bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total Synthesis of (+)‐trans‐Trikentrin A
Authors: Tébéka Iris R. M. , Longato Giovanna B. , Craveiro Marcus V. , de Carvalho João E. , Ruiz Ana L. T. G. , Silva Luiz F.
Published: November 2012

Several syntheses have already been reported for cis‐trikentrins and herbindoles, which are indole alkaloids unsubstituted at the C2 and C3 positions that bear a trans‐1,3‐dimethylcyclopentyl unit. Herein, we describe the first asymmetric and stereoselective synthesis of the more challenging trans‐trikentrin A as its naturally occurring isomer. Different approaches were investigated and the strategy of choice was a combination of an enzymatic kinetic resolution and a thallium(III)‐mediated ring contraction. The antiproliferative activities of the natural product and related intermediates have been tested against human tumor cell lines, leading to the discovery of new compounds with potent antitumor activity.
Investigation of Nanoscopic Free Volume and Interfacial Interaction in an Epoxy Resin/Modified Clay Nanocomposite Using Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy
Authors: Patil Pushkar N. , Sudarshan Kathi , Sharma Sandeep K. , Maheshwari Priya , Rath Sangram K. , Patri Manoranjan , Pujari Pradeep K.
Published: November 2012

Epoxy/clay nanocomposites are synthesized using clay modified with the organic modifier N,N‐dimethyl benzyl hydrogenated tallow quaternary ammonium salt (Cloisite 10A). The purpose is to investigate the influence of the clay concentration on the nanostructure, mainly on the free‐volume properties and the interfacial interactions, of the epoxy/clay nanocomposite. Nanocomposites having 1, 3, 5 and 7.5 wt. % clay concentrations are prepared using the solvent‐casting method. The dispersion of clay silicate layers and the morphologies of the fractured surfaces in the nanocomposites are studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The observed XRD patterns reveal an exfoliated clay structure in the nanocomposite with the lowest clay concentration (≤1 wt. %). The ortho‐positronium lifetime (τ3), a measure of the free‐volume size, as well as the fractional free volume (fv) are seen to decrease in the nanocomposites as compared to pristine epoxy. The intensity of free positron annihilation (I2), an index of the epoxy–clay interaction, decreases with the addition of clay (1 wt. %) but increases linearly at higher clay concentrations. Positron age‐momentum correlation measurements are also carried out to elucidate the positron/positronium states in pristine epoxy and in the nanocomposites. The results suggest that in the case of the nanocomposite with the studied lowest clay concentration (1 wt. %), free positrons are primarily localized in the epoxy–clay interfaces, whereas at higher clay concentrations, annihilation takes place from the intercalated clay layers.
Reciprocating Motion of a Self‐Propelled Object on a Molecular Layer
Authors: Nakata Satoshi , Miyaji Tatsuya , Sato Taisuke , Hoshikawa Miho , Ikura Yumihiko S. , Izumi Shunsuke
Published: November 2012

The mode change of a simple autonomous motor depending on the nature of a monolayer on water is investigated. A camphor disk is floated on a molecular layer of N‐stearoyl‐p‐nitroaniline (C18ANA), which gives a surface‐pressure (π)–area per molecule (A) isotherm with a local maximum and a local minimum. The nature of the camphor motion changes depending on A, and in particular, reciprocating motion is observed at a lower A while cutting out its own trajectory of motion. The characteristic motion of a camphor disk depending on A is discussed in relation to the π–A isotherm of C18ANA and the influence of the molecular interaction between molecules on the driving force of motion.
Thermally Induced Release of Internal Liquid Phase Encapsulated in a Polymer Membrane Grown by Photoactivated DLICVD
Authors: Manole Claudiu Constantin , Maury Francis , Demetrescu Ioana
Published: November 2012

An encapsulation of a liquid phase in a thin poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) membrane is achieved in one step by pulsed direct liquid injection (DLI)CVD. The polymer thin film is grown by photo‐activation of the gas phase. An original step of the process, described as thermally induced release of internal liquid phase, permits control of the encapsulated liquid during the CVD polymerization. This step highlights a phenomenon that facilitates a conversion of thermal energy into mechanical energy at the nanometer scale. The experimental results are consistent with biomimetic phenomena as biopolymer membranes of living systems, which show how nature makes an efficient use of miniaturization and temperature gradient.
A Comparative Study of Various Supported Catalysts on the Growth of Aligned Carbon Nanotube Forests on Aluminum Foils
Authors: Ummethala Raghunandan , Khavrus Vyacheslav O. , Leonhardt Albrecht , Büchner Bernd , Eckert Jürgen
Published: November 2012

