bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[18F]FDOPA PET as an endophenotype for Parkinson's Disease linkage studies
Authors: Racette Brad A. , Good Laura , Antenor Jo Ann , McGee‐Minnich Lori , Moerlein Stephen M. , Videen Tom O. , Perlmutter Joel S.
Published: March 2006

Parkinson disease (PD) is a late onset disorder with age‐dependent penetrance that may confound genetic studies, since affected individuals may not demonstrate clinical manifestations at the time of evaluation. The use of endophenotypes, biologic surrogates for clinical disease diagnoses, may permit more accurate classification of at‐risk subjects. Positron emission tomography (PET) measurements of 6‐[18F]fluorodopa ([18F]FDOPA) uptake indicate nigrostriatal neuronal integrity and may provide a useful endophenotype for PD linkage studies. We performed [18F]FDOPA PET in 11 members of a large, multi‐incident Amish family with PD, 24 normals and 48 people with clinically definite idiopathic PD (PD controls). Clinical diagnoses in the Amish were clinically definite PD in four, clinically probable in one, clinically possible in five, and normal in one. Abnormal [18F]FDOPA posterior putamen uptake was defined as less than 3 standard deviations below the normal mean. The criteria were applied to the Amish sample to determine a PET endophenotype for each. We performed genetic simulations using SLINK to model the effect phenoconversion with the PET endophenotype had on logarithm of odds (LOD) scores. PET endophenotype confirmed the status of two clinically definite subjects. Two clinically definite Amish PD subjects had normal PETs. Two possible PD were converted to “PET definite PD.” The remainder had normal PETs. The average maximum LOD score with the pre‐PET was 6.14 ± 0.84. Simulating phenoconversion of subjects with unknown phenotypes increased the LOD score to 7.36 ± 1.23. The [18F]FDOPA PET endophenotype permits phenoconversion in multi‐incident PD families and may increase LOD score accuracy and power of an informative pedigree. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimierung farbstoffsensibilisierter Solarzellen
Authors: Robertson Neil
Published: March 2006

Farbstoffsensibilisierte Solarzellen (DSSCs) bieten sich als eine vielversprechende, billige Photovoltaiktechnologie an. Ihre Funktionsweise beruht auf der Ladungstrennung in einem Farbstoff, der sich an der Grenzfläche zwischen einem anorganischen Halbleiter und einem Lochleiter befindet. Durch sorgfältigen Entwurf der Farbstoffkomponente lassen sich Energieverlustmechanismen minimieren und Lichtsammelausbeuten erhöhen. Probleme, die gegenwärtig den Masseneinsatz von DSSCs verhindern, sind die umständliche Fertigung der Bauelemente und die mangelnde Langzeitstabilität des flüssigen Redoxelektrolyten, der in den bislang wirksamsten Zellen eingesetzt wird. In diesem Kurzaufsatz untersuchen wir Strategien zur Entwicklung von Farbstoffen, die in neuartigen Zellentwürfen mit alternativen Flüssigelektrolyten eingesetzt werden können. Solche Feststoff‐ und Gel‐DSSCs sind vielversprechende Elemente für billige, effiziente und robuste Photovoltaiksysteme.
Optimizing Dyes for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Robertson Neil
Published: March 2006

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have emerged as an important cheap photovoltaic technology. Charge separation is initiated at the dye, bound at the interface of an inorganic semiconductor and a hole‐transport material. Careful design of the dye can minimize loss mechanisms and improve light harvesting. Mass application of DSSCs is currently limited by manufacturing complexity and long‐term stability associated with the liquid redox electrolyte used in the most‐efficient cells. In this Minireview, dye design is discussed in the context of novel alternatives to the standard liquid electrolyte. Rapid progress is being made in improving the efficiencies of such solid and quasi‐solid DSSCs which promises cheap, efficient, and robust photovoltaic systems.
The use of gamma irradiation to prepare ureaformaldehyde/acrylic acid copolymer gypsum composites for use in construction applications
Authors: El‐Nahas H. H. , Abdel Aal S. E. , Taher N. H. , Gad Y. H. , Dessouki A. M.
Published: March 2006

Thermoset/thermoplast and gypsum copolymer composites were prepared as ureaformaldehyde (UF) copolymerized with acrylic acid monomer at various gamma radiation doses, where the latter monomer produced the greatest improvement in mold stability as cracks treatment, weight loss, hardness, and water absorption. This is due to water absorption showing an increase in water uptake for UF‐gypsum composites containing high amounts of acrylic acid monomer copolymerized through the irradiation process, producing a hydrophilic mold able to retain water from evaporation and weight loss, thus obtaining an unshrinkable crackless mold. The influence of acrylic acid and the gamma irradiation process on water absorption, gelation time, weight loss, surface hardness, and compressive strength was studied. The results showed improvement of mechanical flexibility with a reduced sensitivity to cracks indicating the possibility of using these improved molds after mixing with gypsum in the field of construction as inner partition panels and tile seals. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4491–4498, 2006
Functional finishing of nonwoven fabrics. I. Accessibility of surface modified PET spunbond by atmospheric pressure He/O2 plasma treatment
Authors: Shin Younsook , Son Kyunghee , Yoo Dong Il , Hudson Sam , McCord Marian , Matthews Suzanne , Whang Yoon‐Jung
Published: March 2006

