bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroanatomical Changes Associated with Pharmacotherapy in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: BREMNER J DOUGLAS , VERMETTEN ERIC
Published: January 2005

Abstract: Brain imaging studies have mapped out the neural circuitry of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), implicating brain areas sensitive to stress such as the hippocampus. Animal studies show that antidepressants promote hippocampal neurogenesis and block the effects of stress on the hippocampus. We found that treatment of PTSD patients for a year with the serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine resulted in a 5% increase in hippocampal volume and a 35% improvement in verbal declarative memory function. Patients subjectively reported an improvement in cognition and work performance. These studies are consistent with the idea that antidepressants have a beneficial effect on hippocampal function in PTSD patients.
An Animal Model of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: The Use of Cut‐Off Behavioral Criteria
Authors: COHEN HAGIT , ZOHAR JOSEPH
Published: January 2005

Abstract: Considerable heterogeneity exists in the response of human subjects exposed to extreme traumatizing events. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is diagnosed in 20‐30% of those exposed. Clinical studies of this population employ stringent inclusion/exclusion criteria, yet animal studies have routinely included the entire exposed population as the study population. We examined the effect of grouping stressed rats according to the magnitude of their response on the statistical analysis of behavioral models. Exposure to a predator stimulus was used as the stress paradigm. Response magnitude was assessed in two consecutive behavioral tests measuring anxiety‐ and stress‐related behaviors and was used to divide the animals into groups. The two extremes were studied, that is, those clearly “maladapted” and those clearly “well‐adapted,” using arbitrarily selected severity‐measures, the “cut‐off behavioral criteria” (CBC). Data for the partially affected middle group were discarded for reasons of clarity. The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis and heart rate variability were analyzed for the entire exposed population and then reexamined according to the CBCs. When the CBCs were applied, we found PTSD‐like symptoms in only 22.0% of exposed rats. Compared to controls and to well‐adapted exposed rats, the behaviorally maladapted rats displayed disordered physiological measures. They had significantly higher plasma corticosterone and ACTH levels, increased sympathetic activity, diminished vagal tone, and increased sympathovagal balance. These differences surfaced only when data were analyzed according to the CBCs. Animals respond to stress heterogeneously, resembling humans. Overlooking heterogeneity in responses obscures the results of biobehavioral data analysis. We submit that animals exposed to trauma should be divided into groups according to the magnitude of their response and be studied accordingly.
Basolateral Amygdala Interacts with Other Brain Regions in Regulating Glucocorticoid Effects on Different Memory Functions
Authors: NATHAN SHEILA V. , GRIFFITH QYANA K. , MCREYNOLDS JAYME R. , HAHN EMILY L. , ROOZENDAAL BENNO
Published: January 2005

Abstract: Extensive evidence indicates that acutely administered glucocorticoid hormones influence cognitive performance. Posttraining activation of glucocorticoid‐sensitive pathways involving glucocorticoid receptors dose‐dependently enhance long‐term memory consolidation. We previously reported that such glucocorticoid effects on memory consolidation rely on noradrenergic activation of the basolateral complex of the amygdala (BLA) and interactions of the BLA with other brain regions. By contrast, memory retrieval and working memory performance are impaired with high circulating levels of glucocorticoids. Although these memory functions depend on the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex, respectively, in recent experiments we found that glucocorticoid‐induced impairment of these two memory functions also requires the integrity of the BLA and the noradrenergic system. Thus, these findings suggest that the BLA is a key structure in a memory‐modulatory system that regulates, in concert with other brain regions, stress and glucocorticoid effects on different memory functions.
Effects of Self‐Esteem on Age‐Related Changes in Cognition and the Regulation of the Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis
Authors: PRUESSNER JENS C. , LORD CATHERINE , MEANEY MICHAEL , LUPIEN SONIA
Published: January 2005

Abstract: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the effects of self‐esteem on global health and life expectancy in normal aging. Endocrinological studies in humans have demonstrated the effects of self‐esteem on basal regulation and reactivity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. To investigate the effects of differences in self‐esteem on age‐related changes in cognitive performance and HPA regulation, we investigated 20 healthy elderly subjects (age range 60‐84, mean age 69.8 y). We assessed salivary cortisol levels together with neuropsychological assessment, and psychological assessment for self‐esteem and locus of control. Across the study sample, age was significantly associated with reductions in cognitive performance and changes in basal cortisol regulation. Self‐esteem appeared independent of age. Defining two groups of subjects with high and low self‐esteem, age‐related changes in cognitive and endocrinological variables became more prominent in the low self‐esteem group, whereas age no longer had a significant impact on the variables in the high self‐esteem group. These data suggest an effect of self‐esteem on cognitive decline with aging. It further suggests an effect on age‐related endocrine changes in humans. These results are discussed with regard to potential mechanisms by which the reported association between self‐esteem and aging could be mediated.
Cortisol and Memory Retrieval in Humans: Influence of Emotional Valence
Authors: WOLF O T. , KUHLMANN S , BUSS C , HELLHAMMER D H. , KIRSCHBAUM C
Published: January 2005

