bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of depressive symptoms among resettled unaccompanied refugee minors
Authors: SEGLEM KAROLINE B. , OPPEDAL BRIT , RAEDER SABINE
Published: September 2011

Seglem, K. B., Oppedal, B. & Raeder, S. (2011). Predictors of depressive symptoms among resettled unaccompanied refugee minors. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 457–464.

This study investigated the level and predictors of depressive symptoms among unaccompanied refugee minors after resettlement in Norway. Participants (N = 414) were resettled in 26 municipalities from all regions of the country. The average length of resettlement time was 3.4 years. They originated from 33 different countries, mainly Afghanistan (n = 116), Somalia (n = 74), Sri Lanka (n = 41) and Iraq (n = 43). Participants completed a self‐report questionnaire administered in groups. Findings show that unaccompanied minors are a high‐risk group for mental health problems also after resettlement in a new country. A multilevel model predicting depressive symptoms from individual and contextual demographic factors indicated that, controlling for post‐traumatic stress, females had more symptoms than males and Somalis had fewer symptoms than participants from other countries. Variation in symptom levels as a function of gender and ethnic background indicates that some groups may have inherent protective or vulnerability factors that need to be further studied to understand differences in psychosocial adaptation among unaccompanied minors. Further, findings imply that researchers, policy makers and mental health care workers need to expand their attention beyond the first phases of arrival of unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee minors to the continuing experience of mental health problems after resettlement.
Do State Enterprises Manage Earnings More than Privately Owned Firms? The Case of China
Authors: Wang Liu , Yung Kenneth
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  This paper examines the impact of state ownership on earnings management. In contrast with the conventional belief that state ownership is the root of corporate inefficiency, we find lower levels of earnings management among state‐owned enterprises than privately‐owned firms in China even after controlling for the effect of tunneling. Further investigation suggests that the protection of state enterprises by the government might have played an important role in mitigating the pressure on managers to manipulate firm‐specific information. Moreover, we find that the divergence in earnings quality between state‐owned and privately‐owned firms becomes less evident as the economy becomes more and more market driven.
Adolescents’ self‐reported suicide attempts, self‐harm thoughts and their correlates across 17 European countries
Authors: Kokkevi A. , Rotsika V. , Arapaki A. , Richardson C.
Published: September 2011

Background:  Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents in Europe. Self‐harm thoughts and behaviours are documented precursors of completed suicide. It is therefore of great importance to investigate the prevalence of suicide thoughts and attempts and their correlates, with the aim of preventing this major life‐threatening public health problem. This study provides cross‐national European data on self‐reported suicidal thoughts and attempts among adolescents.

Methods:  Data were obtained from 45,806 high school students aged 15–16 years from 17 countries that participated in the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) 2007 school survey. The standardised methods of the ESPAD survey ensure comparability across countries. Students completed an anonymous questionnaire in their classrooms. The prevalences of suicidal thoughts and attempts are reported as well as their sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates identified in logistic regression.

Results:  The median prevalence of any lifetime self‐reported suicide attempt was 10.5% across the participating countries (range 4.1%–23.5%). The median of frequent self‐harm thoughts (at least five times) was 7.4% (range 2.1%–15.3%). Suicidal behaviour and thoughts had significant associations with gender, substance use, family integrity and socioeconomic status. Countries with higher prevalence of substance use tended to have a weaker association between substance use and self‐reported suicide attempts.

Conclusion:  Although self‐reported self‐harm thoughts and suicide attempts vary in prevalence within Europe, there are common correlates across countries. These have an important impact on understanding the phenomenon of suicide among young people and in guiding prevention.
Annual Research Review: Hoarding disorder: potential benefits and pitfalls of a new mental disorder
Authors: Mataix‐Cols David , Pertusa Alberto
Published: September 2011

Background:  The inclusion of a new mental disorder in the nomenclature is not a trivial matter. Many have highlighted the risks of an ever‐increasing number of mental disorders and of overpathologizing human behaviour. Given the proposed inclusion of a new hoarding disorder (HD) in DSM‐5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition), it is pertinent to discuss the potential benefits and pitfalls of such a development.

Method:  In this article, we examine whether HD fits with the current DSM‐IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition) and proposed DSM‐5 definitions of ‘mental disorder’. We next discuss the potential benefits and risks of the creation of this diagnosis. Finally, we address some additional considerations that may arise when proposing a new disorder for the nomenclature and identify some of the gaps in the knowledge base.

