bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
4,4′-Bi(1H-pyrazol-2-ium) tetrachloridoaurate(III) chloride: a three-dimensional cationic cooperite-like framework with multiple pyrazolium–chloride hydrogen-bonding interactions
Authors: Domasevitch Konstantin V.
Published: June 2012

In the title compound, (C6H8N4)[AuCl4]Cl, the 4,4′-bi(1H-pyrazol-2-ium) dication, denoted [H2bpz]2+, is situated across a centre of inversion, the [AuCl4]−anion lies across a twofold axis passing through Cl—Au—Cl, and the Cl−anion resides on a twofold axis. Conventional N—H...Cl hydrogen bonding [N...Cl = 3.109 (3) and 3.127 (3) Å, and N—H...Cl = 151 and 155°] between [H2bpz]2+cations (square-planar node) and chloride anions (tetrahedral node), as complementary donors and acceptors of four hydrogen bonds, leads to a three-dimensional binodal four-connected framework with cooperite topology (three-letter notation pts). The framework contains channels along thecaxis housing one-dimensional stacks of square-planar [AuCl4]−anions [Au—Cl = 2.2895 (10)–2.2903 (16) Å; interanion Au...Cl contact = 3.489 (2) Å], which are excluded from primary hydrogen bonding with the [H2bpz]2+tectons.
Intermolecular C—H...O and C—H...Xinteractions in substituted spiroacenaphthylene structures
Authors: Suresh J. , Vishnupriya R. , Sivakumar S. , Kumar R. Ranjith , Athimoolam S.
Published: June 2012

In the three spiroacenaphthylene structures 5′′-[(E)-2,3-dichlorobenzylidene]-7′-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1′′-methyldispiro[acenaphthylene-1,5′-pyrrolo[1,2-c][1,3]thiazole-6′,3′′-piperidine]-2,4′′-dione, C35H26Cl4N2O2S, (I), 5′′-[(E)-4-fluorobenzylidene]-7′-(4-fluorophenyl)-1′′-methyldispiro[acenaphthylene-1,5′-pyrrolo[1,2-c][1,3]thiazole-6′,3′′-piperidine]-2,4′′-dione, C35H28F2N2O2S, (II), and 5′′-[(E)-4-bromobenzylidene]-7′-(4-bromophenyl)-1′′-methyldispiro[acenaphthylene-1,5′-pyrrolo[1,2-c][1,3]thiazole-6′,3′′-piperidine]-2,4′′-dione, C35H28Br2N2O2S, (III), the substituted aryl groups are 2,3-dichloro-, 4-fluoro- and 4-bromophenyl, respectively. The six-membered piperidine ring in all three structures adopts a half-chair conformation, the thiazolidine ring adopts a slightly twisted envelope and the pyrrolidine ring an envelope conformation; in each case, the C atom linking the rings is the flap atom. In all three structures, weak intramolecular C—H...O interactions are present. The crystal packing is stabilized through a number of intermolecular C—H...O and C—H...Xinteractions, whereX= Cl in (I) and F or S in (II), and C—H...O interactions are observed predominantly in (III). In all three structures, molecules are linked through centrosymmetric ring motifs, further tailored through a relay of C—H...X[Cl in (I), Br in (II) and O in (III)] interactions.
Reduction in deformed wing virus infection in larval and adult honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) by double‐stranded RNA ingestion
Authors: Desai S. D. , Eu Y.‐J. , Whyard S. , Currie R. W.
Published: June 2012

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a serious pathogen of the honey bee, Apis mellifera L., vectored by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. The virus is associated with wing deformity in symptomatic bees, and premature death and reduced colony performance in asymptomatic bees. In the present study we reduced DWV infection by feeding both first instar larvae and adult A. mellifera with a double‐stranded (ds) RNA construct, DWV‐dsRNA, which is specific to DWV in DWV‐inoculated bees, by mixing it with their food. We showed that feeding DWV to larvae causes wing deformity in adult bees in the absence of varroa mites and decreases survival rates of adult bees relative to bees not fed DWV. Feeding larvae with DWV‐dsRNA in advance of inoculation with virus reduced the DWV viral level and reduced wing deformity relative to larvae fed DWV or DWV with green fluorescent protein‐dsRNA (probably a result of RNA silencing), but did not affect survival to the adult stage. Feeding DWV‐dsRNA did not affect larval survival rates, which suggests that dsRNA is non‐toxic to larvae. Feeding adult workers with DWV‐dsRNA in advance of inoculation with virus increased their longevity and reduced DWV concentration relative to controls.
Differencing sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets frozen in different conditions by impedance measurements
Authors: Vidaček Sanja , Janči Tibor , Brdek Zdenka , Udovičić Doris , Marušić Nives , Medić Helga , Petrak Tomislav , Lacković Igor
Published: June 2012

