bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gasping in Response to Basic Resuscitation Efforts: Observation in a Swine Model of Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Zuercher Mathias , Ewy Gordon A. , Otto Charles W. , Hilwig Ronald W. , Bobrow Bentley J. , Clark Lani , Chikani Vatsal , Sanders Arthur B. , Berg Robert A. , Kern Karl B.
Published: May 2010

Objective. To analyze the effect of basic resuscitation efforts on gasping and of gasping on survival.Methods. This is secondary analysis of a previously reported study comparing continuous chest compressions (CCC CPR) versus chest compressions plus ventilation (30:2 CPR) on survival. 64 swine were randomized to 1 of these 2 basic CPR approaches after either short (3 or 4 minutes) or long (5 or 6 minutes) durations of untreated VF. At 12 minutes of VF, all received the same Guidelines 2005 Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Neurologically status was evaluated at 24 hours. A score of 1 is normal, 2 is abnormal, such as not eating or drinking normally, unsteady gait, or slight resistance to restraint, 3 severely abnormal, where the animal is recumbent and unable to stand, 4 is comatose, and 5 is dead. For this analysis a neurological outcome score of 1 or 2 was classified as “good”, and a score of 3, 4, or 5 was classified as “poor.”Results. Gasping was more likely to continue or if absent, to resume in the animals with short durations of untreated VF before basic resuscitation efforts. With long durations of untreated VF, the frequency of gasping and survival was better in swine receiving CCC CPR. In the absence of frequent gasping, intact survival was rare in the long duration of untreated VF group.Conclusions. Gasping is an important phenomenon during basic resuscitation efforts for VF arrest and in this model was more frequent with CCC-CPR.
An Optical Model for Translucent Volume Rendering and Its Implementation Using the Preintegrated Shear‐Warp Algorithm
Authors: Li Bin , Tian Lianfang , Ou Shanxing
Published: May 2010

In order to efficiently and effectively reconstruct 3D medical images and clearly display the detailed information of inner structures and the inner hidden interfaces between different media, an Improved Volume Rendering Optical Model (IVROM) for medical translucent volume rendering and its implementation using the preintegrated Shear‐Warp Volume Rendering algorithm are proposed in this paper, which can be readily applied on a commodity PC. Based on the classical absorption and emission model, effects of volumetric shadows and direct and indirect scattering are also considered in the proposed model IVROM. Moreover, the implementation of the Improved Translucent Volume Rendering Method (ITVRM) integrating the IVROM model, Shear‐Warp and preintegrated volume rendering algorithm is described, in which the aliasing and staircase effects resulting from under‐sampling in Shear‐Warp, are avoided by the preintegrated volume rendering technique. This study demonstrates the superiority of the proposed method.
Biofunctional Characteristics of Lignite Fly Ash Modified by Humates: A New Soil Conditioner
Authors: Chassapis Konstantinos , Roulia Maria , Vrettou Evangelia , Fili Despina , Zervaki Monica
Published: May 2010

Fly ash superficially modified with humic substances from the Megalopolis lignitic power plant was prepared and evaluated for agricultural uses. UV‐vis spectrophotometry and IR spectroscopy revealed that fly ash shows high sorption efficiency towards humic substances. Adsorption proceeds stepwise via strong Coulombic and hydrophophic forces of attraction between guest and host materials. Langmuir, Freundlich, BET, Harkins‐Jura, and Dubinin‐Radushkevich isotherm models were employed to evaluate the ongoing adsorption and shed light to the physicochemical properties of the sorbent‐adsorbate system. Humic substances desorption and microbial cultivation experiments were also carried out to examine the regeneration of the humates under washing and explore the possibility of this material acclimatizing in real soil conditions, both useful for biofunctional agricultural applications.
Guidelines for the Management of Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Grimer Robert , Judson Ian , Peake David , Seddon Beatrice
Published: May 2010

These guidelines were drawn up following a consensus meeting of UK sarcoma specialists convened under the auspices of the British Sarcoma Group and are intended to provide a framework for the multidisciplinary care of patients with soft tissue sarcomas. The guidelines published by the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) were used as the basis for discussion and adapted according to UK clinical practice and local requirements. Note was also taken of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) improving outcomes guidance (IOG) for people with sarcoma and existing technology appraisals. The guidelines are not intended to challenge NICE guidance but discrepancies may exist where current guidance does not reflect an international standard of care owing to the ever-evolving nature of cancer treatment. It is acknowledged that these guidelines will require updating on a regular basis. An appendix lists the key recommendations which are summarised below. Any patient with a suspected soft tissue sarcoma should be referred to a diagnostic centre and managed by a specialist sarcoma multidisciplinary team. Surgical excision followed by post operative radiotherapy is the standard management of high grade limb sarcomas although occasionally amputation remains the only option. Pre-operative treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy should be considered for patients with borderline resectable tumours. Isolated limb perfusion may permit limb salvage in some cases where amputation is the only other option. Adjuvant chemotherapy is not routinely recommended but may be considered in certain specific situations. Regular follow up is recommended to assess local control and the development of metastatic disease. Single agent doxorubicin is the standard first line therapy for metastatic disease. Ifosfamide is an alternative if anthracyclines are contraindicated. Combination therapy may be considered in individual patients. Second line agents include ifosfamide, dacarbazine, trabectedin and the combination of gemcitabine + docetaxel. Surgical resection of local recurrence and pulmonary metastases should be considered in individual patients. There is specific guidance on the management of retroperitoneal and uterine sarcomas.
Identification of a Duffing Oscillator under Different Types of Excitation
Authors: Gandino E. , Marchesiello S.
Published: May 2010

