bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arab/Jewish Intergroup Dialogue Courses
Authors: Dessel Adrienne B. , Ali Noor
Published: August 2012

Tensions emanating from the Israeli/Palestinian conflict lead to misunderstanding, segregation, and conflict between Arab and Jewish students on U.S. college campuses. Teaching about this conflict presents particular challenges for faculty and student affairs staff. This study uses a participatory action research method that engages Arab and Jewish students in understanding and changing issues of concern to their own campus communities. A qualitative analysis of the final papers and interviews from the students in Arab/Jewish intergroup dialogue courses indicated that the students had different pre-perceptions of each other, experienced conflict and strong emotions in the dialogue, and reported outcomes that progressed from the development of communication and listening skills to critical self-reflection, perspective-taking and empathy, development of friendships, and action for social change. The students continued to struggle with understanding each other and maintaining relationships. Recommendations for pedagogy and research are discussed in this article.
Using the Associative Imagery Technique in Qualitative Health Research
Authors: Gong Fang , Castaneda Diego , Zhang Xu , Stock Laura , Ayala Linda , Baron Sherry
Published: August 2012

The associative imagery technique is a qualitative tool with which researchers use carefully selected photographs or images to trigger participants’ responses to explain difficult behavioral and social concepts. In this article, we describe the development and implementation of the associative imagery method in focus groups to understand the complex relationships between homecare workers and their clients as part of a larger health and safety intervention project conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. A total of 116 homecare workers and clients were recruited for the study. We found that participants used images mainly in two ways. First, the images served to remind participants of specific persons, events, and/or objects. Second, the images facilitated recollections and reflections that allowed participants to metaphorically describe their experiences, feelings, and emotions. Both usages of imagery generated comments that answered the research question in a more relevant, descriptive, and vivid way.
Physicochemical and sensory properties of yogurt enriched with microencapsulated fish oil
Authors: Tamjidi F , Nasirpour A , Shahedi M
Published: August 2012

Encapsulation of marine omega-3 oil by complex coacervation technique has been introduced as most effective approach to delay its oxidation and extend shelf life of ω3-enriched food products. Therefore, to produce enriched yogurt, fish oil containing long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was microencapsulated in complex coacervates of gelatin/acacia gum. Then, the microcapsules were dried and their surface oil was extracted. Set yogurt was prepared by enriched milk with microcapsules powder. Physicochemical and sensory properties of enriched yogurt were measured during 21 days storage. Acidity, apparent viscosity and water holding capacity of enriched samples were higher and gel strength and amount of whey separation were lower compared to the control. The enriched yogurt samples were more yellowish compared to control. The peroxide value of free and encapsulated fish oil in enriched yogurt samples, after 22 days storage, were increased to 72% and 260%, respectively. Fish oil release of microcapsules was not detected by gas chromatography in extracted oil from enriched yogurt. Sensory results showed that untrained panelists evaluated overall acceptance of enriched yogurt with treated-fish oil microcapsules by lime juice as ‘neither liked nor disliked to slightly liked’.
Is There a Link Between Motor Performance Variability and Social-Communicative Impairment in Children With ADHD-CT
Authors: Papadopoulos Nicole , Rinehart Nicole J. , Bradshaw John L. , Taffe John , McGinley Jennifer
Published: August 2012

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between motor performance and social-communicative impairment in children with ADHD-combined type (ADHD-CT). Method: An upper limb Fitts’ aiming task was used as a measure of motor performance and the Social Responsiveness Scale as a measure of social-communicative/autistic impairment in the following groups: ADHD-CT ( n = 11) and typically developing (TD) controls ( n = 10). Results: Children with ADHD-CT displayed greater variability in their movements, reflected in increased error variance over repeated aiming trials compared with TD controls. Motor performance variability was associated with social-communicative deficits in the ADHD-CT but not in the TD group. Conclusion: Social-communicative impairments further complicate the clinical picture of ADHD-CT; therefore, further research in this area is warranted to ascertain whether a particular pattern of motor disturbance in children with ADHD-CT may be clinically useful in identifying and assessing children with a more complex ADHD presentation.
Qualitative findings in a long-term disordered eating prevention programme follow-up with school-going girls
Authors: González Marcela L. , Mora Marisol , Penelo Eva , Goddard Elizabeth , Treasure Janet , Raich Rosa M.
Published: August 2012