The surface of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) spunbond nonwoven was modified by using atmospheric pressure He/O2 plasma treatment. Accessibility of the modified PET nonwoven has been investigated in terms of crystallinity, surface chemical composition, hydrophilicity, and dye uptake. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for crystallinity measurement and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for chemical composition measurement were used. Surface morphology was studied by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Percentage crystallinity increased due to the depletion of amorphous region by plasma etching. Redeposition of etched particles was observed. Oxygen‐based functional groups on the surface of PET increase from 27 to about 32% after 90 s exposure. Wettability increases by more than 10 times and moisture regain increases by three times, compared with the untreated sample. Dye uptake was not changed significantly. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4306–4310, 2006
Failure of homocysteine to induce neural tube defects in a mouse model
Authors: Bennett Gregory D. , VanWaes Janee , Moser Kristine , Chaudoin Tammy , Starr Lois , Rosenquist Thomas H.
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND:Folate deficiencies have been associated with many adverse congenital abnormalities. It is not clear, however, whether these defects are due to a folate deficiency or to an increase in homocysteine. Homocysteine has been shown to be teratogenic in the chicken‐embryo model and it has been suggested that homocysteine‐induced defects are mediated by inhibiting the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor on neural crest cells. The majority of the teratology studies have been carried out using the chicken embryo model. In an effort to develop a murine model of homocysteine‐induced neural tube defects, several inbred mouse strains were treated with homocysteine or the NMDA inhibitor MK801 and the fetuses examined for any induced‐NTD.METHODS:Several in‐bred mouse strains were administered homocysteine once on gestational day (GD) E8.5 or once daily on GD 6.5–10.5. Additionally, because homocysteine was been reported to mediate its effects through the NMDA receptor, the effect of MK801, an antagonist of this receptor, was also investigated.RESULTS:Regardless of the mouse treatment time, homocysteine failed to induce neural tube defects in our in‐bred mouse strains. Homocysteine also failed to increase the number of neural tube defects in the splotch strain, regardless of the genotype.CONCLUSIONS:Irrespective of the mouse strain or treatment, homocysteine failed to induce neural tube defects in our mouse models, which is in contrast to what has been reported in the chicken embryo models.Birth Defects Res (Part B)77:89–94, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure, dynamics, and elasticity of free 16s rRNA helix 44 studied by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Réblová Kamila , Lankas̆ Filip , Rázga Filip , Krasovska Maryna V. , Koc̆a Jaroslav , S̆poner Jir̆í
Published: March 2006

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to investigate the structure, dynamics, and local base‐pair step deformability of the free 16S ribosomal helix 44 from Thermus thermophilus and of a canonical A‐RNA double helix. While helix 44 is bent in the crystal structure of the small ribosomal subunit, the simulated helix 44 is intrinsically straight. It shows, however, substantial instantaneous bends that are isotropic. The spontaneous motions seen in simulations achieve large degrees of bending seen in the X‐ray structure and would be entirely sufficient to allow the dynamics of the upper part of helix 44 evidenced by cryo‐electron microscopic studies. Analysis of local base‐pair step deformability reveals a patch of flexible steps in the upper part of helix 44 and in the area proximal to the bulge bases, suggesting that the upper part of helix 44 has enhanced flexibility. The simulations identify two conformational substates of the second bulge area (bottom part of the helix) with distinct base pairing. In agreement with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X‐ray studies, a flipped out conformational substate of conserved 1492A is seen in the first bulge area. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations reveal a number of reversible α‐γ backbone flips that correspond to transitions between two known A‐RNA backbone families. The flipped substates do not cumulate along the trajectory and lead to a modest transient reduction of helical twist with no significant influence on the overall geometry of the duplexes. Despite their considerable flexibility, the simulated structures are very stable with no indication of substantial force field inaccuracies. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 82: 504–520, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Forensic psychiatry in the USA and the UK: a clinician's view
Authors: Beck James C.
Published: March 2006

The UK and the USA share a fundamental belief in the rule of law, but they have different beliefs about the relationship between government and the individual. The laws which govern forensic and general psychiatric practice reflect those differences. The two countries differ also in forensic psychiatry training and practice and in the organisation of forensic mental health services. Strengths in the UK include the extensive training of forensic psychiatrists and the integrated forensic health and social care systems. The two countries face common ethical problems, and common problems of service delivery to forensic patients. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Law and psychiatry in the USA and UK: another perspective
Authors: Brakel Samuel Jan , Cavanaugh James L.
Published: March 2006