In many engineering applications the dynamics may significantly be affected by nonlinear effects, which must be accounted for in order to accurately understand and robustly model the dynamics. From a practical point of view, it is very important to solve the inverse problem related to system identification and output prediction. In this paper the recently developed Nonlinear Subspace Identification (NSI) method is presented and applied to an oscillator described by the Duffing equation, with different types of excitation including random forces, which are demonstrated to be very suitable for the identification process. The estimates of system parameters are excellent and, as a consequence, the behaviour of the system, including the jump phenomena, is reconstructed to a high level of fidelity. In addition, the possible memory limitations affecting the method are overcome by the development of a novel algorithm, based on a specific computation of the QR factorisation.
Comparison between Investigational IR and Crystallographic Data with Computational Chemistry Tools as Validation of the Methods
Authors: Abdul Jaleel U. C. , Rakhila M. , Parameswaran Geetha
Published: May 2010

Computational tools, specifically molecular mechanical force field (MM+) and semiempirical (PM3) and density functional methods (DFT) are applied to sets of schiff bases and their complexes. The results are compared with experimental data. It is also found that the simulated IR spectra are in consistence with the experimental data.
Moduli and Characteristics of Monotonicity in Some Banach Lattices
Authors: Foralewski Paweł , Hudzik Henryk , Kaczmarek Radosław , Krbec Miroslav
Published: May 2010

First the characteristic of monotonicity of any Banach lattice "Equation missing" is expressed in terms of the left limit of the modulus of monotonicity of "Equation missing" at the point "Equation missing". It is also shown that for Köthe spaces the classical characteristic of monotonicity is the same as the characteristic of monotonicity corresponding to another modulus of monotonicity "Equation missing". The characteristic of monotonicity of Orlicz function spaces and Orlicz sequence spaces equipped with the Luxemburg norm are calculated. In the first case the characteristic is expressed in terms of the generating Orlicz function only, but in the sequence case the formula is not so direct. Three examples show why in the sequence case so direct formula is rather impossible. Some other auxiliary and complemented results are also presented. By the results of Betiuk-Pilarska and Prus (2008) which establish that Banach lattices "Equation missing" with "Equation missing" and weak orthogonality property have the weak fixed point property, our results are related to the fixed point theory (Kirk and Sims (2001)).
Flow Cytometry for Gene Expression Studies in Mammalian Spermatogenesis
Authors: Geisinger A. , Rodríguez-Casuriaga R.
Published: May 2010

Mammalian spermatogenesis is nowadays still poorly understood at the molecular level, mainly due to the heterogeneous nature of testes, which contain a high number of different cell types, and to the lack of spermatogenic cell culture systems for in vitro studies. As a consequence, the development and/or application of methodological approaches aiming at the enrichment or purification of specific testicular cell types are of great interest and have been addressed by scientists for at least 4 decades. Among the many applications that flow cytometry (FC) has gained since its invention, analysis and sorting of spermatogenic cell populations represent a promising strategy to efficiently overcome testis heterogeneity drawback. Surprisingly, FC has been only rarely used as a preparative method for downstream gene expression studies in specific spermatogenic stages. This work aims to provide an overview of FC for spermatogenic studies including preparation of testicular single cell suspensions, dyes for DNA staining, and our own experience with rodent testis material.
Relationship between DNA Repair and Formation of Sister Chromatid Exchanges and Chromatid Aberrations under the Influence of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibition by 3-Aminobenzamide
Authors: Filippi S. , Palitti F. , Martínez-López W. , Fiore M. , Natarajan A.T.
Published: May 2010

The mechanisms of formation of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and chromosome aberrations following inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase by 3-aminobenzamide were studied in Chinese hamster ovary cell lines deficient in different repair pathways. The results confirm earlier findings that (a) the ‘spontaneous’ SCEs are formed due to the incorporated BrdU in the DNA, (b) ‘spontaneous’ and induced SCEs originate from different mechanisms, and (c) SCEs and chromatid exchanges are formed by different pathways.
DNA Repair Mechanisms Involved in the Removal of DBPDE-Induced Lesions Leading to Chromosomal Alterations in CHO Cells
Authors: Meschini R. , Berni A. , Marotta E. , Filippi S. , Fiore M. , Mancinelli P. , Natarajan A.T. , Palitti F.
Published: May 2010