The assessment of eating disorder prevention-programmes has mainly been addressed quantitatively excluding complexity that may improve prevention. We compared perceptions of eating, female and male aesthetic-models, media influences, prevention-programmes and emerging topics among 12 young females who received a media literacy programme ( N = 4), media literacy plus nutrition awareness programme ( N = 4) or were assigned to a control condition ( N = 4). Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis highlighted ego-syntonic eating-patterns and signs of internalization of the thin ideal. Findings provide invaluable and rich information to improve future iterations of the programme.
Belief, emotion, and health: Toward an integrative account. Commentary on John Cromby’s ‘Beyond belief’
Authors: Sundararajan Louise
Published: August 2012

This commentary identifies in Cromby’s formulation of belief the potentials for developing three innovative approaches to belief systems: emotion as meaning, cognition as dialogue, and an aesthetic model of meaning making based on Susanne Langer’s integrative approach to feeling and form. It is argued that the semiotics of Charles Sanders Peirce can help to weave these threads into an integrative theory to shed some light on the connection between belief, emotion, and health.
Modeling the adoption and use of social media by nonprofit organizations
Authors: Nah Seungahn , Saxton Gregory D.
Published: August 2012

This study examines what drives organizational adoption and use of social media through a model built around four key factors – strategy, capacity, governance and environment. Using Twitter, Facebook, and other data on 100 large US nonprofit organizations, the model is employed to examine the determinants of three key facets of social media utilization: (1) adoption, (2) frequency of use and (3) dialogue. We find that organizational strategies, capacities, governance features and external pressures all play a part in these social media adoption and utilization outcomes. Through its integrated, multi-disciplinary theoretical perspective, this study thus helps foster understanding of which types of organizations are able and willing to adopt and juggle multiple social media accounts, to use those accounts to communicate more frequently with their external publics, and to build relationships with those publics through the sending of dialogic messages.
Transformative agency and desistance from crime
Authors: King Sam
Published: August 2012

This article provides a discussion of human agency, conceptualized as a transformative aspect of desistance from crime. It is argued here that existing conceptualizations of agency are vague or underexplored, and that a framework based upon the work of Emirbayer and Mische (1998) offers a more comprehensive overview of the manner in which individuals approach desistance. This follows other recent work (for example, Paternoster and Bushway, 2009), in arguing that desistance involves the envisioning of an alternative future identity, and that this is one aspect of agency in the desistance process. However, it is argued here that the deployment of such agency is conditioned by social context and that this delimits the range of future possibilities available. This is illustrated with two cases as examples from recent research in this area.
A successful treatment strategy for clozapine-induced parotid swelling: a clinical case and systematic review
Authors: Immadisetty Vyasa , Agrawal Pradeep
Published: August 2012

Parotid gland swelling is a less frequently reported side effect of clozapine and has no licensed treatment. A 58-year-old man treated with clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia developed bilateral painful parotid swellings and hypersalivation. Initial trials of dose alteration and antihypersalivatory medication had limited success. A combination of benzatropine and terazosin was successful in treating the parotid hyperplasia. Clozapine was the probable cause of parotid swelling in our case, as established using the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale and World Health Organization causality categories. Literature for treatments of clozapine-induced parotid gland swellings was reviewed. None of the published articles suggested a treatment regimen for clozapine-induced parotid hyperplasia. Most reports only highlighted the occurrence of salivary gland swelling with clozapine. Others mentioned management strategies, which included spontaneous resolution, or resolution on discontinuing clozapine. One report, a trial with benzatropine and ipratropium, had variable success. In this case the re-emergence of parotid swelling when terazosin and benzatropine doses were missed followed by a quick resolution upon recompliance, goes some way in proving that this combination is indeed effective. The combination of terazosin and benzatropine appears to have a role in treating parotid gland swellings induced by clozapine.
Mods and Rockers, Drunken Debutants, and Sozzled Students
Authors: Thompson Bill , Greek Cecil
Published: August 2012