Abstract: Glucocorticoids secreted in response to stress modulate memory in animals and humans. Studies in rodents suggest that glucocorticoids enhance memory consolidation but impair delayed retrieval. Similar negative effects on memory retrieval have been reported in humans. The human studies so far have not addressed the issue of emotional valence, which conceivably could modulate the effects of cortisol on retrieval. The present mini‐review discusses two recent studies from our laboratories that investigate the influence of emotional valence on the retrieval‐impairing effects of cortisol. Both studies observed that cortisol impaired retrieval and that emotional valence influenced these effects. For autobiographical memory the impairing effects were stronger for neutral than for emotional items, whereas for word retrieval the opposite pattern was observed (stronger effects on emotional words). Possible reasons for these results are the different memory domains tested as well as the different sex of the subjects. Future studies will address these issues, which are of relevance for psychiatric disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder or major depression.
Cortisol Stress Response Is Positively Correlated with Central Obesity in Obese Women with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) before and after Cognitive‐Behavioral Treatment
Authors: GLUCK MARCI E. , GELIEBTER ALLAN , LORENCE MARGARITA
Published: January 2005

Abstract: Stress is the most commonly reported trigger of binge eating, and high cortisol levels are positively related to both central body fat and food intake after laboratory stress. We therefore examined waist circumference (WHR) and cortisol stress responsivity after a cold pressor stress test (CPT) in 22 obese (BMI > 27) women (11 BED, 11 non‐BED). BMI and WHR did not differ between groups. The BED group had higher morning basal cortisol than the non‐BED group (P= .03) and greater AUC cortisol after CPT, after controlling for AUC insulin (P= .04). In the BED group, WHR was related to AUC cortisol (P= .002) and peak cortisol stress responsivity (P= .003). Twenty (10 non‐BED, 10 BED) were randomized to a 6‐week treatment program (CBT + Diet) or Wait‐List (WL) control group. There were no BED group or treatment‐group differences in WHR, morning basal cortisol, or AUC cortisol after CPT. The relationship between WHR and both AUC cortisol (P= .002) and peak cortisol stress responsivity after CPT (P= .008) remained significant in the BED group. In BED, there is a hyperactive HPA axis related to abdominal obesity that persists even after treatment, suggesting that cortisol might be a primary factor in the disorder.
Neuroactive Steroids in Responders and Nonresponders to Sleep Deprivation
Authors: SCHÜLE CORNELIUS , Di MICHELE FLAVIA , BAGHAI THOMAS , ROMEO ELENA , BERNARDI GIORGIO , ZWANZGER PETER , PADBERG FRANK , PASINI AUGUSTO , RUPPRECHT RAINER
Published: January 2005

Abstract: Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies indicates that concentrations of neuroactive steroids are altered in depression and normalize after antidepressant pharmacotherapy. However, data on the impact of sleep deprivation on concentrations of neuroactive steroids are not available. Therefore, 29 drug‐free patients (12 men, 17 women) with major depression according to DSM‐IV criteria were treated with partial sleep deprivation (PSD). Response to PSD was defined as a reduction of at least 30% according to the 6‐item version of the Hamilton Depression Scale (6‐HAMD). Plasma samples were taken the day before and the day after PSD (day 0 and 1) and after one night of recovery sleep (day 2) at 8:00 am. Samples were quantified for neuroactive steroids by means of a highly sensitive and specific combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. PSD did not influence concentrations of neuroactive steroids in either PSD responders (n= 20) or nonresponders (n= 9). However, nonresponders showed significantly higher concentrations of 3α,5α‐tetrahydroprogesterone, 3α,5β‐tetrahydroprogesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone before or after PSD compared to responders. In contrast to antidepressant drugs which correct the dysequilibrium of neuroactive steroids in major depression within several weeks, PSD does not affect the concentrations of neuroactive steroids in either responders or nonresponders.
Influence of Stress during Pregnancy on HPA Activity and Neonatal Behavior
Authors: RIEGER MARGARETE , PIRKE KARL‐MARTIN , BUSKE‐KIRSCHBAUM ANGELIKA , WURMSER HARALD , PAPOUŠEK MECHTHILD , HELLHAMMER DIRK H.
Published: January 2005

Abstract: Prenatal maternal stress has been shown to impair birth outcome and behavioral functioning in nonhuman primate offspring. Little is known about the effects of prenatal stress on behavioral development in humans. We assessed the effect of self‐reported prenatal stress on behavioral characteristics of 81 newborns using the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). We suspected that high levels of perceived chronic stress during pregnancy may negatively affect the brain development of the fetus, reflected in poorer behavioral maturity and higher irritability. We found a poorer performance of newborns from high stressed mothers in the NBAS.
Increased Adrenocorticotropin Suppression after Dexamethasone Administration in Sexually Abused Adolescents with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: DUVAL FABRICE , CROCQ MARC‐ANTOINE , GUILLON MARIE‐SABINE , MOKRANI MARIE‐CLAUDE , MONREAL JOSÉ , BAILEY PAUL , MACHER JEAN‐PAUL
Published: January 2005

