bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thioredoxin, oxidative stress, cancer and aging
Authors: Flores Lisa C , Ortiz Melanie , Dube Sara , Hubbard Gene B , Lee Shuko , Salmon Adam , Zhang Yiqiang , Ikeno Yuji
Published: September 2012

The Free Radical or Oxidative Stress Theory of Aging is one of the most popular theories in aging research and has been extensively studied over the past several decades. However, recent evidence using transgenic/knockout mice that overexpress or down-regulate antioxidant enzymes challenge the veracity of this theory since the animals show no increase or decrease in lifespan. These results seriously call into question the role of oxidative damage/stress in the aging process in mammals. Therefore, the theory requires significant modifications if we are to understand the relationship between aging and the regulation of oxidative stress. Our laboratory has been examining the impacts of thioredoxins (Trxs), in the cytosol and mitochondria, on aging and age-related diseases. Our data from mice that are either up-regulating or down-regulating Trx in different cellular compartments, that is, the cytosol or mitochondria, could shed some light on the role of oxidative stress and its pathophysiological effects. The results generated from our lab and others may indicate that: 1) changes in oxidative stress and the redox state in the cytosol, mitochondria or nucleus might play different roles in the aging process; 2) the role of oxidative stress and redox state could have different pathophysiological consequences in different tissues/cells, for example, mitotic vs. post-mitotic; 3) oxidative stress could have different pathophysiological impacts in young and old animals; and 4) the pathophysiological roles of oxidative stress and redox state could be controlled through changes in redox-sensitive signaling, which could have more diverse effects on pathophysiology than the accumulation of oxidative damage to various molecules. To critically test the role of oxidative stress on aging and age-related diseases, further study is required using animal models that regulate oxidative stress levels differently in each cellular compartment, each tissue/organ, and/or at different stages of life (young, middle and old) to change redox sensitive signaling pathways.
ParameciumBBS genes are key to presence of channels in Cilia
Authors: Valentine Megan Smith , Rajendran Anbazhagan , Yano Junji , Weeraratne S Dilhan , Beisson Janine , Cohen Jean , Koll France , Van Houten Judith
Published: September 2012

Background

Changes in genes coding for ciliary proteins contribute to complex human syndromes called ciliopathies, such as Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS). We used the model organism Paramecium to focus on ciliary ion channels that affect the beat form and sensory function of motile cilia and evaluate the effects of perturbing BBS proteins on these channels.

Methods

We used immunoprecipitations and mass spectrometry to explore whether Paramecium proteins interact as in mammalian cells. We used RNA interference (RNAi) and swimming behavior assays to examine the effects of BBS depletion on ciliary ion channels that control ciliary beating. Combining RNA interference and epitope tagging, we examined the effects of BBS depletion of BBS 7, 8 and 9 on the location of three channels and a chemoreceptor in cilia.

Results

We found 10 orthologs of 8 BBS genes in P. tetraurelia. BBS1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 co-immunoprecipitate. While RNAi reduction of BBS 7 and 9 gene products caused loss and shortening of cilia, RNAi for all BBS genes except BBS2 affected patterns of ciliary motility that are governed by ciliary ion channels. Swimming behavior assays pointed to loss of ciliary K+ channel function. Combining RNAi and epitope tagged ciliary proteins we demonstrated that a calcium activated K+ channel was no longer located in the cilia upon depletion of BBS 7, 8 or 9, consistent with the cells’ swimming behavior. The TRPP channel PKD2 was also lost from the cilia. In contrast, the ciliary voltage gated calcium channel was unaffected by BBS depletion, consistent with behavioral assays. The ciliary location of a chemoreceptor for folate was similarly unperturbed by the depletion of BBS 7, 8 or 9.

Conclusions

The co-immunoprecipitation of BBS 1,2,4,5,7,8, and 9 suggests a complex of BBS proteins. RNAi for BBS 7, 8 or 9 gene products causes the selective loss of K+ and PKD2 channels from the cilia while the critical voltage gated calcium channel and a peripheral receptor protein remain undisturbed. These channels govern ciliary beating and sensory function. Importantly, in P. tetraurelia we can combine studies of ciliopathy protein function with behavior and location and control of ciliary channels.
Cost analysis of HIV treatment and drug-related adverse events when fixed-dose combinations of antiretrovirals (FDCs) were stopped, versus continuation with FDCs
Authors: Homar Francesc , Lozano Virginia , Martínez-Gómez Juan , Oyagüez Itziar , Pareja Antonio , Payeras Antoni , Serrano Joaquín , Carratalá Carmen , Casado Miguel Ángel
Published: September 2012

Background

The lower sales price of generic lamivudine has caused healthcare administrators to consider abolishing fixed-dose antiretroviral combinations (FDCs) that contain lamivudine and emtricitabine. The alternative is to administer the individual components of the FDCs separately, thus incorporating the new generic lamivudine medication.