Over the last decade, moral panic theory has affected a paradigm shift in the social construction of deviance and social problems in the United States, without any real debate about its viability. This article raises key questions about this perspective by offering the first ever critique of the seminal case study of British youth subcultures on which the paradigm is based. It argues that when analyzed in the context of contemporary criticism of vandalism, hooliganism, and delinquency, the Mods and Rockers case study never justified Cohen’s original criteria for a moral panic.
Induction of functional platelets from mouse and human fibroblasts by p45NF-E2/Maf
Authors: Ono Yukako , Wang Yuhuan , Suzuki Hidenori , Okamoto Shinichiro , Ikeda Yasuo , Murata Mitsuru , Poncz Mortimer , Matsubara Yumiko
Published: August 2012

Determinant factors leading from stem cells to megakaryocytes (MKs) and subsequently platelets have yet to be identified. We now report that a combination of nuclear factor erythroid–derived 2 p45 unit (p45NF-E2), Maf G, and Maf K can convert mouse fibroblast 3T3 cells and adult human dermal fibroblasts into MKs. To screen MK-inducing factors, gene expressions were compared between 3T3 cells that do not differentiate into MKs and 3T3-L1 cells known to differentiate into MKs. 3T3 cells transfected with candidate factors were cultured in a defined MK lineage induction medium. Among the tested factors, transfection with p45NF-E2/MafG/MafK lead to the highest frequency of CD41-positive cells. Adult human dermal fibroblasts transfected with these genes were cultured in MK lineage induction medium. Cultured cells had megakaryocytic features, including surface markers, ploidy, and morphology. More than 90% of MK-sized cells expressed CD41, designated induced MK (iMK). Infusion of these iMK cells into immunodeficient mice led to a time-dependent appearance of CD41-positive, platelet-sized particles. Blood samples from iMK-infused into thrombocytopenic immunodeficient mice were perfused on a collagen-coated chip, and human CD41-positive platelets were incorporated into thrombi on the chip, demonstrating their functionality. These findings demonstrate that a combination of p45NF-E2, Maf G, and Maf K is a key determinant of both megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis.
The murine allantois: a model system for the study of blood vessel formation
Authors: Arora Ripla , Papaioannou Virginia E.
Published: August 2012

The allantois is the embryonic precursor of the umbilical cord in mammals and is one of several embryonic regions, including the yolk sac and dorsal aorta, that undergoes vasculogenesis, the de novo formation of blood vessels. Despite its importance in establishing the chorioallantoic placenta and umbilical circulation, the allantois frequently is overlooked in embryologic studies. Nonetheless, recent studies demonstrate that vasculogenesis, vascular remodeling, and angiogenesis are essential allantois functions in the establishment of the chorioallantoic placenta. Here, we review blood vessel formation in the murine allantois, highlighting the expression of genes and involvement of pathways common to vasculogenesis or angiogenesis in other parts of the embryo. We discuss experimental techniques available for manipulation of the allantois that are unavailable for yolk sac or dorsal aorta, and review how this system has been used as a model system to discover new genes and mechanisms involved in vessel formation. Finally, we discuss the potential of the allantois as a model system to provide insights into disease and therapeutics.
Selective extracellular vesicle-mediated export of an overlapping set of microRNAs from multiple cell types
Authors: Guduric-Fuchs Jasenka , O’Connor Anna , Camp Bailey , O'Neill Christina L , Medina Reinhold J , Simpson David A
Published: August 2012

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNA molecules that regulate expression of specific mRNA targets. They can be released from cells, often encapsulated within extracellular vesicles (EVs), and therefore have the potential to mediate intercellular communication. It has been suggested that certain miRNAs may be selectively exported, although the mechanism has yet to be identified. Manipulation of the miRNA content of EVs will be important for future therapeutic applications. We therefore wished to assess which endogenous miRNAs are enriched in EVs and how effectively an overexpressed miRNA would be exported.