Abstract: Evidence suggests that individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have enhanced sensitization of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical (HPA) axis. Fourteen adolescent inpatients with DSM‐IV PTSD were compared with 14 adolescent hospitalized controls without current axis I diagnoses. All patients were drug‐naive. The causative trauma had been sexual abuse in all cases. Dexamethasone, 1 mg orally, was given at 11 PM, 5 days after admission. Baseline blood samples were obtained at 8 AM, and on the following day, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol levels were measured at 8 AM, 4 PM, and 11 PM. Clinical assessment included the Impact of Event Scale, Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. Post‐DST ACTH levels were significantly lower in PTSD than in control adolescents (at 8 AM, P <0.005; at 4 PM, P <0.001; and at 11PM, P <0.05). In patients, post‐DST cortisol levels were reduced but not significantly. No correlations were found between ACTH and cortisol levels and time elapsed since trauma. These results demonstrate that sexually abused adolescents with PTSD show ACTH hypersuppression to DST, suggesting enhanced glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity in the pituitary.
Psychoneuroendocrinological Studies on Chronic Stress and Depression
Authors: TAFET GUSTAVO E. , SMOLOVICH JAIME
Published: January 2005

Abstract: The adaptive response to stress is characterized by activation of neural and neuroendocrine cascades mediated mainly by the noradrenergic/sympathetic and limbic‐hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) systems, respectively. Chronic psychosocial stress has long been associated with the origin and development of depression, where increased levels of cortisol have been observed in both conditions. In this regard, increased levels of cortisol could be directly involved in the mood changes observed in depression, and direct connections between these and alterations of the serotonergic neurotransmission have been also proposed. Therefore, we investigated the potential link between alterations of the limbic‐HPA system with the serotonergic hypothesis of depression at both the molecular and clinical levels. Our findings support the notion that chronic psychosocial stress may lead to depression in certain individuals depending on the psychobiological background and their particular psychological resources. Therefore, certain interventions aimed at normalization of the HPA system could potentially prevent the development of depression in chronically stressed subjects. This would be possible through either pharmacological interventions or psychotherapeutic strategies, such as cognitive therapy, aimed at improving resilience and controllability in stressful situations.
Mirtazapine Acutely Inhibits Salivary Cortisol Concentrations in Depressed Patients
Authors: LAAKMANN GREGOR , HENNIG JÜRGEN , BAGHAI THOMAS , SCHÜLE CORNELIUS
Published: January 2005

Abstract: Mirtazapine has been shown to acutely inhibit cortisol secretion in healthy subjects. In the current study, the impact of mirtazapine treatment on salivary cortisol secretion was investigated in 12 patients with major depression (DSM‐IV criteria). Patients were treated with mirtazapine for 3 weeks, receiving 15 mg of mirtazapine on day 0, 30 mg on day 1, and 45 mg per day from day 2 to the end of the study (day 21). Response to mirtazapine treatment was defined by a reduction of at least 50% in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression after 3 weeks of therapy. Salivary cortisol concentrations were measured before treatment (day −1), at the beginning of treatment (day 0), after 1 week (day 7), and after 3 weeks (day 21) of treatment with mirtazapine. Saliva samples were collected hourly from 8 am to 8 pm. A significant reduction in cortisol concentrations was already noted after 1 day of mirtazapine treatment which was comparable in responders and in nonresponders. Mirtazapine therefore appears to be an effective in decreasing hypercortisolism in depression. However, the importance of the acute inhibitory effects of mirtazapine on cortisol secretion for its antidepressant efficacy has to be further clarified.
Negative Correlation between Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia and Testosterone Levels
Authors: GOYAL R O , SAGAR R , AMMINI A C , KHURANA M L , ALIAS A G
Published: January 2005

Abstract: We conducted a pilot study in 10 adult male schizophrenics, 5 with predominantly positive symptoms (group I) and 5 with predominantly negative symptoms (group II), and 10 healthy matched controls. No significant differences in serum levels of testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), estradiol, and cortisol were found between patients as a whole and controls, using radioimmunoassay. However, serum T and DHEAS levels were lower (P <0.05) in group II patients than in group I. Body hair and aggression scores also were lower (P <0.05) in group II. In a much larger sample, Shirayama and colleagues also showed that “moderate negative symptoms, but not low negative symptoms” correlated negatively with T (P <0.05), but positively with ACTH (P <0.05) and cortisol (P <0.01) levels in plasma. Neuroactive steroids, such as DHEAS, and other sex hormones, including their synthetic derivatives, may have an adjunctive role in reversing or slowing the progression of negative symptoms. Indeed, “DHEA augmentation” improved “negative (P <0.01), depressive (P <0.05), and anxiety (P <0.01) symptoms.“
Osteopenia Associated with Increased Prolactin and Aging in Psychiatric Patients Treated with Prolactin‐Elevating Antipsychotics
Authors: LIU‐SEIFERT HONG , KINON BRUCE J. , AHL JONNA , LAMBERSON SHAW
Published: January 2005

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of osteopenia in schizophrenic patients with hyperprolactinemia and to identify factors influencing bone density. Our results indicate that low bone mineral density was highly prevalent in a chronic psychiatric population treated with prolactin‐elevating antipsychotics. Identified risk factors appear to be age and hyperprolactinemia for both females and males.
Nesprin-2 is a multi-isomeric protein that binds lamin and emerin at the nuclear envelope and forms a subcellular network in skeletal muscle
Authors: Zhang Qiuping , Ragnauth Cassandra D. , Skepper Jeremy N. , Worth Nathalie F. , Warren Derek T. , Roberts Roland G. , Weissberg Peter L. , Ellis Juliet A. , Shanahan Catherine M.
Published: January 2005