Conclusion:  HD fits the current DSM‐IV and proposed DSM‐5 definitions for a mental disorder. On balance, the potential benefits of creating the new diagnosis (e.g. identification of the majority of cases who clearly suffer and need help but are currently missed out by the existing diagnostic categories) outweigh the potential harms (e.g. pathologizing normal behaviour). Whether the criteria will need modification for their use in children/adolescents is unclear and more research is needed to address this question.
Opioid‐like antinociceptive effects of oral administration of a lectin purified from the seeds of Canavalia brasiliensis
Authors: de Freitas Pires Alana , Assreuy Ana Maria Sampaio , Lopes Érika Augusta Batista , Celedônio Natália Rocha , Soares Carlos Eduardo Alves , Rodrigues Natália Velloso Fontenelle Camelo , Sousa Paloma Leão , Benevides Raquel Guimarães , Nagano Celso Shiniti , Cavada Benildo Sousa , Leal‐Cardoso José Henrique , Coelho‐de‐Souza Andrelina Noronha , Santos Cláudia Ferreira
Published: September 2011

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of a lectin from Canavalia brasiliensis (ConBr) when administered orally to murine models of chemical and thermal nociception. ConBr up to 100 mg/kg produced significant and dose‐dependent antinociceptive effects: 81% reduction in abdominal writhing induced by 0.6% acetic acid; 26 and 52% reduction in early‐ and late‐stage paw licking, respectively, induced by 2.5% formalin; and 155% increase in reaction latency (heightened thermal pain threshold). In all models, the antinociceptive effect was reversed by the lectin‐binding carbohydrate α‐d‐methyl‐mannoside and by the nonselective opioid antagonist naloxone. The antinociceptive effect observed in the formalin test was inhibited by the δ‐selective antagonist naltrindole and the κ‐selective antagonist nor‐binaltorphimine but not by the μ‐selective antagonist cyprodime. In conclusion, when administered orally to Swiss mice, the ConBr lectin displayed antinociceptive activity, both peripheral and central, mediated by the opioid system and involving δ‐and κ‐receptors and the lectin domain.
Patterns of prescription drug use and incidence of drug–drug interactions in patients reporting to medical emergency
Authors: Dhamija Puneet , Bansal Dipika , Srinivasan Anand , Bhalla Ashish , Hota Debasish , Chakrabarti Amitava
Published: September 2011

Pharmaco‐epidemiological studies detailing prescribing patterns of physicians are very few from developing countries. The present study describes the patterns of prescription of drugs by physicians working in different clinical settings in India and explores using the prescriptions the incidence of potential drug–drug interactions (DDI). This study was a cross‐sectional observational study. The prescriptions of patients for any chronic medical condition and drug therapy received at the first point of contact with health care services for present medical emergency were analyzed for information. The prescriptions were also analyzed for potential DDI. Data were expressed as mean ± SD or median and inter‐quartile range. Multiple logistic regression was used for variables likely to be associated with incidence of DDI. Of total 710 patients, 565 prescriptions were available for analysis. Of the chronic diseases, hypertension (17.7%) and diabetes mellitus (16.8%) were the commonest. Alcoholic liver disease had maximum average number of drugs prescribed (3.9). Supplements were the most commonly prescribed pharmacological agents for chronic disease (142/796). Patients in 35–50 years of age consumed maximum average number of drugs (1.9). Antibiotics were the most frequently prescribed agents (148/1240) followed by supplements (122/1240). We noted 296 mild and moderate potential DDI. Literacy of patients and polypharmacy were the factors associated significantly with DDI. Patients in India do not consume large number of allopathic medicines. The practice of prescribing supplements and antibiotics needs to be reviewed. Potential DDI are not an important problem. Prescription policies need significant revision.
Do Early Skin Care Practices Alter the Risk of Atopic Dermatitis? A Case‐Control Study
Authors: RENDELL MARLA E. , BAIG‐LEWIS SHAHANA F. , BERRY TRISTA M. , DENNY MELISSA E. , SIMPSON BRENDA M. , BROWN PETER A. , SIMPSON ERIC L.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  The rise in atopic dermatitis prevalence observed in industrialized countries is unexplained. We hypothesized that certain skin care practices early in life may increase the risk for developing atopic dermatitis. Our case‐control study could not identify any one practice that increased the odds of developing atopic dermatitis, but it revealed that regular lotion use was very common in infants who later develop atopic dermatitis.
Deposition Mechanisms of Thick Lanthanum Zirconate Coatings by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Weber Sophie B. , Lein Hilde L. , Grande Tor , Einarsrud Mari‐Ann
Published: September 2011

An aqueous nitrate‐based precursor solution was deposited on stainless steel substrate by spray pyrolysis to produce thick lanthanum zirconate coatings for thermal barrier coating application. The as‐deposited, dried, and further annealed coatings were characterized by thermogravimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The influence of the substrate temperature on the film formation and microstructure has been carefully studied for a better understanding of the deposition mechanisms. A temperature range corresponding to the deposition of an ionic salt liquid was found to be critical to obtain thick crack‐free green coatings. Further heat treatment was necessary to decompose the nitrate species into an oxide coating with a fine porous microstructure.
Synthesis and Characterization of Iron‐Doped ZrSiO4 Solid Solutions from Gels
Authors: Herrera G. , Montoya N. , Alarcón J.
Published: September 2011