Methods

The Balearic Islands Health Service ordered the discontinuation of the treatment with FDCs in July 2010, but FDCs were reintroduced in August 2010. At that point, an independent, retrospective cost analysis was performed by Son Llàtzer Hospital. A total of 75 patients who were treated from July to August 2010 underwent replacement of their FDC treatment with the individual components. Additionally, 150 patients who continued using FDCs were randomly selected. For both patient groups, the antiretroviral therapy that was administered and the costs associated with management of adverse events were recorded. The study period used for the cost calculations was the average number of days that patients used separate components of FDCs (120 days). An alternative analysis was performed to consider the costs of the extra follow-up visit (consultation and clinical tests) that was required for patients who changed their antiretroviral therapy.

Results

Considering antiretroviral therapies and adverse events, the administration of the separate components increased the total daily cost by 0.72 € per patient compared to treatment with FDCs. When the cost of an extra follow-up visit was considered, the daily cost increased by 3.61 € per patient.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the discontinuation of FDC treatment and the replacement with the administration of separate antiretroviral agents could lead to an increase in healthcare costs due to the higher rate of adverse events that was observed with the discontinuation of FDCs.
Estimating cost-effectiveness in public health: a summary of modelling and valuation methods
Authors: Marsh Kevin , Phillips Ceri J , Fordham Richard , Bertranou Evelina , Hale Janine
Published: September 2012

It is acknowledged that economic evaluation methods as they have been developed for Health Technology Assessment do not capture all the costs and benefits relevant to the assessment of public health interventions. This paper reviews methods that could be employed to measure and value the broader set of benefits generated by public health interventions. It is proposed that two key developments are required if this vision is to be achieved. First, there is a trend to modelling approaches that better capture the effects of public health interventions. This trend needs to continue, and economists need to consider a broader range of modelling techniques than are currently employed to assess public health interventions. The selection and implementation of alternative modelling techniques should be facilitated by the production of better data on the behavioural outcomes generated by public health interventions. Second, economists are currently exploring a number of valuation paradigms that hold the promise of more appropriate valuation of public health interventions outcomes. These include the capabilities approach and the subjective well-being approach, both of which offer the possibility of broader measures of value than the approaches currently employed by health economists. These developments should not, however, be made by economists alone. These questions, in particular what method should be used to value public health outcomes, require social value judgements that are beyond the capacity of economists. This choice will require consultation with policy makers, and perhaps even the general public. Such collaboration would have the benefit of ensuring that the methods developed are useful for decision makers.
Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oils of Ferula vesceritensis Coss et Dur. leaves, endemic in Algeria
Authors: Zellagui Amar , Gherraf Noueddine , Rhouati Salah
Published: September 2012

Background

The biological importance of members of genus Ferula promoted us to investigate the leaves of Ferula vesceritensis Coss et Dur. (endemic plant) previously not investigated. This study presents the chemical composition and antibacterial activities of the hydrodistilled oils.

Results

Volatile components of the leaves of F. vesceritensis have been studied by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to afford 23 compounds. The major components were found to be 5,9-tetradecadiyne (24.72%), germacrene D (24.51%), farnesene (8.57%), and α-bisabolene (8.57%). The antimicrobial activities of the essential oils were evaluated by disk diffusion method and tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The volatile oil showed a strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumonia.

Conclusions

These results reinforce the previous studies showing that the genus Ferula is considered as a good source of essential oils. The results presented here can be considered as the first information on the antimicrobial properties of F. vesceritensis.
Meet the relatives: a reintroduction to the clinical pharmacology of ‘typical’ antipsychotics (Part 1)
Authors: Owens David Cunningham
Published: September 2012

A number of pragmatic trials have cast doubt on the concept of ‘atypicality’ in relation to antipsychotic drugs, and some commentators have argued that the dichotomy between ‘typical’ (‘first-generation’) and ‘atypical’ ('second-generation’) compounds is artificial and should be abandoned, leaving the entire class of antipsychotics available for consideration in more individualised treatment planning. However, younger psychiatrists now gain little or no experience in the use of older antipsychotics. This is the first of two articles addressing practical issues for consideration in prescribing the older antipsychotics available in the UK. It covers background, including the fundamental clinical action of antipsychotics, the nature of drug licensing and identification of pharmacological parameters that may be of value in prescribing decisions, and discusses the phenothiazines: chlorpromazine, promazine, levomepromazine, pericyazine, perphenazine, trifluoperazine and prochlorperazine.
Telemental health: videoconferencing in mental health services
Authors: Vaitheswaran Sridhar , Crockett Philip , Wilson Sam , Millar Harry
Published: September 2012

Video technology was first used in psychiatric services in the 1950s but came into general use in the 1990s, particularly in North America and Australia. Video has utility across all ages and in a wide range of clinical situations. These include case conferencing for patients with complex problems (e.g. when planning discharge from specialist inpatient units), psychological assessment and treatment, Mental Health Act assessments, suicide risk assessment and work in forensic settings. Potential for benefit may be most obvious in remote locations, but video use is also relevant in urban settings. Lack of training and experience, inadequate access to equipment and insufficient technical support have all limited the take-up of this technology in the UK. This article briefly reviews the literature and outlines technical and cost considerations when using video technology. Three services in Scotland are described to illustrate ways in which videoconferencing can enhance services.
Meet the relatives: a reintroduction to the clinical pharmacology of ‘typical’ antipsychotics (Part 2)
Authors: Owens David Cunningham
Published: September 2012