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) such as dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DBP) are wide-spread environmental pollutants most probably mutagenic and carcinogenic to humans. Detailed data on the cytogenetic effects of anti-11,12-dihydroxy-13,14-epoxy-11,12,13,14-tetrahydrodibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DBPDE) in mammalian cells are not available in the literature. The aim of this study is to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the induction of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) by DBPDE in mammalian cells. In order to achieve this a parental (AA8) and different DNA repair-deficient Chinese hamster ovary cell lines such as UV4, UV5, UV61 (nucleotide excision repair, NER), EM9 (base excision repair, BER), irs1SF (homologous recombination repair, HRR) and V3-3 (non-homologous end joining, NHEJ) were used. The most sensitive cell lines for DBPDE-induced chromosome aberrations were EM9 and irs1SF, while EM9 and V3-3 cell lines were the most sensitive in terms of SCEs induction. It can be suggested that the BER pathway plays an important role in the repair of lesions induced by DBPDE, affecting both chromosomal aberrations and SCEs induction. Moreover, the HRR pathway seems to play a role in cellular resistance to DBPDE mainly in terms of chromosomal aberration induction while the NHEJ pathway takes part affecting only the induction of SCEs.
Histone Post-Translational Modifications in DNA Damage Response
Authors: Méndez-Acuña L. , Di Tomaso M.V. , Palitti F. , Martínez-López W.
Published: May 2010

The fact that eukaryotic DNA is packed into chromatin constitutes a physical barrier to enzymes and regulatory factors to reach the DNA molecule for replication, transcription, recombination and repair. Although most studies in this field have concentrated on how chromatin regulates transcription, there is a recent emphasis on studying the role of chromatin in the response to DNA damage. Two main chromatin-remodeling mechanisms have been identified, namely, ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complexes and histone post-translational modifications (PTMs). PTMs constitute reversible covalent modifications in aminoacidic residues, such as serine and threonine phosphorylation, lysine acetylation, lysine and arginine methylation and lysine ubiquitylation, among others. Moreover, nucleosome composition can be modified by the incorporation of histone variants, which are assembled into nucleosomes independently of DNA replication. The phosphorylation of the histone variant H2AX (γH2AX) is one of the best examples of histone PTMs in response to DNA damage induction, but many others have recently been revealed. In this review, we focus on and summarize the best-known histone PTMs observed in excision repair (base excision and nucleotide excision) and double-strand break (non-homologous end-joining and homologous recombination) repair pathways. In brief, the interplay between chromatin remodelers and DNA repair factors is discussed in relation to DNA damage response mechanisms.
DNA Double Strand Breaks and Chromosomal Aberrations
Authors: Obe G. , Durante M.
Published: May 2010

DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are ultimate lesions for the formation of chromosomal aberrations (CAs). The formation of CAs is dependent on many factors; some of these are discussed in this review. FISH methodologies have uncovered CA types which cannot be seen with the classical staining methods, and thereby widened our understanding of the origin of CAs. The mobility of DSBs in interphase nuclei is limited. This makes it especially difficult to understand the origin of complex CAs involving many chromosomes. Even using high-resolution mBAND FISH to analyze CAs, the ratio of inter-/intrachromosomal CAs is higher than 1. From this it was postulated that only a subset of DSBs, namely, complex or clustered DSBs give rise mainly to interchromosomal CAs. The finding that endonucleases induce CAs does not fit the idea of complex DSBs being responsible for CA. Probably it is the proximity and not the complexity of DSBs which leads to CA.
Relationship between Work-Related Attitudes, Performance and Capacities according to the ICF in Patients with Mental Disorders
Authors: Linden Michael , Baron Stefanie , Muschalla Beate
Published: May 2010

Background: The International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) differentiates between functions, activities/capacities, contextual factors and participation. Dysfunctions can result in impaired capacities, which in turn can lead to problems with participation depending on the context. Motivational and volitional deficits are intervening factors. The question is to what degree work performance (i.e. participation), motivational factors, and the inability to perform activities (i.e. dysfunctions) interact. Method: Incapacities were measured in 213 patients (70% women) admitted to the Department of Behavioral Medicine using the Mini-ICF-Rating for Mental Disorders (Mini-ICF-APP), work performance was measured with the Endicott Work Productivity Scale (EWPS), and volitional and motivational problems in regard to work were assessed with the Arbeitsbezogenes Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster (AVEM). Sick leave prior to admission and work-related problems were assessed in a special clinical interview. Results: The mean global score of the Mini-ICF-APP across all patients was 0.84 ± 0.56 (SD), corresponding to ‘mild disability’. The highest disabilities in this patient population were found for ‘flexibility’ (item 3, 1.64 ± 0.94); the lowest disabilities were found for ‘self maintenance’ (item 11, 0.19 ± 0.44) and ‘mobility’ (item 12, 0.43 ± 0.85). Partial correlations between the Mini-ICF-APP, AVEM and EWPS showed highly significant correlations between the Mini-ICF-APP and EWPS and no or weak correlations between the AVEM and the Mini-ICF-APP or EWPS. Conclusion: Work performance is primarily related to the inability to perform activities and incapacities, and only due to attitudes or volitional/motivational factors to a much lesser degree. Therefore, capacity and motivation can and must be separated.
Regional effects of terrorism on economic growth in Turkey: A geographically weighted regression approach
Authors: Öcal Nadir , Yildirim Jülide
Published: May 2010