The potential of electrical impedance was investigated to differentiate thawed sea bass fillets (Dicentrarchus labrax) previously subjected to different freezing conditions. The HP 4284A Precise LCR meter was used to measure impedance magnitude (|Z|) and phase (ϕ) at 27 frequencies from 0.1 to 1000 kHz. A needle‐type multi electrode array was tested as a probe for impedance measurements. The study showed that fast and non‐invasive control method based on measurement of ϕ on thawed fillets could assess the freezing conditions of white fish at higher frequencies of measurements (500–1000 kHz). The advantages of ϕ when compared with |Z| include its independence on temperature, on puncture depth of the probe and on duration of storage prior to freezing. Usage of a needle‐type multi electrode array reduced the effect of muscle tissue anisotropy; however, even at 1 MHz, the differences in electrical measurements varied around 10–11% depending on muscle fibre direction.
Comparison of proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles in wild, pond‐ and cage‐cultured longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris)
Authors: Wang Fei , Ma Xuzhou , Wang Wu , Liu Jiyuan
Published: June 2012

The proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles in the fillets of wild, pond‐ and cage‐cultured longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris) were determined to identify nutritional differences. Wild fish showed higher (P < 0.05) moisture and viscerosomatic index (VSI), but lower (P < 0.05) protein, ash and gross energy than cage‐cultured fish. Pond‐cultured fish contained lower (P < 0.05) protein and ash contents, but higher VSI compared to cage‐cultured fish. The amino acid of glycine content was higher (P < 0.05) in wild fish than in pond‐ and cage‐cultured fish. Most of the fatty acids had a significant difference among all fish groups. The percentages of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (∑ PUFAs) were higher (P < 0.05) in wild and pond‐cultured fish than in cage‐cultured fish. Pond‐cultured fish had higher (P < 0.05) ∑ n‐3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahxaenoic acid (DHA) and ∑ n‐3/∑ n‐6 PUFAs ratio than wild and cage‐cultured fish. The differences among the wild, pond‐ and cage‐cultured fish may be attributed to dietary components and environmental conditions of the fish.
Preparation of nano‐ZnO using sonication method and its antibacterial characteristics
Authors: Shi Lu‐E , Fang Xiu‐Juan , Zhang Zhi‐Liang , Zhou Ting , Jiang Dan , Wu Huan‐Huan , Tang Zhen‐Xing
Published: June 2012

The antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared by sonication method was evaluated in this paper. Effect of calcination conditions on the size and antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles was investigated. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were characterised for purity (Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer), crystallinity and crystal size (XRD), particle size and morphology (TEM), etc. Results showed that the smallest size 8 nm could be obtained. The lethal experiments of nanocrystalline zinc oxide were evaluated on Lactobacillus plantarum. All L. Plantarum were killed after 24‐h exposure at 1000 ppm. With the increase in calcination time, the lethal effect of ZnO nanoparticles was increased after 6‐h exposure at 100 or 1000 ppm.
The effects of extrusion conditions and the addition of volatile compounds and flavour enhancers to corn grits on the retention of the volatile compounds and texture of the extrudates
Authors: Conti‐Silva Ana C. , Bastos Deborah H. M. , Arêas José A. G.
Published: June 2012

Corn grits that were supplemented with isovaleraldehyde, ethyl butyrate, butyric acid and flavour enhancers were extruded under different processing conditions. Volatile compounds retained in the extrudates were isolated by dynamic headspace and analysed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The expansion ratio, density and cut force to break down the extrudates were evaluated and aroma intensity was assessed using a multisample difference test. Butyric acid showed the greatest retention (96.4%), regardless of the extrusion conditions. All compounds were better retained when samples were extruded at 20% feed moisture and 90 °C processing temperature (2.9–81.0%), conditions that also resulted in greater aromatic intensity (moderate to moderate‐strong intensity). The addition of volatile compounds reduced the expansion ratio and cut force, whereas the addition of flavour enhancers increased the expansion ratio but reduced ethyl butyrate and butyric acid retention.
Directed self‐regulated learning versus instructor‐regulated learning in simulation training
Authors: Brydges Ryan , Nair Parvathy , Ma Irene , Shanks David , Hatala Rose
Published: June 2012

Medical Education 2012:46:648–656

Objectives Simulation training offers opportunities for unsupervised, self‐regulated learning, yet little evidence is available to indicate the efficacy of this approach in the learning of procedural skills. We evaluated the effectiveness of directed self‐regulated learning (DSRL) and instructor‐regulated learning (IRL), respectively, for teaching lumbar puncture (LP) using simulation.

Methods We randomly assigned internal medicine residents in postgraduate year 1 to either DSRL (‘directed’ to progress from easy to difficult LP simulators during self‐regulated learning) or IRL (in groups of four led by an instructor). All participants practised for up to 50 minutes and completed a pre‐test, post‐test and delayed (by 3 months) retention test on the simulator. Pairs of blinded trained experts independently rated all videotaped performances using a validated global rating scale and a modified version of a validated checklist. Participants provided measures of LP experience and self‐reported confidence. We analysed the pre–post (n = 42) and pre–post–retention performance scores (n = 23) using two separate repeated‐measures analyses of variance (anovas) and computed Pearson correlation coefficients between participants’ confidence and performance scores.

Results Inter‐rater agreement was strong for both performance measures (intra‐class correlation coefficient > 0.81). The groups achieved similar pre‐test and post‐test scores (p > 0.05) and scores in both groups improved significantly from the pre‐ to the post‐test (p < 0.05). On retention, a significant interaction (F2,42 = 3.92, p = 0.03) suggests the DSRL group maintained its post‐test performance, whereas that in the IRL group dropped significantly (p < 0.05). Correlations between self‐reported confidence and post‐test performance were positive and significant for the DSRL group, and negative and non‐significant for the IRL group.