This second of two articles on the ‘typical’ (‘first-generation’) antipsychotics covers non-phenothiazines: thioxanthenes (flupentixol and zuclopenthixol), butyrophenones/diphenylbutylpiperidines (including one-time world market-leader haloperidol, and pimozide) and sulpiride, for many years the only substituted benzamide available in the UK. Several tolerability issues ascribed specifically or more frequently to older antipsychotics are also discussed.
The price of a drink: the potential of alcohol minimum unit
pricing as a public health measure in the UK
Authors: Rice Peter , Drummond Colin
Published: September 2012

The UK has seen a dramatic increase in alcohol consumption and
alcohol-related harm over the past 30 years. Alcohol taxation has long been
considered a key method of controlling alcohol-related harm but a
combination of factors has recently led to consideration of methods which
affect the price of the cheapest alcohol as a means of improved targeting of
alcohol control measures to curb the consumption of the heaviest drinkers.
Although much of the evidence in favour of setting a minimum price of a unit
of alcohol is based on complex econometric models rather than empirical
data, all jurisdictions within the UK now intend to make selling alcohol
below a set price illegal, which will provide a naturalistic experiment
allowing assessment of the impact of minimum pricing.
Child abuse and neglect: a major public health issue and the role of child and adolescent mental health services
Authors: Shaw Mike , De Jong Margaret
Published: September 2012

Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) make an important contribution to the assessment and treatment of abuse and neglect in children. However, the provision of services is patchy and we see the present political and economic environment as providing opportunities but also threats. In this editorial we examine some of the barriers to CAMHS involvement, emphasise the potential public health benefits of improving the service, and provide some examples of how CAMHS could develop its involvement in partnership with Social Services and the family courts.
Prevalence of perceived coercion among psychiatric patients: literature review and meta-regression modelling
Authors: Newton-Howes Giles , Stanley James
Published: September 2012

Aims and method

To assess how common the subjective experience of coercion is in psychiatric care and what affects its prevalence. A review of published data was undertaken to assess prevalence of coercion and potential confounding variables. The heterogeneity of results was studied using meta-regression to quantify the relative impact of four potential explanatory variables.

Results

The raw prevalence of perceived coercion ranged from 16 to 90%. A quarter of legally detained patients did not feel coerced into psychiatric care, whereas a quarter of voluntary in-patients reported coercion in care. Coercion was more common in studies outside the USA, among patient populations subject to legal detention and populations studied using the MacArthur Perceived Coercion Scale as opposed to other measures. Timing of the interview was not associated with coercion.

Clinical implications

Coercion in psychiatric care remains highly prevalent but varies widely by study. Consistency in measurement is necessary to allow better comparison between studies.
What can we learn from service user memoirs? Information and service user experience
Authors: Armstrong Neil
Published: September 2012

Service user memoirs are frequently reviewed in The Psychiatrist and other related journals. Some academic publications include first-hand accounts of mental ill health, and there is a lively market for autobiographical books and articles about mental illness. But clinicians already have extensive contact with service users and it might seem unlikely that they have much to gain from reading memoirs. In this article I suggest that the greater depth of reflection in published memoirs means clinicians do in fact have something to learn. I illustrate my argument by showing how memoirs cast a light on the world of information and conclude by suggesting reasons why memoirs raise issues that are of increasing clinical importance.
‘Phoney Beatlemania has bitten the dust’: The punk generation’s love–hate relationship with the Fab Four
Authors: Ogg Alex
Published: September 2012

This article explores the manner in which the punk generation qualified and then recalibrated its initial vilification of the Beatles, the supreme canonical figures in British pop history. It uses primary and secondary interview sources to contextualize the dialogue, both explicit and
implied, between the two camps. In so doing, it attempts to situate the Beatles on the punk landscape and assess their function as totemic anti-heroes within the subculture. The article then examines the underlying influence Lennon-McCartney may have wielded on punk-era songwriting and looks
at all four individual Beatles’ responses to punk, attempting to reconcile the mutual negotiation that took place.
The Private Whistleblower: Defining a New Role in the Public Procurement System
Authors: Hansson Lisa
Published: September 2012

Due to EU legislation, public procurement through competitive tendering has been applied in most European countries. One purpose of such procurement is to lower the costs of the procured service and another is for the political level to gain better control over what it is purchasing. However, monitoring problems exist when conducting public procurements; recent studies indicate that actions related to public servant corruption are most common in public procurement processes. Citing cases from Sweden, this article argue that, in the case of public procurement, private firms have assumed a monitoring role towards the public sector similar to that of whistleblowers, and that the public system in fact depends on private firms to detect procurement bypasses committed by civil servants. This article provides an understanding of this monitoring role and discusses its theoretical and practical implications for the public system. I conclude that upholding the public system is not the primary objective of the private whistleblower but a positive side effect. The monitoring role is analyzed in the framework of principal–agent theory and should be seen as complementary to the existing monitoring functions available to public principals.
Government Positions for Sale - A Model of Grand Corruption
Authors: Czap Hans J. , Nur-tegin Kanybek D.
Published: September 2012