The influence of a variety of supported catalyst combinations, Fe/Al2O3, Co/Al2O3, Ni/Al2O3, Fe/MnO, Co/MnO, and Ni/MnO, on the growth morphology of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on aluminum foils is studied. CNT arrays are synthesized by thermal CVD at 645 °C using acetylene as the precursor. The morphology and distribution of the synthesized CNT arrays are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical constitution of each combined catalyst is determined by performing X‐ray diffraction (XRD) investigations on the decomposed and reduced catalysts. Thermodynamic calculations are performed to understand the correlation between the chemical state of the catalyst particles on the substrate and the morphology of the resulting nanotube arrays.
Ethanol pre‐exposure during adolescence or adulthood increases ethanol intake but ethanol‐induced conditioned place preference is enhanced only when pre‐exposure occurs in adolescence
Authors: Carrara‐Nascimento Priscila Fernandes , Olive M. Foster , Camarini Rosana
Published: November 2012

Behavioral sensitization has been suggested to contribute to uncontrolled alcohol consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of repeated ethanol administration in adolescent and adult mice on subsequent ethanol consumption and conditioned place preference (CPP). Mice were administered ethanol for 15 consecutive days. This ethanol regimen induced behavioral sensitization to a lesser degree in adolescents than in adults. Following ethanol treatment, mice were subjected to CPP procedure, or given a free choice between water and ethanol solutions. While ethanol‐pretreated adult mice did not display a robust ethanol‐induced CPP, ethanol induced a significant CPP in mice pretreated with ethanol during adolescence. Ethanol pretreated mice, regardless of age, showed higher ethanol intake to saline‐treated mice. The present findings suggest that ethanol‐induced neuroadaptations underlying behavioral sensitization may activate mechanisms responsible for enhanced ethanol intake, and also reveals that ethanol pre‐exposure during adolescence increases ethanol reward as measured by CPP. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 36–48, 2014.
Subsyndromal delirium in older people: a systematic review of frequency, risk factors, course and outcomes
Authors: Cole Martin G. , Ciampi Antonio , Belzile Eric , Dubuc‐Sarrasin Marika
Published: November 2012

Objective

To determine the frequency, risk factors, course and outcomes of subsyndromal delirium (SSD) in older people by systematically reviewing evidence on these topics.

Methods

Subsyndromal delirium was defined as the presence of one or more symptoms of delirium, not meeting criteria for delirium and not progressing to delirium. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Web of Science were searched for potentially relevant articles published from 1996 to June 2011. The bibliographies of relevant articles were searched for additional references. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. The validity of included studies was assessed according to Evidence‐Based Medicine criteria. Information about the study population and methods, age, gender, proportion with dementia, diagnostic criteria, period and frequency of observation, and the topics above was systematically abstracted, tabulated and synthesized using standard meta‐analysis techniques.

Results

The combined prevalence of SSD was 23% (95% CI, 9–42%); the combined incidence was 13% (95% CI, 6–23%). Risk factors were similar to those for delirium. Episodes lasted up to 133 days and were often recurrent. Outcomes were poor and often intermediate between those of older people with or without delirium. Of note, there was significant unexplained heterogeneity in the results of studies of prevalence, incidence and some risk factors.

Conclusions

SSD in older people may be a frequent and clinically important condition that falls on a continuum between no symptoms and full delirium. Because of significant unexplained heterogeneity in the results of studies of SSD, however, the results of this review must be interpreted cautiously. Further research is necessary. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A meta‐analysis of cerebellar contributions to higher cognition from PET and fMRI studies
Authors: E Keren‐Happuch , Chen Shen‐Hsing Annabel , Ho Moon‐Ho Ringo , Desmond John E.
Published: November 2012

A growing interest in cerebellar function and its involvement in higher cognition have prompted much research in recent years. Cerebellar presence in a wide range of cognitive functions examined within an increasing body of neuroimaging literature has been observed. We applied a meta‐analytic approach, which employed the activation likelihood estimate method, to consolidate results of cerebellar involvement accumulated in different cognitive tasks of interest and systematically identified similarities among the studies. The current analysis included 88 neuroimaging studies demonstrating cerebellar activations in higher cognitive domains involving emotion, executive function, language, music, timing and working memory. While largely consistent with a prior meta‐analysis by Stoodley and Schmahmann (: Neuroimage 44:489‐501), our results extended their findings to include music and timing domains to provide further insights into cerebellar involvement and elucidate its role in higher cognition. In addition, we conducted inter‐ and intradomain comparisons for the cognitive domains of emotion, language, and working memory. We also considered task differences within the domain of verbal working memory by conducting a comparison of the Sternberg with the n‐back task, as well as an analysis of the differential components within the Sternberg task. Results showed a consistent cerebellar presence in the timing domain, providing evidence for a role in time keeping. Unique clusters identified within the domain further refine the topographic organization of the cerebellum. Hum Brain Mapp 35:593–615, 2014. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcome‐dependent coactivation of lip and tongue primary somatosensory representation following hypoglossal–facial transfer after peripheral facial palsy
Authors: Rottler Philipp , Schroeder Henry W.S. , Lotze Martin
Published: November 2012

