bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation in MALDI-TOF MS and FTIR spectra between two closely related species Acidovorax oryzae and Acidovorax citrulli
Authors: Wang Yanli , Zhou Qing , Li Bin , Liu Baoping , Wu Guoxing , Ibrahim Muhammad , Xie Guanlin , Li Hongye , Sun Guochang
Published: August 2012

Background

Two important plant pathogenic bacteria Acidovorax oryzae and Acidovorax citrulli are closely related and often not easy to be differentiated from each other, which often resulted in a false identification between them based on traditional methods such as carbon source utilization profile, fatty acid methyl esters, and ELISA detection tests. MALDI-TOF MS and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra have recently been successfully applied in bacterial identification and classification, which provide an alternate method for differentiating the two species.

Results

Characterization and comparison of the 10 A. oryzae strains and 10 A. citrulli strains were performed based on traditional bacteriological methods, MALDI-TOF MS, and FTIR spectroscopy. Our results showed that the identity of the two closely related plant pathogenic bacteria A. oryzae and A. citrulli was able to be confirmed by both pathogenicity tests and species-specific PCR, but the two species were difficult to be differentiated based on Biolog and FAME profile as well as 16 S rRNA sequence analysis. However, there were significant differences in MALDI-TOF MS and FTIR spectra between the two species of Acidovorax. MALDI-TOF MS revealed that 22 and 18 peaks were specific to A. oryzae and A. citrulli, respectively, while FTIR spectra of the two species of Acidovorax have the specific peaks at 1738, 1311, 1128, 1078, 989 cm-1 and at 1337, 968, 933, 916, 786 cm-1, respectively.

Conclusions

This study indicated that MALDI-TOF MS and FTIR spectra may give a new strategy for rapid bacterial identification and differentiation of the two closely related species of Acidovorax.
Over-expressions of AMPK subunits in ovarian carcinomas with significant clinical implications
Authors: Li Cuilan , Liu Vincent WS , Chiu Pui M , Chan David W , Ngan Hextan YS
Published: August 2012

Background

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has recently been considered as a potential target for cancer therapy. However, the expression status of various subunits of the heterotrimeric AMPK in human cancers is rarely reported. We decided to determine their expressions in ovarian carcinomas and their relationships with the disease.

Methods

Expressions and locations of the AMPK-α1, -α2, -β1, -β2, -γ1 and -γ2 were detected by quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) and immunohistochemical staining (IHC). Their expression levels in ovarian tumors were compared with normal controls and also correlated with clinicopathological parameters.

Results

Except AMPK-α1, expressions of the other five AMPK subunits are significantly higher in ovarian carcinomas as determined by Q-PCR. Although IHC detection of AMPK-γ1 and -γ2 were not successful, over-expressions of AMPK-α2, -β1, and -β2 were further confirmed by IHC. Over-expressions of various AMPK subunits occurred independently and were mainly detected in the cytoplasm. Interestingly, AMPK-α2 and -β1 were also detected in the nucleus and cell membrane, respectively. Clinical correlation analyses indicate that expressions of different AMPK subunits are associated with different subtypes of carcinoma. High expression of AMPK-α2 is significantly associated with endometrioid carcinomas. On the other hand, high expressions of AMPK-β and -γ subunits are associated with mucinous and serous carcinomas, respectively. Furthermore, high expressions of AMPK-β1 and -γ2 are also associated with early and late stages of disease, respectively. Finally, patients with high expression of AMPK-α2 had better prognosis.

Conclusions

Aberrant expressions of AMPK subunits may play important roles in ovarian carcinogenesis. Each AMPK subunit may have its own function other than just a component of the AMPK molecule. Correlations with clinical parameters suggest that expressions of AMPK subunits have different clinical implications in ovarian cancer development.
Protein markers of cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor-initiating cells reveal subpopulations in freshly isolated ovarian cancer ascites
Authors: Wintzell My , Hjerpe Elisabet , Åvall Lundqvist Elisabeth , Shoshan Maria
Published: August 2012

Background

In ovarian cancer, massive intraperitoneal dissemination is due to exfoliated tumor cells in ascites. Tumor-initiating cells (TICs or cancer stem cells) and cells showing epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) are particularly implicated. Spontaneous spherical cell aggregates are sometimes observed, but although similar to those formed by TICsin vitro, their significance is unclear.

Methods

Cells freshly isolated from malignant ascites were separated into sphere samples (S-type samples, n=9) and monolayer-forming single-cell suspensions (M-type, n=18). Using western blot, these were then compared for expression of protein markers of EMT, TIC, and of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).

Results

S-type cells differed significantly from M-type by expressing high levels of E-cadherin and no or little vimentin, integrin-β3 or stem cell transcription factor Oct-4A. By contrast, M-type samples were enriched for CD44, Oct-4A and for CAF markers. Independently of M- and S-type, there was a strong correlation between TIC markers Nanog and EpCAM. The CAF marker α-SMA correlated with clinical stage IV. This is the first report on CAF markers in malignant ascites and on SUMOylation of Oct-4A in ovarian cancer.