This paper develops a model for a particular type of grand corruption often encountered in developing countries, namely, the sale of government positions by autocratic rulers. A two-stage game is considered, where the autocrat moves first to maximize his revenue from the sale of positions in the cabinet by choosing a price that must be paid by interested politicians. The latter become bureaucrats who maximize their utility from bribe revenues for the given price set by the president. Backward induction yields subgame-perfect equilibrium levels of corruption of the president and bureaucrats. A key insight from this analysis is that conventional tools of fighting corruption become ineffective when corruption at the very top is ignored. The model is distinctive in its treatment of individual moral costs of being corrupt and in its consideration of a revolutionary constraint on the autocrat's choices.
Biomarkers in primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Kokotas Haris , Kroupis Christos , Chiras Dimitrios , Grigoriadou Maria , Lamnissou Klea , Petersen Michael B. , Kitsos George
Published: September 2012

Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide, is currently defined as a disturbance of the structural or functional integrity of the optic nerve that causes characteristic atrophic changes in the optic nerve, which may lead to specific visual field defects over time. This disturbance usually can be arrested or diminished by adequate lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma can be divided roughly into two main categories, ‘open angle’ and ‘closed angle’ glaucoma. Open angle, chronic glaucoma tends to progress at a slower rate and patients may not notice loss of vision until the disease has progressed significantly. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is described distinctly as a multifactorial optic neuropathy that is chronic and progressive with a characteristic acquired loss of optic nerve fibers. Such loss develops in the presence of open anterior chamber angles, characteristic visual field abnormalities, and IOP that is too high for the healthy eye. It manifests by cupping and atrophy of the optic disc, in the absence of other known causes of glaucomatous disease. Several biological markers have been implicated with the disease. The purpose of this study was to summarize the current knowledge regarding the non-genetic molecular markers which have been predicted to have an association with POAG but have not yet been validated.
The high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T assay is superior to its previous assay generation for prediction of 90-day clinical outcome in ischemic stroke
Authors: Furtner Martin , Ploner Thomas , Hammerer-Lercher Angelika , Pechlaner Raimund , Mair Johannes
Published: September 2012

Background: Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) has been reported to be a predictor of stroke outcome. We hypothesized that the high-sensitivity cTnT (hs-cTnT) assay is superior to its previous assay generation for stroke outcome prediction.

Methods: cTnT was measured on emergency department admission in 60 consecutive patients (35 males, age 69.4±13.9 years) with ischemic stroke. Adverse 90-day clinical outcome was defined as death or dependence (modified Rankin scale ≥3 or Barthel index <75).

Results: Stroke aetiology was microangiopathy in three, macroangiopathy in 17, cardiac embolism in 26, dissection in one and unknown in 13 patients. At 90-day follow-up 16 (27%) patients had an adverse outcome. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis yielded a significantly better performance of hs-cTnT vs. cTnT (area under ROC curve: 0.80 [95% CI 0.68–0.89] vs. 0.70 [95% CI 0.57–0.82], p=0.017). The optimal discriminator values according to ROC analysis were 5.1 ng/L (hs-cTnT assay) and 11 ng/L (4th generation cTnT assay) with: sensitivities 94% vs. 56%, specificities 57% vs. 84%, positive predictive values 44% vs. 56%, and negative predictive values 96% vs. 84%.

Conclusions: Improvements in cTnT assay sensitivity and precision at the low measuring range resulted in a more accurate prediction of ischemic stroke outcome, particularly for ruling out worse outcome.
Reducing the number of clinical stat phlebotomy orders: feasible or not?
Authors: Scherrenburg Jolanda , van de Wijngaart Dennis J. , Janssens Pim M.W.
Published: September 2012

Background:To manage the costs and performance of diagnostic services involving laboratory testing permanent evaluation is required. Among these, the ever increasing use of stat ordering, involving labour intensive phlebotomy, warrants explanation, especially for a phlebotomy service organised by the laboratory, not by those responsible for and/or carrying out the requests, such as doctors and nurses.

Methods:To explore the possibilities to reduce the number of stat phlebotomy requests, we conducted a survey among nurses and doctors of their motives in requesting 109 randomly selected stat orders.

Results:Fifty-five percent of all stat phlebotomy orders were requested for immediate decision-making with respect to urgently required diagnosis and patient care, defined by us as medical reasons. The other 45% of the stat orders were made for logistical reasons relating to the patient care or the hospital organisation. In total, 19 phlebotomy requests (17%) were unnecessary and could have been avoided. For most of the stat phlebotomy orders alternatives were not possible, as only 2% of the requests could have been replaced by analysis in material that had been withdrawn earlier.

Conclusions:The majority of the stat orders for phlebotomy were requested for good reasons, about equally distributed among the medical and logistical needs. This sets limits to the measures being feasible to further improve stat phlebotomy ordering efficiency, taking into account the way of functioning of modern hospital care.
Laboratory hematology in the history of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
Authors: Hoffmann Johannes J.M.L.
Published: September 2012

Background: For the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the journal Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM), an historic overview of papers that the journal has published in the field of laboratory hematology (LH) is presented.