Results

Small RNA libraries from HEK293T cells and vesicles before or after transfection with a vector for miR-146a overexpression were analysed by deep sequencing. A subset of miRNAs was found to be enriched in EVs; pathway analysis of their predicted target genes suggests a potential role in regulation of endocytosis. RT-qPCR in additional cell types and analysis of publicly available data revealed that many of these miRNAs tend to be widely preferentially exported. Whilst overexpressed miR-146a was highly enriched both in transfected cells and their EVs, the cellular:EV ratios of endogenous miRNAs were not grossly altered. MiR-451 was consistently the most highly exported miRNA in many different cell types. Intriguingly, Argonaute2 (Ago2) is required for miR-451 maturation and knock out of Ago2 has been shown to decrease expression of other preferentially exported miRNAs (eg miR-150 and miR-142-3p).

Conclusion

The global expression data provided by deep sequencing confirms that specific miRNAs are enriched in EVs released by HEK293T cells. Observation of similar patterns in a range of cell types suggests that a common mechanism for selective miRNA export may exist.
Profiling the resting venom gland of the scorpion Tityus stigmurus through a transcriptomic survey
Authors: Almeida Diego D , Scortecci Katia C , Kobashi Leonardo S , Agnez-Lima Lucymara F , Medeiros Silvia R B , Silva-Junior Arnóbio A , Junqueira-de-Azevedo Inácio de L M , Fernandes-Pedrosa Matheus de F
Published: August 2012

Background

The scorpion Tityus stigmurus is widely distributed in Northeastern Brazil and known to cause severe human envenoming, inducing pain, hyposthesia, edema, erythema, paresthesia, headaches and vomiting. The present study uses a transcriptomic approach to characterize the gene expression profile from the non-stimulated venom gland of Tityus stigmurus scorpion.

Results

A cDNA library was constructed and 540 clones were sequenced and grouped into 153 clusters, with one or more ESTs (expressed sequence tags). Forty-one percent of ESTs belong to recognized toxin-coding sequences, with transcripts encoding antimicrobial toxins (AMP-like) being the most abundant, followed by alfa KTx- like, beta KTx-like, beta NaTx-like and alfa NaTx-like. Our analysis indicated that 34% of the transcripts encode “other possible venom molecules”, which correspond to anionic peptides, hypothetical secreted peptides, metalloproteinases, cystein-rich peptides and lectins. Fifteen percent of ESTs are similar to cellular transcripts. Sequences without good matches corresponded to 11%.

Conclusions

This investigation provides the first global view of gene expression of the venom gland from Tityus stigmurus under resting conditions. This approach enables characterization of a large number of venom gland component molecules, which belong either to known or non yet described types of venom peptides and proteins from the Buthidae family.
Multifunctional role of dextran sulfate sodium for in vivo modeling of intestinal diseases
Authors: Rose William A , Sakamoto Kaori , Leifer Cynthia A
Published: August 2012

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic, relapsing disorders that affect the gastrointestinal tract of millions of people and continue to increase in incidence each year. While several factors have been associated with development of IBDs, the exact etiology is unknown. Research using animal models of IBDs is beginning to provide insights into how the different factors contribute to disease development. Oral administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to mice induces a reproducible experimental colitis that models several intestinal lesions associated with IBDs. The murine DSS colitis model can also be adapted to quantify intestinal repair following injury. Understanding the mechanistic basis behind intestinal repair is critical to development of new therapeutics for IBDs because of their chronic relapsing nature.

