first appears at around the time that ganglion cell axons reach their central targets, which is also approximately when the cell‐death period begins. The proportion of ganglion neurons that were fetuin immunoreactive at different ages was inversely related to the amount of cell death that is known to occur in these populations, thus it seems that fetuin is more likely to be associated not with dying cells, but with those that survive the cell‐death period.
Endogenous modulators of brain Na+, K+‐atpase at early postnatal stages of rat development
Authors: Calviño M.A. , Peña C. , de Lores Arnaiz G. Rodriguez
Published: July 2002

The presence of endogenous modulators (peaks I and II) of synaptosomal Na+, K+‐ATPase activity from adult rat cerebral cortex was previously suggested. In this study, the presence of such modulators at different postnatal stages of rat development was examined and their effect was tested on Na+, K+‐ATPase activity. Synaptosomal membrane Na+, K+‐ATPase activity was enhanced 20–30% by peak I and inhibited 70–75% by peak II obtained from 4‐, 10‐, 20‐ and 35–40‐day‐old rats. A fraction purified from peak II by anionic exchange HPLC (termed II‐E) highly inhibits enzyme activity and behaves as a ouabain‐like factor. Inhibitory activity of a 4‐day‐old II‐E fraction proved higher than the corresponding fraction obtained from adult rats. Since expression of cerebral Na+, K+‐ATPase has been shown to increase 10‐fold during development whereas peak II concentration was observed to remain constant, and given the higher potency of purified neonatal II‐E fraction, the effect of the latter may be greater at early postnatal stages of development than during adult life. It is suggested that the II‐E fraction, which contains an ouabain‐like factor, may play a role in neuronal development.
The monoclonal antibody 23E9 defines a novel developmentally‐regulated Schwann cell surface antigen
Authors: Wewetzer Konstantin , Archelos Juan J. , Hartung Hans‐Peter , Seilheimer Bernd , Christ Bodo
Published: July 2002

The present study describes the identification and partial characterization of a novel Schwann cell surface molecule by means of a monoclonal antibody (23E9). The 23E9 antigen was found in association with Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve but not with sensory neurons and satellite cells of the dorsal root ganglion. The expression of the antigen in the sciatic nerve starts after birth, is high around postnatal day 8 and becomes down‐regulated towards the adult stage. This suggests that it may be involved in the induction of myelin formation. On Western blots, the antibody identified two major bands of approximately 27 and 42 kDa. Treatment of cultured Schwann cells with forskolin, an agent known to mimic neuronal contact in vitro, stimulated the up‐regulation of the antigen. This implies that the expression of 23E9 is induced and maintained by axon‐derived signals in vivo.

Comparison of the presented data with the literature suggests that we have identified a novel cell surface molecule not previously characterized in the context of Schwann cell biology. To clarify the molecular identity of the antigen and define its physiological relevance, the antibody will be used in future studies for immunoprecipitation and functional in vitro assays.
The structured interview for anorexic and bulimic disorders for DSM-IV and ICD-10 (SIAB-EX): reliability and validity
Authors: Fichter M. , Quadflieg N.
Published: July 2002

Objective. For reliable and valid assessment and diagnostic categorization of eating disorders, self-report measures have considerable limitations. A semi-structured interview – the SIAB-EX – was developed for a more reliable and valid assessment of eating disorders.

Methods. One study (videotapes of 31 inpatients, seven raters) was made to establish inter-rater reliability; in another study with 80 patients the SIAB-EX was compared to another semi-structured interview designed for comparable purposes (EDE). In a third study data was obtained on 377 eating disorder patients seeking treatment to explore discriminant and convergent (construct) validity using the following self-rating scales: EDI, TFEQ, SCL-90, BDI, and the PERI Demoralization Scale.

Results. Inter-rater reliability of dichotomous ratings was good with mean kappa values of .81 (current) and .85 (past). Comparison of the SIAB-EX with the EDE generally showed quite similar results and higher intercorrelation of the total scale (.77). There are, however, a number of differences between the two scales, which are discussed in detail. Construct validity of the SIAB-EX was established.