Nesprin-2 is a multi-isomeric, modular protein composed of variable numbers of spectrin-repeats linked to a C-terminal transmembrane domain and/or to N-terminal paired calponin homology (CH) domains. The smaller isoforms of nesprin-2 co-localize with and bind lamin A and emerin at the inner nuclear envelope (NE). In SW-13 cells, which lack lamin A/C, nesprin-2 epitopes and emerin were both mislocalized and formed aggregates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The larger isoforms and other CH-domain-containing isoforms co-localize with heterochromatin within the nucleus and are also present at the outer NE and in multiple cytoplasmic compartments. Nesprin-2 isoforms relocalize during in vitro muscle differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts to the sarcomere of myotubes. Immunogold electron microscopy using antibodies specific for three different epitopes detected nesprin-2 isoforms at multiple locations including intranuclear foci, both membranes of the NE, mitochondria, sarcomeric structures and plasma membrane foci. In adult skeletal muscle, confocal immunolocalization studies demonstrated that nesprin-2 epitopes were present at the Z-line and were also associated with the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in close apposition to SERCA2. These data suggest that nesprin-2 isoforms form a linking network between organelles and the actin cytoskeleton and thus may be important for maintaining sub-cellular spatial organisation. Moreover, its association at the NE with lamin and emerin, the genes mutated in Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, suggests a mechanism to explain how disruption of the NE leads to muscle dysfunction.
Raf/MEK/MAPK signaling stimulates the nuclear translocation and transactivating activity of FOXM1c
Authors: Ma Richard Y. M. , Tong Tommy H. K. , Cheung Alice M. S. , Tsang Anthony C. C. , Leung Wai Ying , Yao Kwok-Ming
Published: January 2005

The forkhead box (FOX) transcription factor FOXM1 is ubiquitously expressed in proliferating cells. FOXM1 expression peaks at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and its functional deficiency in mice leads to defects in mitosis. To investigate the role of FOXM1 in the cell cycle, we used synchronized hTERT-BJ1 fibroblasts to examine the cell cycle-dependent regulation of FOXM1 function. We observed that FOXM1 is localized mainly in the cytoplasm in cells at late-G1 and S phases. Nuclear translocation occurs just before entry into the G2/M phase and is associated with phosphorylation of FOXM1. Consistent with the dependency of FOXM1 function on mitogenic signals, nuclear translocation of FOXM1 requires activity of the Raf/MEK/MAPK signaling pathway and is enhanced by the MAPK activator aurintricarboxylic acid. This activating effect was suppressed by the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126. In transient reporter assays, constitutively active MEK1 enhances the transactivating effect of FOXM1c, but not FOXM1b, on the cyclin B1 promoter. RT-PCR analysis confirmed that different cell lines and tissues predominantly express the FOXM1c transcript. Mutations of two ERK1/2 target sequences within FOXM1c completely abolish the MEK1 enhancing effect, suggesting a direct link between Raf/MEK/MAPK signaling and FOXM1 function. Importantly, inhibition of Raf/MEK/MAPK signaling by U0126 led to suppression of FOXM1 target gene expression and delayed progression through G2/M, verifying the functional relevance of FOXM1 activation by MEK1. In summary, we provide the first evidence that Raf/MEK/MAPK signaling exerts its G2/M regulatory effect via FOXM1c.
Epithelial re-organization and dynamics of progression through mitosis inDrosophilaseparase complex mutants
Authors: Pandey Rahul , Heidmann Stefan , Lehner Christian F.
Published: January 2005

Separase cleaves a subunit of the cohesin complex and thereby promotes sister chromatid separation during mitotic and meiotic divisions. Drosophila separase associates with regulatory subunits encoded by the pimples and three rows genes. Three rows and Pimples, the Drosophila securin, are required for sister chromatid separation during mitosis. Budding yeast separase provides other functions in addition to cohesin subunit cleavage, which are required for spindle organization and temporal regulation during exit from mitosis. Therefore, using time-lapse imaging in live embryos, we have carefully analyzed progression through mitosis in pimples and three rows mutants. We demonstrate that despite the total failure of sister chromatid separation, exit from mitosis, including a complete cytokinesis, proceeds with only a minor temporal delay in the epidermal cells of these mutants. Interestingly, however, pronounced defects in the epithelial organization develop in the following interphase, indicating that the separase complex is not only important for genetic stability but also and perhaps indirectly for epithelial integrity.
Protein kinase CK2 phosphorylates Sec63p to stimulate the assembly of the endoplasmic reticulum protein translocation apparatus
Authors: Wang Xian , Johnsson Nils
Published: January 2005

The heterotetrameric Sec62/63 complex associates with the heterotrimeric Sec61 complex to form the heptameric Sec complex. This complex is necessary and sufficient for post-translational protein translocation across the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. We show that Sec63p is phosphorylated at its C-terminal domain by the protein kinase CK2 and that this phosphorylation strengthens the interaction between the cytosolic domains of Sec63p and Sec62p. Exchanging either threonine 652 or threonine 654 against the nonphosphorylatable alanines in Sec63p impairs the binding to Sec62p and interferes with the efficient translocation of proteins across the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. These findings show that phosphorylation of Sec63p is required for tightly recruiting the putative signal-sequence-binding subunit Sec62p to the Sec complex.
Synthesis and Charaterization of Hexagonal-like Fe3O4 via Glycothermal Route
Authors: Zhang Dongen , Zhang Xiaojun , Ni Xiaomin , Zheng Huagui , Song Jimei
Published: January 2005