Results

The murine DSS colitis model was adapted to provide a system enabling the quantification of severe intestinal injury with impaired wound healing or mild intestinal injury with rapid restoration of mucosal integrity, by altering DSS concentrations and including a recovery phase. We showed that through a novel format for presentation of the clinical disease data, the temporal progression of intestinal lesions can be quantified on an individual mouse basis. Additionally, parameters for quantification of DSS-induced alterations in epithelial cell populations are included to provide insights into mechanisms underlying the development of these lesions. For example, the use of the two different model systems showed that toll-like receptor 9, a nucleic acid-sensing pattern recognition receptor, is important for protection only following mild intestinal damage and suggests that this model is superior for identifying proteins necessary for intestinal repair.

Conclusions

We showed that using a murine DSS-induced experimental colitis model system, and presenting data in a longitudinal manner on a per mouse basis, enhanced the usefulness of this model, and provided novel insights into the role of an innate immune receptor in intestinal repair. By elucidating the mechanistic basis of intestinal injury and repair, we can begin to understand the etiology of IBDs, enabling development of novel therapeutics or prophylactics.
Hierarchical clustering of gene expression patterns in the Eomes + lineage of excitatory neurons during early neocortical development
Authors: Cameron David A , Middleton Frank A , Chenn Anjen , Olson Eric C
Published: August 2012

Background

Cortical neurons display dynamic patterns of gene expression during the coincident processes of differentiation and migration through the developing cerebrum. To identify genes selectively expressed by the Eomes + (Tbr2) lineage of excitatory cortical neurons, GFP-expressing cells from Tg(Eomes::eGFP) Gsat embryos were isolated to > 99% purity and profiled.

Results

We report the identification, validation and spatial grouping of genes selectively expressed within the Eomes + cortical excitatory neuron lineage during early cortical development. In these neurons 475 genes were expressed ≥ 3-fold, and 534 genes ≤ 3-fold, compared to the reference population of neuronal precursors. Of the up-regulated genes, 328 were represented at the Genepaint in situ hybridization database and 317 (97%) were validated as having spatial expression patterns consistent with the lineage of differentiating excitatory neurons. A novel approach for quantifying in situ hybridization patterns (QISP) across the cerebral wall was developed that allowed the hierarchical clustering of genes into putative co-regulated groups. Forty four candidate genes were identified that show spatial expression with Intermediate Precursor Cells, 49 candidate genes show spatial expression with Multipolar Neurons, while the remaining 224 genes achieved peak expression in the developing cortical plate.

Conclusions

This analysis of differentiating excitatory neurons revealed the expression patterns of 37 transcription factors, many chemotropic signaling molecules (including the Semaphorin, Netrin and Slit signaling pathways), and unexpected evidence for non-canonical neurotransmitter signaling and changes in mechanisms of glucose metabolism. Over half of the 317 identified genes are associated with neuronal disease making these findings a valuable resource for studies of neurological development and disease.
White versus gray matter: fMRI hemodynamic responses show similar characteristics, but differ in peak amplitude
Authors: Fraser Leanne M , Stevens M Tynan , Beyea Steven D , D’Arcy Ryan C N
Published: August 2012

Background

There is growing evidence for the idea of fMRI activation in white matter. In the current study, we compared hemodynamic response functions (HRF) in white matter and gray matter using 4 T fMRI. White matter fMRI activation was elicited in the isthmus of the corpus callosum at both the group and individual levels (using an established interhemispheric transfer task). Callosal HRFs were compared to HRFs from cingulate and parietal activation.

Results

Examination of the raw HRF revealed similar overall response characteristics. Finite impulse response modeling confirmed that the WM HRF characteristics were comparable to those of the GM HRF, but had significantly decreased peak response amplitudes.