Conclusion. Inter-rater reliability was good. Convergent and discriminant (construct) validity of the SIAB-EX was demonstrated. The constructs assessed by the SIAB and its subscales and items are discussed in the context of their correlations with other well-known scales.
The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). A short diagnostic structured interview: reliability and validity according to the CIDI
Authors: Lecrubier Y , Sheehan DV , Weiller E , Amorim P , Bonora I , Sheehan K Harnett , Janavs J , Dunbar GC
Published: July 2002

The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) is a short diagnostic structured interview (DSI) developed in France and the United States to explore 17 disorders according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-III-R diagnostic criteria. It is fully structured to allow administration by non-specialized interviewers. In order to keep it short it focuses on the existence of current disorders. For each disorder, one or two screening questions rule out the diagnosis when answered negatively. Probes for severity, disability or medically explained symptoms are not explored symptom-by-symptom. Two joint papers present the inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the MINI the validity versus the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) (this paper) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R patients (SCID) (joint paper). Three-hundred and forty-six patients (296 psychiatric and 50 non-psychiatric) were administered the MINI and the CIDI ‘gold standard’. Forty two were interviewed by two investigators and 42 interviewed subsequently within two days. Interviewers were trained to use both instruments. The mean duration of the interview was 21 min with the MINI and 92 for corresponding sections of the CIDI. Kappa coefficient, sensitivity and specificity were good or very good for all diagnoses with the exception of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (kappa = 0.36), agoraphobia (sensitivity = 0.59) and bulimia (kappa = 0.53). Interrater and test-retest reliability were good. The main reasons for discrepancies were identified. The MINI provided reliable DSM-III-R diagnoses within a short time frame, The study permitted improvements in the formulations for GAD and agoraphobia in the current DSM-IV version of the MINI.
Effects of hypocholesterolemic dietary and drug therapy on measures of dysphoric emotions
Authors: Beigel Y , Peleg A , Assali A , Nachshon I
Published: July 2002

The question of whether hypocholesterolemic treatment is associated with increased mortality due to suicide, violence and car accidents is controversial and of great importance. We investigated the effect of hypocholesterolemic dietary and drug therapy on dysphoric emotions. Twenty-five hypocholesterolemic men were started on a 3-month dietary modification plan; those who showed unsatisfactory cholesterol reduction were given, in addition, a hypocholesterolemic drug for up to 1 year. Lipid profile and change in dysphoric emotions were measured. During the whole period, a negative correlation was found between cholesterol level and depression. During the dietary period, a significant improvement in depression and guilt with no change in lipid profile was noted. Drug therapy significantly reduced cholesterol levels, with a trend toward increased depression (after 3 months) and a significant increase in aggression and guilt (after 1 year). We conclude that changes in dysphoric emotions occurring during hypocholesterolemic therapy cannot be completely explained by the changes in cholesterol levels.
Conversion disorder: A case report of treatment with the Main Puteri, a Malay shamanastic healing ceremony
Authors: Razali S.M.
Published: July 2002

We report on the case of a 38-year-old Malay housewife diagnosed with conversion disorder. It was believed that ‘evil spirits’ caused her symptoms. The patient was eventually treated by theMain Puteri,a Malay shamanistic healing ceremony, after previous treatments failed. The patient improved on the third day of the performance, which was attributed to the departure of the spirits from her body. This case documents the potential benefits of indigenous psychotherapy.
Carbon Dots Based Nanoscale Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chen Shuang , Sun Tingting , Zheng Min , Xie Zhigang
Published: September 2020

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have attracted much attention for various applications, while developing COFs with biomedical functions remains a big challenge. Most COFs are built purely from organic molecules, no carbon dots (CDs)‐based COFs have been exploited to date. In this work, diamine molecules p‐phenylenediamine and BODIPY are selected as model monomers to react with aldehyde‐containing CDs and construct nanoscale COFs, named CCOF‐1 and CCOF‐2, respectively. After the modification with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), the formed CCOF‐1@PEG and CCOF‐2@PEG are stable and well‐dispersible in aqueous media. The merits of CCOF‐2@PEG containing favorable physiological stability, good biocompatibility, and strong reactive oxygen species generation ability enable it to act as an excellent photodynamic therapy (PDT) agent for tumor treatment. The high PDT therapeutic efficiency for inhibiting cell proliferation and tumor growth was well shown by in vitro and in vivo experiments. This work demonstrates a new strategy for fabricating functional COF‐based platforms for biomedical applications.
Recent Progress in Metal Halide Perovskite‐Based Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Yeom Kyung Mun , Kim So Un , Woo Mun Young , Noh Jun Hong , Im Sang Hyuk
Published: September 2020