Dr Beck's comparative description of forensic psychiatry in the UK and the USA is generally on target. One of its more useful insights is that the differences that are there tend to stem from different conceptions of the relationship between government and the individual. Another important point is that differences ‘on the books’ frequently soften, if not disappear, when one looks at actual practices in the respective countries. Still, there are occasional points in the article where one is prompted to dissent from Dr Beck's description and analysis. In particular, there is a sense that if the article had been more forward‐looking, more commonality would have been found between US and UK ways of doing psychiatric forensics. In most respects, mental health law and practice in our two countries are more similar today than in the past and will probably continue to grow closer together. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A mental health survey of community correctional clients in Canada
Authors: Wormith J.S. , McKeague Frances
Published: March 2006

Probation and parole officers completed a brief survey questionnaire on 2500 community correctional clients, who were randomly selected from a total caseload of 60 000 active files. The survey instrument inquired about the mental health histories and the clinical or programme needs of these clients, most of whom (76.5%) were on probation. Among the sample, 13.2% had a known psychiatric diagnosis, including 5.0% who had been diagnosed with a schizophrenic illness, bipolar disorder or mental retardation. A total of 6.4% had at least one documented psychiatric hospitalisation. Subjects with a history of hospitalisation had an average of 4.6 psychiatric admissions and an average total of 73.2 days' stay in mental health facilities. A total of 9.0% had a rating on the Global Assessment of Functioning scale that indicated serious mental health symptoms or serious social impairment, whilst 2.0% were rated as being suicidal, grossly impaired or delusional. Collectively, 18.9% met at least one of the three criteria, whilst 8.3% of the subjects met two or more of the criteria. Disordered clients were more likely than their non‐disordered counterparts to have inadequate accommodation, to live alone, and to be in an institution or on social assistance and less likely to be employed or in school. According to staff ratings, the commonest need areas for the disordered offenders were general counselling, alcohol/drug programmes, psychological services, life/social skills training, psychiatric assessment and employment. Needs were most likely to be met for medical problems and least likely for non‐clinical, social services. Refusal, lack of motivation, dropping out from a service and unsuccessful previous participation accounted for approximately one‐half of the unserviced needs. The importance of integrating services between health, corrections and social service agencies for disordered offenders is highlighted. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Illicit drug use among Icelandic prisoners prior to their imprisonment
Authors: Sigurdsson Jon F. , Gudjonsson Gisli H.
Published: March 2006

This study investigates illicit drug use among new admissions to Icelandic prisons over a 21‐month period. Of all new admissions, 344 (96%) agreed to participate in the study. They were asked questions about their previous use of illicit drugs and this was related to the nature of their current offence. Cannabis and amphetamines were the most commonly used illicit drugs, with 62% and 50% of the subjects admitting to having used these substances at some time in their life. The corresponding figures for having consumed these illicit drugs during the previous six months were 31% and 28%, respectively. Only 11 subjects (3%) reported having used opiates. Seventy‐three subjects (23%) reported intravenous drug use. Women prisoners (43%) more commonly reported injecting drugs than men (21%) prisoners. Significant differences were found between offence categories, with persons convicted of drug and property offences most commonly having used illicit drugs. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Sexually abusive behaviour in an adolescent boy with the 48,XXYY syndrome: a case study
Authors: Epps Kevin J.
Published: March 2006

This paper describes the case of a sexually abusive adolescent boy with an unusual and rare chromosomal disorder, the 48,XXYY syndrome. Few such cases have been reported in the literature and there is no known association with sexually abusive behaviour. Following a presentation of his case history, the assessment and treatment of his sexually abusive behaviour is described, most of which occurred whilst he was detained in secure accommodation. Unfortunately, the cognitive‐behavioural treatment programme appeared to have little effect in reducing his risk of reoffending. He lacked interest and motivation such that it proved difficult to engage him in interventions aimed at changing his attitudes and behaviour. Further, he appeared unable to understand the emotional consequences for the victims of his abusive behaviour. Consequently, he continues to be sexually aroused by children, experiencing sadistic sexual fantasies, and to hold beliefs supporting sexual involvement with children. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A neurophysiological predictor of reoffending in special hospital patients
Authors: Howard Rick , Lumsden John
Published: March 2006