The economic growth effects of terrorism have generally been examined in a cross-country framework where socio-economic differences among the countries are ignored. This highly restrictive assumption may result in heterogeneity bias, which could be overcome by resorting to country studies rather than cross-country analysis. Moreover, the relationship between the terrorist incidents and various factors may not be stationary in space. The majority of terrorist incidents in Turkey are concentrated mainly in Eastern, and South Eastern Turkey and big cities. Thus, the geographical dispersion of terrorist incidents in Turkey may result in uneven regional impact, necessitating local parameter estimates. This study analyses the effects of terrorism on economic growth across provinces of Turkey for the time period 1987—2001. Following a traditional global regression analysis, spatial variations in the relationships are examined with geographically weighted regression (GWR) to obtain locally different parameter estimates. A GWR approach allows the modeling of relationships that vary over space by introducing distance-based weights to provide parameter estimates for each variable and each geographical location. Empirical evidence indicates that a GWR model significantly improves the model fitting over the traditional global model. Even though the traditional convergence analysis reveals that terrorism hinders economic growth, GWR results indicate that its provincial effects are more pronounced for the Eastern and South Eastern provinces compared to the Western provinces. Moreover, empirical findings suggest that there is a considerable variation in speeds of convergence of provinces, which cannot be captured by the traditional beta convergence analysis.
Surface modification of calcium alginate fibers with silane and methyl methacrylate monomers
Authors: Khan Avik , Huq Tanzina , Saha M. , Khan Ruhul A , Khan Mubarak A
Published: May 2010

Calcium alginate fiber, which is a natural fiber, was prepared by extruding aqueous sodium alginate solution (4 wt%) into an aqueous calcium chloride (2 wt%) bath. Polypropylene matrix calcium alginate fiber-reinforced unidirectional composites were fabricated by compression molding. In order to reduce the strong hydrophilic nature of the fiber and also to improve the mechanical properties of the composites, calcium alginate fibers were treated with five different formulations of vinyl triethoxy silane (1—5 wt%) and methyl methacrylate (10—50 wt%) along with methanol and photoinitiator and then cured under UV radiation.
Biodegradable Polymeric Capsules Obtained via Room Temperature Spray Drying: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Stefanescu Eduard A. , Stefanescu Cristina , Negulescu Ioan I.
Published: May 2010

The aim of this contribution is to determine the relationship existent between the chemistry and/or viscosity of some biodegradable polymer solutions and the morphology of micro- and nanospheres resulted after spray drying the solutions at room conditions either in the presence or in the absence of an encapsulated aqueous material. Using dichloromethane as solvent, the following polyesters were used to prepare 2 wt% solutions: polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and Eastar Bio GP (GP). A comprehensive thermal characterization was also performed on all polymers to verify the relationships existent between the structure of polyesters and certain important parameters, such as Tg, T m, Td. It was observed that a decrease in the solution viscosity triggers the formation of smoother microspheres. When the viscosity becomes low enough the sprayed solution can lead to the development of well defined nanospheres instead of microspheres. Additionally, it was found that in the presence of an aqueous core the micro- and/or nanocapsules coalesce into larger micrometric aggregates, due to the plasticizing effects of water on the polyester.
The ankle-brachial index is associated with the magnitude of impaired walking endurance among men and women with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: McDermott Mary M , Ferrucci Luigi , Guralnik Jack M , Dyer Alan R , Kiang Liu  , Pearce William H , Clark Elizabeth , Yihua Liao  , Criqui Michael H
Published: May 2010

Previous reports suggest that the severity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), measured by the ankle—brachial index (ABI), is not associated with the magnitude of walking impairment, measured by treadmill testing. These prior studies have had small sample sizes and included only PAD participants with symptoms of intermittent claudication. We studied the association of the ABI with diverse measures of walking performance in a cross-sectional study of 156 participants with PAD with and without intermittent claudication symptoms. Outcomes included the Gardner—Skinner treadmill test, 6-minute walk, 4-meter walking velocity at usual and fastest pace, and the walking impairment questionnaire (WIQ). Adjusting for age, sex, race, comorbidities, leg symptoms, and other confounders, lower ABI values were associated with shorter distance achieved in the 6-minute walk (ABI < 0.50: 286 meters; ABI 0.50—0.70: 316 meters; ABI 0.71—0.95: 355 meters, p trend < 0.001), shorter maximal treadmill walking time (ABI < 0.50: 6.0 minutes; ABI 0.50—0.70: 6.9 minutes; ABI 0.71—0.95: 8.3 minutes, p trend = 0.009), and lower WIQ distance scores ( p trend = 0.007) among PAD participants. The ABI was not associated significantly with walking velocity over 4 meters, treadmill time to onset of leg symptoms, or the WIQ speed or stair-climbing scores. In conclusion, among 156 participants with PAD with and without intermittent claudication, lower ABI values are associated significantly with poorer walking endurance, assessed by three distinct measures. Clinical Trial Registration — URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00106327
The oblique wedge osteotomy of the metacarpal condyle for reconstructing wassel type IV thumb duplication in older children and adults
Authors: Chew E. M. , Yong F. C. , Teoh L. C.
Published: May 2010