Conclusions

Overall, the results matched a priori expectations of smaller HRF responses in white matter due to the relative drop in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV). Importantly, the findings demonstrate that despite lower CBF and CBV, white matter fMRI activation remained within detectable ranges at 4 T.
Reproducibility of Corneal Graft Thickness measurements with COLGATE in patients who have undergone DSAEK (Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty)
Authors: Wong Melissa HY , Chew Annabel , Htoon Hla M , Lee Beng H , Cheng Jun , Liu Jiang , Tan Donald T , Mehta Jodhbir S
Published: August 2012

Background

The CorneaL GrAft Thickness Evaluation (COLGATE) system was recently developed to facilitate the evaluation of corneal graft thickness from OCT images. Graft thickness measurement can be a surrogate indicator for detecting graft failure or success. The purpose of this study was to determine the reproducibility of the COLGATE system in measuring DSAEK graft area between two observers.

Methods

This was a prospective case series in which 50 anterior segment OCT images of patients who had undergone DSAEK in either eye were analysed. Two observers (MW, AC) independently obtained the image analysis for the graft area using both semi automated and automated method. One week later, each observer repeated the analysis for the same set of images. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to analyze inter and intra observer agreement.

Results

There was strong intraobserver correlation between the 2 semi automated readings obtained by both observers. (r = 0.936 and r = 0.962). Intraobserver ICC for observer 1 was 0.936 (95% CI 0.890 to 0.963) and 0.967 (95% CI 0.942 to 0.981) for observer 2. Likewise, there was also strong interobserver correlation (r = 0.913 and r = 0.969). The interobserver ICC for the first measurements was 0.911 (95% CI 0.849 to 0.949) and 0.968 (95% CI 0.945 to 0.982) for the second. There was statistical difference between the automatic and the semi automated readings for both observers (p = 0.006, p = 0.003). The automatic readings gave consistently higher values than the semi automated readings especially in thin grafts.

Conclusion

The analysis from the COLGATE programme can be reproducible between different observers. Care must be taken when interpreting the automated analysis as they tend to over estimate measurements.
A systems biology approach to the global analysis of transcription factors in colorectal cancer
Authors: Pradhan Meeta P , Prasad Nagendra KA , Palakal Mathew J
Published: August 2012

Background

Biological entities do not perform in isolation, and often, it is the nature and degree of interactions among numerous biological entities which ultimately determines any final outcome. Hence, experimental data on any single biological entity can be of limited value when considered only in isolation. To address this, we propose that augmenting individual entity data with the literature will not only better define the entity’s own significance but also uncover relationships with novel biological entities.

To test this notion, we developed a comprehensive text mining and computational methodology that focused on discovering new targets of one class of molecular entities, transcription factors (TF), within one particular disease, colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

We used 39 molecular entities known to be associated with CRC along with six colorectal cancer terms as thebait list, or list of search terms, for mining the biomedical literature to identify CRC-specific genes and proteins. Using the literature-mined data, we constructed a global TF interaction network for CRC. We then developed a multi-level, multi-parametric methodology to identify TFs to CRC.

Results

The small bait list, when augmented with literature-mined data, identified a large number of biological entities associated with CRC. The relative importance of these TF and their associated modules was identified using functional and topological features. Additional validation of these highly-ranked TF using the literature strengthened our findings. Some of the novel TF that we identified were: SLUG, RUNX1, IRF1, HIF1A, ATF-2, ABL1, ELK-1 and GATA-1. Some of these TFs are associated with functional modules in known pathways of CRC, including the Beta-catenin/development, immune response, transcription, and DNA damage pathways.