Conclusions Both IRL and DSRL led to improved LP performance immediately after practice. Whereas the IRL group’s skills declined after 3 months, the DSRL group’s performance was maintained, suggesting a potential long‐term benefit of this training. Participants in the DSRL group also developed a more accurate relationship between confidence and competence following practice. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of self‐regulated learning and its role in simulation contexts.
Antiparasitical chemotherapy in Chagas’ disease cardiomyopathy: current evidence
Authors: Matta Guedes Paulo Marcos , Gutierrez Fredy Roberto Salazar , Nascimento Manuela Sales Lima , Do‐Valle‐Matta Maria Adelaide , Silva João Santana
Published: June 2012

Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy affects 20% of Chagas’ disease patients. At present, Chagas’ disease chemotherapy uses nitrofurans, benznidazole (Rochagan®, Rodanil®, Roche) or nifurtimox (Lampit®, Bayer). Treatment during acute and recent chronic phases in childhood effects 71.5% and 57.6%, respectively, of parasitological cure. However, in clinical trials during the late chronic phase, only 5.9% of parasitological cure were achieved. This review focuses on the benefit from aetiological treatment to avoid, stop or revert myocarditis. Divergent data gathered from clinical practice are not convincing to support prescription of aetiological treatment as routine for indeterminate and cardiac chronic patients.
Suppression of adrenomedullin contributes to vascular leakage and altered epithelial repair during asthma
Authors: Hagner S. , Welz H. , Kicic A. , Alrifai M. , Marsh L. M. , Sutanto E. N. , Ling K.‐M. , Stick S. M. , Müller B. , Weissmann N. , Renz H.
Published: June 2012

Background

The anti‐inflammatory peptide, adrenomedullin (AM), and its cognate receptor are expressed in lung tissue, but its pathophysiological significance in airway inflammation is unknown.

Objectives

This study investigated whether allergen‐induced airway inflammation involves an impaired local AM response.

Methods

Airway AM expression was measured in acute and chronically sensitized mice following allergen inhalation and in airway epithelial cells of asthmatic and nonasthmatic patients. The effects of AM on experimental allergen‐induced airway inflammation and of AM on lung epithelial repair in vitro were investigated.

Results

Adrenomedullin mRNA levels were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in acute ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized mice after OVA challenge, by over 60% at 24 h and for up to 6 days. Similarly, reduced AM expression was observed in two models of chronic allergen‐induced inflammation, OVA‐ and house dust mite–sensitized mice. The reduced AM expression was restricted to airway epithelial and endothelial cells, while AM expression in alveolar macrophages was unaltered. Intranasal AM completely attenuated the OVA‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness and mucosal plasma leakage but had no effect on inflammatory cells or cytokines. The effects of inhaled AM were reversed by pre‐inhalation of the putative AM receptor antagonist, AM
(22‐52). AM mRNA levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in human asthmatic airway epithelial samples than in nonasthmatic controls. In vitro, AM dose‐dependently (10−11–10−7 M) accelerated experimental wound healing in human and mouse lung epithelial cell monolayers and stimulated epithelial cell migration.

Conclusion

Adrenomedullin suppression in TH
2‐related inflammation is of pathophysiological significance and represents loss of a factor that maintains tissue integrity during inflammation.
The antagonism of histamine H1 and H4 receptors ameliorates chronic allergic dermatitis via anti‐pruritic and anti‐inflammatory effects in NC/Nga mice
Authors: Ohsawa Y. , Hirasawa N.
Published: June 2012

Background

Although histamine H1 receptor (H1R) antagonists are commonly used to treat atopic dermatitis, the treatment is not always effective. The histamine H4 receptor (H4R) was recently described as important to the pruritus in dermatitis. Here, we investigated whether the combination of a H1R antagonist plus a H4R antagonist attenuates chronic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice.

Methods

Chronic dermatitis was developed by repeated challenges with picryl chloride on the dorsal back and ear lobes. The therapeutic effects of the H1R antagonist olopatadine and H4R antagonist JNJ7777120 on scratching and the severity of dermatitis were evaluated. In addition, the mechanisms responsible for the anti‐allergic effects of H1R and/or H4R antagonism were examined using bone marrow‐derived mast cells (BMMC) and keratinocytes.

Results

JNJ7777120 attenuated scratching behavior after a single administration and improved dermatitis, as assessed with clinical scores, pathology, and cytokine levels in skin lesions when administered repeatedly. These effects were augmented by combined treatment with olopatadine, having a similar therapeutic efficacy to prednisolone. JNJ7777120 inhibited dose‐dependently the production of thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine/CCL17 and macrophage‐derived chemokine/CCL22 from antigen‐stimulated BMMC. In addition, olopatadine reversed the histamine‐induced reduction of semaphorin 3A mRNA in keratinocytes.