In reconstructing the Wassel type IV thumb duplication in infants, a deviation deformity of the retained thumb may be corrected by a closing transverse wedge osteotomy of the metacarpal neck. In older children and adults, this technique may cause avascular necrosis of the retained metacarpal condyle. We have addressed this problem by using an oblique wedge osteotomy of the metacarpal condyle. Ten patients (mean age, 18.9 years) underwent this procedure between 1993 and 2007. Patients with deviation angles of 30° or less had a closing wedge osteotomy, while those with deviation angles exceeding 30° had a rotational bone graft osteotomy. Deviation angles were corrected from a mean of 32° (range, 16° to 55°) to 0° in eight thumbs and 10° in two thumbs. There were no cases of avascular necrosis. All patients achieved good results by Tada’s criteria. This technique effectively restores bony alignment of the thumb and preserves vascularity of the retained condyle.
The ‘New Protectionism’: Industrial Policy Barriers to Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Hemphill Thomas A
Published: May 2010

First, this paper introduces a conceptual framework of analysis steeped in the statist approach to political economy — specifically, of a transformational view of the state. Second, a review of the status of competition law and policy in the World Trade Organization agreement focuses on its critical role in trade and competition policy across jurisdictions. Third, an explanation of the fundamental socio-economic philosophies embodied in the comparative national development of domestic competition law and policy, and its often conflicting role in national industrial policy and the cross-border merger and acquisition (M&A) review process, is undertaken. Fourth, predicated on the preceding two sections, a discussion ensues on the international business strategy threats inherent in a new trade ‘protectionist’ environment that focuses on an industrial policy which includes the criteria of competition law and policy (including the complications inherent in bilateral and multilateral competition policy review), national security policy, economic competitiveness policy, and cultural policy effects on cross-border M&A activity. In this paper's concluding section, arguments center on the present status and future of the ‘murky protectionism’ found in the international political economy environment of industrial policy now confronting cross-border M&A business strategy decisions, and its longer-term implications for encouraging foreign direct investment.
Tracking inclusions in aluminium alloy castings using positron emission particle tracking (PEPT)
Authors: Griffiths W. D. , Parker D. J. , Fan X. , Hausard M.
Published: May 2010

Inclusions in castings lead to the initiation of fatigue cracks and are detrimental to their mechanical properties. Computer simulations of the casting process include models of inclusion movement but there is currently no method of experimentally verifying these models. The technique described here used positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) to follow the movement of radioactive alumina particles entrained in a liquid aluminium alloy as the mould was filled, thus showing the behaviour of inclusions in castings. Five experiments were carried out with two different alumina particle sizes, inserted into a simple cast plate made in resin bonded sand moulds. Besides demonstrating the value of the experimental technique, these experiments showed how inclusion movement in castings was greatly affected by the random nature of the fluid flow during mould filling.
Hey2 acts upstream of Notch in hematopoietic stem cell specification in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Rowlinson Jonathan M. , Gering Martin
Published: May 2010

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are essential for homeostasis and injury-induced regeneration of the vertebrate blood system. Although HSC transplantations constitute the most common type of stem cell therapy applied in the clinic, we know relatively little about the molecular programming of HSCs during vertebrate embryogenesis. In vertebrate embryos, HSCs form in close association with the ventral wall of the dorsal aorta. We have shown previously that in zebrafish, HSC formation depends on the presence of a signaling cascade that involves Hedgehog, vascular endothelial growth factor, and Notch signaling. Here, we reveal that Hey2, a hairy/enhancer-of-split–related basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor often believed to act downstream of Notch, is also required for HSC formation. In dorsal aorta progenitors, Hey2 expression is induced downstream of cloche and the transcription factor Scl/Tal1, and is maintained by Hedgehog and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. Whereas knockdown of Hey2 expression results in a loss of Notch receptor expression in dorsal aorta angioblasts, activation of Notch signaling in hey2 morphants rescues HSC formation in zebrafish embryos. These results establish an essential role for Hey2 upstream of Notch in HSC formation.
Induction of neuro-protective/regenerative genes in stem cells infiltrating post-ischemic brain tissue
Authors: Yilmaz Gokhan , Alexander J Steven , Erkuran Yilmaz Cigdem , Granger D Neil
Published: May 2010

Background-

Although the therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived stromal stem cells (BMSC) has been demonstrated in different experimental models of ischemic stroke, it remains unclear how stem cells (SC) induce neuroprotection following stroke. In this study, we describe a novel method for isolating BMSC that infiltrate postischemic brain tissue and use this method to identify the genes that are persistently activated or depressed in BMSC that infiltrate brain tissue following ischemic stroke.

Methods-

Ischemic strokes were induced in C57BL/6 mice by middle cerebral artery occlusion for 1 h, followed by reperfusion. BMSC were isolated from H-2 Kb-tsA58 (immortomouse™) mice, and were administered (i.v.) 24 h after reperfusion. At the peak of therapeutic improvement (14 days after the ischemic insult), infarcted brain tissue was isolated, and the BMSC were isolated by culturing at 33°C. Microarray analysis and RT-PCR were performed to compare differential gene expression between naïve and infiltrating BMSC populations.