The aim of this study was to assess a possible role for a slow brain potential measure, the Go/No Go contingent negative variation (CNV), as an indicator of subsequent reoffending by mentally disordered offenders released from a special high‐security hospital. The rationale was twofold: (1) Go/No Go CNV has been found to correlate with psychometric measures of impulsivity; (2) impulsivity has been found to predict recidivism in sexual offenders and in violent offenders generally. The subjects were 44 men compulsorily admitted to Broadmoor Hospital from 1977 to 1980 under the Mental Health Act 1959 (MHA 1959). They fell within the legal categories of psychopathic disorder (PD: n = 16) or mental illness (MI: n = 28). CNV recordings were carried out within 3 months of admission using a Go/No Go avoidance paradigm. Subjects were assigned to a ‘high risk’ (HR: n = 21) group if their Go/No Go difference fell at or beyond a standard deviation from the mean for a normal control group comprising 19 student nurses, matched for age and sex, in whom CNVs were recorded at the same time; they were otherwise classed as ‘low risk’ (LR: n = 23). Patients were followed post‐discharge for up to 15 years. Information was obtained pertaining to reconvictions, rehospitalisation and death from the special hospitals case register. Reconvictions for any offence occurred in six of 21 HR patients, compared with one of 23 LR patients, giving an overall accuracy for the predictor of 63.6%, and a relative improvement over chance of 72%. These results offer some promise that Go/No Go CNV may be a useful predictor of recidivism in mentally disordered offenders. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Diversion versus liaison: psychiatric services to the courts, Wellington, New Zealand
Authors: Brinded Philip , Malcolm Fiona , Fairley Nigel , Doyle Bernadine
Published: March 2006

A Court Liaison Service was established, in December 1992, to provide psychiatric advice to the Wellington region's District and High Courts. The service was attached to the regional Forensic Psychiatric Service of the Wellington Area Health Board serving a catchment area of about 850 000. The authors describe the first year of operation of the service and then discuss some of the important issues in providing such a service, with particular reference to the concept of diversion of mentally ill offenders. The concept of liaison between the courts and regional forensic psychiatric services is discussed and the proposition put forward that perhaps the current court liaison services in New Zealand combine the best aspects of ‘diversion’ and ‘liaison’ schemes. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Mental disorders detected in an Irish prison sample
Authors: Smith Charles , O'Neill Helen , Tobin John , Walshe David , Dooley Enda
Published: March 2006

In the Republic of Ireland, as elsewhere, there have been changes in patterns of health service for people with a mental disorder. Fears are often expressed that these changes have had an impact on the prison population. A total of 109 pre‐trial and 126 sentenced prisoners were randomly selected from a 1992–93 12‐month resident population of male prisoners in the Republic of Ireland's largest prison – Mountjoy. Experienced psychiatrists conducted unstructured and semi‐structured clinical interviews with them and diagnoses were made according to criteria in the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM‐III‐R). Rates of major mental illness, mainly functional psychosis, were higher than would be expected for the general population, but it was the prevalence of alcohol and also substance misuse that gave rise for greatest concern about unmet need. In the absence of longitudinal data further comment cannot be made on impressions of increase in psychiatric disorder in Irish prisons in the 1980s and 1990s, but there is certainly a major problem with levels of disorder in the study population, for which health service provision does not appear to be meeting need. Innovations in mental health legislation and practical approaches to such people are urgently required. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Applications of integrated sensing and processing in spectroscopic imaging and sensing
Authors: Medendorp Joseph , Lodder Robert A.
Published: March 2006

Integrated sensing and processing (ISP) encompasses the use of optical computing and adapted excitation signals to physically implement chemometric calculations in spectroscopic sensors for imaging. As data sets become larger and more complex with each emerging generation of hyperspectral imagers, the ‘pixel‐to‐pupil’ ratio increases at a rate faster than computing power can accommodate. In response to the need for faster and more efficient methods of processing, many analog solutions to the problem of high data dimensionality have emerged. The successful development of ISP has strong implications for military imaging, biosensing, spectroscopic imaging, and pharmaceutical process analytical technology (PAT). ISP developments in spectroscopy and PAT have emerged as alternatives to conventional Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), near‐infrared (NIR), IR, UV–visible, fluorescence, Raman, and acoustic‐resonance spectrometry (ARS). Flourishing applications of ISP have demonstrated predictive ability equivalent to conventional approaches for sample differentiation and analyte quantification, in only a fraction of the time required for traditional spectrometric measurements. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation between the 6Li,15N Coupling Constant and the Coordination Number at Lithium
Authors: Granander Johan , Sott Richard , Hilmersson Göran
Published: March 2006

The 6Li,15N coupling constants of lithium amide dimers and their mixed complexes with n‐butyllithium, formed from five different chiral amines derived from (S)‐[15N]phenylalanine, were determined in diethyl ether (Et2O), tetrahydrofuran (THF) and toluene. Results of NMR spectroscopy studies of these complexes show a clear difference in 6Li,15N coupling constants between di‐, tri‐ and tetracoordinated lithium atoms. The lithium amide dimers with a chelating ether group exhibit 6Li,15N coupling constants of ∼3.8 and ∼5.5 Hz for the tetracoordinated and tricoordinated lithium atoms, respectively. The lithium amide dimers with a chelating thioether group show distinctly larger 6Li,15N coupling constants of ∼4.4 Hz for the tetracoordinated lithium atoms, and the tricoordinated lithium atoms have smaller 6Li,15N coupling constants, ∼4.9 Hz, than their ether analogues. In diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran, mixed dimeric complexes between the lithium amides and n‐butyllithium are formed. The tetracoordinated lithium atoms of these complexes have 6Li,15N coupling constants of ∼4.0 Hz, and the 6Li,15N coupling constants of the tricoordinated lithium atoms differ somewhat, depending on whether the chelating group is an ether or a thioether; ∼5.1 and ∼4.6 Hz, respectively. In toluene, mixed trimeric complexes are formed from two lithium amide moieties and one n‐butyllithium. In these trimers, two lithium atoms are tricoordinated with 6Li,15N coupling constants of ∼4.6 Hz and one lithium is dicoordinated with 6Li,15N coupling constants of ∼6.5 Hz.
Effects of hydroxyurea and aphidicolin on phosphorylation of ataxia telangiectasia mutated on Ser 1981 and histone H2AX on Ser 139 in relation to cell cycle phase and induction of apoptosis
Authors: Kurose Akira , Tanaka Toshiki , Huang Xuan , Traganos Frank , Dai Wei , Darzynkiewicz Zbigniew
Published: March 2006