Methods: All past volumes of CCLM were screened for papers on LH and these were categorized. Bibliographic data of these papers were also analyzed.

Results:
CCLM published in total 387 LH papers. The absolute number of LH papers published annually showed a significant increase over the years since 1985. Also the share of LH papers demonstrated a steady increase (overall mean 5%, but mean 8% over the past 4 years). The most frequent category was coagulation and fibrinolysis (23.5%). Authors from Germany contributed the most LH papers to the journal (22.7%), followed by the Netherlands and Italy (16.3 and 13.2%, respectively). Recent citation data indicated that other publications cited LH review papers much more frequently than other types of papers.

Conclusions: The history of the journal reflects the emergence and development of laboratory hematology as a separate discipline of laboratory medicine.
Generic failure mechanisms in adhesive bonds
Authors: Hass Philipp , Wittel Falk K. , Niemz Peter
Published: September 2012

The failure of adhesive bondlines has been studied at the microscopic level via tensile tests. Stable crack propagation could be generated by means of samples with improved geometry, which made in situ observations possible. The interaction of cracks with adhesive bondlines under various angles to the crack propagation was the focus of this study, as well as the respective loading situations for the adhesives urea formaldehyde (UF), polyurethane (PUR), and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), which have distinctly different mechanical behaviors. It has been shown how adhesive properties influence the occurrence of certain failure mechanisms and determine their appearance and order of magnitude. With the observed failure mechanisms, it becomes possible to predict the propagation path of a crack through the specimen.
Behavior of xylans from the Eucalyptus species. Part 2. Characterization of 4-O-methylglucuronoxylans isolated from black liquors of kraft pulping of Eucalyptus grandis and E. urophylla
Authors: Magaton Andréia S. , Silva Teresa Cristina F. , Colodette Jorge Luiz , Piló-Veloso Dorila , Milagres Flaviana Reis , Resende Janaína Oliveira
Published: September 2012

4-O-methylglucuronoxylans isolated from Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus urophylla kraft black liquors (KBLs) were chemically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Doses of alkali charge, expressed as active alkali (AA), were 16, 17, and 18% while the sulfidity was kept at 25%. Kappa numbers of 19.1, 17.5, and 16.1 for E. grandis and 20.4, 16.8, and 15.4 for E. urophylla were obtained. At higher alkali charges, the recovery of xylans from the KBLs was lower and the degree of substitution of xylans with uronic acids decreased. The average molecular weight (M
w) of the recovered xylans was greater under conditions of mild pulping, i.e., in the case of pulps with higher kappa numbers. Mw of xylans ranged from 16.1 to 19.1 kDa for E. grandis and from 15.4 to 20.4 kDa for E. urophylla. The xylans from KBL may be useful as pulp modifying agents or as a raw material for advanced applications.
Beech wood shrinkage observed at the micro-scale by a time series of X-ray computed tomographs (μXCT)
Authors: Taylor Adam , Plank Bernhard , Standfest Gernot , Petutschnigg Alexander
Published: September 2012

The shrinkage behavior of European beech wood was successfully observed on a time series of images obtained by high resolution X-ray computed tomography (μXCT). The calculated measures for shrinkage and shrinkage anisotropy are consistent with published data. Evidence was provided for the ‘ray restraint’ theory of shrinkage anisotropy. This technique has a high potential for the study of dynamic processes in wood at the micro-scale, though the resolution of the images is lower and the measurement times are longer in comparison to synchroton radiation μXCT.
The GlycanBuilder and GlycoWorkbench glycoinformatics tools: updates and new developments
Authors: Damerell David , Ceroni Alessio , Maass Kai , Ranzinger Rene , Dell Anne , Haslam Stuart M.
Published: September 2012

During the EUROCarbDB project our group developed the GlycanBuilder and GlycoWorkbench glycoinformatics tools. This short communication summarizes the capabilities of these two tools and updates which have been made since the original publications in 2007 and 2008. GlycanBuilder is a tool that allows for the fast and intuitive drawing of glycan structures; this tool can be used standalone, embedded in web pages and can also be integrated into other programs. GlycoWorkbench has been designed to semi-automatically annotate glycomics data. This tool can be used to annotate mass spectrometry (MS) and MS/MS spectra of free oligosaccharides, N and O-linked glycans, GAGs (glycosaminoglycans) and glycolipids, as well as MS spectra of glycoproteins.
Factors that affect the postnatal increase in superior mesenteric artery blood flow velocity in very low birth weight preterm infants
Authors: Havranek Thomas , Miladinovic Branko , Wadhawan Rajan , Carver Jane D.
Published: September 2012

Objective: To identify factors related to the postnatal increase in superior mesenteric artery blood flow velocity (SMA BFV).

Study design: SMA BFV was measured in 35 infants (birth weight 1047±246 g) on day of life (DOL) 1, 3, 5, 7 10 and 14. Latent curve modeling (LCM) was used to measure the longitudinal change in BFV for each subject, and the correlation between changes in BFV and baseline values. Non-parametric correlations were calculated between BFV and variables previously reported to be related to SMA BFV.