Conclusions

In addition to demonstrating potentially high levels of TICs in ascites, the results suggest that the S-type population is the less tumorigenic one. Nanoghigh/EpCAMhighsamples represent a TIC subset which may be either M- or S-type, and which is separate from the CD44high/Oct-4Ahighsubset observed only in M-type samples. This demonstrates a heterogeneity in TIC populationsin vivowhich has practical implications for TIC isolation based on cell sorting. The biological heterogeneity will need to be addressed in future therapeutical strategies.
Prevalence of birth defects and risk-factor analysis from a population-based survey in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Zhang Xingguang , Li Su , Wu Siqintuya , Hao Xiaojin , Guo Shuyi , Suzuki Kota , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Yamagata Zentaro
Published: August 2012

Background

Birth Defects are a series of diseases that seriously affect children's health. Birth defects are generally caused by several interrelated factors. The aims of the article is to estimate the prevalence rate and types of birth defects in Inner Mongolia, China, to compare socio-demographic characteristics among the children with birth defects and to analyze the association between risk factors and birth defects.

Methods

Data used in this study were obtained through baseline survey of Inner Mongolia Birth Defects Program, a population-based survey conducted from 2005 to 2008. The survey used cluster sampling method in all 12 administrative districts of Inner Mongolia. Sampling size is calculated according to local population size at a certain percentage. All live births, stillbirths and abortions born from October 2005 to September 2008, whose families lived in Inner Mongolia at least one year, were included. The cases of birth defects were diagnosed by the clinical doctors according to their experiences with further laboratory tests if needed. The inclusion criteria of the cases that had already dead were decided according to death records available at local cites. We calculated prevalence rate and 95% confidence intervals of different groups. Outcome variable was the occurrence of birth defects and associations between risk factors and birth defects were analyzed by using Poisson regression analysis.

Results

976 children with birth defects were diagnosed. The prevalence rate of birth defects was 156.1 per 10000 births (95%CI: 146.3-165.8). The prevalence rate of neural tube defect (20.1 per 10000 births) including anencephaly(6.9 per 10000), spina bifida (10.6 per 10000), and encephalocele (2.7 per 10000) was the highest, followed by congenital heart disease (17.1 per 10000). The relative risk (RR) for maternal age less than 25 was 2.22 (95%CI: 2.05, 2.41). The RR of the ethnic Mongols was lower than Han Chinese (RR: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.80-0.89). The RR of the third and second pregnancy was significantly higher than the first pregnancy while a slight difference between the second and the first pregnancy was also found. Alcohol drinking of mothers, familial inheritance and living area were also found to be related to the occurrence of the birth defects.

Conclusions

Relatively higher birth defect rates were found in Inner Mongolia. This study found that maternal age less than 25, alcohol drinking, familiar inheritance, lower education level of mothers, times of pregnancies and living in rural areas may increase the risk of birth defects. Ethnic Mongols were less likely to have birth defects than Han Chinese.
Screening for type 2 diabetes in a high-risk population: study design and feasibility of a population-based randomized controlled trial
Authors: Klijs Bart , Otto Suzie J , Heine Robert J , van der Graaf Yolanda , Lous Jan J , de Koning Harry J
Published: August 2012

Background

We describe the design and present the results of the first year of a population-based study of screening for type 2 diabetes in individuals at high risk of developing the disease. High risk is defined as having abdominal obesity.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2007, 79,142 inhabitants of two Dutch municipalities aged 40–74 years were approached to participate in screening. Eligible participants had a self-reported waist circumference of ≥80 cm for women and ≥94 cm for men, and no known pre-existing diabetes. Of the respondents (n = 20,578; response rate 26%), 16,135 were abdominally obese. In total, 10,609 individuals gave written informed consent for participation and were randomized into either the screening (n = 5305) or the control arm (n = 5304). Participants in the screening arm were invited to have their fasting plasma glucose (FPG) measured and were referred to their general practitioner (GP) if it was ≥6.1 mmol/L. In addition, blood lipids were determined in the screening arm, because abdominal obesity is often associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Participants in both arms received written healthy lifestyle information. Between-group differences were analyzed with Chi-square tests and logistic regression (categorical variables) and unpaired t-tests (continuous variables).

Results

The screening attendance rate was 84.1%. Attending screening was associated with age at randomization (OR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.04), being married (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.33-1.83) and not-smoking currently (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.44-0.62). Of the individuals screened, 5.6% had hyperglycemia, and a further 11.6% had an estimated absolute cardiovascular disease risk of 5% or higher, according to the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation risk model. These participants were referred to their GP.

Conclusions

Self-reported home-assessed waist circumference could feasibly detect persons at high risk of hyperglycemia or cardiovascular disease. Continuation of the large-scale RCT is warranted to test the hypothesis that targeted population-based screening for type 2 diabetes leads to a significant reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Trial registration

ISRCTN75983009
Effects of brood size manipulation and common origin on phenotype and telomere length in nestling collared flycatchers
Authors: Voillemot Marie , Hine Kathryn , Zahn Sandrine , Criscuolo François , Gustafsson Lars , Doligez Blandine , Bize Pierre
Published: August 2012

Background

Evidence is accumulating that telomere length is a good predictor of life expectancy, especially early in life, thus calling for determining the factors that affect telomere length at this stage. Here, we investigated the relative influence of early growth conditions and origin (genetics and early maternal effects) on telomere length of collared flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis) at fledging. We experimentally transferred hatchlings among brood triplets to create reduced, control (i.e. unchanged final nestling number) and enlarged broods.