Conclusions

Our methodology of using text mining data and a multi-level, multi-parameter scoring technique was able to identify both known and novel TF that have roles in CRC. Starting with just one TF (SMAD3) in the bait list, the literature mining process identified an additional 116 CRC-associated TFs. Our network-based analysis showed that these TFs all belonged to any of 13 major functional groups that are known to play important roles in CRC. Among these identified TFs, we obtained a novel six-node module consisting of ATF2-P53-JNK1-ELK1-EPHB2-HIF1A, from which the novel JNK1-ELK1 association could potentially be a significant marker for CRC.
Brahmarasayana protects against Ethyl methanesulfonate or Methyl methanesulfonate induced chromosomal aberrations in mouse bone marrow cells
Authors: Guruprasad Kanive Parashiva , Subramanian Advait , Singh Vikram Jeet , Sharma Raghavendra Sudheer Kumar , Gopinath Puthiya Mundyat , Sewram Vikash , Varier Panniyampilly Madhavankutty , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu
Published: August 2012

Background

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine has given great emphasis to the promotion of health. Rasayana is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda which refers to rejuvenant therapy. It has been reported that rasayanas have immuno-modulatory, antioxidant and antitumor functions, however, the genotoxic potential and modulation of DNA repair of many rasayanas have not been evaluated.

Methods

The present study assessed the role of Brahmarasayana (BR) on Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-and Methyl methanesulfonate (MMS)-induced genotoxicity and DNA repair in in vivo mouse test system. The mice were orally fed with BR (5 g or 8 mg / day) for two months and 24 h later EMS or MMS was given intraperitoneally. The genotoxicity was analyzed by chromosomal aberrations, sperm count, and sperm abnormalities.

Results

The results have revealed that BR did not induce significant chromosomal aberrations when compared to that of the control animals (p >0.05). On the other hand, the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations induced by EMS (240 mg / kg body weight) or MMS (125 mg / kg body weight) were significantly higher (p<0.05) to that of the control group. The treatment of BR for 60 days and single dose of EMS or MMS on day 61, resulted in significant (p <0.05) reduction in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in comparison to EMS or MMS treatment alone, indicating a protective effect of BR. Constitutive base excision repair capacity was also increased in BR treated animals.

Conclusion

The effect of BR, as it relates to antioxidant activity was not evident in liver tissue however rasayana treatment was observed to increase constitutive DNA base excision repair and reduce clastogenicity. Whilst, the molecular mechanisms of such repair need further exploration, this is the first report to demonstrate these effects and provides further evidence for the role of brahmarasayana in the possible improvement of quality of life.
Pharmacokinetic profiles of artesunate following multiple intravenous doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg in healthy volunteers: Phase 1b study
Authors: Miller Robert Scott , Li Qigui , Cantilena Louis R , Leary Kevin J , Saviolakis George A , Melendez Victor , Smith Bryan , Weina Peter J
Published: August 2012

Background

Severe malaria results in over a million deaths every year, most of them in children aged less than five years and living in sub-Saharan Africa. Injectable artesunate (AS) was recommended as initial treatment for severe malaria by WHO in 2006. The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) has been developing a novel good manufacturing practice (GMP) injection of AS, which was approved by the US FDA for investigational drug use and distribution by the CDC.

Methods

Tolerability and pharmacokinetics of current GMP intravenous AS, as an anti-malarial agent, were evaluated after ascending multiple doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg daily for three days with 2-minute infusion in 24 healthy subjects (divided into three groups) in the Phase 1 clinical trial study.

Results

Results showed that there were no dose-dependent increases in any adverse events. Drug concentrations showed no accumulation and no decline of the drug during the three days of treatment. After intravenous injection, parent drug rapidly declined and was converted to dihydroartemisinin (DHA) with overall mean elimination half-lives ranging 0.15-0.23 hr for AS and 1.23-1.63 hr for DHA, but the peak concentration (Cmax) of AS was much higher than that of DHA with a range of 3.08-3.78-folds. In addition, the AUC and Cmax values of AS and DHA were increased proportionally to the AS climbing multiple doses.