Conclusion

Combined treatment with H1R and H4R antagonists may have a significant therapeutic effect on chronic dermatitis through the synergistic inhibition of pruritus and skin inflammation.
Multimodal exercise intervention improves frontal cognitive functions and gait in Alzheimer's disease: A controlled trial
Authors: Coelho Flávia Gomes de Melo , Andrade Larissa Pires , Pedroso Renata Valle , Santos‐Galduroz Ruth Ferreira , Gobbi Sebastião , Costa José Luiz Riani , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken
Published: June 2012

Aim:  The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of a multimodal exercise intervention on frontal cognitive functions and kinematic gait parameters in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Methods:  A sample of elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease (n = 27) were assigned to a training group (n = 14; aged 78.0 ± 7.3 years) and a control group (n = 13; aged 77.1 ± 7.4 years). Multimodal exercise intervention includes motor activities and cognitive tasks simultaneously. The participants attended a 1‐h session three times a week for 16 weeks, and the control participants maintained their regular daily activities during the same period. The frontal cognitive functions were evaluated using the Frontal Assessment Battery, the Clock Drawing Test and the Symbol Search Subtest. The kinematic parameters of gait‐cadence, stride length and stride speed were analyzed under two conditions: (i) free gait (single task); and (ii) gait with frontal cognitive task (walking and counting down from 20 – dual task).

Results and discussion:  The patients in the intervention group significantly increased the scores in frontal cognitive variables, Frontal Assessment Battery (P < 0.001) and Symbol Search Subtest (P < 0.001) after the 16‐week period. The control group decreased the scores in the Clock Drawing Test (P = 0.001) and increased the number of counting errors during the dual task (P = 0.008) after the same period.

Conclusion:  The multimodal exercise intervention improved the frontal cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 198–203.
Prosocial Values and Performance Management Theory: Linking Perceived Social Impact and Performance Information Use
Authors: MOYNIHAN DONALD P. , PANDEY SANJAY K. , WRIGHT BRADLEY E.
Published: June 2012

Performance management techniques are presented as control mechanisms to save money and hold bureaucrats accountable, consistent with negative agency theory assumptions of bureaucrats. We propose an alternative theory of performance management that rests on prosocial values. This theory argues that public servants who see the social impact of their work are more likely to use performance metrics. We operationalize performance information use in terms of purposeful use for internal organizational means, and political use for external legitimation. Those who perceive that their work has a strong social impact are likely to pursue both types of uses, to improve both the effectiveness of their services, and to maintain resources. The data come from a cross‐sectional survey of U.S. public and nonprofit employees.
“It's the Central Government's Fault”: Elected Regional Officials' Use of Blame‐Shifting Rhetoric
Authors: MORTENSEN PETER B.
Published: June 2012

This article investigates regional officials' use of blame‐shifting rhetoric in times of heated public criticism of unpopular regional policy decisions. Based on a content coding of nearly 500 political accounts from elected regional officials it is shown that “it's the central government's fault” is the most frequently used excuse when regional officials publicly defend unpopular decisions to cut public health care. The article finds that this excuse is used more by regional leaders (mayors and chairmen of regional boards) than by other elected officials and that partisan competition affects how often this excuse is used.
Technical efficiency of business administration courses: a simultaneous analysis using DEA and SFA
Authors: Miranda Rodrigo , Gramani Maria Cristina , Andrade Eduardo
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study is to contribute to the existing literature on the efficiency of higher education institutions. The technical efficiency of higher education has been mostly studied using methods such as data envelopment analysis and stochastic frontier analysis. Many researchers compare either the efficiency among public education institutions or among departments in a university by using variables that give equal importance to teaching and research. In this paper, both these methodologies are applied to measure the efficiency of higher education courses, especially the business administration courses offered by private for‐profit institutions that focus just on education and are located in the same geographical region. The variables selected covered the specific aspects of these courses and the results showed the complementarities of these two approaches.
Finding a better drug for epilepsy: Antiinflammatory targets
Authors: Dedeurwaerdere Stefanie , Friedman Alon , Fabene Paolo F. , Mazarati Andrèy , Murashima Yoshiya L. , Vezzani Annamaria , Baram Tallie Z.
Published: June 2012

This monograph summarizes one of the sessions of the XI Workshop on Neurobiology of Epilepsy (WONOEP), and provides a critical review of the current state of the field. Speakers and discussants focused on several broad topics: (1) the coexistence of inflammatory processes encompassing several distinct signal‐transduction pathways with the epileptogenic process; (2) evidence for the contribution of specific inflammatory molecules and processes to the onset and progression of epilepsy, as well as to epilepsy‐related morbidities including depression; (3) the complexity and intricate cross‐talk of the pathways involved in inflammation, and the discrete, often opposite roles of a given mediator in neurons versus other cell types. These complexities highlight the challenges confronting the field as it aims to define inflammatory molecules as promising targets for epilepsy prevention and treatment.
Widespread epileptic networks in focal epilepsies: EEG‐fMRI study
Authors: Fahoum Firas , Lopes Renaud , Pittau Francesca , Dubeau François , Gotman Jean
Published: June 2012

Purpose:  To assess the extent of brain involvement during focal epileptic activity, we studied patterns of cortical and subcortical metabolic changes coinciding with interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) using group analysis of simultaneous electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG‐fMRI) scans in patients with focal epilepsy.

Methods:  We selected patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE, n = 32), frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE, n = 14), and posterior quadrant epilepsy (PQE, n = 20) from our 3 Tesla EEG‐fMRI database. We applied group analysis upon the blood oxygen–level dependent (BOLD) response associated with focal IEDs.