Results: There was significant variability in SMA BFV on DOL 1, a significant increase from DOL 1–14, and significant variability in the postnatal increase. Infants with higher enteral feeding volumes had greater increases, while infants receiving positive pressure ventilation or hyperalimentation had lower increases.

Conclusions: Several clinical factors affect the postnatal increase in SMA BFV. The use of LCM is useful in longitudinal studies of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, who are clinically and demographically heterogeneous.
Fetal myocardial peak systolic strain before and after intrauterine red blood cell transfusion – a tissue Doppler imaging study
Authors: Michel Miriam , Schmitz Ralf , Kiesel Ludwig , Steinhard Johannes
Published: September 2012

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cardiac function in anemic fetuses by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) measuring the myocardial peak systolic strain (PS) in fetuses before and after intrauterine transfusion (IUT) of red blood cells.

Methods: In our prospective clinical study in anemic fetuses, high-frame-rate TDI data files from a four-chamber view of fetal hearts pre- and post-IUT were analyzed. The biventricular PS parameters of the mid-segment of the ventricular walls [region of interest (ROI) 1 right ventricle, ROI 2 left ventricle] and the basal segment of the ventricular walls (ROI 3 tricuspid annulus, ROI 4 mitral annulus) were compared with the PS data of the normal controls.

Results: We analyzed the pre-/post-data sets from the 15 hearts of anemic fetuses and from the 17 controls. The threshold of statistical significance was set to P≤0.05. Compared with the controls, in anemic fetuses the left ventricular longitudinal myocardial PS (ROI 2, P=0.001) and PS in the basal segment of the right ventricle (ROI 3 P=0.009) was significantly increased (absolute amount). Compared with pre-IUT, post-IUT PS decreased significantly in both ventricles (ROI 1 P=0.025, ROI 2 P=0.02). Compared with the controls, post-IUT left ventricular PS was still higher (absolute amount) (ROI 2, P=0.026; ROI 4, P=0.009).

Conclusions: The increase in myocardial PS due to severe fetal anemia is partially normalized by IUT. In anemic fetuses, assessment of TDI fetal myocardial PS is feasible.
Trophoblastic progranulin expression is upregulated in cases of fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia
Authors: Stubert Johannes , Schattenberg Florian , Richter Dagmar-Ulrike , Dieterich Max , Briese Volker
Published: September 2012

Aims: The expression of the anti-inflammatory glycoprotein progranulin and the hypoxia-induced transcription factor 1α (HIF-1α) in the villous trophoblast was compared between placentae from patients with preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and normal controls.

Study design: Matched pairs analysis of third trimester placentae specimens (mean gestational age 36+2) was performed by semiquantitative measurements of the immunohistochemical staining intensities for progranulin and HIF-1α expression (PE n=13, FGR n=9 and controls n=11). Further, placental progranulin mRNA expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR on term placentae (n=3 for each group).

Results: Compared to controls, villous trophoblast revealed a significantly higher expression of progranulin in cases of PE (P<0.05) and FGR (P<0.01). Similar results were shown for HIF-1α expression (P<0.01 for PE and <0.05 for FGR). The increase of the progranulin protein was not accompanied by an increase of the progranulin mRNA in term placentae.

Conclusions: Increased expression of progranulin protein in villous trophoblast cells in cases of PE and FGR may result from disturbed placental development and, therefore, may be of pathogenetic importance. The increase was correlated to HIF-1α expression. Further evaluation of this potential mechanism of regulation is required.
Can a customized standard for large for gestational age identify women at risk of operative delivery and shoulder dystocia?
Authors: Cha Hyun-Hwa , Kim Ji-Young , Choi Suk-Joo , Oh Soo-Young , Roh Cheong-Rae , Kim Jong-Hwa
Published: September 2012

Objective: To determine whether a customized standard for large for gestational age (LGA) identifies undiagnosed women at risk of operative delivery and shoulder dystocia.

Methods: We previously generated customized standards from our institution. We compared the baseline maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes between LGA and non-LGA births, which were classified by both population-based and customized standards. The risk of operative delivery (vacuum delivery or emergent cesarean section) and shoulder dystocia was compared by logistic regression analysis in LGA pregnancies that were identified by a population-based birth weight standard and a customized standard after adjusting for maternal age, parity, body mass index, and neonatal gender.

Results: Multivariable analysis revealed that the pregnancies identified as LGA by a customized standard were associated with an increased risk of emergent cesarean section [odds ratio (OR), 4.09; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.00–5.74] and shoulder dystocia (OR, 10.56; 95% CI, 5.52–20.19). However, there was no association between an increased risk of vacuum delivery (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.92–2.30) and pregnancies identified as non-LGA, using both standards. In addition, customized LGA infants were at increased risk of admission to neonatal intensive care unit (OR 1.63; 95% CI, 1.09–2.43).