A hypoglossal–facial transfer is a common surgical strategy for reanimating the face after persistent total hemifacial palsy. We were interested in how motor recovery is associated with cortical reorganization of lip and tongue representation in the primary sensorimotor cortex after the transfer. Therefore, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 13 patients who underwent a hypoglossal–facial transfer after unilateral peripheral facial palsy. To identify primary motor and somatosensory tongue and lip representation sites, we measured repetitive tongue and lip movements during fMRI. Electromyography (EMG) of the perioral muscles during tongue and lip movements and standardized evaluation of lip elevation served as outcome parameters. We found an association of cortical representation sites in the pre‐ and postcentral gyrus (decreased distance of lip and tongue representation) with symmetry of recovered lip movements (lip elevation) and coactivation of the lip during voluntary tongue movements (EMG‐activity of the lip during tongue movements). Overall, our study shows that hypoglossal–facial transfer resulted in an outcome‐dependent cortical reorganization with activation of the cortical tongue area for restituded movement of the lip. Hum Brain Mapp 35:638–645, 2014. © 2012 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.
Phosphodiesterases in neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Bollen Eva , Prickaerts Jos
Published: November 2012

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are responsible for the breakdown of cyclic nucleotides, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). As such, they are crucial regulators of levels of cyclic nucleotide‐mediated signaling. cAMP signaling and cGMP signaling have been associated with neuroplasticity and protection, and influencing their levels in the cell by inhibition of PDEs has become a much studied target for treatment in a wide array of disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we will focus on the involvement of PDEs in neurodegenerative disorders. In comparison with preclinical work, data on human patients are scarce. Alzheimer's disease is associated with changes in PDE4, PDE7, and PDE8 expression in the brain. Altered functioning of PDE4 as well as PDE11 is associated with major depressive disorder. In multiple sclerosis, there are indications of alterations in expression of several PDE subtypes in the central nervous system; however, evidence is indirect. In Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease, most research has focused on PDE1B and PDE10, because of their abundant presence in striatal neurons. In another rare, neurodegenerative striatal motor disorder, that is, autosomal‐dominant striatal degeneration, genetic defects in PDE8B gene are thought to underlie the neurodegenerative processes. Although the latter disorder has showed a causative dysfunction of PDEs, this does not hold for the neurodegenerative disorders discussed above, in which changes in PDE levels seemingly rather represent secondary changes and compensation to prior existing dysfunction. However, normalizing cyclic nucleotide signaling via PDE inhibition remains interesting for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 64(12): 965–970, 2012
ADAM10 mediates N‐cadherin ectodomain shedding during retinal ganglion cell differentiation in primary cultured retinal cells from the developing chick retina
Authors: Paudel Sharada , Kim Yeoun‐Hee , Huh Man‐Il , Kim Song‐Ja , Chang Yongmin , Park Young Jeung , Lee Kyoo Won , Jung Jae‐Chang
Published: November 2012

Here, we examined the role of ADAM10 during retinal cell differentiation in retinal sections and in vitro cultures of developing chick retinal cells from embryonic day 6 (ED6). Immunohistochemistry showed that ADAM10 is abundantly expressed in the inner zone of neuroblastic layer at ED5, and it becomes more highly expressed in the ganglion cell layer at ED7 and ED9. Western blotting confirmed that ADAM10 was expressed as an inactive pro‐form that was processed to a shorter, active form in control cultured cells, but in cultures treated with an ADAM10 inhibitor (GI254023X) and ADAM10‐specific siRNA, the level of mature ADAM10 decreased. Phase‐contrast microscopy showed that long neurite extensions were present in untreated cultures 24 h after plating, whereas cultures treated with GI254023X showed significant decreases in neurite extension. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that there were far fewer differentiated ganglion cells in ADAM10 siRNA and GI254023X‐treated cultures compared to controls, whereas the photoreceptor cells were unaltered. The Pax6 protein was more strongly detected in the differentiated ganglion cells of control cultures compared to ADAM10 siRNA and GI254023X‐treated cultures. N‐cadherin ectodomain shedding was apparent in control cultures after 24 h, when ganglion cell differentiation was observed, but ADAM10 siRNA and GI254023X treatment inhibited these processes. In contrast, N‐cadherin staining was strongly detected in photoreceptor cells regardless of ADAM10 siRNA and GI254023X treatment. Taken together, these data indicate that the inhibition of ADAM10 can inhibit Pax6 expression and N‐cadherin ectodomain shedding in retinal cells, possibly affecting neurite outgrowth and ganglion cell differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 942–954, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stabilization of the prostate‐specific tumor suppressor NKX3.1 by the oncogenic protein kinase Pim‐1 in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Padmanabhan Achuth , Gosc Eliza B. , Bieberich Charles J.
Published: November 2012