Background:

DNA replication stress often induces DNA damage. The antitumor drug hydroxyurea (HU), a potent inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase that halts DNA replication through its effects on cellular deoxynucleotide pools, was shown to damage DNA inducing double‐strand breaks (DSBs). Aphidicolin (APH), an inhibitor of α‐like DNA polymerases, was also reported to cause DNA damage, but the evidence for induction of DSBs by APH is not straightforward. Histone H2AX is phosphorylated on Ser 139 in response to DSBs and one of the protein kinases that phosphorylate H2AX is ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM); activation of ATM is through its phosphorylation of Ser 1981. The present study was undertaken to reveal whether H2AX is phosphorylated in cells exposed to HU or APH and whether its phosphorylation is mediated by ATM.

Materials and Methods:

HL‐60 cells were treated in cultures with 0.1–5.0 mM HU or 1–4 μM APH for up to 5 h. Activation of ATM and H2AX phosphorylation was detected immunocytochemically using Ab specific to Ser1981‐ATM or Ser 139‐H2AX epitopes, respectively, concurrent with measurement of cellular DNA content.

Results:

While exposure of cells to HU led to H2AX phosphorylation selectively during S phase and the cells progressing through the early portion of S (DI = 1.1–1.4) were more affected than late‐S phase (DI = 1.6–1.9) cells, ATM was not activated by HU. In fact, the level of constitutive (“programmed”) ATM phosphorylation was distinctly suppressed, in all phases of the cell cycle, at 0.1–5.0 mM HU. Cells' exposure to APH also resulted in H2AX phosphorylation at Ser139 with no evidence of ATM activation, and as in the case of HU, the early‐S cells were more affected than the late‐S phase cells. The rise in frequency of apoptotic cells became apparent after 2 h of exposure to HU or APH, and all apoptotic cells had markedly elevated levels of both H2AX‐Ser139 and ATM‐Ser1981 phosphorylation.

Conclusions:

The lack of correlation between H2AX phosphorylation and ATM activation indicates that protein kinase(s) other than ATM (ATR and/or DNA‐dependent protein kinase) are activated by DSBs induced by replication stress. Interestingly, HU inhibits the constitutive (“programmed”) level of ATM phosphorylation in untreated cells. However, DNA fragmentation during apoptosis activates ATM and dramatically increases level of H2AX phosphorylation. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Accurate apoptosis measurement requires quantification of loss of expression of surface antigens and cell fragmentation
Authors: Diaz David , Prieto Alfredo , Barcenilla Hugo , Monserrat Jorge , Sánchez Miguel A. , Reyes Eduardo , Hernandez‐Fuentes Maria P. , de la Hera Antonio , Orfao Alberto , Alvarez‐Mon Melchor
Published: March 2006

Background:

The use of ratiometric cell enumeration methods emerges as a more accurate method of measurement of the occurrence of apoptosis in cell cultures. These new flow cytometry methods were used to quantify the impact of cell fragmentation and loss of lineage antigen (LAg) expression on measurement of apoptosis.

Methods:

Highly purified human lymphocyte populations were negatively sorted and cultured for 24 h. Apoptotic cells were identified using annexin V, 7‐amino‐actinomycin D and their LAgs were stained with antibodies. A new indicator, the apoptotic rate, was used to determine apoptosis occurrence and its validity compared with the widely accepted percentage of apoptotic cells (apoptotic index, AI).

Results:

Loss of LAg expression and cell fragmentation were observed under all conditions assayed and for all cell populations studied.

Conclusions:

Current methods for quantifying of apoptosis involving AI systematically underestimate apoptosis occurrence in all populations and conditions, especially among cells undergoing spontaneous apoptosis. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Reliable DNA ploidy determination in dehydrated tissues of vascular plants by DAPI flow cytometry—new prospects for plant research
Authors: Suda Jan , Trávníček Pavel
Published: March 2006

Background:

Only fresh plant material is generally used for rapid DNA ploidy estimation by flow cytometry (FCM). This requirement, however, substantially limits convenient FCM application in plant biosystematics, population biology, and ecology. As desiccation is a routine way for sample preservation in field botany, potential utilization of dehydrated tissues of vascular plants in FCM research was examined.