Results

Although our treatment significantly affected body mass at fledging, we found no evidence that increased sibling competition affected nestling tarsus length and telomere length. However, mixed models showed that brood triplets explained a significant part of the variance in body mass (18%) and telomere length (19%), but not tarsus length (13%), emphasizing that unmanipulated early environmental factors influenced telomere length. These models also revealed low, but significant, heritability of telomere length (h
2 = 0.09). For comparison, the heritability of nestling body mass and tarsus length was 0.36 and 0.39, respectively, which was in the range of previously published estimates for those two traits in this species.

Conclusion

Those findings in a wild bird population demonstrate that telomere length at the end of the growth period is weakly, but significantly, determined by genetic and/or maternal factors taking place before hatching. However, we found no evidence that the brood size manipulation experiment, and by extension the early growth conditions, influenced nestling telomere length. The weak heritability of telomere length suggests a close association with fitness in natural populations.
Triage vital signs predict in-hospital mortality among emergency department patients with acute poisoning: a case control study
Authors: Yu Jiun-Hao , Weng Yi-Ming , Chen Kuan-Fu , Chen Shou-Yen , Lin Chih-Chuan
Published: August 2012

Background

To document the relationship between triage vital signs and in-hospital mortality among emergency department (ED) patients with acute poisoning.

Methods

Poisoning patients who admitted to our emergency department during the study period were enrolled. Patient’s demographic data were collected and odds ratios (OR) of triage vital signs to in-hospital mortality were assessed. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the proper cut-off value of vital signs that predict in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression analysis was performed to test the association of in-hospital mortality and vital signs after adjusting for different variables.

Results

997 acute poisoning patients were enrolled, with 70 fatal cases (6.7%). A J-shaped relationship was found between triage vital signs and in-hospital mortality. ED triage vital signs exceed cut-off values independently predict in-hospital mortality after adjusting for variables were as follow: body temperature <36 or >37°C, p < 0.01, OR = 2.8; systolic blood pressure <100 or >150 mmHg, p < 0.01, OR: 2.5; heart rate <35 or >120 bpm, p < 0.01, OR: 3.1; respiratory rate <16 or >20 per minute, p = 0.38, OR: 1.4.

Conclusions

Triage vital signs could predict in-hospital mortality among ED patients with acute poisoning. A J-curve relationship was found between triage vital signs and in-hospital mortality. ED physicians should take note of the extreme initial vital signs in these patients.
Prognostic implications of surrogate markers of atherosclerosis in low to intermediate risk patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lau Kui-Kai , Wong Yuen-Kwun , Chan Yap-Hang , Yiu Kai-Hang , Teo Kay-Cheong , Li Leonard Sheung-Wai , Ho Shu-Leong , Chan Koon-Ho , Siu Chung-Wah , Tse Hung-Fat
Published: August 2012

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular events. Unfortunately traditional risk assessment scores, including the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), have only modest accuracy in cardiovascular risk prediction in these patients.

Methods

We sought to determine the prognostic values of different non-invasive markers of atherosclerosis, including brachial artery endothelial function, carotid artery atheroma burden, ankle-brachial index, arterial stiffness and computed tomography coronary artery calcium score (CACS) in 151 T2DM Chinese patients that were identified low-intermediate risk from the FRS recalibrated for Chinese (<20% risk in 10 years). Patients were prospectively followed-up and presence of atherosclerotic events documented for a mean duration of 61 ± 16 months.

Results

A total of 17 atherosclerotic events in 16 patients (11%) occurred during the follow-up period. The mean FRS of the study population was 5.0 ± 4.6% and area under curve (AUC) from receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for prediction of atherosclerotic events was 0.59 ± 0.07 (P = 0.21). Among different vascular assessments, CACS > 40 had the best prognostic value (AUC 0.81 ± 0.06, P < 0.01) and offered significantly better accuracy in prediction compared with FRS (P = 0.038 for AUC comparisons). Combination of FRS with CACS or other surrogate vascular markers did not further improve the prognostic values over CACS alone. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified CACS > 40 as an independent predictor of atherosclerotic events in T2DM patients (Hazards Ratio 27.11, 95% Confidence Interval 3.36-218.81, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

In T2DM patients identified as low-intermediate risk by the FRS, a raised CACS > 40 was an independent predictor for atherosclerotic events.
Efficient anti-Prelog enantioselective reduction of acetyltrimethylsilane to (R)-1-trimethylsilylethanol by immobilized Candida parapsilosis CCTCC M203011 cells in ionic liquid-based biphasic systems
Authors: Zhang Bo-Bo , Cheng Jing , Lou Wen-Yong , Wang Pan , Zong Min-Hua
Published: August 2012

Background

Biocatalytic asymmetric reductions with whole cells can offer high enantioselectivity, environmentally benign processes and energy-effective operations and thus are of great interest. The application of whole cell-mediated bioreduction is often restricted if substrate and product have low water solubility and/or high toxicity to the biocatalyst. Many studies have shown that a biphasic system is often useful in this instance. Hence, we developed efficient biphasic reaction systems with biocompatible water-immiscible ionic liquids (ILs), to improve the biocatalytic anti-Prelog enantioselective reduction of acetyltrimethylsilane (ATMS) to (R)-1-trimethylsilylethanol {(R)-1-TMSE}, which is key synthon for a large number of silicon-containing drugs, using immobilized Candida parapsilosis CCTCC M203011 cells as the biocatalyst.