Key Findings:  Patients with TLE and FLE showed activations and deactivations, whereas in PQE only deactivations occurred. In TLE and FLE, the largest activation was in the mid–cingulate gyri bilaterally. In FLE, activations were also found in the ipsilateral frontal operculum, thalamus, and internal capsule, and in the contralateral cerebellum, whereas in TLE, we found additional activations in the ipsilateral mesial and neocortical temporal regions, insula, and cerebellar cortex. All three groups showed deactivations in default mode network regions, the most widespread being in the TLE group, and less in PQE and FLE.

Significance:  These results indicate that different epileptic syndromes result in unique and widespread networks related to focal IEDs. Default mode regions are deactivated in response to focal discharges in all three groups with syndrome specific pattern. We conclude that focal IEDs are associated with specific networks of widespread metabolic changes that may cause more substantial disturbance to brain function than might be appreciated from the focal nature of the scalp EEG discharges.
Simultaneous BOLD fMRI and local field potential measurements during kainic acid–induced seizures
Authors: Airaksinen Antti M. , Hekmatyar Shahryar K. , Jerome Neil , Niskanen Juha‐Pekka , Huttunen Joanna K. , Pitkänen Asla , Kauppinen Risto A. , Gröhn Olli H.
Published: June 2012

Purpose:  To investigate how kainic acid–induced epileptiform activity is related to hemodynamic changes probed by blood oxygenation level–dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD fMRI).

Methods:  Epileptiform activity was induced with kainic acid (KA) (10 mg/kg, i.p.), and simultaneous fMRI at 7 Tesla, and deep electrode local field potential (LFP) recordings were performed from the right hippocampus in awake and medetomidine‐sedated adult Wistar rats.

Key Findings:  Recurrent seizure activity induced by KA was detected in LFP both in medetomidine‐sedated and awake rats, even though medetomidine sedation reduced the mean duration of individual seizures as compared to awake rats (33 ± 24 and 46 ± 34 s, respectively, mean ± SD p < 0.01). KA administration also triggered robust positive BOLD responses bilaterally in the hippocampus both in awake and medetomidine‐sedated rats; however, in both animal groups some of the seizures detected in LFP recording did not cause detectable BOLD signal change.

Significance:  Our data suggest that medetomidine sedation can be used for simultaneous fMRI and electrophysiologic studies of normal and epileptic brain function, even though seizure duration after medetomidine administration was shorter than that in awake animals. The results also indicate that neuronal activity and BOLD response can become decoupled during recurrent kainic acid–induced seizures, which may have implications to interpretation of fMRI data obtained during prolonged epileptiform activity.
Predicting Alzheimer's Disease: Neuropsychological Tests, Self‐Reports, and Informant Reports of Cognitive Difficulties
Authors: Rabin Laura A. , Wang Cuiling , Katz Mindy J. , Derby Carol A. , Buschke Herman , Lipton Richard B.
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To investigate the independent and combined contributions to the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) of three important domains of cognitive assessment: neuropsychological measurement, self‐reports, and informant reports.

Design

Longitudinal, community‐based sample.

Setting

Einstein Aging Study.

Participants

Six hundred twenty‐seven individuals without dementia aged 70 and older systematically recruited from the Bronx, New York.

Measurements

Comprehensive assessment included neurological examination, behavioral questions, and neuropsychological testing. AD diagnoses were based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria assigned at a multidisciplinary consensus case conference. The major statistical analyses used Cox proportional hazards models (with age as the time scale) adjusted for sex, education, and depressive symptoms.

Results

Forty‐eight participants developed incident AD during a median of 3.3 years of follow‐up. Self‐ and informant reports of cognitive status and baseline scores on tests of episodic memory and psychomotor speed predicted the onset of AD, but in models examining all the variables simultaneously, only the episodic memory tests and informant reports were associated with risk of AD. A likelihood ratio test confirmed the incremental effect of informant reports in addition to the neuropsychological test scores (P = .03).

Conclusion

Informant ratings improved the prediction of AD conversion in addition to objective memory impairment in older adults without dementia. Combining these cognitive measures may provide a useful, empirical method for identifying individuals at high risk of future AD.
Effect of Patient Perceptions on Dementia Screening in Primary Care
Authors: Fowler Nicole R. , Boustani Malaz A. , Frame Amie , Perkins Anthony J. , Monahan Patrick , Gao Sujuan , Sachs Greg A. , Hendrie Hugh C.
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To determine individuals’ perceptions concerning dementia screening and to evaluate the possibility of an association between their perceptions and their willingness to undergo screening.

Design

Cross‐sectional study of primary care patients aged 65 and older.

Setting

Urban primary care clinics in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2008 to 2009.

Participants

Five hundred fifty‐four primary care patients without a documented diagnosis of dementia.

Measurements

The Perceptions Regarding Investigational Screening for Memory in Primary Care Questionnaire (PRISM‐PC) and agreement or refusal to undergo dementia screening.

Results

Of the 554 study participants who completed the PRISM‐PC, 65.5% were aged 70 and older, 70.0% were female, and 56.5% were African American; 57 (10.3%) refused screening for dementia. Of the 497 (89.7%) who agreed to screening, 63 (12.7%) screened positive. After adjusting for age, perception of depression screening, perception of colon cancer screening, and belief that no treatment is currently available for Alzheimer's disease, the odds of refusing screening were significantly lower in participants who had higher PRISM‐PC domain scores for benefits of dementia screening (odds ratio (OR) = 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.75–0.97; P = .02). In the same regression model, the odds of refusing screening were significantly higher in participants aged 70 to 74 (OR = 5.65, 95% CI = 2.27–14.09; P < .001) and those aged 75 to 79 (OR = 3.63, 95% CI = 1.32–9.99; P = .01) than in the reference group of patients aged 65 to 69.