The mechanism of formation and the structural features of tetragonal Fe–ZrO2‐amorphous silica composites and particulated Fe‐doped ZrSiO4 solid solutions were studied. A series of specimens with compositions Fex–ZrSiO4, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.10 were prepared by sol–gel techniques and thermally annealed over the range of temperature between 400°C and 1600°C. Results confirmed the formation of tetragonal Fe–ZrO2 solid solution as first crystalline phase on the whole process leading to Fe‐doped ZrSiO4 solid solution. The annealing temperature for the preparation of Fe‐containing ZrSiO4 solid solutions was dependent on the nominal amount of iron. The Fex–ZrSiO4 solid solutions, with 0.02 < x < 0.08, were almost monophasic at 1100°C. The results of lattice parameter variation, energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and diffuse reflectance (DR), showed that in the as‐prepared samples, Fe3+ cations entered into the zircon structure being located mainly in tetrahedral sites replacing Si4+. The solubility limit of Fe3+ in ZrSiO4 at 1100°C was in the range 0.07–0.1 mol of iron per mol of zircon (approximately 3–4 wt% as Fe2O3). This study opens new perspectives to the development of more ecological colored zircon‐based solid solution materials using mineralizer‐free synthetic procedures.
The 1.2 and 2.0 μm Emission from Ho3+ in Glass Ceramics Containing BaF2 Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Juan , Chen Qin‐Jun , Qian Qi , Zhang Qin‐Yuan
Published: September 2011

Ho31 and/or Yb31 doped glass ceramics containing spherical BaF2 nanocrystals sized 10–20 nm were prepared by melt quenching and subsequent thermal treatment. Radiative properties such as transition probabilities (A), radiative lifetimes (τ), branching ratios (β) along with absorption and emission cross sections have been calculated from the absorption spectra. Upon 637 nm excitation, Ho31‐doped glass ceramics yield an intense infrared emission at 1191 nm with a full‐width at half‐maximum of 80 nm and weaker emissions at 980 and 1473 nm. Efficient 1.2 and 2.0 μm infrared emissions have been achieved in Ho31/Yb31 co‐doped glass ceramics under 980 nm excitation, demonstrating the occurrence of energy transfer (ET) from Yb31 to Ho31. The microscopic parameters of the ET processes between Yb31 and Ho31 have been evaluated, revealing that the forward ET Yb31 → Ho31 is more efficient than the backward one and both the processes are mainly assisted by one‐phonon emission (annihilation).
Effect of Eu Doping on the Electrical Properties and Energy Storage Performance of PbZrO3 Antiferroelectric Thin Films
Authors: Ye Mao , Sun Qiu , Chen Xiangqun , Jiang Zhaohua , Wang Fuping
Published: September 2011

Undoped and Eu‐doped (1, 3 and 5 mol%) PbZrO3 (PZ) antiferroelectric (AFE) thin films have been deposited on Pt (111)/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by a sol–gel method. The effect of Eu doping on phase transformation and energy storage performance of PZ thin films have been investigated in detail. It has been seen that on extent of Eu dopant the Curie temperature and electric field‐induced phase transformation can be altered. The energy storage properties have been found to be strongly dependent on Eu doping content. With the increase of Eu contents, recoverable energy storage density has been enhanced followed by their subsequent reduction. A maximum energy density (~18.8 J/cm3 at ~900 kV/cm) and minimum energy loss (~7.3 J/cm3) have been achieved on 3 mol% Eu‐doped PZ thin films.
Economical Route to Produce High Seebeck Coefficient Calcium Cobaltate for Bulk Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Selig Jiri , Lin Sidney , Lin Hua‐Tay , Ray Johnson D. , Wang Hsin
Published: September 2011

Phase pure calcium cobaltate (Ca1.24Co1.62O3.86) was prepared by Self‐propagating High‐temperature Synthesis (SHS) followed by a short post heat treatment. Prepared powders were characterized by XRD for phase purity, and SEM for particle size, and distribution. Temperature histories at the center and on the surface of reaction pellet during the SHS process were monitored and recorded. Particle size of synthesized powders was reduced using a planetary mill to increase its specific surface area. Electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient of the prepared power were measured and figure of merit was reported.
Mechanochemical Processing of Nanocrystalline Zirconium Diboride Powder
Authors: Guo Shuqi , Hu Chunfeng , Kagawa Yutaka
Published: September 2011

Nanocrystalline ZrB2 powder was prepared by mechanochemical processing of a zirconium (II) dihydride–boron mixture with subsequent annealing from 800°C to 1200°C. The crystallite size and morphology of the synthesized ZrB2 powders were characterized by X‐ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of annealing temperature on powder particle size and morphology were assessed. At 900°C or above, pure ZrB2 powder was obtained without trace quantities of residual ZrH2. The synthesized ZrB2 powder particles were spherically shaped, with a crystallite size between 5 and 40 nm. The crystallite size increased with increase of annealing temperature.
Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles Precipitated from Low‐Temperature Aqueous Solutions: III. Thin Film Properties
Authors: Roy Biplab Kumar , Zhang Guangneng , Cho Junghyun
Published: September 2011