Results

It was found that the substrate ATMS and the product 1-TMSE exerted pronounced toxicity to immobilized Candida parapsilosis CCTCC M203011 cells. The biocompatible water-immiscible ILs can be applied as a substrate reservoir and in situ extractant for the product, thus greatly enhancing the efficiency of the biocatalytic process and the operational stability of the cells as compared to the IL-free aqueous system. Various ILs exerted significant but different effects on the bioreduction and the performances of biocatalysts were closely related to the kinds and combination of cation and anion of ILs. Among all the water-immiscible ILs investigated, the best results were observed in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (C4mim·PF6)/buffer biphasic system. Furthermore, it was shown that the optimum substrate concentration, volume ratio of buffer to IL, buffer pH, reaction temperature and shaking rate for the bioreduction were 120 mM, 8/1 (v/v), 6.0, 30°C and 180 r/min, respectively. Under these optimized conditions, the initial reaction rate, the maximum yield and the product e.e. were 8.1 μ mol/min gcwm, 98.6% and >99%, respectively. The efficient whole-cell biocatalytic process was shown to be feasible on a 450-mL scale. Moreover, the immobilized cells remained around 87% of their initial activity even after being used repeatedly for 8 batches in the C4mim·PF6/buffer biphasic system, exhibiting excellent operational stability.

Conclusions

For the first time, we have successfully utilized immobilized Candida parapsilosis CCTCC M203011 cells, for efficiently catalyzing anti-Prelog enantioselective reduction of ATMS to enantiopure (R)-1-TMSE in the C4mim·PF6/buffer biphasic system. The substantially improved biocatalytic process appears to be effective and competitive on a preparative scale.
The social determinants of health and health service access: an in depth study in four poor communities in Phnom Penh Cambodia
Authors: Soeung Sann Chan , Grundy John , Sokhom Hean , Blanc Diana Chang , Thor Rasoka
Published: August 2012

Background

Increasing urbanization and population density, and persisting inequities in health outcomes across socioeconomic groupings have raised concerns internationally regarding the health of the urban poor. These concerns are also evident in Cambodia, which prompted the design of a study to identify and describe the main barriers to access to health services by the poor in the capital city, Phnom Penh.

Sources and Methods

Main sources of data were through a household survey, followed by in-depth qualitative interviews with mothers, local authorities and health centre workers in four very poor communities in Phnom Penh.

Main findings

Despite low incomes and education levels, the study communities have moderate levels of access to services for curative and preventive care. However, qualitative findings demonstrate that households contextualize poor health and health access in terms of their daily living conditions, particularly in relation to environmental conditions and social insecurity. The interactions of low education, poor living conditions and high food costs in the context of low and irregular incomes reinforce a pattern of “living from moment to moment” and results in a cycle of disadvantage and ill health in these communities. There were three main factors that put poor communities at a health disadvantage; these are the everyday living conditions of communities, social and economic inequality and the extent to which a society assesses and acts on inequities in their health care access.

Conclusions

In order to improve access to health and health services for the urban poor, expansion of public health functions and capacities will be required, including building partnerships between health providers, municipal authorities and civil society.
Validity and reliability of the Korean version of the pediatric quality of life ESRD module
Authors: Park Ki-Soo , Cho Min Hyun , Ha Il Soo , Kang Hee Gyung , Cheong Hae Il , Park Young Seo , Lee Yoon Jung , Lee Joo Hoon , Cho Hee Yeon
Published: August 2012

Background

Health-related quality of life is a very important issue in children with end-stage renal disease and their family. Moreover, this can be a lifelong problem. In this study, we performed a cross-sectional investigation of the health-related quality of life in Korean children, undergoing renal replacement therapies, such as dialysis and renal transplantation.

Findings

We validated the Korean version of the PedsQL 3.0 End-Stage Renal Disease Module by comparing with the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales. A total of 92 pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease, aged 2–18 year old, were enrolled in four teaching hospitals in Korea. The module was acceptable for both parent proxy-report and child self-report. The response rate was acceptable, since no reminders were delivered. A large proportion of the responders answered >90% of the items, which suggests a good face validity. The PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales and the PedsQL 3.0 End-Stage Renal Disease Module showed minimal missing values in the current study, which supported feasibility. The validation analyses revealed acceptable floor and ceiling effects and an acceptable construct validity.