Methods:

Standard DAPI protocol was employed to evaluate the performance of 60 air‐dried species, spanning more than 100‐fold range of nuclear DNA amounts. Multiploid Vaccinium subg. Oxycoccus was selected as model taxon for detailed investigation and cytotype comparison.

Results:

A majority of analyzed plants yielded distinct peaks with reasonable coefficients of variation after several months of storage at room temperature. Fluorescence intensity of nuclei isolated from desiccated tissues was highly comparable with that for fresh material, allowing reliable DNA ploidy estimation. Deep‐freezer preservation substantially extended Vaccinium samples lifetime (at least to 3 years) and maintained high histogram resolution.

Conclusions:

The introduced approach eliminates the need for fresh material in many vascular plants and thus opens new prospects for plant FCM. Convenient cytotype investigation in field research and retrospective ploidy determination in already herbarized samples are among the principal advantages. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Sequential phosphorylation of Ser‐10 on histone H3 and ser‐139 on histone H2AX and ATM activation during premature chromosome condensation: Relationship to cell‐cycle phase and apoptosis
Authors: Huang Xuan , Kurose Akira , Tanaka Toshiki , Traganos Frank , Dai Wei , Darzynkiewicz Zbigniew
Published: March 2006

Background:

Histone H1 and H3 phosphorylation associated with chromatin condensation during mitosis has been studied extensively. Less is known on histone modifications that occur during premature chromosome condensation (PCC). The aim of the present study was to reveal the status of histone H3 and H2AX phosphorylation on Ser‐10 and Ser‐139, respectively, as well as ATM activation through phosphorylation on Ser‐1981, during PCC, and relate these events to cell‐cycle phase and to initiation of apoptosis.

Materials and Methods:

To induce PCC, A549 and HL‐60 cells were exposed to the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A (Cal A). Phosphorylation of histone H3 and H2AX as well as ATM activation were detected immunocytochemically concurrent with analysis of cellular DNA content and activation of caspase‐3, a marker of apoptosis. The intensity of cellular fluorescence was measured by flow‐ or laser scanning cytometry.

Results:

Induction of PCC led to rapid histone H3 phosphorylation, followed by activation of ATM and then H2AX phosphorylation in both, HL‐60 and A549 cells. All these events occurred sequentially, prior to caspase‐3 activation, and affected cells in all phases of the cell cycle. ATM activation and H2AX phosphorylation was seen during mitosis of A549 but not HL‐60 cells.

Conclusions:

Because the Cal A‐induced phosphorylation of histone H3 and H2AX, and of ATM, precede caspase‐3 activation these modifications are pertinent to PCC and not to apoptosis‐associated chromatin condensation. The sequence of histone H3 and H2AX phosphorylation and ATM activation during PCC is compatible with a role of ATM in mediating phosphorylation of H2AX but not H3. Mitosis in some cell types may proceed without ATM activation and H2AX phosphorylation. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Phenotypic comparison of multiple monocyte‐related populations in murine peripheral blood and bone marrow
Authors: Schlueter Annette J. , Glasgow Judith K.
Published: March 2006

Background:

Monocyte subsets are not well defined in murine peripheral blood (PB). Monocyte‐related populations could also be located in bone marrow (BM), but studies correlating monocyte populations found in these two tissues are lacking. This study simultaneously analyzed PB and BM to phenotypically define multiple monocyte‐related subsets in each location.

Methods:

Murine PB and BM cells were simultaneously stained for monocyte‐related populations, using five‐color flow cytometry. Relevant subsets were defined on the basis of Ly‐6C, CD11b, and wheat germ agglutinin phenotype in addition to light‐scatter characteristics. These populations were extensively characterized for the expression of other myeloid and dendritic cell markers, adhesion molecules, chemokine receptors, and growth factor receptors.

Results:

Six monocyte‐related populations were defined, three each in BM and PB. No identical populations were found between the two tissues. Two BM populations and one PB population have heterogeneous expression of many markers, suggesting additional complexity among monocyte‐related subsets.

Conclusions:

The murine monocytic series comprises multiple subsets, differing between PB and BM. This study defines and extensively phenotypes six of these populations, providing preliminary information about possible developmental relationships and migratory capacities of these cells. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Use of multiparameter analysis for Vibrio alginolyticus viable but nonculturable state determination
Authors: Albertini Maria Cristina , Accorsi Augusto , Teodori Laura , Pierfelici Lucia , Uguccioni Francesco , Rocchi Marco B. L. , Burattini Sabrina , Citterio Barbara
Published: March 2006

Background:

Vibrio alginolyticus is known to enter into a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state in response to environmental conditions unfavorable to the growth. Cells in VBNC condition pose a public health threat because they are potentially pathogenic.