Loss of NKX3.1 is an early and consistent event in prostate cancer and is associated with increased proliferation of prostate epithelial cells and poor prognosis. NKX3.1 stability is regulated post‐translationally through phosphorylation at multiple sites by several protein kinases. Here, we report the paradoxical stabilization of the prostate‐specific tumor suppressor NKX3.1 by the oncogenic protein kinase Pim‐1 in prostate cancer cells. Pharmacologic Pim‐1 inhibition using the small molecule inhibitor CX‐6258 decreased steady state levels and half‐life of NKX3.1 protein but mRNA was not affected. This effect was reversed by inhibition of the 26S‐proteasome, demonstrating that Pim‐1 protects NKX3.1 from proteasome‐mediated degradation. Mass spectrometric analyses revealed Thr89, Ser185, Ser186, Ser195, and Ser196 as Pim‐1 phospho‐acceptor sites on NKX3.1. Through mutational analysis, we determined that NKX3.1 phosphorylation at Ser185, Ser186, and within the N‐terminal PEST domain is essential for Pim‐1‐mediated stabilization. Further, we also identified Lys182 as a critical residue for NKX3.1 stabilization by Pim‐1. Pim‐1‐mediated NKX3.1 stabilization may be important in maintaining normal cellular homeostasis in normal prostate epithelial cells, and may maintain basal NKX3.1 protein levels in prostate cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1050–1057, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regulation of human Cripto‐1 expression by nuclear receptors and DNA promoter methylation in human embryonal and breast cancer cells
Authors: Bianco Caterina , Castro Nadia P. , Baraty Christina , Rollman Kelly , Held Natalie , Rangel Maria Cristina , Karasawa Hideaki , Gonzales Monica , Strizzi Luigi , Salomon David S.
Published: November 2012

Human Cripto‐1 (CR‐1) plays an important role in regulating embryonic development while also regulating various stages of tumor progression. However, mechanisms that regulate CR‐1 expression during embryogenesis and tumorigenesis are still not well defined. In the present study, we investigated the effects of two nuclear receptors, liver receptor homolog (LRH)‐1 and germ cell nuclear factor receptor (GCNF) and epigenetic modifications on CR‐1 gene expression in NTERA‐2 human embryonal carcinoma cells and in breast cancer cells. CR‐1 expression in NTERA‐2 cells was positively regulated by LRH‐1 through direct binding to a DR0 element within the CR‐1 promoter, while GCNF strongly suppressed CR‐1 expression in these cells. In addition, the CR‐1 promoter was unmethylated in NTERA‐2 cells, while T47D, ZR75‐1, and MCF7 breast cancer cells showed high levels of CR‐1 promoter methylation and low CR‐1 mRNA and protein expression. Treatment of breast cancer cells with a demethylating agent and histone deacetylase inhibitors reduced methylation of the CR‐1 promoter and reactivated CR‐1 mRNA and protein expression in these cells, promoting migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Analysis of a breast cancer tissue array revealed that CR‐1 was highly expressed in the majority of human breast tumors, suggesting that CR‐1 expression in breast cancer cell lines might not be representative of in vivo expression. Collectively, these findings offer some insight into the transcriptional regulation of CR‐1 gene expression and its critical role in the pathogenesis of human cancer. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1174–1188, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Codon 72 polymorphism of p53 and HPV type 16 E6 variants as risk factors for patients with squamous epithelial lesion of the uterine cervix
Authors: Burroni E. , Bisanzi S. , Sani C. , Puliti D. , Carozzi F.
Published: November 2012

The Arg/Arg genotype versus Arg/Pro or Pro/Pro at codon 72 of the p53 gene in association with human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E6 variants has been implicated as a risk marker in cervical neoplasia. However, research on this topic has produced controversial results. The association of p53 codon 72 polymorphism alone and in combination with specific HPV 16 E6 variants with risk of developing squamous intraepithelial cervical lesion has been investigated in low and high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and in HPV‐negative controls from an Italian population. The data obtained showed statistically significant different distribution of p53 genotypes between healthy controls and precursor lesions, with the p53 arginine homozygous increased in high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. The T350G HPV 16 variant was the most frequent variant observed in the analyzed group of Italian women, showing a slight decreasing with the severity of the lesion. At the same time, the number of the prototype T350 slightly increased with the severity of the cytological lesions. In conclusion, p53 arginine homozygous was found to be increased in high‐grade lesions, supporting the results of previous investigations indicating that HPV‐positive patients with p53 Arg/Arg have an increased risk of developing pre‐cancerous lesions. In addition, T350G HPV 16 variant was over‐represented in p53 Arg homozygous women with cervical lesions. When p53 genotype and HPV 16 variants are considered together, no difference emerges between cases and controls so is not possible to assess that the oncogenic effect of HPV 16 T350G variant may be influenced by the p53 genotype. J. Med. Virol. 85:83–90, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polygonum viviparum L. inhibits the lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory response in RAW264.7 macrophages through haem oxygenase‐1 induction and activation of the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Cheng Hui‐Wen , Lee Kock‐Chee , Cheah Khoot‐Peng , Chang Ming‐Long , Lin Che‐Wei , Li Joe‐Sharg , Yu Wen‐Yu , Liu E‐Tung , Hu Chien‐Ming
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND: Polygonum viviparum L. (PV) is a member of the family Polygonaceae and is widely distributed in high‐elevation areas. It is used as a folk remedy to treat inflammation‐related diseases. This study was focused on the anti‐inflammatory response of PV against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages.