In our previous reports (Part I and II), we have identified precursor “supersaturation” as a key parameter to control the precipitation behavior of titania nanoparticles in a temperature‐driven hydrolysis process from the chemical bath of soluble titanium salt. Through this protocol, a methodology was developed to grow titania films with controlled microstructures and phases. In this study, we deposited titania films containing anatase or rutile as a dominant phase along with microstructures of various film densities, which were characterized for their dielectric, optical, photoelectrochemical, and mechanical properties. Specific microstructures and the constituting phases were responsible for a wide variation of such properties of titania thin films. This study aims to provide the systematic explanation for evolution of the phases as a function of the degree of supersaturation, along with the discussion of their effects on the aforementioned engineering properties.
Combined ultrasound and biochemistry for risk evaluation in the first trimester
Authors: CONNER PETER , WESTGREN MAGNUS , MARSK ANNA , GUSTAFSSON SVEN , KUBLICKAS MARIUS
Published: September 2011

Objective. To evaluate the performance of a new first trimester web‐based software for the detection of chromosomal anomalies using a combination of ultrasound and biochemistry. Design. Registry‐based cohort study. Setting. Ultrasound units in the Stockholm region. Population. 20 710 women with singleton pregnancies were examined at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks’ gestational age during a three‐year period 2006–2009. Methods. The risks for trisomy 21, 13 and 18 were calculated using a combination of maternal age, serum markers and nuchal translucency. Individual risk estimates were calculated and then reported to a web‐based system using a new algorithm based on likelihood ratios of each marker derived from Gaussian distributions in normal and affected pregnancies. Main outcome measures. The impact on rates of invasive testing and the incidence of children born with Down's syndrome after implementing the method. Results. Approximately a third of all pregnant women in the region were examined with the combined test. The detection and test positive rates for Down's syndrome was 90 and 6.8%, respectively. Invasive testing among pregnant women decreased from 15 to 8% after introducing the method but the incidence of children born with Down's syndrome did not decrease during the study period. Conclusion. The new web‐based software is an effective method for the detection of trisomy 21 with similar performance compared to other programs. However, it needs to be offered to all pregnant women to have an impact on the incidence of Down's syndrome.
Reliability and fatigue failure modes of implant‐supported aluminum‐oxide fixed dental prostheses
Authors: Stappert Christian F. J. , Baldassarri Marta , Zhang Yu , Hänssler Felix , Rekow Elizabeth D. , Van P. Thompson
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To investigate failure modes and reliability of implant‐supported aluminum‐oxide three‐unit fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) using two different veneering porcelains.

Material and methods

Thirty‐six aluminum‐oxide FDP frameworks were computer‐aided designed and computer‐aided manufactured and either hand‐veneered(n = 18) or over‐pressed(n = 18). All FDPs were adhesively luted to custom‐made zirconium‐oxide‐abutments attached to dental implant fixtures (regular platform 4 × 13 mm). Specimens were stored in water before mechanical testing. A step‐stress accelerated life test (SSALT) with three load/cycles varying profiles was developed based on initial single‐load‐to‐failure testing. Failure was defined by veneer chipping or chipping in combination with framework fracture. SSALT was performed on each FDP inclined 30° with respect to the applied load direction. For all specimens, failure modes were analyzed using polarized reflected light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Reliability was computed using Weibull analysis software (Reliasoft).

Results

The dominant failure mode for the over‐pressed FDPs was buccal chipping of the porcelain in the loading area of the pontic, while hand‐veneered specimens failed mainly by combined failure modes in the veneering porcelain, framework, and abutments. Chipping of the porcelain occurred earlier in the over‐pressed specimens (350 N/85 k, load/cycles) than in the hand‐veneered ones (600 N/110 k) (profile I). Given a mission at 300 N load and 100 or 200 k cycles, the computed Weibull reliability (two‐sided at 90% confidence bounds) was 0.99(1/0.98) and 0.99(1/0.98) for hand‐veneered FDPs and 0.45(0.76/0.10) and 0.05(0.63/0) for over‐pressed FDPs, respectively.

Conclusions

In the range of average clinical loads (300–700 N), hand‐veneered aluminum‐oxide FDPs showed significantly less failure by chipping of the veneer than the over‐pressed. Hand‐veneered FDPs under fatigue loading failed at loads ≥600 N.
Innate and adaptive immune responses to cell death
Authors: Rock Kenneth L. , Lai Jiann‐Jyh , Kono Hajime
Published: September 2011

Summary:  The immune system plays an essential role in protecting the host against infections and to accomplish this task has evolved mechanisms to recognize microbes and destroy them. In addition, it monitors the health of cells and responds to ones that have been injured and killed, even if this occurs under sterile conditions. This process is initiated when dying cells expose intracellular molecules that can be recognized by cells of the innate immune system. As a consequence of this recognition, dendritic cells are activated in ways that help to promote T‐cell responses to antigens associated with the dying cells. In addition, macrophages are stimulated to produce the cytokine interleukin‐1 that then acts on radioresistant parenchymal cells in the host in ways that drive a robust inflammatory response. In addition to dead cells, a number of other sterile particles and altered physiological states can similarly stimulate an inflammatory response and do so through common pathways involving the inflammasome and interleukin‐1. These pathways underlie the pathogenesis of a number of diseases.
Sensing damage by the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Leemans Jaklien C. , Cassel Suzanne L. , Sutterwala Fayyaz S.
Published: September 2011