Results-

Z-scoring revealed dramatic differences in the expression of extracellular genes between naïve and infiltrating BMSC. Pair-wise analysis detected 80 extracellular factor genes that were up-regulated (≥ 2 fold,P< 0.05, Benjamini-Hochberg correction) between naïve and infiltrated BMSC. Although several anticipated neuroregenerative, nerve guidance and angiogenic factor (e.g., bFGF, bone morphogenetic protein, angiopoietins, neural growth factor) genes exhibited an increased expression, a remarkable induction of genes for nerve guidance survival (e.g., cytokine receptor-like factor 1, glypican 1, Dickkopf homolog 2, osteopontin) was also noted.

Conclusions-

BMSC infiltrating the post-ischemic brain exhibit persistent epigenetic changes in gene expression for numerous extracellular genes, compared to their naïve counterparts. These genes are relevant to the neuroprotection, regeneration and angiogenesis previously described following stem cell therapy in animal models of ischemic stroke.
Efficacy of atypicalv.typical antipsychotics in the treatment of early psychosis: meta-analysis
Authors: Crossley Nicolas A. , Constante Miguel , McGuire Philip , Power Paddy
Published: May 2010

Background

There is an ongoing debate about the use of atypical antipsychotics as a first-line treatment for first-episode psychosis.

Aims

To examine the evidence base for this recommendation.

Method

Meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials in the early phase of psychosis, looking at long-term discontinuation rates, short-term symptom changes, weight gain and extrapyramidal side-effects. Trials were identified using a combination of electronic (Cochrane Central, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO) and manual searches.

Results

Fifteen randomised controlled trials with a total of 2522 participants were included. No significant differences between atypical and typical drugs were found for discontinuation rates (odds ratio (OR) = 0.7, 95% CI 0.4 to 1.2) or effect on symptoms (standardised mean difference (SMD) = –0.1, 95% CI –0.2 to 0.02). Participants on atypical antipsychotics gained 2.1 kg (95% CI 0.1 to 4.1) more weight than those on typicals, whereas those on typicals experienced more extrapyramidal side-effects (SMD = –0.4, 95% CI –0.5 to –0.2).

Conclusions

There was no evidence for differences in efficacy between atypical and typical antipsychotics, but there was a clear difference in the side-effect profile.
Effect of electroconvulsive therapy on brain 5-HT2receptors in major depression
Authors: Yatham Lakshmi N. , Liddle Peter F. , Lam Raymond W. , Zis Athanasios P. , Stoessl A. Jon , Sossi Vesna , Adam Michael J. , Ruth Thomas J.
Published: May 2010

Background

Brain serotonin2(5-hydroxytryptamine2; 5-HT2) receptors were considered potential targets for therapeutic efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but pre-clinical studies showed that electroconvulsive shock up-regulates 5-HT2receptors in contrast to antidepressant medications, which down-regulate brain 5-HT2receptors. Positron emission tomography (PET) studies in individuals with depression confirmed that antidepressant medications reduce brain 5-HT2receptors, but the effects of ECT on these receptors in individuals with depression are unknown.

Aims

To determine if a course of ECT alters brain 5-HT2receptors in individuals with depression and whether such changes correlate with improvement in symptoms.

Method

Fifteen people with major depression, refractory to antidepressant therapy and referred for a course of ECT, had an [18F]setoperone scan during baseline drug-free washout period and another after a course of ECT. We assessed changes in brain 5-HT2receptors with ECT and their relationship to therapeutic outcome.

Results

Widespread reduction in brain 5-HT2receptors was observed in all cortical areas with changes slightly more prominent in the right hemisphere. There was a trend for correlation between reduction in brain 5-HT2receptors in right parahippocampal gyrus, right lingual gyrus and right medial frontal gyrus, and improvement in depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Unlike in rodents, and similar to antidepressants, ECT reduces brain 5-HT2receptors in individuals with depression. The ability of ECT to further down-regulate brain 5-HT2receptors in antidepressant non-responsive individuals may explain its efficacy in those people with antidepressant refractory depression.
Cohort-specific risk of suicide for different mental disorders in China
Authors: Tong Yongsheng , Phillips Michael R.
Published: May 2010

Background

The effect of gender, age, and urban versus rural residence on suicide risk among people with different mental disorders is unknown.

Aims

To estimate cohort-specific risk of suicide among people with different types of mental disorders using data from China's National Psychological Autopsy Study.

Method

Logistic regression models estimated adjusted odd ratios (OR) in 895 suicides and 701 injury deaths.

Results

The adjusted risk of suicide for mood disorders was highest (OR = 44.2) followed by that for other mental disorders (OR = 10.7), anxiety disorders (OR = 10.2), psychotic disorders (OR = 7.4), substance use disorders (2.7) and organic mental disorders (OR = 1.2). Risk of suicide among urban residents with any mental disorder was more than double that of rural residents (OR = 15.5v.7.6,P= 0.008).