Metal halide perovskite (MHP)‐based tandem solar cells are a promising candidate for use in cost‐effective and high‐performance solar cells that can compete with fossil fuels. To understand the research trends for MHP‐based tandem solar cells, a general introduction to single‐junction and multiple‐junction MHP solar cells and the configuration of tandem devices is provided, along with an overview of the recent progress regarding various MHP‐based tandem cells, including MHP/crystalline silicon, MHP/CuInGaS, MHP/organic photovoltaic, MHP/quantum dot, and all‐perovskite tandem cell. Future research directions for MHP‐based tandem solar cells are also discussed.
Control of the Schottky Barrier and Contact Resistance at Metal–WSe2 Interfaces by Polymeric Doping
Authors: Ngo Tien Dat , Lee Myeongjin , Yang Zheng , Ali Fida , Moon Inyong , Yoo Won Jong
Published: September 2020

Tungsten diselenide (WSe2) is attracting attention because of its superior electronic and optoelectronic properties. In recent years, the number of research works related to the WSe2‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs) has increased dramatically. Nonetheless, the performance of 2D WSe2 is influenced sensitively by metal–semiconductor (MS) interface states, where Fermi‐level pinning is substantial. This research explores Fermi‐level depinning by doping with an n‐type polymer. In this work, spin‐coated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is used as an n‐type dopant for achieving low‐contact‐resistance WSe2 FETs in cases of both high‐work‐function (Pd) and low‐work‐function (In) metals. Interestingly, the increase in the Schottky barrier height resulting from the application of PVA gives rise to Fowler–Nordheim tunneling for a doped Pd‐WSe2 contact. By contrast, only direct tunneling is observed for an In‐WSe2 contact irrespective of whether the dopant is used. The barrier‐height modification after doping reveals that the improvement of the contact resistance is correlated to the enhancement of tunneling current after doping, which is consistent with the measurement results. This work suggests a practical direction for contact engineering of future WSe2‐based electronic devices and expands the current understanding of charge transport at the MS contact when a polymeric n‐type dopant is applied.
Binary metal oxides incorporated polyethersulfone ultrafiltration mixed matrix membranes for the pretreatment of seawater desalination
Authors: Lukka Thuyavan Y. , Arthanareeswaran G. , Ismail A. F. , Goh P. S. , Shankar M. V. , Ng B. C. , Sathish Kumar R. , Venkatesh K.
Published: September 2020

In this study, an attempt was made to pretreat seawater using polyethersulfone (PES) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) incorporated with titania‐based binary metal oxides. Two different titania‐based binary metal oxides were prepared, namely titania‐zirconia (TiZr) and titania‐zinc oxide (TiZn). The influence of hydrophilic and negatively charged sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) polymer as additive of PES MMMs was also studied. Morphological and elemental analysis revealed that both ZrO2 and ZnO were well dispersed in the as‐prepared binary metal oxide TiZr and TiZn, respectively.. Thermogravimetry analysis indicated the good compatibility of TiZr and TiZn with the SPEEK/PES polymer. The binary metal oxide incorporated SPEEK/PES MMMs exhibited improved hydrophilic properties with a low water contact angle of 57° ± (0.6). SPEEK/PES MMMs incorporated with 0.5 wt% TiZr exhibited the highest permeability of 3.11 × 10−7 ± (0.2) m/s·kPa. Seawater pretreatment performance of membranes evaluated using natural organic matters containing high salinity feed water. TiZr and TiZn incorporated SPEEK/PES MMMs exhibited 95% rejection for humic acid. SPEEK/PES MMMs loaded with 0.5 wt% TiZr also showed the highest water flux and 87% water recovery within 90 min of seawater filtration. Both PES/SPEEK/TiZr and PES/SPEEK/TiZn MMMs exhibited superior antibacterial activity.
UV‐shielding by a polyurethane/f‐Oil fly ash‐CeO2 protective coating
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mizanur , Zahir Md. Hasan , Arafat Md. Eyasin , Mazumder Mohammad Abu Jafar , Suleiman Rami , Kumar A. Madhan
Published: September 2020