Summary:  The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in response to a variety of signals that are indicative of damage to the host including tissue damage, metabolic stress, and infection. Upon activation, the NLRP3 inflammasome serves as a platform for activation of the cysteine protease caspase‐1, which leads to the processing and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18. Dysregulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation is associated with both heritable and acquired inflammatory diseases. Here, we review new insights into the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its role in disease pathogenesis.
The inflammasome: an integrated view
Authors: Gross Olaf , Thomas Christina J. , Guarda Greta , Tschopp Jurg
Published: September 2011

Summary:  An inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that serves as a platform for caspase‐1 activation and caspase‐1‐dependent proteolytic maturation and secretion of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). Though a number of inflammasomes have been described, the NLRP3 inflammasome is the most extensively studied but also the most elusive. It is unique in that it responds to numerous physically and chemically diverse stimuli. The potent proinflammatory and pyrogenic activities of IL‐1β necessitate that inflammasome activity is tightly controlled. To this end, a priming step is first required to induce the expression of both NLRP3 and proIL‐1β. This event renders the cell competent for NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL‐1β secretion, and it is highly regulated by negative feedback loops. Despite the wide array of NLRP3 activators, the actual triggering of NLRP3 is controlled by integration a comparatively small number of signals that are common to nearly all activators. Minimally, these include potassium efflux, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and, for certain activators, lysosomal destabilization. Further investigation of how these and potentially other as yet uncharacterized signals are integrated by the NLRP3 inflammasome and the relevance of these biochemical events in vivo should provide new insight into the mechanisms of host defense and autoinflammatory conditions.
Intracellular sensing of microbes and danger signals by the inflammasomes
Authors: Horvath Gabor L. , Schrum Jacob E. , De Nardo Christine M. , Latz Eicke
Published: September 2011

Summary:  The cells of the innate immune system mobilize a coordinated immune response towards invading microbes and after disturbances in tissue homeostasis. These immune responses typically lead to infection control and tissue repair. Exaggerated or uncontrolled immune responses, however, can also induce acute of chronic inflammatory pathologies that are characteristic for many common diseases such as sepsis, arthritis, atherosclerosis, or Alzheimer’s disease. In recent years, the concerted efforts of many scientists have uncovered numerous mechanisms by which immune cells detect foreign or changed self‐substances that appear in infections or during tissue damage. These substances stimulate signaling receptors, which leads to cellular activation and the induction of effector mechanisms. Here, we review the role of inflammasomes, a family of signaling molecules that form multi‐molecular signaling platforms and activate inflammatory caspases and interleukin‐1β cytokines.
Cytoplasmic DNA innate immune pathways
Authors: Barber Glen N.
Published: September 2011

Summary:  The innate immune system is responsible for detecting microbial invasion of the cell and for stimulating host defense countermeasures. These anti‐pathogen procedures include the transcriptional activation of powerful antiviral genes such as the type I interferons (IFNs) or the triggering of inflammatory responses through interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) production. Over the past decade, key cellular sensors responsible for triggering innate immune signaling pathways and host defense have started to be resolved and include the Toll‐like receptor (TLR), RIG‐I‐like helicase, and the cytoplasmic nucleotide‐binding oligermerization domain‐like receptor families. These sensors recognize non‐self pathogen‐associated molecular patterns such as microbial lipopolysaccharides and nucleic acids. For example, TLR9 has evolved to detect CpG DNA commonly found in bacteria and viruses and to initiate the production of IFN and other cytokines. In contrast, AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2) has been shown to be essential for mediating inflammatory responses involving IL‐1β following the sensing of microbial DNA. Recently, a molecule referred to as STING (stimulator of IFN genes) was demonstrated as being vital for recognizing cytoplasmic DNA and for activating the production of innate immune genes in response to a variety of DNA pathogens and even certain RNA viruses. Comprehending the mechanisms of intracellular DNA‐mediated innate immune signaling may lead to the design of new adjuvant concepts that will facilitate vaccine development and may provide important information into the origins of autoimmune disease.
Melatonin and serotonin profiles in beans of Coffea species
Authors: Ramakrishna Akula , Giridhar Parvatam , Sankar Kadimi Udaya , Ravishankar Gokare Aswathanarayana
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  A high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and an electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS) methods were applied to quantify the profiles of melatonin and serotonin (5‐HT) in green and roasted beans of Coffea canephora (robusta) and Coffea arabica (arabica). Both melatonin and 5‐HT were detected in green coffee beans (5.8 ± 0.8 μg/g dry weight (DW), 10.5 ± 0.6 μg/g DW) and also in roasted beans of C. canephora (8.0 ± 0.9 μg/g DW, 7.3 ± 0.5 μg/g DW). Melatonin (3.0 ± 0.6 μg/50 mL) and 5‐HT (4.0 ± 0.7 μg/50 mL) were detected in coffee brew. In C. arabica, 5‐HT was high in green beans (12.5 ± 0.8 μg/g DW) compared with roasted beans (8.7 ± 0.4). The levels of melatonin were higher (9.6 ± 0.8 μg/g DW) in roasted beans compared with green beans (6.8 ± 0.4 μg/g DW). Both melatonin (3.9 ± 0.2 μg/50 mL) and 5‐HT (7.3 ± 0.6 μg/50 mL) were detected in coffee brew. Because of the relevance of indoleamines as bioactive molecules with implications for food, nutritional sciences and human health, it was of interest to explore their levels in coffee, an important universal beverage.
Populist Communication and Publicity: An Empirical Study of Contextual Differences in Switzerland
Authors: Cranmer Mirjam
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  This study analyzes the context‐dependency of populist communication and asks whether there are variations in populist communication for representatives of different kinds of parties. In contrast to previous research on European populism, which mostly considers only the right‐wing, this study includes the entire scope of political parties; thus allowing for the possibility of the diffusion of populism in contemporary politics. The empirical contribution is a multilevel analysis of speeches in non‐public and public forums (closed parliamentary committees, open parliamentary floors, and the talk show ‘Arena’) on immigration and asylum amendments in Switzerland. A so‐called populist party, the Swiss People’s Party, played a significant role in drafting the legislation. Analysis reveals that a) different public settings influence populist communication differently; b) a non‐populist party, the Christian‐democrats, employs more populist communication on average than any other party and its populism is employed more consistently across contexts than that of the Swiss People’s Party; c) but when speaking in media forms, the Swiss People’s Party employs substantially more populist communication than any other party. Thus, the type of public forum does not uniformly contribute to higher levels of populist communication, but rather the effect of forum type varies substantially by party.
Die Bedeutung des regionalen Kontexts für die programmatische Positionierung von Schweizer Kantonalparteien1
Authors: Giger Nathalie , Müller Jochen , Debus Marc
Published: September 2011