Hexagonal-like Fe3O4 nanoparticles were hydrothermally synthesized from iron chloride, using diethylene glycol (DEG)–water mixed solvent as the medium. The as-prepared powders were characterized in detail by conventional techniques such as X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, and their magnetic properties were evaluated on a vibrating magnetometer.
Self-Assembled Nanowires of Lipid-packaged Halogen-bridged Platinum Complexes Formed by One-pot Oxidation of Pt(en)2 complexes by Au(III) Ions
Authors: Yasui Kei , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: January 2005

A solution-phase synthesis of lipid-packaged mixed valence platinum complexes is newly developed. Addition of aqueous HAuCl4 or AuBr3 to Pt(en)2[1]2 complex dissolved in dichloromethane affords halogen-bridged linear complexes [Pt(en)2][Pt(en)2X2][1]4 (X = Cl or Br). Formation of self-assembled nanowires was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Structural and Physical Properties of λ-(BEST)2MCl4 (BEST = Bis(ethylenediseleno)tetrathiafulvalene; M = Fe, Ga) and Analogous Magnetic Organic Conductor
Authors: Cui Heng Bo , Otsubo Saika , Okano Yoshinori , Kobayashi Hayao
Published: January 2005

In contrast to λ-(BETS)2MCl4 (M = Fe, Ga) with superconducting (Ga) or π–d coupled antiferromagnetic insulating (Fe) ground states, λ-(BEST)2MCl4 (M = Ga, Fe) are semiconducting at ambient pressure despite of the close similarity of the crystal structures. There exists another triclinic modification of BEST conductor with FeBr4− exhibiting metal-insulator and antiferromagnetic transitions.
Palladium-Catalyzed Elimination Reaction of Acyclic (E)-Allylic Acetates: The Stereochemistry Elucidated by “Syn-Effect”
Authors: Takenaka Hiroyuki , Ukaji Yutaka , Inomata Katsuhiko
Published: January 2005

The stereochemistry of the elimination reaction of acyclic (E)-allylic acetates into the corresponding 1,3-dienes catalyzed by palladium in the presence of a base was investigated. The Z/E ratios of the resulting 1,3-dienes varied with the δ-substituents of the starting allylic acetates. This phenomenon was discussed based on the concept of a “syn-effect,” which is most primarily rationalized by a σ → π* interaction.
Palladium–Platinum Bimetallic Nanoparticle Catalysts Using Dendron Assembly for Selective Hydrogenation of Dienes and Their Application to Thermomorphic System
Authors: Murata Makoto , Tanaka Yuko , Mizugaki Tomoo , Ebitani Kohki , Kaneda Kiyotomi
Published: January 2005

Self-assembly of dendrons allows a new approach for size control of bimetallic Pd–Pt nanoparticles, which affords reusable dendritic nanoreactors for selective hydrogenation of dienes and alkynes to monoenes in thermomorphic systems.
Paid donation and plasma trade: unrecognized forces that drive the AIDS epidemic in developing countries
Authors: Volkow Patricia , del Rio Carlos
Published: January 2005

The commercial plasma industry and blood trade can fuel the transmission of HIV in a community by the most efficient way in which HIV is transmitted: the parenteral route. Paid donors get infected at the time of donation through practices like the re-use of needles, and/or injecting human blood. Paid donors from developing countries are a major source for plasma used by the pharmaceutical industry, that in 1999 fractionated 26 million litres. Paid donors also constitute an important source of blood for local use, contributing to rapid transmission of HIV through blood transfusion. This happened in Mexico in the 1980s and more recently in China. This route of HIV transmission can be efficiently prevented through a global safe blood programme and there is an urgent need to combat the epidemic.
Risk factors for myocardial infarction in HIV-positive patients
Authors: Quiros-Roldan E , Torti C , Tinelli C , Moretti F , Zanini B , Tirelli V , Pan A , Casari S , Carosi G
Published: January 2005

We describe the clinical characteristics of 12 HIV-infected patients who suffered from myocardial infarction (MI) in our clinical cohort. They were compared with a control group matched (1:2) for factors related to cardiovascular risk (age, gender, smoking habit, risk factor for HIV acquisition, hypertension, family history for relevant cardiovascular events, and body mass index) by conditional (fixed-effect) logistic regression analysis. Among patients with MI, 6/12 had never used protease inhibitors (PIs) or were antiretroviral therapy naïve. The only variables marginally associated with MI were nadir CD4+ T-cell count <50/mm3 (odds ratio (OR): 7.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–64.2; P: 0.077) and zenith >100,000 HIV RNA copies/mL (OR: 7; 95% CI 0.81–60.2; P: 0.076) at univariate analysis. Moreover, the use of PIs did not result in being associated with the risk of MI. Our data show that in HIV-infected patients, PI use does not seem to have any negative impact on MI while the possible impact of advanced HIV infection itself needs further investigations.
Treatment of hepatitis C in HIV/hepatitis C co-infected patients: what is the evidence?
Authors: Cacoub Patrice
Published: January 2005

Before the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the vast majority of HIV-infected patients died from AIDS-related diseases. But, amongst those with access to HAART, AIDS is no longer the leading cause of death. Instead, liver disease is fast becoming the commonest cause of death in HIV-infected patients, particularly in those who have a co-infection with hepatitis C (HCV).