Conclusion: A customized standard of LGA is useful in identifying previously unrecognized women at risk of emergent cesarean section and shoulder dystocia.
Dynamic pressure analysis as a tool for determination of sharkskin instability by extrusion of molten polymers
Authors: Barczewski Mateusz , Barczewski Roman , Sterzynski Tomasz
Published: September 2012

Increasing requirements which extruded polymeric products should accomplish are imposed to quantitatively characterize the factors which have a considerable effect on extrusion stability. Investigation has been realized by means of a rheological measurement device including a single screw extruder, as well as a rheological die, signal acquisition and analysis system. Due to a specially designed measurement track and modern signal processing technique, the separation of cyclic instabilities from received signals (representing the course of melt pressure) and the definition of the influence on the extrusion process were feasible. This paper demonstrates an example of the application of two new methods which facilitate the detection of sharkskin instability, irrespective of visual observation of the extrudate. Autocorrelation function and frequency analysis based on a fast Fourier transformation (FFT) were used as numeric tools applied to register and control the extrusion process. The flow of molten polymer was studied under various processing conditions, giving an opportunity to split high frequency pressure fluctuations by means of the autocorrelation function and fast Fourier transform, and to create, in the future, a catalogue of data which can be used to define particular distortions in technological investigations.
Silica nanoparticles as a carrier for signal amplification
Authors: Wei Wei , Wei Min , Liu Songqin
Published: September 2012

Owing to the small size, high surface-to-volume ratio, and good biocompatibility, silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have become the normally used carrier for biomolecule immobilization. Label-based detection techniques have been used extensively for a wide range of applications in biological analysis. Organic dye, enzyme, electroactive species, and quantum dots (QDs) with unique optical and electrochemical performances have been used as probes for chemical and biological analysis. The common problem is that only a limited amount of probes can be linked to a biomolecule, which limited the extensive use of these probes in trace amounts of analyte detection. New technologies can provide efficient means to carry them with SiNPs, which possess a three-dimensional network suitable for load or encapsulating a large amount of probes. As a result, composite SiNPs can improve the detection sensitivity significantly because they carry a large amount of probes, which is beneficial for trace analysis. Also, SiNPs are nontoxic, highly water soluble, suitable for many biomolecules to conjugate, and increase the chemical and physical stability of the probes, which is very important for biological analysis. The goal of this review is to describe recent progress in the methods that SiNPs are used as a carrier of dyes, QDs, and enzyme and their application in biological analysis. Among these, SiNPs as a biolabel reagent for signal amplification in immunoassay, DNA, protein, and small molecule detection are the main topic in this review. We focus on two types of methods of carrying signal probes with SiNPs. One is to modify probes on the outer surface of the SiNPs and another is to encapsulate signal probes into the SiNPs. Particular attention is paid to update reported advances since 2009.
Composite reinforcement by oxide TiO2
Authors: Soltani Mehrdad , Hoseininejad Seid Abbas
Published: September 2012

This composite has been developed by solidification processing by the addition of 0.5–3. 5 wt% powders of oxide TiO2 to molten Al-Cu alloy. The dry sliding wear behavior of pins of cast composite, fabricated by the solidification of the melt-particle slurry in mold, has been determined by pin-on-disc wear tests carried out conventionally and while removing wear debris by camel brush. The accumulated volume loss in composites increases linearly with increasing the sliding distance, and the wear rate increases more or less linearly with increasing load. The increasing particle content decreases the wear rate at a given load. The accumulated volume loss is considerably higher when the wear debris is removed by a camel brush during dry sliding wear. The relatively brighter compacted oxide transfer layer could be observed in the SEM micrograph of worn pin surfaces of the composites developed by the addition of TiO2. At higher loads, the oxide debris are expected to get better compacted to form the transfer layer, spread over a larger area of the sliding surface, and thus, their removal causes a larger wear compared to that without the removal of wear debris.
A study on fiber-reinforced elastomer with a biphasic loading behavior
Authors: Huang Hao , Joe Chee-Ryong , Kim Dong-Uk , Lee Jehyun , Choi Heekyu
Published: September 2012

A specific fiber-reinforced elastomer (FRE) composite was formed by inserting curved fibers into a rubber matrix. This material combined the hyperelastic behavior of a soft elastomer matrix with the high stiffness character of a fibrous reinforcement. A biphasic loading property could be realized physically. Based on the guided concept, experiments were performed on the specimens of pure and fiber-reinforced silicone rubber, respectively. Test results showed that this FRE composite first experienced an elastomer-dominant phase with a large recoverable deformation and then a fiber-dominant phase with rapid increasing loading. This biphasic behavior of the developed FRE composite was also identified by the constitutive equations based on the nonlinear solid mechanics. It was further discovered that the division of the two phases could be varied with the change of curved fiber length.
Effects on insulin sensitivity and body composition of combination therapy with GH and IGF1 in GH deficient adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Barner Caroline , Petersson Maria , Edén Engström Britt , Höybye Charlotte
Published: September 2012

Objective

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect on insulin sensitivity and body composition of combination therapy with GH and IGF1 in adults with GH deficiency (GHD) and diabetes.