Conclusions

The PedsQL 3.0 End-stage Renal Disease Module may be useful as an end-stage renal disease -specific instrument in the evaluation of the health-related quality of life in Korean children; however, a larger, longitudinal prospective study is needed.
Characterization and function of the human macrophage dopaminergic system: implications for CNS disease and drug abuse
Authors: Gaskill Peter J , Carvallo Loreto , Eugenin Eliseo A , Berman Joan W
Published: August 2012

Background

Perivascular macrophages and microglia are critical to CNS function. Drugs of abuse increase extracellular dopamine in the CNS, exposing these cells to elevated levels of dopamine. In rodent macrophages and human T-cells, dopamine was shown to modulate cellular functions through activation of dopamine receptors and other dopaminergic proteins. The expression of these proteins and the effects of dopamine on human macrophage functions had not been studied.

Methods

To study dopaminergic gene expression, qRT-PCR was performed on mRNA from primary human monocyte derived macrophages (MDM). Expression and localization of dopaminergic proteins was examined by immunoblotting isolated plasma membrane, total membrane and cytosolic proteins from MDM. To characterize dopamine-mediated changes in cytokine production in basal and inflammatory conditions, macrophages were treated with different concentrations of dopamine in the presence or absence of LPS and cytokine production was assayed by ELISA. Statistical significance was determined using two-tailed Students’ T-tests or Wilcoxen Signed Rank tests.

Results

These data show that MDM express mRNA for all five subtypes of dopamine receptors, and that dopamine receptors 3 and 4 are expressed on the plasma membrane. MDM also express mRNA for the dopamine transporter (DAT), vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). DAT is expressed on the plasma membrane, VMAT2 on cellular membranes and TH and AADC are in the cytosol. Dopamine also alters macrophage cytokine production in both untreated and LPS-treated cells. Untreated macrophages show dopamine mediated increases IL-6 and CCL2. Macrophages treated with LPS show increased IL-6, CCL2, CXCL8 and IL-10 and decreased TNF-α.

Conclusions

Monocyte derived macrophages express dopamine receptors and other dopaminergic proteins through which dopamine may modulate macrophage functions. Thus, increased CNS dopamine levels due to drug abuse may exacerbate the development of neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and HIV associated neurological disorders.
Roles of neutrophils in the regulation of the extent of human inflammation through delivery of IL-1 and clearance of chemokines
Authors: Basran Alexander , Jabeen Maisha , Bingle Lynne , Stokes Clare A , Dockrell David H , Whyte Moira K B , Walmsley Sarah R , Higgins Kathryn R , Vogel Stefanie N , Wilson Heather L , Prince Lynne R , Prestwich Elizabeth C , Sabroe Ruth A , Parker Lisa C , Sabroe Ian
Published: August 2012

Endotoxin-induced neutrophil recruitment in humans and its potential regulation by CXCL8 clearance.

This study examined the establishment of neutrophilic inflammation in humans. We tested the hypotheses that neutrophil recruitment was associated with local CXCL8 production and that neutrophils themselves might contribute to the regulation of the size of the inflammatory response. Humans were challenged i.d. with endotoxin. Biopsies of these sites were examined for cytokine production and leukocyte recruitment by qPCR and IHC. Additional in vitro models of inflammation examined the ability of neutrophils to produce and sequester cytokines relevant to neutrophilic inflammation. i.d. challenge with 15 ng of a TLR4-selective endotoxin caused a local inflammatory response, in which 1% of the total biopsy area stained positive for neutrophils at 6 h, correlating with 100-fold up-regulation in local CXCL8 mRNA generation. Neutrophils themselves were the major source of the early cytokine IL-1β. In vitro, neutrophils mediated CXCL8 but not IL-1β clearance (>90% clearance of ≤2 nM CXCL8 over 24 h). CXCL8 clearance was at least partially receptor-dependent and modified by inflammatory context, preserved in models of viral infection but reduced in models of bacterial infection. In conclusion, in a human inflammatory model, neutrophils are rapidly recruited and may regulate the size and outcome of the inflammatory response through the uptake and release of cytokines and chemokines in patterns dependent on the underlying inflammatory stimulus.
UK extended Medical Assessment Programme for ex-service personnel: the first 150 individuals seen
Authors: Palmer Ian P.
Published: August 2012

Aims and method

To describe an interim service set up to examine the breadth of UK ex-service personnel's concerns in relation to their mental health and military service and provide a record of the first 150 individuals assessed following conformation of military service and examination of all available military and civilian medical records.

Results

The majority of attendees were White male ex-soldiers. Average age, service and time to assessment were 44.5, 15.8 and 11.7 years respectively. Two-thirds were receiving help from the National Health Service and ex-service nongovernmental organisations. Rates of post-traumatic stress disorder were similar to previous UK studies. Obsessional symptoms were of relevance to the clinical presentation in a third. Fabrication and/or exaggeration occurred in about 10%.