Conclusions

The suicide risk associated with mental illness varies by type of illness and by demographic cohort. Lower risk of suicide among rural residents with mental disorders highlights the importance of non-mental health approaches to the prevention and management of suicidal behaviour in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries.
Combined catecholamine and indoleamine depletion following response to ECT
Authors: Cassidy Frederick , Weiner Richard D. , Cooper Thomas B. , Carroll Bernard J.
Published: May 2010

The mechanism of action of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treating major depression is unknown. We studied two candidate mechanisms through inhibiting simultaneously the synthesis of noradrenaline and serotonin in patients immediately after successful treatment with ECT using a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover design. There were no significant changes in depression scores under any experimental conditions, or between the amine-depleted and placebo groups despite reductions of 61% in serum homovanillic acid, 47% in 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyenylethyleneglycol, and 89% in serum tryptophan. Catecholamine and serotonin availability may not be necessary for maintaining the initial antidepressant response to ECT.
Family carers' distress and abusive behaviour: longitudinal study
Authors: Cooper Claudia , Blanchard Martin , Selwood Amber , Walker Zuzana , Livingston Gill
Published: May 2010

Background

A third of family carers of people with dementia report abusive behaviour towards the person for whom they are caring. This is the first longitudinal study to investigate such behaviour.

Aims

To test our hypotheses that carers' reports of abusive behaviour would increase over time, and that change in abuse scores would be predicted by change in anxiety and depression scores.

Method

In total, 131 (71.6%) of the family/friend dementia carers consecutively recruited from new referrals to Essex and London community mental health teams who were interviewed at baseline, completed the revised Modified Conflict Tactics Scale to measure abuse 1 year later.

Results

Sixty-three (48.1%) of the carers reported any abusive behaviour at baseline compared with 81 (61.8%) a year later (χ2 = 6.9, P = 0.009). An increase in abuse scores was predicted by an increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms (respectively ß = 0.32, t = 3.9, P<0.001 and ß = 0.24, t = 2.9, P = 0.005), and by less domiciliary care at baseline (ß = –0.18, t =–2.2, P = 0.031).

Conclusions

Most abusive behaviour reported by carers at baseline persisted or worsened in the following year, despite contact with specialist services. We suggest that trials of psychological interventions shown to reduce anxiety and depression in the carers of people with dementia are needed to determine whether they also reduce elder abuse, and can be delivered cost-effectively within the National Health Service (NHS).
Psychosis reactivity to cannabis use in daily life: an experience sampling study
Authors: Henquet Cécile , van Os Jim , Kuepper Rebecca , Delespaul Philippe , Smits Maurice , Campo Joost À , Myin-Germeys Inez
Published: May 2010

Background

Little is known about the experiential dynamics of the interaction between cannabis and vulnerability to psychosis.

Aims

To examine the effects of cannabis on psychotic symptoms and mood in patients with psychosis and healthy controls.

Method

Patients with a psychotic disorder (η = 42) and healthy controls (η = 38) were followed in their daily lives using a structured time-sampling technique.

Results

Daily life cannabis use predicted subsequent increases in positive affect and in patients, but not in controls, decreases in negative affect. In patients, but not in controls, cannabis use predicted increased levels of hallucinatory experiences. Mood-enhancing properties of cannabis were acute, whereas psychosis-inducing effects were sub-acute. There was no direct evidence for self-medication effects in daily life.

Conclusions

Patients with psychosis are more sensitive to both the psychosis-inducing and mood-enhancing effects of cannabis. The temporal dissociation between acute rewarding effects and sub-acute toxic influences may be instrumental in explaining the vicious circle of deleterious use in these patients.
Internet addiction: prevalence, discriminant validity and correlates among adolescents in Hong Kong
Authors: Fu King-Wa. , Chan Wincy S. C. , Wong Paul W. C. , Yip Paul S. F.
Published: May 2010

Background

Despite increasing concern over the potential adverse effects of excessive internet use, especially in young people, there is some debate over its definition, magnitude and discriminant validity.

Aims

To examine the prevalence of adolescents' internet addiction in Hong Kong, China; to test its differentiation from other correlates; and to examine its relationships with correlates in a representative community sample of adolescents.

Method

A two-wave panel household survey with 208 adolescents (aged 15–19 years) was conducted. Participants were asked to self-report their patterns of internet usage, symptoms of internet addiction, suicidal ideation, psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial conditions during the study period.

Results

The prevalence rate for having five or more symptoms of internet addiction was estimated to be 6.7% (95% CI 3.3–10.2). The discriminatory characteristic of internet addiction was marginally demonstrated. Positive dose–response relationships were found between the number of symptoms of internet addiction and 1-year changes in scores for suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Evidence supports the specificity of internet addiction and its symptoms seem to co-occur with individuals' suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms.
The increased use of antidepressants has contributed to the worldwide reduction in suicide rates
Authors: Isacsson Göran , Rich Charles L. , Jureidini Jon , Raven Melissa
Published: May 2010

Numerous ecological studies have shown an inverse association between antidepressant use and suicide rates and a smaller number of individual-based studies have shown an association between current antidepressant use and reduced suicide risk. Such evidence is often cited in support of the notion that antidepressants prevent suicide. However, more recently, the premises underlying this proposition, namely that suicide is caused by depression and that antidepressants relieve depression, have been challenged and the potential harm caused by antidepressants has been highlighted. In this article, Goran Isacsson and Charles Rich debate with Jon Jureidini and Melissa Raven the motion that the increased use of antidepressants has contributed to the worldwide reduction in suicide rates.
Prevalence of deprivation of liberty: a survey of in-patient services
Authors: Selmes Thomas , Robinson Julie , Mills Elizabeth , Branton Tim , Barlow Jeff
Published: May 2010

Aims and method

A trust-wide survey of all in-patients to estimate the prevalence of likely deprivation of liberty and to investigate how two different approaches to measuring deprivation might affect the number identified.