A waste material called oil fly ash (OFA) was acid‐functionalized, yielding f‐OFA‐COOH, which was then reacted with cerium oxide (CeO2) to make CeO2‐functionalized OFA, or f‐OFA‐CeO2. Pristine OFA and f‐OFA‐CeO2 were used to make waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) dispersions, referred to as WBPU/OFA and WBPU/f‐OFA‐CeO2, respectively, with defined OFA and f‐OFA‐CeO2 content. All the dispersions were applied to mild steel as organic coatings to evaluate their protective properties, such as their hydrophobicity, adhesive strength and UV‐shielding resistance. These protective properties varied based on the OFA and f‐OFA‐CeO2 content. The highest water contact angle, minimum water swelling and maximum adhesive strength were found using WBPU/f‐OFA‐CeO2‐20 coating (using 2.00 wt% f‐OFA‐CeO2), which also showed the maximum ultraviolet (UV) absorption via UV–vis spectroscopy analysis. This UV shielding result also matched field test results, as that coating was found to exhibit the lowest UV degradation near a marine atmosphere, as shown by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The least affected hydrophobicity was also recorded for the sample with the WBPU/f‐OFA‐CeO2‐20 coating.
Impact on Physicochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of the Wild Edible Mushroom Cyttaria espinosae Subjected to Drying
Authors: Leiva‐Portilla Diana J. , Rodríguez‐Núñez Karen E. , Rodríguez‐Ramos Fátima J. , Delgadillo Acevedo Álvaro , Uribe Elsa
Published: September 2020

The wild edible mushroom ‘digüeñe’ (Cyttaria espinosae) is a mushroom with interesting flavor and nutritional properties, but highly perishable with a consumption very limited, generating inevitable economic losses for their producers. Because of that, the aim of this study was the evaluation of two drying methods (hot‐air drying and freeze‐drying) in its bioactive and physicochemical composition for its preservation. The best performances of antioxidant capacity were 62 μmol TE g−1 (ORAC) and 14.21 μmol TE g−1 (DPPH), being higher compared with other vegetable sources. Its protein (5.33 %), fiber (5.58 %) and K (2.82 mg g−1) content also stands out. β‐Carotene retention was 35.02 and 23.25 % after freeze drying and hot‐air, respectively. Freeze‐drying seems a good strategy for digüeñe, bioactive compounds, color and structure were better maintained. This work represents the first characterization of dehydrated digüeñe, constituting approaches for its valorization and use in the food industry.
NiFe2O4/NiFeP Heterostructure Grown on Nickel Foam as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Water Oxidation
Authors: Li Xin , Huang Wei‐Qing , Xia Li‐Xin , Li Yuan‐Yuan , Zhang Hua‐Wei , Ma Shao‐Fang , Wang Yi‐Meng , Wang Xin‐Jun , Huang Gui‐Fang
Published: September 2020

The rational construction of cost‐effective electrocatalysts for high‐performance water oxidation is a huge challenge. In this work, heterogeneous NiFe‐based oxide/phosphide (NiFe2O4/NiFeP) nanoplates are synthesized on Ni foam using a selective phosphorization process with double crucibles in a muffle furnace. The constructed NiFe2O4/NiFeP heterostructure shows superior catalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Impressively, the optimal NiFe2O4/NiFeP heterostructure demonstrates a low overpotential of 191 mV to afford an anodic current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH, which is better than most of reported OER electrocatalysts. The superior OER activity can be ascribed to the well‐configured 3D network structure composed of vertically interlaced nanoplates to provide more exposed active sites and an optimal electronic structure that arises from a synergistic effect between NiFe2O4 and NiFeP to facilitate charge separation and reduce the energy barrier. This selective phosphorization strategy enables rational construction of oxides/phosphides heterostructures with superior OER performance.
Synthesis, Characterization, Electrochemistry, and In Situ X‐ray Diffraction Investigation of Ni3(PO4)2 as a Negative Electrode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Aziam Hasna , Indris Sylvio , Knapp Michael , Ehrenberg Helmut , Saadoune Ismael
Published: September 2020