Methods:

We constructed a pathway for the identification of the most significant variables and the characterization of those variables able to discriminate the groups under investigation. Different parameters measured by the image processing software were chosen as the most representative of V. alginolyticus cell morphology (length index for dimension) and metabolic activity (density profile indexes). To detect relationships between the groups of treatment performed, we carried out a principal components analysis (PCA).

Results:

The PCA analysis indicated that increasing coccoid shape transformation was related to both metabolic and dimension variations, delineating a well defined graph profile. Indeed, we discovered that specific morphological variations occur when cells in the culturable state pass into VBNC condition, namely comma‐shaped culturable bacteria are converted into coccoid‐shaped VBNC cells. The results were also supported by scanning electron microscopy analysis.

Conclusions:

This technique allows the analysis of a large number of vibrio samples in a short period of time. The obtained multiparameter information may complement genetic/molecular analyses facilitating, in an automatic fashion, further studies to evaluate the potential risk of this pathogen in the environment. It may also be a useful tool for large‐scale cell biology studies and high content screening. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Body checking questionnaire: Psychometric properties and clinical correlates in obese men and women with binge eating disorder
Authors: Reas Deborah L. , White Marney A. , Grilo Carlos M.
Published: March 2006

Objective:

Body checking is considered a behavioral manifestation of the overevaluation of shape and weight, which is characteristic of patients with eating disorders. We examined the initial psychometric properties of the Body Checking Questionnaire (BCQ) and the frequency and nature of body checking behaviors in obese men and women with binge eating disorder (BED).

Method:

Participants were a consecutive series of 73 (22 men, 51 women) treatment‐seeking obese adults who met research criteria for BED as defined in the 4th ed. of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Participants were administered measures to assess body checking, body image concerns, and the core psychopathology of eating disorders, and general psychological functioning. Semistructured interviews were used to establish the diagnosis of BED.

Results:

Psychometric evidence was found to support the reliability and validity of the BCQ in patients with BED. Women reported significantly greater levels of body checking than men. Participants with greater body dissatisfaction reported more frequent checking than participants with less dissatisfaction. Among women, the frequency of checking was related to younger age, lower body mass index (BMI), body dissatisfaction, overevaluation of body shape and weight, greater depression, and lower self‐esteem.

Conclusion:

There exist significant gender and age‐related differences in both the frequency and correlates of body checking behaviors. Among obese women with BED, body checking is related to the overevaluation of shape as well as with associated psychopathology. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006.
Impact of interactive school‐based media literacy lessons for reducing internalization of media ideals in young adolescent girls and boys
Authors: Wilksch Simon M. , Tiggemann Marika , Wade Tracey D.
Published: March 2006

Objective:

The primary objective of the current study was to examine the efficacy of single media literacy lessons in reducing media internalization in young adolescents.

Method:

Eleven classes of 237 students (100 girls and 137 boys; mean age = 13.79 years, SD = .42) randomly received 1 of 6 lessons. Eating disorder risk factors were assessed at baseline, and the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire‐3 (SATAQ‐3) was used to assess media internalization postintervention.

Results:

At postintervention, boys had significantly lower SATAQ‐3 scores on 4 of the 5 subscales (effect sizes = .42–.71), whereas girls had significantly lower scores on 1 subscale (effect size = .54). Higher baseline levels of dietary restraint, magazines bought/read, and perceived sociocultural pressure predicted smaller reductions in boys' scores, whereas depression predicted smaller reductions in girls' scores.

Conclusion:

The current study provides support that boys be included in eating disorder prevention programs and that media literacy may represent a promising prevention approach. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006.
Binge eating and exercise behavior after surgery for severe obesity: A structural equation model
Authors: Larsen Junilla K. , Geenen Rinie , van Ramshorst Bert , Brand Nico , Hox Joop J. , Stroebe Wolfgang , van Doornen Lorenz J.P.
Published: March 2006

Objective:

The current study sought to find indications for the appropriateness of a model in which eating patterns and exercise beliefs influence binge eating and physical exercise, respectively, that, in turn, influence outcome after gastric banding for severe obesity.

Method:

Participants were 157 patients (144 females, 13 males) who completed questionnaires approximately 34 months (range = 8–68 months) after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB).

Results:

Our data showed a well‐fitting model in which external and emotional eating were associated with outcome through binge eating. Several exercise beliefs were associated with physical exercise, but physical exercise was not associated with weight loss or physical health.

Conclusion:

Binge eating was related more strongly to the outcome after gastric banding than physical exercise. Future research should examine whether a strong focus on the management of binge eating and external and emotional eating could improve the outcome of morbidly obese patients with unsuccessful weight outcome after obesity surgery. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006.
Residential treatment for eating disorders
Authors: Frisch Maria J. , Herzog David B. , Franko Debra L.
Published: March 2006

Objective:

The current study describes residential treatment for eating disorders in the United States.

Method:

A national study involving 22 residential eating disorder treatment programs was conducted using a survey to determine treatment program descriptions and trends. Data from 19 respondents, representing 86% of all residential treatment programs in the United States, were examined.