Results

A notable difference in the results was detected when comparing the two methods. One survey method identified deprivation of liberty factors in 84% of informal incapacitous patients, whereas a different approach that weighed up the factors in accordance with the UK government's interpretation of the case law detected only 11% as potential cases.

Clinical implications

To be usefully implemented, the deprivation of liberty safeguards require an accurate method of assessment in order to target those the process is designed to protect. This survey demonstrates the difficulties in defining deprivation of liberty and highlights the issue of how it is best measured.
Understanding ‘significant impaired decision-making ability’ with regard to treatment for mental disorder: an empirical analysis
Authors: Shek Evonne , Lyons Donald , Taylor Mark
Published: May 2010

Aims and Method

To capture psychiatrists' reasons for ‘significant impaired decision-making ability’ (SIDMA) as there is no definition of SIDMA in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. One hundred consecutive mental health reports from January to February 2008 were examined using a questionnaire.

Results

More than half the mental health reports noted lack of insight as the main cause of SIDMA. Other reasons for SIDMA included limited cognitive function and presence of psychotic symptoms.

Clinical implications

Five reasons for SIDMA were identified: lack of insight, cognitive impairment, presence of psychosis, severe depressive symptoms and learning disability. We recommend psychiatrists working in Scotland give full descriptions of SIDMA, indicating how this has an impact on the patient's ability to make decisions.
Mind the gap – using clinical audit to minimise medication information errors at hospital discharge
Authors: Jainer Ashok Kumar , Noushad Fabida , Coupe Tim , Mupiri Chaya Rekha , Saraf Anoop
Published: May 2010

Aims and method

We conducted a retrospective audit of 100 discharge summaries to evaluate the accuracy of medication recording and the recording of as required (PRN) prescribing, and to see whether or not general practitioners were advised on how long to continue the latter. After a formal guideline was introduced we conducted a re-audit.

Results

There was an improvement in summaries recording medication correctly (from 64 to 83%). The number of summaries with one or more missing medications halved and PRN sedative prescribing reduced from 18 to 3%, but provision of advice on the latter did not improve.

Clinical implications

Accurate recording of medication in the discharge summary is an important element of the transfer of patient care to the general practitioner. Medication errors may pose serious health risks and undermine patient confidence in the service. The clinical audit and interventions implemented helped to reduce errors in medication recording in discharge summaries.
Ten-year trends in hospital admissions for adverse drug reactions in England 1999–2009
Authors: Wu Tai-Yin , Jen Min-Hua , Bottle Alex , Molokhia Mariam , Aylin Paul , Bell Derek , Majeed Azeem
Published: May 2010

Summary

Objectives

Adverse drug reactions (ADR) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We analysed trends in hospital admissions associated with ADRs in English hospitals between 1999 and 2008.

Design

Data from the Hospital Episode Statistics database were examined for all English hospital admissions (1999–2008) with a primary or secondary diagnosis of an ADR recorded.

Setting

All NHS (public) hospitals in England.

Main outcome measures

The number of admissions and in-hospital mortality rate with a primary (codes including ‘adverse drug reaction’, ‘drug-induced’, ‘due to drug’, ‘due to medicament’ or ‘drug allergy’) or secondary diagnosis of ADR (ICD-10 Y40-59) were obtained and analysed. Further analysis for the year 2008–2009 was performed with regard to age, gender, proportion aged >65 yrs and total bed-days.

Results

Between 1999 and 2008, there were 557,978 ADR-associated admissions, representing 0.9% of total hospital admissions. Over this period the annual number of ADRs increased by 76.8% (from 42,453 to 75,076), and in-hospital mortality rate increased by 10% (from 4.3% to 4.7%). In 2008, there were 6,830,067 emergency admissions of which 75,076 (1.1%) were drug-related. Systemic agents were most commonly implicated (19.2%), followed by analgesics (13.3%) and cardiovascular drugs (12.9%).There has been a near two-fold increase in nephropathy and cardiovascular consequences secondary to drugs and a 6.8% fall in mental and behavioural disorders due to drugs.

Conclusions

ADRs have a major impact on public health. Our data suggest the number of ADR admissions has increased at a greater rate than the increase in total hospital admissions; some of this may be due to improved diagnostic coding. However, in-hospital mortality due to ADR admissions also increased during the period. Our findings should prompt policymakers to implement further measures to reduce ADR incidence and their associated in-hospital mortality, and methods to improve the recording of ADRs.