Zusammenfassung:  In Mehrebenensystemen agierende Parteien sind mit sozialstrukturell sehr unterschiedlich zusammengesetzten Wählerschaften konfrontiert. Da für regionale Parteigliederungen – insbesondere in föderal organisierten Demokratien – der Wettbewerb um Wählerstimmen zuvorderst innerhalb der Grenzen der jeweiligen Region stattfindet, müssen sie den unterschiedlich zusammengesetzten Elektoraten differenzierte inhaltliche Angebote machen, die auf die spezifischen Präferenzen der Wählerschaft eingehen. Wir evaluieren diese Überlegungen am Beispiel der Schweiz als einem Mehrebenensystem, in dem sich die Wählerschaft von Kanton zu Kanton in ihrer sprachlichen, konfessionellen und sozioökonomischen Struktur deutlich unterscheidet. Dabei nehmen wir eine Analyse der programmatischen Dokumente der Schweizer Parteien auf kantonaler Ebene vor, um deren inhaltliche Präferenzen zu bestimmen. Die dabei herangezogenen Wahlprogramme von kantonalen Parteigliederungen sind eine bisher wenig beachtete Quelle zur Bestimmung von Parteipositionen, die jedoch gerade für die Arbeiten zur subnationalen Politik grosses Potential bietet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich sozialstrukturelle Eigenschaften der Wählerschaft eines Kantons in der Tat in den programmatischen Positionen der Kantonalparteien widerspiegeln. So sind Parteien in der französischsprachigen Schweiz wirtschaftspolitisch “linker”, wohingegen die Parteien in ländlichen Kantonen tendenziell konservativere Haltungen in Fragen der Gesellschaftspolitik einnehmen.
Governing Morality Issues through Procedural Policies
Authors: Engeli Isabelle , Varone Frédéric
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Morality issues such as the death penalty, drug consumption, gambling, and same‐sex‐marriage often constitute intractable policy controversies. Classical “morality politics” scholars predict two types of governmental responses to such public problems: either a substantive policy design if there is a broad consensus among electoral constituencies or a non‐decision if there is a fundamental clash of values. We argue that the adoption of a procedural policy design represents a third option. Providing empirical evidence on the plausibility of this hypothesis, we compare the Swiss regulation of four morality issues in the medical field: reproductive medicine and embryo‐related research; abortion; euthanasia; and organ transplant. In fact, “moral values” frames are not always dominant, as the multi‐dimensionality of each morality issue allows for concurrent policy frames promoted by various policy actors.
Ageing in place: Implications of morbidity patterns among older persons – findings from a cross‐sectional study in a developing country (Jamaica)
Authors: James Kenneth , Holder‐Nevins Desmalee , Morris Chloe , Eldemire‐Shearer Denise , Powell Jeneva , Laws Hazel
Published: September 2011

Aim:  This paper describes morbidity patterns among older people, relevant health‐care resources in a localised population in a developing country (Jamaica) and implications for ageing in place in the community.