Results:

Residential treatment options for individuals with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are becoming increasingly more common. A wide variety of techniques and methods are employed in the treatment of individuals with eating disorders in residential treatment programs. The average length of stay in treatment was 83 days, with an average cost per day of $956 U.S. dollars.

Conclusion:

The residential treatment of individuals with eating disorders is a growing, variable, and largely unregulated enterprise. Future research is needed to focus on quantifying treatment program effectiveness in the residential treatment of individuals with eating disorders. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006.
Development of the eating disorder recovery self‐efficacy questionnaire
Authors: Marinilli Pinto Angela , Guarda Angela S. , Heinberg Leslie J. , DiClemente Carlo C.
Published: March 2006

Objective:

The purpose of the current investigation was to develop and validate the Eating Disorder Recovery Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire (EDRSQ), a self‐report measure of self‐efficacy to recover from an eating disorder.

Method:

Participants were 116 female patients with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or a subthreshold eating disorder treated at an eating disorder clinic. Patients completed the EDRSQ and measures of eating disorder symptoms and depression.

Results:

The EDRSQ contains two internally consistent factors, Normative Eating Self‐Efficacy and Body Image Self‐Efficacy. Moderate to large correlations between EDRSQ subscales and measures of eating disorder pathology support the convergent validity of the EDRSQ. The EDRSQ demonstrates theoretically consistent relations with constructs that are related to but distinct from self‐efficacy. Discriminant validity is reflected in small correlations between EDRSQ subscales and measures of general psychological correlates of disordered eating.

Conclusion:

The EDRSQ is a psychometrically sound measure to assess self‐efficacy in patients with a range of eating disorder diagnoses. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006.
Nonreporting of body mass index: A research note on the interpretation of missing data
Authors: Tiggemann Marika
Published: March 2006

Objective:

The aim of the study was to investigate the correlates of missing values on body mass index (BMI), with a view to distinguishing between potential hypotheses as to their origin.

Method:

Participants were 1,452 secondary school students who completed questionnaire measures of BMI, perceived weight, body dissatisfaction, appearance investment, and eating disorder symptomatology.

Results:

More than one fourth of the sample had missing values on height or weight, the highest proportion of missing data occurring among older girls. Missing status on weight was associated with poorer body image and a greater investment in appearance for girls, but not for boys.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that the pattern of results was most consistent with the hypothesis that missing values resulted from motivated nonresponding. More generally, the study provides an illustration of the usefulness of treating missing values as data in their own right. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006.
Use of extreme weight control behaviors with and without binge eating in a community sample: Implications for the classification of bulimic‐type eating disorders
Authors: Mond Jonathan , Hay Phillipa , Rodgers Bryan , Owen Cathy , Crosby Ross , Mitchell James
Published: March 2006

Objective and Method:

To inform the classification of bulimic‐type eating disorders not meeting formal diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa (BN), levels of eating disorder psychopathology and functional impairment associated with subjective and objective bulimic episodes (SBEs and OBEs) and purging and nonpurging methods of weight control were examined in a large community‐based sample of women (n = 5,232).

Results:

Participants who reported recurrent bulimic episodes had significantly higher levels of eating disorder psychopathology and functional impairment than those who did not and this was the case whether the episodes were objective or subjective. Similarly, participants who reported the use of extreme weight control behaviors had higher levels of eating disorder psychopathology and functional impairment than those who did not, and this was the case whether purging or nonpurging behaviors were employed. The combination of bulimic episodes and extreme weight control behaviors was associated with particularly high levels of eating disorder psychopathology and functional impairment.

Conclusion:

The combination of bulimic episodes, objective or subjective, and extreme weight control behaviors, purging or nonpurging, is significant in terms of impairment in psychosocial functioning among individuals affected by eating disorders not meeting formal diagnostic criteria for BN. The combination of SBEs and extreme weight control behaviors, in particular, warrants further investigation. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006.
A longitudinal study investigating disordered eating during the transition to motherhood among Chinese women in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai Beatrice Pui‐yee , Tang Catherine So‐kum , Tse Winni Kwok‐lai
Published: March 2006

Objective:

The current longitudinal study explored the prevalence and psychosocial factors of disordered eating among new Chinese mothers in Hong Kong.

Method:

Self‐report questionnaires on bulimic symptoms and pregnancy‐related factors were collected at both prenatal and postnatal periods from 131 Chinese women.

Results:

Participants reported significantly more severe disordered eating in the postnatal than in the prenatal period, with percentages being 19.08% and 8.4%, respectively, using the Eating Disorder Inventory‐2. Results revealed that prenatal disordered eating, weak maternal‐fetal attachment, a low level of instrumental spousal support during pregnancy, postnatal depressive symptoms, and a poor mother‐infant relationship were significantly related to disordered eating at 6 months postchildbirth.

Conclusion:

Findings suggested that the transition to motherhood is a period of stress that may either precipitate or exacerbate disordered eating. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006.