The four recent comparative trials of peginterferon and ribavirin in HIV/HCV coinfected patients have provided valuable new information about the most appropriate treatment of this difficult group of patients. As with HIV-negative patients, it is clear that peginterferon alpha has advantages over non-pegylated treatment, with superior efficacy, in the form of higher sustained virological responders and comparable safety. Discontinuation rates were higher than reported in HCV mono-infected patients but comparable for most treatment arms. Furthermore, in about half the patients, treatments were not stopped during the first months of treatment because of side effects, but due to non-early virological response.
Sexual orientation, use of drugs and risk perception among HIV-positive men in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Filipe E M V , Batistella E , Pine A , Santos N J S , Paiva V , Segurado A , Hearst N
Published: January 2005

The aim of this cross-sectional study, carried out among 250 HIV-positive (HIV+) men who have sex with women, was to describe their risk perception before learning of their HIV+ status and their sexual and drug use behaviour. Of the 250 men, 62.0% were heterosexuals and 38.0% were bisexuals. They most often reported becoming infected through unprotected sex (24.5%) and injecting drug use (11.0%). They were usually tested because they became ill (42.2%). Condom use with women in all episodes of sexual intercourse before HIV+ diagnosis was reported by 22.6% of heterosexuals and 34.7% of bisexuals ( P < 0.05). With respect to drug use, 58.0% reported the use of drugs at some period in their lifetime. A higher proportion of individuals who had used drugs perceived themselves at risk ( P < 0.05). Findings showed that most HIV+ men who have sex with women, regardless of sexual orientation or injecting drug use, did not use condoms and did not perceive themselves at risk before learning of their HIV+ status, and only undergo testing due to illness. The implications for heterosexual transmission of HIV are discussed.
Improved contact tracing of Chlamydia trachomatis in a Swedish county – is genotyping worthwhile?
Authors: Österlund Anders , Persson Tina , Persson Ingrid , Lysén Maria , Herrmann Björn
Published: January 2005

The vast majority of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections are non-symptomatic or mildly symptomatic. Efficient contact tracing and screening programmes are the most effective means to reveal these infections. We conducted a prospective study on the effects of contact tracing performed by specially trained midwives in a centralized municipality-based organization during one year. In order to improve the efficiency of the contact tracing, all C. trachomatis-positive isolates in the county during one year were typed by sequencing the ompA gene. Contact tracing in two municipalities the year prior to the study revealed 1.6 partners for each index case ( n = 110). The corresponding figure for the whole county during the study period was 2.1 partners per index case ( n = 2065). Genotyping added valuable information in mapping individual sexual networks, but was not essential for achieving satisfactory contact tracing results.
Adverse Outcomes Associated with Inappropriate Drug Use in Nursing Homes
Authors: Perri Matthew , Menon Ajit M , Deshpande Aparna D , Shinde Shashank B , Jiang Rong , Cooper James W , Cook Christopher L , Griffin Samuel C , Lorys Robyn A
Published: January 2005

BACKGROUND:

Little empirical evidence exists regarding the influence and outcomes of inappropriate medication use among elderly nursing home residents.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify the prevalence of inappropriate medication use among elderly patients in Georgia nursing homes using the Beers criteria and identify the relationship between inappropriate drug use and the likelihood of an adverse health outcome.

METHODS:

A cohort design was used to review 1117 patient medical records in 15 Georgia nursing homes with a high risk of polypharmacy. Prevalence of inappropriate medication use among elderly patients, as defined by the Beers criteria, was estimated. The adverse health outcomes of hospitalizations, emergency department visits, or deaths were identified from Medicaid claims data.

RESULTS:

A total of 519 (46.5%) patients received at least one inappropriate medication and 143 (12.8%) patients experienced at least one adverse health outcome. Logistic regression revealed that the total number of medications taken (OR 1.139, 95% CI 1.105 to 1.173) significantly increased the likelihood of receiving an inappropriate drug, while having a diagnosis of “dementia” (OR 0.748, 95% CI 0.565 to 0.991) decreased the likelihood. Inappropriate medication use increased the likelihood of experiencing at least one adverse health outcome more than twofold (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.61 to 3.40). Propoxyphene use alone was significantly associated with the occurrence of an adverse health outcome (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.54 to 3.71).