Clinical implications

The spread of diagnoses and delay in help-seeking are similar to civilians. The link between mental disorders and military service is seldom straightforward and fabrication or exaggeration is difficult for civilians to recognise. Verification and contextualisation of service using contemporaneous service medical records is important given the possible occupational origin of mental health conditions.
Alcohol use in schizophrenia: prevalence, patterns, correlates and clinical outcomes in Goa, India
Authors: Rane Anil , Nadkarni Abhijit , Kanekar Jaiprada , Fernandes Wenona , Borker Hirabai A. , Pereira Yvonne
Published: August 2012

Aims and method

To explore the patterns of alcohol consumption and its impact on clinical outcomes in schizophrenia in low- and middle-income countries. We performed a cross-sectional survey of 315 patients with schizophrenia and calculated the prevalence of alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder. The patients' sociodemographic profiles and clinical outcomes, including Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores, were compared between abstainers and drinkers using the χ2- andt-tests.

Results

The 1-year prevalence of drinking, hazardous drinking and alcohol dependence was 16.8% (95% CI 12.9–21.4), 5.7% (95% CI 3.4–8.9) and 2.5% (95% CI 1.1–4.9), respectively. Male gender, single or post-marital status, higher education and being economically active were significantly associated with alcohol consumption. Alcohol drinkers were significantly more likely to be on combination psychotropics compared with abstainers. The mean total BPRS score was significantly lower in alcohol drinkers compared with abstainers. Drinking alcohol was associated with fewer deficit symptoms.

Clinical implications

Cultural settings have a significant impact on the prevalence of alcohol use disorder in schizophrenia.
Spirituality and the mental health professions
Authors: Pelechova Monika , Wiscarson Gilly , Tracy Derek K.
Published: August 2012

Aims and method

Religion and spirituality are very important personal aspects of many people's lives. Little work has looked at the beliefs of mental health professionals and how they reconcile or benefit from the potential differences of religious faith and evidence-based mental health practice. This study used semi-structured interviews to qualitatively explore how professionals from different occupations and faiths conceptualise the relationship between their beliefs and their work.

Results

The commonly cited ‘conflict’ of science and religion was noted, as was the personal support that faith provides for many people. Participants felt their beliefs made them better at their job, not only by reconciling differences from the two paradigms but also by allowing them to recognise compatible attributes of seeking meaning to subjective experience; this had positively influenced their choice of career in mental health. A desire for ongoing opportunity to express and discuss this interface was strongly expressed, but with concern about how this would occur and be perceived.

Clinical implications

There is a lack of qualitative research on the religious beliefs of mental health staff. In the UK generally, the role of faith in public life is a strongly debated topic in the context of an increasingly secular and yet multicultural and multi-faith society. Our data suggest that professionals' beliefs positively influence their choice of career in mental health and make them feel better equipped to undertake their roles and provide good-quality patient care. There is an expressed need for further opportunities for staff to discuss their beliefs – or lack thereof – and to consider the individual impact of beliefs on their professional life.
Assertive outreach: mirror-image study with contemporaneous controls
Authors: Mortimer Ann M. , Shepherd Charles J. , Fadahunsi Akin , Jones Adam , Kumar Palanivelu , Gangaram Poornima
Published: August 2012

Aims and method

To evaluate the suitability of 80 patients referred for assertive outreach treatment (AOT) and their treatment outcomes, by comparing clinical and social data during the treatment period with data before treatment began. To control for service development across the board, patients on ordinary community treatment were identified and matched to patients undergoing AOT for age, gender, clinical diagnosis and duration, and data acquired for the same time period as the patients on AOT. This was a retrospective mirror-image evaluation with contemporaneous controls.

Results

The patients referred for AOT were more socially disadvantaged and had used more clinical resources than the control patients. Overall, AOT reduced resource uptake markedly following referral, while resource uptake by control patients during the same period remained static or increased; AOT, however, did not lessen most aspects of social disadvantage.

Clinical implications

The advantages of AOT include much reduced use of services but not the resolving of social exclusion. Some ordinary community provision may fail to afford the quality of AOT and thus suffer by comparison. The demise of AOT may be premature in such services.
Compulsory treatment in prison. Commentary on … The Mental Capacity Act and mental healthcare in prison
Authors: Wilson Simon
Published: August 2012

It is generally stated that the Mental Health Act 1983 does not apply to prisoners, and this is a useful shorthand to remind those unfamiliar with British prisons that treatment cannot be administered under the Mental Health Act, even to the most severely mentally ill prisoners. However, the legal situation is actually more nuanced given that the Mental Health Act does make provision for prisoners – intending that they be promptly transferred to hospital for treatment. This does not happen in practice for service reasons. It is not clear whether the Mental Capacity Act 2005 applies to those falling through the cracks.
3D-structured illumination microscopy provides novel insight into architecture of human centrosomes
Authors: Sonnen Katharina F. , Schermelleh Lothar , Leonhardt Heinrich , Nigg Erich A.
Published: August 2012