RESULTS: Treatment with PV did not cause cytotoxicity at 0–50 µg mL−1 in RAW264.7 macrophages, and the IC50 value was 270 µg mL−1. PV inhibited LPS‐stimulated nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG)E2, interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α release and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 protein expression. In addition, PV suppressed the LPS‐induced p65 expression of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, which is associated with the inhibition of IκB‐α degradation. These results suggest that, among mechanisms of the anti‐inflammatory response, PV inhibits the production of NO and these cytokines by down‐regulating iNOS and COX‐2 gene expression. Furthermore, PV can induce haem oxygenase (HO)‐1 protein expression through nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. A specific inhibitor of HO‐1, zinc(II) protoporphyrin IX, inhibited the suppression of iNOS and COX‐2 expression by PV.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that PV possesses anti‐inflammatory actions in macrophages and works through a novel mechanism involving Nrf2 actions and HO‐1. Thus PV could be considered for application as a potential therapeutic approach for inflammation‐associated disorders. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Stress‐Induced Stabilization of Crystals in Shape Memory Natural Rubber
Authors: Heuwers Benjamin , Quitmann Dominik , Hoeher Robin , Reinders Frauke M. , Tiemeyer Sebastian , Sternemann Christian , Tolan Metin , Katzenberg Frank , Tiller Joerg C.
Published: November 2012

In contrast to all known shape memory polymers, the melting temperature of crystals in shape memory natural rubber (SMNR) can be greatly manipulated by the application of external mechanical stress. As shown previously, stress perpendicular to the prior programming direction decreases the melting temperature by up to 40 K. In this study, we investigated the influence of mechanical stress parallel to prior stretching direction during programming on the stability of the elongation‐stabilizing crystals. It was found that parallel stress stabilizes the crystals, which is indicated by linear increase of the trigger temperature by up to 17 K. The crystal melting temperature can be increased up to 126.5 °C under constrained conditions as shown by X‐ray diffraction measurements.
Perceptions of Issues Relating to Exercise and Joint Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A UK‐Based Questionnaire Study
Authors: Law Rebecca‐Jane , Markland David A. , Jones Jeremy G. , Maddison Peter J. , Thom Jeanette M.
Published: November 2012

Objectives

This questionnaire study investigated the perceptions of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients across the UK in relation to exercise and joint health. The validity of the measure was also assessed.

Methods

Members of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) with self‐reported RA completed the questionnaire online. Items related to five factors that emerged from previous qualitative research. Participants responded using a five‐point Likert‐style scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) assessed physical activity. The model was tested using confirmatory factor analysis (LISREL 8.8); statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results

A total of 247 responses were collected over 47 days (88% females; age: 18–77 years; disease duration: <1–51 years). Acceptable factorial validity was revealed (Satorra–Bentler χ2 = 774.47, df = 454, p < 0.001, root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.05, 90% confidence interval RMSEA = 0.05–0.06, comparative fit index = 0.94, standardized root mean square residual = 0.09), with the following factor endorsements: ‘Health professionals show exercise knowledge’ (19%); ‘Knowing what exercise should be done’ (43%); ‘Having to exercise because it is helpful’ (72%); ‘Worry about causing harm to joints’ (44%); and ‘Not wanting to exercise as joints hurt’ (52%). Patient concerns about joint pain, joint harm and how to exercise were significantly associated with lower physical activity (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results confirm that patients perceive exercise as beneficial. However, concerns about how to exercise, joint pain, causing harm to joints and a perceived lack of exercise knowledge among health professionals remain. Addressing these concerns may have implications for increasing physical activity within the RA population. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adherence to ICCS nomenclature guidelines in subsequent literature: A bibliometric study
Authors: Dannaway Jasan , Ng Heryanto , Deshpande Aniruddh V
Published: November 2012

Aims

Since the publication of the 2006 International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) guidelines on terminologies for lower urinary tract dysfunction in children, little is known of their impact. In this study, we aim to quantify the adherence to the guidelines in the published literature, and to examine whether Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) in MEDLINE reflect the recommended “new” ICCS terminology.

Methods

Seven pairs of pre‐specified paired terms (obsolete and recommended by the ICCS) were searched, limited to paediatric literature published between 2002 and 2010. Their use in the literature was compared between the pre‐guideline (2002–2005) and post‐guideline (2007–2010) period and across geographical regions. MeSH in MEDLINE were examined for the use of ICCS preferred terminology.

Results

Publications in paediatric urinary incontinence have shown a 49% increase from 2002–2005 to 2007–2010 (55–82 per year). There was about a fourfold increase in the likelihood of usage of ICCS recommended terminologies post ICCS guideline publication (OR: 4.19, 95% CI: 3.04–5.78, P < 0.001). Approximately 25% of the studies published between 2007 and 2010 used obsolete terminologies. Analysis indicated satisfactory uptake for most terms, with the exception of “urotherapy.” There was no significant geographical variation in uptake. More than half of the ICCS‐recommended terms (4/7) did not appear in the current MeSH indexing tree and scope notes.