Methods:  Local morbidity patterns among older people were determined in Jamaica from a 2007 cross‐sectional study involving record searches at major hospitals and clinics. Age‐specific morbidity distributions were compiled. Data on health‐care staff complement were also collected.

Results:  Non‐communicable diseases predominate in older people in Jamaica; 50% of diagnoses related to cardiovascular disorders and diabetes. Staff‐to‐population ratios were low compared with other international data.

Conclusion:  A high prevalence of non‐communicable disease coupled with inadequate staffing threatens the likelihood of ageing in place in the Jamaican community. Secondary prevention efforts and social support services which enhance ageing in place are needed.
Inhibitory Effects of Continuous Ingestion of Schisandrin A on CYP3A in the Rat
Authors: Li Wei‐Liang , Xin Hua‐Wen , Su Mei‐Wei
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of schisandrin A (SchA) to inhibit the P450 enzyme CYP3A in vivo. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were intragastrically administered with varied doses of SchA (8 mg/kg or 16 mg/kg or 32 mg/kg) or 75 mg/kg ketoconazole for three consecutive days. Ketoconazole, a chemical inhibitor of CYP3A, was used as positive control. Subsequently, changes in hepatic microsome CYP3A activity and the pharmacokinetic profiles of midazolam (MDZ), a specific CYP3A substrate, were studied as indicators of rat hepatic microsomal activity of CYP3A. Differences in the plasma concentrations of MDZ and its related metabolites and the hepatic microsome concentrations of 1′‐hydroxymidazolam were analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The current results provide direct and explicit evidence that SchA produced concentration‐dependent inhibition of MDZ metabolite formation in rat liver microsomes (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001). Regular SchA consumption also caused concentration‐dependent increase in Cmax and area under the concentration–time curve (AUC0–t and AUC0–∞) of peroral MDZ (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) compared to vehicle‐treated rats, whereas those of its metabolites (1′‐hydroxymidazolam) were reduced (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Analysis of the data suggests that changes in the pharmacokinetic profiles of peroral MDZ in the rat model were contributed mainly to SchA inhibition of CYP3A activity. These results suggest that SchA, as an inhibitor of CYP3A, possesses a clinically beneficial property of altering the disposition of drugs metabolized by CYP3A.
Bupropion as an Augmenting Agent in Patients of Depression with Partial Response
Authors: Gulrez Gaurav , Badyal Dinesh Kumar , Deswal Randhir Singh , Sharma Arvind
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of bupropion as an add‐on therapy to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) on patients of major depressive disorder with partial response. This prospective, randomized, controlled and single‐blind study was conducted in sixty patients suffering from major depressive disorder as per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)‐IV TR criteria, who were having Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) score ≥16 after 4 weeks of treatment with SSRIs. Group A received SSRI plus placebo and group B received SSRI plus bupropion. Evaluation was performed based on changes in HDRS score, Montgomery and Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS), Amritsar depressive inventory (ADI) and spontaneously reported adverse effects. There was a significant decrease in the HDRS, MADRS and ADI scores as compared to baseline in both groups. However, the mean decrease in depression score was more in group B than in group A. The percentage decrease of remitters was also significantly more in group B (60% as per HDRS score and 63% as per MADRS score), as compared to group A (24% as per HDRS score and 27% as per MADRS score) (p < 0.05), at the end of treatment. In conclusion, bupropion add‐on can act as augmenting agent in patients of depression with partial response to SSRIs.
Genetic, Clinical and Behavioural Determinants of Vitamin K‐Antagonist Dose – Explored Through Multivariable Modelling and Visualization
Authors: Skov Jane , Bladbjerg Else‐Marie , Rasmussen Morten A. , Sidelmann Johannes J. , Leppin Anja , Jespersen Jørgen
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are highly effective anticoagulants but their use is hampered by multiple interactions with food and medicine and a narrow therapeutic range. The large variation in dose requirements has led to the development of several dosing algorithms based on pharmacogenetic and clinical variables. In contrast, evidence about the influence of behavioural (i.e. diet and exercise) and socio‐psychological factors is sparse. To investigate the impact of pharmacogenetic, clinical, behavioural and socio‐psychological factors on maintenance dose of VKA. In a cross‐sectional study, we interviewed 250 consecutive patients from an anticoagulant clinic and subsequently measured pharmacogenetic and anthropometric variables. Statistical analyses were carried out using linear regression and multivariable models with visualization features. In both types of analyses, the strongest determinants of VKA dose were polymorphisms in the VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes and age. Half of the variation in VKA dose could be explained by a linear regression model including four variables, while a multivariable model with 20 pharmacogenetic and clinical variables explained 60%. A multivariable model including 94 predictor variables was not notably better regarding predictive performance, but visualization of this model offered information about the correlation structure between predictor variables. The strongest determinants of VKA dose are well‐known pharmacogenetic variables and age. The variables describing health‐related behaviour and socio‐psychological factors are strongly inter‐correlated and not useful in dosing algorithms.
Sex Hormone Levels, Genetic Androgen Receptor Polymorphism, and Anxiety in ≥50-Year-Old Males
Authors: Schneider Gudrun , Nienhaus Kathrin , Gromoll Jörg , Heuft Gereon , Nieschlag Eberhard , Zitzmann Michael
Published: September 2011

Introduction

While associations between somatic changes and sex hormone levels in aging men have been explored in many studies, the association of testosterone and estradiol with psychic symptoms other than depression and the role of the genetically determined CAG repeat (CAGn) polymorphism of the androgen receptor (AR) have received much less attention.