Conclusion

Age and perceived benefit of screening are associated with acceptance of dementia screening in primary care.
Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) Commercialization: Health Aspects, Composition, Properties, and Food Applications
Authors: Sánchez‐Zapata Elena , Fernández‐López Juana , Angel Pérez‐Alvarez José
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) is a weed plant (yellow nut sedge) of tropical and Mediterranean regions. Its sweet almond‐like tubers are highly appreciated for their health benefits and nutritive value: high content of fiber, proteins, and sugars. They are rich in oleic acid and glucose, as well as in phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins C and E. In Spain, these tuberous “nuts” are mainly used to manufacture a milky beverage called “horchata de chufa.” Tiger nut has attracted very little scientific and technological interest, except for the production of “horchata de chufa” and some studies on its oil. Development of new products from the tubers could enhance more interest in this crop. In this respect, various opportunities are offered: source of dietary fiber, use of its oil in cooking or salad preparation, production of caramel to be used as a food additive. This review presents an overview of the tiger nut, its products, and the co‐products obtained during commercial processing.
Walking in Sacred Spaces in the Therapeutic Bond: Therapists' Experiences of Compassion Satisfaction Coupled with the Potential for Vicarious Traumatization
Authors: Hunter Sally V.
Published: June 2012

The therapeutic bond is at the heart of effective therapy, yet few studies have examined therapists' experience of this bond. Using a qualitative study design, this exploratory study examines the experiences of couple and family therapists in relation to their perceptions of the satisfactions and risks involved in the therapeutic bond. The research was conducted using grounded theory methodology and eight in‐depth interviews were conducted with therapists working in five counseling agencies in Sydney, Australia. Therapists described the importance of the 3 component parts of the therapeutic bond: the empathic connection between therapist and client; the role investment of the client; and the mutual affirmation experienced by both therapist and client in the therapeutic process. Walking in sacred spaces with the client was seen as both enriching and challenging for the therapist. The therapeutic bond gave therapists intense satisfaction and posed risks for them, especially when working with traumatic client experiences. However, the findings suggest that the experience of compassion satisfaction and the development of vicarious resilience counter‐balanced the intense difficulty of bearing witness to clients' traumatic experiences and the potential for vicarious traumatization. The implications for sustaining couple and family therapists in their work are discussed.
Speaking of Privilege: Family Therapy Educators’ Journeys toward Awareness and Compassionate Action
Authors: Hernandez‐Wolfe Pilar , McDowell Teresa
Published: June 2012

This study explores how family therapy educators from privileged social locations understand issues of privilege and the process by which they integrate their personal and professional journeys to create and model equity in family therapy training and professional development. These educators developed awareness about issues of privilege and oppression and owned their privilege. Increased awareness involved personal struggles with guilt and managing internalized voices of prejudice that are constantly reinforced in society. These educators adopted a stance of action and accountability for equity. We hypothesize that the process leading to owning one's privilege involves the ability to be compassionate for others’ suffering and one's own limitations.
Staged Discovery and the Politics of Maya Hieroglyphic Things
Authors: Watson Matthew C.
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT Anthropologists of science conventionally examine the cultural politics of natural sciences. However, historical and social sciences also have cultural contexts and consequences. This article extends science studies to public engagement with Maya hieroglyphic decipherment. In the 1970s several scholars claimed to discover Maya hieroglyphs’ grammatical structure. Linda Schele popularized decipherment through sites including the Maya Meetings, public workshops at the University of Texas–Austin. As archaeologists and competing camps of hieroglyph experts challenged Schele and her colleagues’ interpretations, the Maya Meetings established a public of witnesses committed to these experts’ claims. The Maya Meetings cultivated assent through highly regulated practices enabling participants to imagine that they independently confirmed decipherments. Public engagement bolstered experts’ problematic claims to have imparted “voice” and “history” to the ancient Maya by transforming this complex medium into writing. I show how such public engagement did not simply democratize knowledge production and intensified hierarchies within Maya studies. [public science, Maya hieroglyphs, witnessing, anthropology of science]

RESUMEN Los antropólogos de la ciencia examinan la política cultural de las ciencias naturales. Sin embargo, las ciencias históricas y sociales también tienen contextos culturales. Este ensayo amplia los estudios culturales de la ciencia a la participación del público en el desciframiento de los jeroglíficos mayas. Durante la década de 1970, unos expertos pretendieron haber descubierto la estructura gramatical de los jeroglíficos. Linda Schele popularizó las técnicas de desciframiento a través de talleres públicos en la Universidad de Texas–Austin. Mientras unos arqueólogos y campos de epigrafistas dasafiaron el desciframiento, los talleres establecieron un público de testigos comprometidos con estos expertos. Los talleres permitieron a los participantes que imaginaran que habían confirmado los desciframientos. La participación pública reforzó los reclamos problemáticos de expertos que habian impartado “voz” e “historia” a los antiguos mayas. Muestro cómo la participación pública no democratizó la producción de conocimiento y intensificó jerarquías en los estudios mayas.
Characterization and immunosuppressive properties of mesenchymal stem cells from periapical lesions
Authors: Đokić Jelena , Tomić Sergej , Cerović Snežana , Todorović Vera , Rudolf Rebeka , Čolić Miodrag
Published: June 2012

Aim

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from healthy dental tissues are being investigated as an alternative source of MSCs for the treatment of damaged tissues and inflammatory diseases. Here we investigated whether MSCs from periapical lesions (PL‐MSCs) also possess multi‐lineage differentiation capacity and immunomodulatory properties.