Conclusions

Overall uptake of recommended terms following release of ICCS terminology guidelines was encouraging although it remains suboptimal for certain terms. Efforts need to be made to improve the current MEDLINE indexing so that MeSH terms reflect terminology recommended by the ICCS. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 952–956, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The association between socioeconomic status and survival among children with Hodgkin and non‐Hodgkin lymphomas in a universal health care system
Authors: Darmawikarta Denise , Pole Jason D. , Gupta Sumit , Nathan Paul C. , Greenberg Mark
Published: November 2012

Background

The association between socioeconomic status (SES) and cancer survival has been studied extensively in adults. However, little is known about this relationship in the pediatric population, specifically in jurisdictions with universal health care insurance programs. Our aim was to determine whether lower SES is associated with poorer survival in pediatric Hodgkin (HL) and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients in Ontario.

Procedure

All incident cases of HL and NHL in children between 0 and 14 years old diagnosed in Ontario between January 1st, 1985 and December 31st, 2006 were identified through the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario Networked Information System. Neighborhood income quintile and material deprivation quintile at diagnosis were used as proxies for SES. Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to assess the association between SES and the risk of event‐free or overall survival.

Results

A total of 692 patients were included in the analysis: 302 HL and 390 NHL. SES was not associated with survival (overall or event‐free) among HL and NHL patients (P > 0.05 for all four comparisons, i.e., HL/NHL, EFS/OS) after adjustment for age, sex, period of diagnosis, and disease stage. There were no differences in the distribution of disease stage across SES strata at the time of diagnosis. Similarly, the distribution of deaths among long‐term survivors (survived ≥5 years from diagnosis) did not differ across SES strata (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

SES was not associated with risk of death among pediatric HL and NHL patients in Ontario. This was consistent through the cancer trajectory, including diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 1171–1177. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk of adverse events following oseltamivir treatment in influenza outpatients, Vaccine Safety Datalink Project, 2007–2010
Authors: Greene Sharon K. , Li Lingling , Shay David K. , Fry Alicia M. , Lee Grace M. , Jacobsen Steven J. , Baxter Roger , Irving Stephanie A. , Jackson Michael L. , Naleway Allison L. , Nordin James D. , Narwaney Komal J. , Lieu Tracy A.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

An association between the influenza antiviral medication oseltamivir and neuropsychiatric events has been suggested by post‐marketing case reports in Japan. This possible association was not supported by cohort studies in the U.S. conducted prior to the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, when usage rates were comparatively low. We assessed oseltamivir safety before and during the pandemic using biologically plausible risk intervals, particularly focusing on psychiatric events.

Methods

Outpatients with influenza episodes from January 2007 through June 2010 were identified using diagnosis codes and positive tests at eight health care systems (sites) in the Vaccine Safety Datalink Project. Oseltamivir‐treated and untreated patients were matched according to calendar week, age, sex, site, and propensity for treatment. Within this matched cohort, conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk of four neuropsychiatric and five other adverse events (AEs) during pre‐specified risk intervals.

Results

Among 27 684 matched pairs, no associations were identified between oseltamivir treatment and any pre‐defined AE. The absolute risks of incident psychiatric events in the 1–7 day risk interval were 0.126% for oseltamivir‐treated and 0.105% for untreated patients (odds ratio = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74, 1.97; risk difference = 0.022%, 95% CI: −0.035%, 0.078%); the most common diagnosis was unspecified anxiety state. Results were similar for 1–14 and 1–2 day risk intervals and for pediatric/adolescent subgroups.

Conclusions

Consistent with prior U.S. cohort studies, no evidence was identified for an increased risk of neuropsychiatric or other AEs following oseltamivir treatment. Safety should be prospectively monitored to inform antiviral medication usage recommendations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A questionnaire to document self‐medication history in adult patients visiting emergency departments
Authors: Roulet Lucien , Asseray Nathalie , Foucher Nadine , Potel Gilles , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Ballereau Françoise
Published: November 2012

Purpose

To develop the first questionnaire to obtain a complete medication history by documenting self‐medication history in adult patients admitted to a medical emergency department (ED).

Methods

A Questionnaire to document Self‐Medicating Behaviours (QSMB) was developed between January and September 2008 (reference period), tested and refined between October and December 2008, and used routinely between January and December 2009 (routine period) in a tertiary care medical ED. The rate of SMBs measured with QSMB during the routine period was compared to the SMB rate measured with a spontaneous reporting method during the reference period. As survey teams changed every trimester, we also analysed the evolution of SMB rate over time.

Results

QSMB is divided into two parts. The first part consists of 20 closed‐ended questions exploring all indications and dimensions of self‐medication. The second part assesses the characteristics of each medication mentioned by the patient in the first 20 questions. The patients interviewed during reference and routine periods did not significantly differ. The routine period patients reported a third more SMBs (89.8% vs 57.6%, respectively; p < 0.0001) and twice more self‐medication drugs than the reference period patients. SMB rate was significantly different between the survey teams during the reference period (p < 0.0001), but not during the routine period (p = 0.078).