CONCLUSIONS:

Inappropriate drug use was common in our study cohort. Inappropriate use of medication in the elderly, particularly propoxyphene, is associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Study of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wood with Meso- and Micro-Scale Anatomical Observation
Authors: Tsuchikawa Satoru , Hirashima Yoshihiko , Sasaki Yasutoshi , Ando Kosei
Published: January 2005

Estimation of the density along with the tensile strength of wood within both the elastic and plastic deformation ranges, represented as modulus of elasticity (MOE) and ultimate tensile stress (UTS), respectively, were performed using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. A partial least squares (PLS) analysis was applied to the measurements of density, MOE, and UTS, and resulted in a high accuracy of prediction, independent of wood species. The correlation coefficient between the NIR spectra and criterion variables, and the regression vector resulting from the PLS analysis, suggested that the characteristic absorption bands were strongly related to the predictability of each property. In the case of softwood, absorption bands due to intra-molecular hydrogen-bonded OH groups in the crystalline regions of cellulose, which are oriented preferentially in a direction parallel to the cellulose chain, might strongly affect the tensile strength of softwood. Hardwoods have much more complex and variable structures than softwoods; therefore, it was supposed that the key factor governing the tensile strength in hardwood would be the interaction between the three principal constituents (i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) of wood.
Development of a Simple Algorithm for the Detection of Chilling Injury in Cucumbers from Visible/Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Liu Yongliang , Chen Yud-Ren , Wang Chien Y. , Chan Diane E. , Kim Moon S.
Published: January 2005

Hyperspectral images of cucumbers under a variety of conditions were acquired to explore the potential for the detection of chilling-induced damage in whole cucumbers. Region of interest (ROI) spectral features of chilling injured areas, resulting from chilling treatment at 0 °C, showed the reduction of reflectance intensity over the period at post-chilling room temperature (RT) storage. A large spectral difference between good, smooth skins and chilling-injured skins occurred in the 700–850 nm visible/near-infrared (NIR) region. Both simple band ratio algorithms and principal component analysis (PCA) were attempted to discriminate the ROI spectra of good cucumber skins from those of chilling injured ones. Results revealed that both the dual-band ratio algorithm ( R811nm/ R756nm) and a PCA model from a narrow spectral region of 733–848 nm can detect chilling-injured skins with a success rate of over 90%. The results also suggested that chilling injury is relatively difficult to detect at the initial post-chilling RT stage, especially during the first 0–2 days in storage, due to insignificant manifestation of chilling induced symptoms.
Fourier Transform Infrared Attenuated Total Reflection Analysis of Human Hair: Comparison of Hair from Breast Cancer Patients with Hair from Healthy Subjects
Authors: Lyman Donald J. , Murray-Wijelath Jacqueline
Published: January 2005

A comparative study of Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) spectra of 32 scalp and pubic hair samples from individuals diagnosed with breast cancer and those who were negative for breast cancer showed increases in the β-sheet/disorder structures (relative to α-helix structures) and C–H lipid content of hair from breast cancer patients. Thus, the presence of breast cancer appears to alter the hair growth process, resulting in changes in the composition and conformation of cell membrane and matrix materials of hair fiber. These appear to be consistent with the changes observed in X-ray diffraction patterns for hair from breast cancer patients. A blind study of 12 additional hair samples using these FTIR-ATR spectral differences as markers correctly identified all four hair samples from cancer patients (100%). Two of these samples were from breast cancer patients. Of the remaining two samples analyzing positive for cancer, one was from a prostate cancer patient and one from a lung cancer patient. Thus, it appears that the mechanism that alters hair fiber synthesis in the three types of cancer may be similar. The blind study incorrectly identified as positive for cancer three hair samples from two apparently healthy individuals and one patient considered cured from prostate cancer.
Laminar Fluid Diffusion Interface Preconditioning of Serum and Urine for Reagent-Free Infrared Clinical Analysis and Diagnostics
Authors: Mansfield Colin D. , Man Angela , Low-Ying Sarah , Shaw R. Anthony
Published: January 2005

A number of reagent-free infrared spectroscopic diagnostic and analytical methods have been established previously making use of dry biofluid films. For example, this approach has successfully measured high concentration analytes of serum and urine. However, a number of low concentration diagnostically relevant analytes presently elude detection by infrared spectroscopy. This is due in part to their relatively low concentration and in part to spectral interference by other strongly absorbing constituents. The applicability of the technique would be broadened substantially if it were possible to concentrate and separate lower concentration analytes, e.g., serum creatinine and urine proteins, from the obscuring presence of relatively high concentration compounds. One possible means to achieve this is through microfluidic sample preconditioning based on laminar fluid diffusion interfaces. The objective of this study was therefore to qualitatively assess the performance of this technology in preferentially separating certain serum and urine analytes of clinical interest that presently lie just below the threshold of detection by infrared spectroscopy. Observations from simulated and genuine urine and serum samples strongly suggest that this process should improve existing accuracy and extend the range of detectable analytes.
Absorption and Fluorescence Spectroscopic Study on Complexation of Oxazine 1 Dye by Calix[8]Arenesulfonate
Authors: Kubinyi Miklós , Vidóczy Tamás , Varga Olívia , Nagy Kornél , Bitter István
Published: January 2005