Aim

The purpose of this article is to investigate the associations between general anxiety, phobic anxiety and panic with sex hormone levels and the genetic androgen receptor polymorphism in aging males.

Methods

This cross-sectional study of males aged ≥50 years included 120 consecutive patients of the Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, 76 consecutive patients of the Andrology Clinic, and 100 participants from the general population; all of them completed the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Morning blood samples were analyzed for total and free testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and the CAGn AR polymorphism. Psychosomatic patients also underwent psychiatric assessment.

Main Outcome Measures

Scores on the Anxiety subscales of the BSI and PHQ, Anxiety disorders according to International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10).

Results

The two clinical samples had significantly longer CAGn of the AR and higher anxiety levels compared to the population sample. Anxiety scores were positively correlated with CAGn in psychosomatic patients and in andrological patients, in the latter also with estradiol levels, while the population sample showed no significant correlations between anxiety scores, CAGn and sex hormones. Anxiety cases according to BSI, PHQ, and ICD-10 had significantly longer CAGn of the AR when compared to the other participants, but there were no significant differences in testosterone or free testosterone levels.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that genetically determined long CAGn of the AR is an independent risk factor for higher anxiety, panic and phobic anxiety levels.
Primary Palliative Care Clinic Pilot Project demonstrates benefits of a nurse practitioner‐directed clinic providing primary and palliative care
Authors: Owens Darrell , Eby Kerry , Burson Sean , Green Meghan , McGoodwin Wendy , Isaac Margaret
Published: September 2011

Purpose: The purpose of the Primary Palliative Care Pilot Project was to determine if patients with a life‐limiting illness who receive their primary care and palliative care from a consistent provider via a nurse practitioner (NP)‐founded and‐directed Primary Palliative Care Clinic at a public hospital would have improved symptom management and decreased emergency department utilization over time.

Data sources: All patients followed in the Harborview Primary Palliative Care Clinic from January to March 2010.

Conclusions: The results of this project demonstrate that patients with a life‐limiting illness who receive their primary care and palliative care in an NP‐founded and ‐directed Primary Palliative Care Clinic have decreased utilization of the emergency department, and some experience improvement in symptom assessment scores.

Implications for practice: Palliative care providers and administrators should explore opportunities to expand outpatient palliative care clinics with an emphasis on primary care and continuity of care. NPs by experience and education are ideally suited to manage both primary and palliative care needs for people at the end of life.
Design, Synthesis, and In vitro Antitumor Activity Evaluation of Novel 4‐pyrrylamino Quinazoline Derivatives
Authors: Wu Xiaoqing , Li Mingdong , Tang Wenhua , Zheng Youguang , Lian Jiqin , Xu Liang , Ji Min
Published: September 2011

Here, we describe the design and synthesis of two series of 4‐pyrrylamino quinazolines as new analogs of the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor gefitinib. In vitro antitumor activity of these novel compounds against pancreatic (Miapaca2) and prostate (DU145) cancer cell lines was evaluated. Compared with the parental gefitinib, all 18 derivatives show a greatly increased cytotoxicity to cancer cells. In vitro kinase inhibitory activity on epidermal growth factor receptor was also investigated. Among them, compounds GI‐6, GII‐4, GII‐6, GII‐8, and GII‐9 are more potential receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors. Based on these results, we propose simple structure–activity relationship to provide information for designing and developing more potent antitumor agents.
Representation of Multi‐Target Activity Landscapes Through Target Pair‐Based Compound Encoding in Self‐Organizing Maps
Authors: Iyer Preeti , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: September 2011

Activity landscape representations provide access to structure‐activity relationships information in compound data sets. In general, activity landscape models integrate molecular similarity relationships with biological activity data. Typically, activity against a single target is monitored. However, for steadily increasing numbers of compounds, activity against multiple targets is reported, resulting in an opportunity, and often a need, to explore multi‐target structure‐activity relationships. It would be attractive to utilize activity landscape representations to aid in this process, but the design of activity landscapes for multiple targets is a complicated task. Only recently has a first multi‐target landscape model been introduced, consisting of an annotated compound network focused on the systematic detection of activity cliffs. Herein, we report a conceptually different multi‐target activity landscape design that is based on a 2D projection of chemical reference space using self‐organizing maps and encodes compounds as arrays of pair‐wise target activity relationships. In this context, we introduce the concept of discontinuity in multi‐target activity space. The well‐ordered activity landscape model highlights centers of discontinuity in activity space and is straightforward to interpret. It has been applied to analyze compound data sets with three, four, and five target annotations and identify multi‐target structure‐activity relationships determinants in analog series.