Conclusions

This questionnaire complements the traditional tools that are already available to collect medication histories of prescribed drugs. It may improve the recognition of iatrogenic conditions related to self‐medication, and provide support to public health efforts and research programs on self‐medication. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlinear phase‐separation behavior of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) blends
Authors: Lin Yu , Shangguan Yonggang , Chen Feng , Zuo Min , Zheng Qiang
Published: November 2012

The nonlinear phase‐separation behavior of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) (PMMA/SMA) blends over wide appropriate temperature and heating rate ranges was studied using time‐resolved small‐angle laser light scattering. During the non‐isothermal process, a quantitative logarithm function was established to describe the relationship between cloud point (Tc) and heating rate (k) as given by Tc = Alnk + T0, in which the parameter A, reflecting the heating rate dependence, is much different for different compositions due to phase‐separation rate and activation energy difference. For the isothermal phase‐separation process, an Arrhenius‐like equation was successfully applied to describe the temperature dependence of the apparent diffusion coefficient (Dapp) and the relaxation time (τ) of the early stage as well as the late stage of spinodal decomposition (SD) of PMMA/SMA blends. Based on the successful application of the Arrhenius‐like equation, the related activation energies could be obtained from Dapp and τ of the early and late stages of SD, respectively. In addition, these results indicate that it is possible to predict the temperature dependence of the phase‐separation behavior of binary polymer mixtures during isothermal annealing over a range of 100 °C above the glass transition temperature using the Arrhenius‐like equation. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Albuterol delivery via metered dose inhaler in a spontaneously breathing pediatric tracheostomy model
Authors: Berlinski Ariel , Chavez Alma
Published: November 2012

Rationale

Little data are available regarding efficiency of drug delivery devices and techniques despite their widespread use in spontaneously breathing tracheostomized patients. We compared patient dose achieved with different devices, inhalation techniques, tracheostomy tube sizes and breathing patterns using a spontaneously breathing tracheostomized pediatric model.

Methods

A tracheostomy model was connected in series to a breathing simulator with a filter interposed (patient dose). Breathing patterns of a 16‐month‐old and a 6‐ and 12‐year‐old child with tracheostomy with internal diameters (mm) of 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5 were used. Albuterol HFAp MDI was used. Aerotrach Plus, MediBag, Aerochamber MV, Aerochamber Mini, and inline adapter with 6‐inch tubing were tested. The latter 3 devices were also tested with assisted technique. Albuterol was analyzed via spectrophotometry.

Results

Aerotrach Plus outperformed almost all devices tested. Aerochamber MV with unassisted technique was the second best and the adapter was the worst. Comparison of efficiency between best and worst performer ranged from 3‐ to 17.2‐fold. The 16‐month‐old breathing pattern and the 3.5 mm tracheostomy tube had the lowest patient dose. The use of assisted technique decreased patient dose by 18–67% for the 4.5 and 5.5 mm but not for 3.5 mm tracheostomy tubes. A median of 7.4% of the nominal dose was deposited in the tracheostomy tubes.

Conclusions

Aerotrach Plus and the adapter were the most and least efficient devices respectively. Tracheostomy size and breathing pattern affected drug delivery. The use of assisted technique reduced aerosol delivery. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:1026–1034. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neutrino mixings and the S4 discrete flavour symmetry
Authors: Bazzocchi F. , Merlo L.
Published: November 2012

Discrete non‐Abelian Symmetries have been extensively used to reproduce the lepton mixings. In particular, the S4 group turned out to be suitable to describe predictive mixing patterns, such as the well‐known Tri‐Bimaximal and the Bimaximal schemes, which all represent possible first approximations of the experimental lepton mixing matrix. We review the main application of the S4 discrete group as a flavour symmetry, first dealing with the formalism and later with the phenomenological implications. In particular, we summarize the main features of flavour models based on S4, commenting on their ability in reproducing a reactor angle in agreement with the recent data and on their predictions for lepton flavour violating transitions.
Non‐Abelian discrete symmetry for flavors
Authors: Ishimori H. , Kobayashi T. , Shimizu Y. , Ohki H. , Okada H. , Tanimoto M.
Published: November 2012

We present a mathematical short review on non‐Abelian discrete groups that could be used as reference introduction to the actual flavor models proposed to account for the observed flavor structure of quarks and leptons. For the practical purpose of flavor model building, we present group‐theoretical aspects of S3, S4, A4, D4, Δ(27) and Δ(54).
Polymorphisms in CYP17 and CYP3A4 and prostate cancer in men of African descent
Authors: Taioli Emanuela , Sears Vestra , Watson Alexis , Flores‐Obando Rafael E. , Jackson Maria D. , Ukoli Flora A. , de Syllos Cólus Ilce M. , Fernandez Pedro , McFarlane‐Anderson Norma , Ostrander Elaine A. , Rodrigues Iara S. , Stanford Janet L. , Taylor Jack A. , Tulloch‐Reid Marshall , Ragin Camille C.R.
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

A meta and pooled analysis of published and unpublished case–control studies was performed to evaluate the association of CYP17 (rs743572) and CYP3A4 (rs2740574) polymorphisms and prostate cancer (PCa) in men from the USA, Caribbean, and Africa.

METHODS

Eight publications (seven studies) and two unpublished studies for CYP17 included 1,580 subjects (559 cases and 1,021 controls) and eleven publications and three unpublished studies for CYP3A4 included 3,400 subjects (1,429 cases and 1,971 controls).