Material & Methods

PL‐MSCs, isolated by collagenase/DNAse digestion from surgically extracted PLs, were compared with MSCs from non‐inflamed dental pulp (DP‐MSCs) and dental follicle (DF‐MSCs) for their phenotype and multi‐potent differentiation potential. The anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of PL‐MSCs were studied in co‐culture with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB‐MNCs) and PL‐inflammatory cells (PL‐ICs).

Results

PL‐MSCs were characterized by typical MSCs phenotype, lower clonogenicity and self‐renewal rate, compared to DF‐MSCs and DP‐MSCs. These cells possess the potential to differentiate into adipocyte‐, osteoblast‐ and chondrocyte‐like cells in vitro, which differs from that of DP‐MSCs and DF‐MSCs. PL‐MSCs inhibited phytohemaglutinine‐induced proliferation of PB‐MNCs and production of IL‐2, IFNγ and IL‐5 in the co‐culture, probably via TGF‐β‐dependent mechanisms. These cells also suppressed the production of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α by PL‐ICs via soluble mediators, whereas the suppression of IL‐8 production required a direct cell‐to‐cell contact.

Conclusion

The differentiation potential of PL‐MSCs and their immunosuppressive/anti‐inflammatory properties could be beneficial for the treatment of chronic periodontal diseases.
Continuing dental education in the treatment of dental avulsion: Polish dentists’ knowledge of the current IADT guidelines
Authors: Baginska J. , Wilczynska‐Borawska M.
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To evaluate the knowledge and experience of the treatment of avulsed teeth amongst Polish dentists 5 years after the publication of IADT guidelines.

Methods

On the basis of IADT guidelines, a voluntary anonymous 12‐item questionnaire was developed to evaluate dentists’ knowledge on the treatment of avulsed teeth. The survey was conducted during three continuing education courses, which took place in Bialystok, Poland and covered 133 dentists. Data were analysed with Statistica 6.0 using Mann–Withney U‐ and Kruskal–Wallis tests (P < 0.05).

Results

The study revealed that Polish dentists were not prepared to deal with dental avulsion. 63.2% of respondents have never treated such patients, and 68.45% have never attended any postgraduate course on dental trauma. Sufficient knowledge was presented only according to the way of cleaning a contaminated tooth. Lack of knowledge was observed in fields: method of choice in first aid in dental avulsion (23.3% of correct answers) and critical extra‐oral dry time (26.3%). Dentists practising <10 years had better knowledge than those with greater experience (P = 0.0000). Gender, previous experience in the treatment of avulsion, postgraduate education in dental trauma and subjective knowledge assessment were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

There is a gap in the system of continuing dental education in Poland. Polish dentists need to familiarise themselves with the avulsion management procedures.
Developmental neurotoxicity testing: A path forward
Authors: Crofton Kevin M. , Mundy William R. , Shafer Timothy J.
Published: June 2012

Great progress has been made over the past 40 years in understanding the hazards of exposure to a small number of developmental neurotoxicants. Lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, and methylmercury are all good examples of science‐based approaches to characterizing the hazard to the developing nervous systems from environmental contaminants. However, very little effort has been spent to address the challenge of assessing the potential developmental neurotoxic hazard of the thousands of other chemicals in common commercial use. The extensive time, financial and animal resource requirements for current regulatory testing guideline methods make this an untenable solution to this challenge. A new testing paradigm is needed that uses time and cost‐efficient methods to screen large numbers of chemicals for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). In silico models are needed to provide rapid chemical structure‐based screening. In vitro techniques are being developed to provide rapid and efficient testing in cell‐free and cell‐based systems. In addition, the use of alternative species, such as zebrafish, will provide efficient models for testing the effects of chemicals in organisms with intact developing nervous systems. Finally, these methods and models need to be used in an integrated fashion to provide the data needs for hazard assessment in a manner that is problem‐driven and cost‐efficient. This paper summarizes discussions on these issues from the symposium ‘Developmental neurotoxicity testing: Scientific approaches towards the next generation to protecting the developing nervous system of children’ held at the 2011 annual meeting of the Japanese Teratology Society.
Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Experimental Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lees Jennifer S. , Sena Emily S. , Egan Kieren J. , Antonic Ana , Koblar Simon A. , Howells David W. , Macleod Malcolm R.
Published: June 2012