Centrioles are essential for the formation of cilia and flagella. They also form the core of the centrosome, which organizes microtubule arrays important for cell shape, polarity, motility and division. Here, we have used super-resolution 3D-structured illumination microscopy to analyse the spatial relationship of 18 centriole and pericentriolar matrix (PCM) components of human centrosomes at different cell cycle stages. During mitosis, PCM proteins formed extended networks with interspersed γ-Tubulin. During interphase, most proteins were arranged at specific distances from the walls of centrioles, resulting in ring staining, often with discernible density masses. Through use of site-specific antibodies, we found the C-terminus of Cep152 to be closer to centrioles than the N-terminus, illustrating the power of 3D-SIM to study protein disposition. Appendage proteins showed rings with multiple density masses, and the number of these masses was strongly reduced during mitosis. At the proximal end of centrioles, Sas-6 formed a dot at the site of daughter centriole assembly, consistent with its role in cartwheel formation. Plk4 and STIL co-localized with Sas-6, but Cep135 was associated mostly with mother centrioles. Remarkably, Plk4 formed a dot on the surface of the mother centriole before Sas-6 staining became detectable, indicating that Plk4 constitutes an early marker for the site of nascent centriole formation. Our study provides novel insights into the architecture of human centrosomes and illustrates the power of super-resolution microscopy in revealing the relative localization of centriole and PCM proteins in unprecedented detail.
CT angiography of intracranial arterial vessels: impact of tube voltage and contrast media concentration on image quality
Authors: Ramgren Birgitta , Björkman-Burtscher Isabella M , Holtås Stig , Siemund Roger
Published: August 2012

Background

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of intracranial arteries has high demands on image quality. Important parameters influencing vessel enhancement are injection rate, concentration of contrast media and tube voltage.

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of an increase of contrast media concentration from 300 to 400 mg iodine/mL (mgI/mL) and the effect of a decrease of tube voltage from 120 to 90 kVp on vessel attenuation and image quality in CT angiography of intracranial arteries.

Material and Methods

Sixty-three patients were included into three protocol groups: Group I, 300 mgI/mL 120 kVp; Group II, 400 mgI/mL 120 kVp; Group III, 400 mgI/mL 90 kVp. Hounsfield units (HU) were measured in the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery. Image quality grading was performed regarding M1 and M2 segments, volume rendering and general image impression.

Results

The difference in mean HU in ICA concerning the effect of contrast media concentration was statistically significant ( P = 0.03) in favor of higher concentration. The difference in ICA enhancement due to the effect of tube voltage was statistically significant ( P < 0.01) in favor of lower tube voltage. The increase of contrast medium concentration raised the mean enhancement in ICA with 18% and the decrease of tube voltage raised the mean enhancement with 37%. Image quality grading showed a trend towards improved grading for higher contrast concentration and lower tube voltage. Statistically significant better grading was found for the combined effect of both measures except for general impression ( P 0.01–0.05).

Conclusion

The uses of highly concentrated contrast media and low tube voltage are easily performed measures to improve image quality in CTA of intracranial vessel.
Exercise attenuates pulmonary injury in mice with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Prata Luana O , Oliveira Fabrício M S , Ribeiro Tatiana M S , Almeida Pedro W M , Cardoso Jefferson A , Rodrigues-Machado Maria da Glória , Caliari Marcelo V
Published: August 2012

Human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease with unknown etiology and poor prognosis in which patients present a decrease in functional exercise tolerance and quality of life. At present, no treatment which can improve the prognosis of this disease is available. Many biomarkers of pulmonary fibrosis have been studied, and surfactant protein A (SP-A) expression is considered a specific marker of lung disease. This study aimed to investigate the influence of exercise training on exercise endurance capacity and murine-lung lesions induced by bleomycin (BLM). Thirty-four male Balb/c mice were subdivided into four groups: control sedentary (C-SED), bleomycin-treated sedentary (BLM-SED), control exercised (C-EXE) and bleomycin-treated exercised (BLM-EXE). Mice received 6.25 U/kg of BLM or saline via intratracheal instillation. After adaptation in a swimming pool, the animals started training one hour per day, with 60% of maximum load obtained in exercise endurance capacity assessment, five days/week for four weeks. The lungs were collected 48 h after the second endurance capacity assessment, fixed in buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. Sections were analyzed using histochemical and immunohistochemical reactions for digital morphometry of pulmonary fibrosis, type I collagen, SP-A and type II pneumocytes (PII). The exercise endurance capacity of groups C-EXE (9.20 ± 0.81 min) and BLM-EXE (8.40 ± 0.82 min) increased significantly when compared with groups C-SED (5.84 ± 0.4 min) and BLM-SED (5.67 ± 0.60 min). The amounts of connective tissue, type I collagen, PII and SP-A increased significantly in the BLM-SED group. Exercise training significantly attenuated this response as observed in the BLM-EXE group. The present study shows that exercise training can prevent the decline of exercise endurance capacity and attenuate the progression of IPF.
Antitumor effectiveness and toxicity of cisplatin-loaded long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes against Ehrlich ascitic tumor
Authors: de Carvalho Maroni Laís , de Oliveira Silveira Amanda Cardoso , Leite Elaine Amaral , Melo Marília Martins , de Carvalho Ribeiro Ana Flávia , Cassali Geovani Dantas , de Souza Cristina Maria , Souza-Fagundes Elaine Maria , Caldas Iramaya Rodrigues , Araújo Márcio Sobreira Silva , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , de Oliveira Mônica Cristina , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa
Published: August 2012