RESULTS

Overall, the CYP17 heterozygous and homozygous variants were not associated with PCa, but they confer a 60% increased risk of PCa in a sub‐group analysis restricted to African‐American men (T/C + C/C, OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.4). No associations were observed for CYP3A4, overall and in stratified analyses for African‐Americans and Africans. The pooled analysis suggests that after adjusting for study, age, PSA, and family history of PCa, CYP17 was associated with PCa for men of African ancestry (Adjusted OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.2–10.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that genetic factors involved in the androgen pathway play a role in PCa risk among men of African ancestry. Prostate 73: 668–676, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Site‐controlled quantum dot growth on buried oxide stressor layers
Authors: Strittmatter André , Holzbecher André , Schliwa Andrei , Schulze Jan‐Hindrik , Quandt David , Germann Tim David , Dreismann Alexander , Hitzemann Ole , Stock Erik , Ostapenko Irina A. , Rodt Sven , Unrau Waldemar , Pohl Udo W. , Hoffmann Axel , Bimberg Dieter , Haisler Vladimir
Published: November 2012

Site‐controlled growth of quantum dots (QDs) for single photon emitters (SPEs) is achieved applying a buried stressor approach. Theoretical and experimental analysis shows that site‐controlled QD growth on buried oxide stressor‐layers benefits enormously from a defect‐free growth interface. Laterally modulated strain fields at GaAs(001) growth surfaces are used to tailor surface morphologies at the centre of prescribed mesa structures for subsequent QD growth. Suitable morphologies for site‐controlled QD growth such as nano‐hillocks and nano‐holes are identified. Site‐controlled QD growth appears above the boundaries between the oxidised layer and the non‐oxidised semiconductor layer. Through fine tuning of wetting layer thickness and growth interruption high selectivity for QD nucleation is achieved. Thus, growth of single QDs at the centre of a current‐injection limiting aperture is demonstrated. Moreover, the QD growth on a defect‐free surface yields high quality optical properties in terms of narrow emission linewidth and temporal stability with no discernible difference to QDs grown on planar substrates. The technological simplicity of the buried stressor approach and the inherent integration of a current aperture for efficient carrier injection into site‐selected QDs enable mass production of SPEs on large substrate sizes.
Discrimination of psychotropic drugs over‐consumers using a threshold exceedance based approach
Authors: Bellanger Lise , Vigneau Caroline , Pivette Jacques , Jolliet Pascale , Sébille Véronique
Published: November 2012

Use of some medication, such as tranquilizers or hypnotics may carry important risks for patients including the emergence of abuse and/or dependence. The problem we tackle consists of identifying and discriminating the group most “at risk” of abuse and/or dependence for a given drug, in order to provide an estimation of its prevalence and to develop preventive measures targeted toward the corresponding drug prescription. A criterion, currently employed to characterize patients' consumption of a drug, is the ratio between their daily average consumption and the maximum recommended daily dose as specified in the drug monograph, called theFfactor. In theory, any patient having anFfactor greater than 1 should be classified as an over‐consumer for the corresponding drug, but in practice this threshold might not be very relevant for all drugs. The proposed approach, combining different statistical methods (extreme value theory with the Peaks Over Threshold Model, logistic regression, ROC curve), is an innovative way to study consumption behaviors of psychotropic drugs. Two drugs are studied: an antidepressant, tianeptine and a hypnotic, zolpidem. From one drug to another, different thresholds for theFfactor and patient's characteristics associated with the risk of extreme consumption are found, revealing different consumption behaviors. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 6: 91–101, 2013
Changes in Cerebral Blood Flow and Anxiety Associated with an 8‐week Mindfulness Programme in Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Monti Daniel A. , Kash Kathryn M. , Kunkel Elisabeth J. S. , Brainard George , Wintering Nancy , Moss Aleezé S. , Rao Hengyi , Zhu Senhua , Newberg Andrew B.
Published: November 2012

This study employed functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) associated with the Mindfulness‐based Art Therapy (MBAT) programme and correlate such changes to stress and anxiety in women with breast cancer. Eighteen breast cancer patients were randomized to the MBAT or education control group. The patients received the diagnosis of breast cancer between 6 months and 3 years prior to enrollment and were not in active treatment. The age of participants ranged from 52 to 77 years. A voxel‐based analysis was performed to assess differences at rest, during meditation and during a stress task. The anxiety sub‐scale of the Symptoms Checklist‐90‐Revised was compared with changes in resting CBF before and after the programmes. Subjects in the MBAT arm demonstrated significant increases in CBF at rest and during meditation in multiple limbic regions, including the left insula, right amygdala, right hippocampus and bilateral caudate. Patients in the MBAT programme also had a significant correlation between increased CBF in the left caudate and decreased anxiety scores. In the MBAT group, responses to a stressful cue resulted in reduced activation of the posterior cingulate. The results demonstrate that the MBAT programme was associated with significant changes in CBF, which correlated with decreased anxiety over an 8‐week period. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.