Stem cell therapy holds great promise in medicine, but clinical development should be based on a sound understanding of potential weaknesses in supporting experimental data. The aim of this article was to provide a systematic overview of evidence relating to the efficacy of stem cell-based therapies in animal models of stroke to foster the clinical application of stem cell-based therapies and to inform the design of large-scale clinical trials. We conducted a systematic search for reports of experiments using stem cells in animal models of cerebral ischaemia, and performed DerSimmonian and Laird random effects meta-analysis. We assessed the impact of study characteristics, of publication bias and of measures to reduce bias. We identified 6059 publications, 117 met our prespecified inclusion criteria. One hundred eighty-seven experiments using 2332 animals described changes in structural outcome and 192 experiments using 2704 animals described changes in functional outcome. Median study quality score was 4 (interquartile range 3 to 6) and less than half of studies reported randomization or blinded outcome assessment; only three studies reported a sample size calculation. Nonrandomized studies gave significantly higher estimates of improvement in structural outcome, and there was evidence of a significant publication bias. For structural outcome autologous (i.e. self-derived) stem cells were more effective than allogeneic (donor-derived) cells, but for functional outcome, the reverse was true. A significant dose–response relationship was observed only for structural outcome. For structural outcome, there was an absolute reduction in efficacy of 1.5% (−2.4 to −0.6) for each days delay to treatment; functional outcome was independent of the time of administration. While stem cells appear to be of some benefit in animal models of stroke the internal and external validity of this literature is potentially confounded by poor study quality and by publication bias. The clinical development of stem cell-based therapies, in stroke and elsewhere, should acknowledge these potential weaknesses in the supporting animal data.
Detection rates of proximal or large serrated polyps in Chinese patients undergoing screening colonoscopy
Authors: LEUNG Wai K. , TANG Vera , LUI Philip C W.
Published: June 2012

Objective

The aim was to determine the detection rates and characteristics of large or proximal serrated polyps in Chinese patients undergoing screening colonoscopy.

Methods

Consecutive screening colonoscopies performed between 2008 and 2011 were analyzed. Serrated polyps consisted of all hyperplastic polyps, sessile serrated adenomas and traditional serrated adenomas. Large serrated polyps were defined as serrated polyps with a diameter ≥ 10 mm. Lesions proximal to the descending colon were considered as proximal lesions. Advanced neoplasia included invasive adenocarcinomas, adenomas with high grade dysplasia, adenomas with any villous histology and tubular adenomas ≥ 10 mm.

Results

In total, 1282 colonoscopies were included. The detection rates for adenoma, advanced neoplasia, proximal serrated polyps and large serrated polyps were 26.1%, 10.5%, 7.2% and 2.3%, respectively. There was a significant association between synchronous advanced neoplasia and large serrated polyps (P = 0.002) or proximal serrated polyps (P = 0.013). Age ≥ 55 years (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.8) and the presence of advanced neoplasia (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0–3.1) were significantly associated with the presence of large or proximal serrated polyps. Males had more advanced neoplasia (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4–2.9), but not more large or proximal serrated polyps, than females.

Conclusions

Large and proximal serrated polyps were detected in 2.3% and 7.2% of Chinese patients undergoing screening colonoscopies, respectively. Individuals with large or proximal serrated polyps have a higher risk of synchronous advanced neoplasia.
Clinical staging model applied to young people presenting with social anxiety
Authors: Clarke Patrick J.F. , Hickie Ian B. , Scott Elizabeth , Guastella Adam J.
Published: June 2012

Aim: Although the use of illness‐staging models in clinical medicine has proved particularly useful, the concept has not been widely applied in mental health. Here, we apply a clinical staging framework to a population of help‐seeking young people presenting with social anxiety. The goal was to provide a detailed description of common clinical stage of those presenting for treatment of social anxiety, and to delineate the associations between symptom type, severity and clinical stage.

Methods: The results of a structured clinical interview along with background clinical information formed the basis for consensus‐derived decisions regarding clinical stage. Subjects also completed self‐report measures to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms. Comparisons were conducted largely between those subjects who were considered to have reached a critical clinical threshold for discrete or progressive disorders (i.e. those staged at two and beyond) and those with ‘attenuated syndromes’ (stage 1b – 69% of subjects).

Results: One hundred forty‐three subjects (63% male, mean age = 22.1 years) were clinically assessed prior to entry into active treatment programmes. Subjects assigned to stage two or above reported more psychological distress, higher depression scores and more alcohol use. However, these subjects did not report more severe anxiety symptoms. A higher incidence of substance misuse was a significant feature of those in later clinical stages.

Conclusions: The study suggests that those who present with social anxiety are characterized by a broad range of symptom severity, with a small, though significant proportion representing individuals whose mental health problems have already progressed to a stage characterized by greater co‐morbidity and risk of chronicity. Our data specifically suggest that depressive symptoms and substance abuse/dependence may differentiate those in earlier and later clinical stages.
Access to information: An asset for democracy or ammunition for political conflict, or both?
Authors: Gingras Anne‐Marie
Published: June 2012

More than twenty‐five years after its adoption, the Access to Information Act has become increasingly a cause for concern among public servants, experts, scientists and the media. This article reviews the evolution of the access‐to‐information regime since the 1980s, the issues that have arisen, the political significance of information in democracy, and the enduring tension between its democratic purpose and strategic value. The article also examines the issues of centralization, control and secrecy within the state apparatus despite continuing calls for transparency. Under Conservative governments since 2006, there has been increased control and conflict over disclosure of information, which have spread to a larger part of the state apparatus. Among those involved in conflicts over information with the Prime Minister's Office are members and officers of Parliament and parliamentary committees.