Design, patients and methods

A 6-month randomised placebo-controlled pilot study. Fourteen adults with GHD and type 2 diabetes were included. All received rhGH (0.15 mg/day for 1 month and 0.3 mg/day for 5 months) and were randomised to rhIGF1 (15 μg/kg per day for 1 month and 30 μg/kg per day for 5 months) or placebo. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated with euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp and body composition by computed tomography of abdominal and thigh fat, as well as bioimpedance.

Results

Twelve patients completed the study. They were overweight and obese; at baseline, insulin sensitivity (M-value) was low. IGF1 and IGF1 SDS increased in both groups, with the highest increase in the GH and IGF1 group. Positive changes in M-value by +1.4 mg/kg per min, in subcutaneous abdominal fat by −60.5 ml and in fat-free mass by +4.4% were seen in the GH and IGF1 group. Corresponding values in the GH and placebo-treated group were −1.5 mg/kg per min, +23 ml and −0.04% respectively (P=0.02, P=0.04 and P=0.03 for delta values between groups). No safety issues occurred.

Conclusions

Combined GH and IGF1 treatment resulted in positive, but rather small effects, and might be a treatment option in a few selected patients.
Magnetization Processes Analysis in Co-Cu Superlattices
Authors: Rebouillat J. P. , Fillion G. , Dieny B. , Cebollada A. , Gallego J. M. , Martinez J. L.
Published: September 2012

The analysis of the magnetization measurements performed on two Co-Cu multilayers confirm the antiferromagnetic coupling already observed with neutron experiments. Both exchange and anisotropy energies are taken into account and estimated. Their competitive role in the individual moment orientation leads to typical moment arrangements and hysteresis loops.
Magnetic and Structural Studies on Au/3d-metal Multilayered Films with Artificial Superstructures.
Authors: Araki Satoru , Takahata Tsutomu , Dohnomae Hitoshi , Okuyama Tetsuo , Shinjo Teruya
Published: September 2012

Au/3d-metal(Fe, Co, and Ni) artificial multilayered films were prepared by alternate deposition technique in ultrahigh vacuum. Well defined superstructures were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and Xray diffraction method. All 3d-metals were epitaxially grown on (111) oriented Au buffer layers. A large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy was observed in Au/Co multilayered films. When Co layer thickness was 4.7 Å, the effective perpendicular anisotropy energy Ku was 9.6x106 erg/cm3. The surface (interface) anisotropy energy constants, Ks, of Au/Co and Au/Fe multilayered films were estimated to be 0.42 erg/cm2 and 0.51 erg/cm2, respectively. The volume contribution, Kv, was interpreted from the observed value of saturation magnetization and the bulk values of magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy constants K1 and K2.
Metastable Zincblende MnTe and MnSe: MBE Growth and Characterization
Authors: Gunshor R. L. , Kolodziejski L. A. , Kobayashi M. , Nurmikko A. V. , Otsuka N.
Published: September 2012

Epilayers of metastable zincblende MnSe and MnTe have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The MnSe structures have been used to study magnetic ordering in thin layers by means of optical and magnetic measurements. Preliminary optical reflectance measurements performed on samples of zincblende MnTe indicate a bandgap of approximately 3.15eV, while double barrier quantum structures demonstrate optical transitions corresponding to 2D electron and hole confinement. Optical measurements further provide insight into the band offsets existing between MnTe and CdTe, as well as between MnTe and ZnTe epilayers.
MBE Growth and Characterization of Fe- and Co-Based Diluted Magnetic Semiconductors
Authors: Jonker B. T. , Krebs J. J. , Prinz G. A. , Liu X. , Petrou A. , Salamanca-Young L.
Published: September 2012

We have grown single crystal zincblende epilayers of the diluted magnetic semiconductors Zn1−xFexSe and Zn1−xCoxSe on GaAs(001) by molecular beam epitaxy. We summarize the growth and the structural, magnetic and optical properties of these materials, and contrast their properties with those of the more well-studied Mn-based family of diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) compounds. Both materials exhibit larger values for the band electronmagnetic ion and ion-ion exchange parameters than found in (Zn,Mn)Se. These values are most strongly enhanced in (Zn,Co)Se, which represents the first member of a new Co-based family of DMS compounds. Thus the incorporation of (Zn,Fe)Se and (Zn,Co)Se layers in quantum well and superlattice structures holds very exciting prospects for future work.
Variations in Magnetic Hyperfine fields for Thin Epitaxial Heterostructures Of (110)Fe ON (111)Ag
Authors: Gutierrez C. J. , Mayer S. H. , Qiu Z. Q. , Tang H. , Walker J. C.
Published: September 2012

We have made a study of magnetic heterostructures involving the epitaxial growth of (110)Fe on (111)Ag. The flatness and continuity of the films was verified by Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction during the growth process. A series of structures were made with very thin intervening silver layers with thicker iron layers. The doping of appropriate layers by enriched Fe57 made it possible to examine the magnetic structure of the iron films as a function of depth. Preliminary results indicate that thin layers of silver sandwiched between two very thin Fe layers are able to transmit conduction electron polarization, resulting in iron behavior which resembles that of bulk iron. Implications of these results for understanding the nature of the magnetization of iron will be addressed in the following.