Cisplatin (CDDP) is one of the most active cytotoxic agents commonly used in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis. The disadvantages of its clinical use are systemic side-effects, such as nephrotoxicity and myelotoxicity. Long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes containing CDDP (SpHL-CDDP) were developed by our research group aiming to promote the release of CDDP near the tumor as well as decreasing toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy and toxicity of SpHL-CDDP after intraperitoneal administration in initial or disseminated tumor-bearing mice, at a dose of 12 mg/kg. The survival was monitored and blood samples were collected for biochemical and hematological analysis. Kidneys, liver and spleen were removed for histopathological examination. Tumor cells were evaluated for cellular viability and cell cycle. The survival of animals treated with SpHL-CDDP was higher than those treated with free CDDP. The cell death caused by treatment with SpHL-CDDP occurred through induction of apoptosis, with a cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. The treatment of mice presenting initial cancer with both formulations provoked a suppression of granulocytes. Mice treated with free CDDP also showed a decrease in platelet count, which suggests a high myelotoxicity. In an advanced cancer model, SpHL-CDDP treatment allowed an improvement of the immune response. Mice affected by cancer at an early stage and treated with free CDDP or SpHL-CDDP showed a lower urea/creatinine index compared with the saline control group. These findings indicate that both treatments were able to reduce the renal damage caused by peritoneal carcinomatosis. Microscopic analysis of kidneys from mice treated with SpHL-CDDP showed a discrete morphological alteration, while tubular necrosis was observed for free CDDP-treated mice. Concerning hepatotoxicity, no alteration in clinical chemistry parameters was observed. These findings reveal that SpHL-CDDP can improve the antitumor efficacy and decrease renal and bone marrow toxicity.
Gene expression profiling in glomeruli of diabetic nephropathy rat
Authors: Zhang Qian , Xiao Xinhua , Li Ming , Li Wenhui , Yu Miao , Zhang Huabing , Sun Xiaofang , Mao Lili , Xiang Hongding
Published: August 2012

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains the most common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as the burden of diabetes increases worldwide. To find improved intervention strategies for this disease, it is necessary to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved. To obtain more insight into processes that lead to DN, mRNA expression profiles of diabetic and normal glomeruli from rat kidneys were compared. Rats were divided into a control group and a DN group randomly. The DN group was injected with streptozotocin. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and weight were measured monthly. On the 12th week, blood samples were collected and analyzed for plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Glomeruli were isolated and Illumina Rat Ref-12 V1.0 Expression Beadchip gene array was performed. Quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR) was used to confirm the results of gene array for a selected number of genes. We found FBG, 24-h urinary albumin, serum creatinine and BUN were significantly increased, while urinary creatinine and body weight were significantly decreased in the DN group. Glomeruli from the DN group had 624 genes with differential expression. DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization and integrated Discovery) analysis showed that the three most enriched terms were ‘cytosol’ (GO:0005829), ‘translational elongation’ (GO:0006414) and ‘mitochondion’ (GO:0005739). Those genes could be mapped to eight pathways. The most common type of enriched pathway was related to ‘extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction’. Other pathways included those for ‘ribosome’, ‘focal adhesion’, ‘oxidative phosphorylation’, ‘transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling pathway’, ‘Parkinson's disease’, ‘Alzheimer's disease’ and ‘renin–angiotensin system’. Q-RT-PCR verified that Atp5b (F1-ATPase beta subunit), Col1a1 (collagen type 1 alpha 1), Cox6c (cytochrome c oxidase subunit VIc), Ndufs3 (NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] Fe-S protein 3) and Tgfb1 (transforming growth factor β1) were significantly up-regulated in the DN group. The expressions of NDUFS3 and TGF- β1 in DN rats were increased. Our findings suggested that the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, TGF- β pathway and renin–angiotensin system may be involved in the development of DN.
Synthesis and oxidation of hexafluoroisopropoxyborylferrocenes
Authors: Böhrer Hannes , Trapp Nils , Scherer Harald , Krossing Ingo
Published: August 2012

The ferrocenylboranes (BOhfip2)Fc and 1,1'-(BOhfip2)2Fc were prepared (Fc = ferrocenyl, Ohfip = (CF3)2CH-O); 1,1'-(BOhfip2)2Fc was further oxidized giving [1,1'-(BOhfip2)2Fc]+[Al(ORF)4]– by oxidation of 1,1'-(BOhfip2)2Fc with Ag+[Al(ORF)4]– (RF = C(CF3)3). Their X-ray crystal structures were determined and give further information on the Fe–B interaction through the dip angles α*. In [1,1'-(BOhfip2)2Fc]+[Al(ORF)4]–, this Fe–B interaction is enfeebled: the dip angles α* (0.3º and 5.4º) are significantly smaller than in (BOhfip2)Fc (7.8º) and 1,1'-(BOhfip2)2Fc (8.0º), and the hexafluoroisopropoxy moieties are twisted out of the Cp plane by up to 66.1º. NMR and vibrational spectra support the crystal structure assignments.