It has been established by combined absorption and fluorescence measurements that the cationic dye Oxazine 1 (OX) and the polyvalent anionic host calix[8]arenesulfonate (SCA8) form two complexes in simultaneous reactions: OX + SCA8 ↔ OX·SCA8 (1) and OX·SCA8 + OX ↔ OX2·SCA8 (2) The equilibrium constants for the two reactions, as functions of the ionic strength ( I), and the absorption and fluorescence spectra of the two complex species have been determined by a least-squares fitting method from the experimental data. The variations of the binding constants with the ionic strength could be described on the basis of Debye–Hückel theory. The equilibrium constants are large; their values extrapolated to I = 0 are K(1) = 5.5 × 106 M−1 and K(2) = 4.4 × 105 M−1. The fluorescence of OX undergoes a strong static quenching upon complexation. These results indicate that the complexes are held together by strong electrostatic forces. The addition of non-fluorescent tetramethylammonium chloride to OX–SCA8 mixtures results in a dramatic fluorescent enhancement, which demonstrates the potential applicability of this supramolecular system in fluorescence assays.
Monitoring of a Pharmaceutical Nanomilling Process Using Grating Light Reflection Spectroscopy
Authors: Hamad Mazen L. , Kailasam Srividya , Brodsky Anatol M. , Han Ronald , Higgins John P. , Thomas Denise , Reed Robert A. , Burgess Lloyd W.
Published: January 2005

An optical diagnostic method, grating light reflection spectroscopy (GLRS), has been demonstrated for the in situ monitoring of properties of heterogeneous matrices in industrial processes. The technique is based on measurements near the critical points of intensity and phase in waves reflected from a transmission diffraction grating in contact with a diagnostic sample. The features contained in the reflection spectrum near these thresholds allow for the simultaneous determination of the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function of the sample. Using these data, the milling progress of highly concentrated fluid suspensions is observed as the material is milled from approximately 40 μm to 160 nm in diameter. A theoretical model that closely resembles experimentally determined spectra was constructed and applied in combination with principal components analysis (PCA) to demonstrate that GLRS can be used to closely monitor changes in the mean particle size of the nanomilled drug product.
Optical Characterization of Varnish Films by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry for Application in Artwork Conservation
Authors: Polikreti Kyriaki , Othonos Andreas , Christofides Constantinos
Published: January 2005

The specific aim of this paper is to measure the optical constants of fresh varnish layers up to a thickness of 10 μm by spectroscopic ellipsometry. It is the first time that this technique has been used in artwork conservation and it may prove very promising due to its nondestructive character. Samples of fresh dammar varnish (natural resin) and Paraloid B72 (synthetic resin) applied on glass and carbon black acrylic paint were analyzed. Both varnishes were considered as perfect dielectrics, and the real part of their refractive index was described by the Cauchy model: n( λ) = A + B/λ2 + C/λ4. The Cauchy coefficients for dammar varnish and Paraloid B72 were then determined for layers of known thickness. The ellipsometric data were fitted to a model, which includes a mixed varnish–air layer. The optical properties of this layer were calculated by the Bruggeman effective medium approximation. In the case of carbon black acrylic paint, another mixed layer (paint–varnish) was added to the model. The results are very close to the values given in the literature. Given the measurement reproducibility, the results show that ellipsometry can discriminate between dammar varnish and Paraloid B72. This is very important in artwork conservation studies, because it has been done by time-consuming, destructive techniques up to now. Future work includes measurements of other types of natural and synthetic varnishes, in an attempt to introduce a nondestructive method for picture varnish identification and aging studies.
Schamanismus und rituelles Heilen im Alten Peru
Authors: Winkelman Michael
Published: January 2005

Walter Andritzky. Schamanismus und rituelles Heilen im Alten Peru (Shamanism And Ritualistic Healing In Ancient Peru) (Verlag Clemens Zerlig, Mehringdamm 51, Berlin 61), 1989,. vols., 526 pp. ISBN 88468‐041‐2
Risk factors for fetal macrosomia: the importance of a positive oral glucose challenge test
Authors: Mello G , Parretti E , Mecacci F , Lucchetti R , Lagazio C , Pratesi M , Scarselli G
Published: January 2005

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether minor abnormalities of glucose metabolism without gestational diabetes are a risk factor for fetal overgrowth. DESIGN: A sample of 1883 unselected white mother-infant pairs were screened for gestational diabetes using a 50 g 1-h oral glucose challenge test (GCT) in two periods of pregnancy: early (16-20 weeks) and late (26-30 weeks). METHODS: The effects of risk factors (glucose metabolism, previous history of mothers, obesity, multiparity and age of mothers) were estimated using a multinomial logit model. RESULTS: The level of risk was related to gestational age at the appearance of an abnormal GCT. Patients with an abnormal GCT in the early and late periods of pregnancy (Group 1) had a risk of delivering a large for gestational age (LGA) infant seven times higher than the control group (normal GCT in both periods), and patients with a normal GCT in the early period and an abnormal GCT in the late period (Group 2) showed a risk three times higher than the control group. Among the historical risk factors for LGA infants, such as maternal obesity, multiparity, previous gestational diabetes and previous delivery of an infant weighing 4000 g or more, only the latter was associated with fetal overgrowth with a risk level 4.7 higher than the control group. Group 1 patients had a significantly higher incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension and preterm birth. There were no differences in the frequency of 5-min Apgar score < 7 and metabolic complications among the infants of all groups. We found a significantly higher rate of shoulder dystocia in Group 1 infants than in infants in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a positive GCT at 26-30 weeks is the most important risk factor for fetal overgrowth. This result was strongly enforced in patients who had also shown a positive early GCT at 16-20 weeks.