Nickel orthophosphate, Ni3(PO4)2, was successfully synthesized using solid‐state reaction at 900 °C. The effect of the calcination temperature on the material purity was investigated at different temperatures (700–900 °C). XRD analysis has shown that Ni3(PO4)2 crystallizes in a monoclinic system with P21/a space group. The electrochemical performances of carbon‐coated Ni3(PO4)2 were investigated for the first time versus Li+/Li and improved by the optimization of the cut‐off voltage, the carbon‐coating source, and the binder used. The best performance was delivered when using 0.01 V cut‐off voltage, sucrose for C‐coating, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder. A reversible capacity of 249 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention around 74–79 % after 90 cycles with a good coulombic efficiency of 98 % were obtained at C/5 current rate. In situ XRD measurements demonstrated the irreversible amorphization of the Ni3(PO4)2 crystal structure during the first discharge process, confirming that this phosphate exhibits a pure conversion mechanism.
The thioredoxin‐1 inhibitor Txnip restrains effector T‐cell and germinal center B‐cell expansion
Authors: Muri Jonathan , Thut Helen , Kopf Manfred
Published: September 2020

Thioredoxin‐1 (Trx1) is a vital component for cellular redox homeostasis. In T cells, Trx1 donates electrons for the de novo synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides to allow rapid cell proliferation. The Trx‐interacting protein (Txnip) binds to the reduced Trx1 and inhibits its activity. However, the role of Txnip in adaptive immunity in vivo is unknown. Here, we show that absence of Txnip increased proliferation of effector T cells and GC B‐cell responses in response to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and Qβ virus‐like particles, respectively, but did not affect development and homeostasis of T and B cells. While downregulation of Txnip and concomitant upregulation of Trx1 is critical for rapid T‐cell expansion upon viral infection, re‐expression of Txnip and consequently inhibition of Trx1 is important to restrain late T‐cell expansion. Importantly, we demonstrated that T‐cell receptor (TCR) engagement but not CD28 costimulation is critically required for Txnip downregulation. Thus, this study further uncovers positive and negative control of lymphocyte proliferation by the Trx1 system.
A General Method for the Divergent Synthesis of C‐9 Functionalised Sialic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Hassan Abdullah A. , Oscarson Stefan
Published: September 2020

Sialic acids, a ubiquitous family of sugars shown to be involved in numerous biologically important processes, exhibit remarkable structural diversity in nature. Access to these derivatives by chemical and enzymatic means is a major bottle neck in understanding the role played by each particular modification. As part of a program to study such roles and determine the substrate specificity of novel sialic acid aldolases, a general and robust synthetic protocol was devised to gain access to all naturally occurring C‐9 functionalised N‐acetylneuraminic acid derivatives including esters. These derivatives were synthesised in 11 linear steps from a common advanced intermediate, which allowed for divergent modification at the C‐9 position. Four substitutions were installed in this study: O‐acetyl, O‐lactyl, O‐SO3, O‐PO3. This synthetic pathway includes both an effective way to benzylate neuraminic acid derivatives, as well as a working methodology towards unnatural β‐linked neuraminic acid glycosides.
Effect of plasma nitriding time on the structural and mechanical properties of AISI‐O1 steel
Authors: de Araújo Luciane Norberto M. , de Araújo Armystron Gonçalves F. , Ferreira Maria Onaira G. , de Sousa Rômulo Ribeiro M. , Cavalcante Laécio S. , Nunes Lívio César C.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the effect of plasma nitriding time on the improvement of surface microhardness of AISI O1 steel as a strategy to increase its wear resistance was addressed. The plasma nitriding was carried out in a controlled atmosphere (80% H2(g) and 20% N2(g)), temperature (500°C), and pressure (6 mbar), during the different amount of time (4, 5, and 6 hours). The material was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and microhardness measurements. Moreover, microhardness measurements were carried out to investigate the mechanical properties. From the results, it was verified that the XRD patterns, SEM images, and EDS spectra confirmed the formation of a layer with ε‐Fe3N and γ′‐Fe4N phases in all nitrided samples. The sample AISI‐O1 steel, which was nitrided for 6 hours, exhibited a hardness about 46% higher than the one measured for the untreated sample. This sample also showed the thicker layer, with a mean of 7.22 μm. Therefore, this thermochemical treatment can improve mechanical properties in AISI O1 steel, and suggest its use in compression tools to improve this tools life.