Discussion

The safety of injectable AS, even at the highest dose of 8 mg/kg increases the probability of therapeutic success of the drug even in patients with large variability of parasitaemia.
High-performance III-V MOSFET with nano-stacked high-k gate dielectric and 3D fin-shaped structure
Authors: Chen Szu-Hung , Liao Wen-Shiang , Yang Hsin-Chia , Wang Shea-Jue , Liaw Yue-Gie , Wang Hao , Gu Haoshuang , Wang Mu-Chun
Published: August 2012

A three-dimensional (3D) fin-shaped field-effect transistor structure based on III-V metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) fabrication has been demonstrated using a submicron GaAs fin as the high-mobility channel. The fin-shaped channel has a thickness-to-width ratio (T
Fin/W
Fin) equal to 1. The nano-stacked high-k Al2O3 dielectric was adopted as a gate insulator in forming a metal-oxide-semiconductor structure to suppress gate leakage. The 3D III-V MOSFET exhibits outstanding gate controllability and shows a high I
on/I
off ratio > 105 and a low subthreshold swing of 80 mV/decade. Compared to a conventional Schottky gate metal–semiconductor field-effect transistor or planar III-V MOSFETs, the III-V MOSFET in this work exhibits a significant performance improvement and is promising for future development of high-performance n-channel devices based on III-V materials.
Classification of pasture habitats by Hungarian herders in a steppe landscape (Hungary)
Authors: Molnár Zsolt
Published: August 2012

Background

Landscape ethnoecology focuses on the ecological features of the landscape, how the landscape is perceived, and used by people who live in it. Though studying folk classifications of species has a long history, the comparative study of habitat classifications is just beginning. I studied the habitat classification of herders in a Hungarian steppe, and compared it to classifications of botanists and laymen.

Methods

For a quantitative analysis the picture sort method was used. Twenty-three pictures of 7-11 habitat types were sorted by 25 herders.’Density’ of pictures along the habitat gradient of the Hortobágy salt steppe was set as equal as possible, but pictures differed in their dominant species, wetness, season, etc. Before sorts, herders were asked to describe pictures to assure proper recognition of habitats.

Results

Herders classified the images into three main groups: (1) fertile habitats at the higher parts of the habitat gradient (partos, lit. on the shore); (2) saline habitats (szík, lit. salt or saline place), and (3) meadows and marshes (lapos, lit. flooded) at the lower end of the habitat gradient. Sharpness of delimitation changed along the gradient. Saline habitats were the most isolated from the rest. Botanists identified 6 groups. Laymen grouped habitats in a less coherent way.

As opposed to my expectations, botanical classification was not more structured than that done by herders. I expected and found high correspondence between the classifications by herders, botanists and laymen. All tended to recognize similar main groups: wetlands, ”good grass” and dry/saline habitats. Two main factors could have been responsible for similar classifications: salient features correlated (e.g. salinity recognizable by herders and botanists but not by laymen correlated with the density of grasslands or height of vegetation recognizable also for laymen), or the same salient features were used as a basis for sorting (wetness, and abiotic stress).

Conclusions

Despite all the difficulties of studying habitat classifications (more implicit, more variable knowledge than knowledge on species), conducting landscape ethnoecological research will inevitably reveal a deeper human understanding of biological organization at a supraspecific level, where natural discontinuities are less sharp than at the species or population level.
Appropriate patient instructions can reduce prostate motion
Authors: Graf Reinhold , Boehmer Dirk , Nadobny Jacek , Budach Volker , Wust Peter
Published: August 2012

Background

Interfraction prostate motion must be compensated by increased safety margins. If filling status of rectum and bladder is constant, motion should be reduced. We attempted to reduce interfraction motion errors by proper patient instruction.

Method

In 38 patients pairs of radio-opaque fiducial markers were implanted prior to definitive radiotherapy. Patients were positioned either according to skin marks or infrared body marker. We measured prostate displacement, i.e. pelvic bones versus intraprostatic marker position, via ExacTrac (two orthogonal radiographies) in 1252 fractions. Systematic and random setup and displacement errors were determined and safety margins estimated.

Results

In our study interfraction prostate displacement is < 1 mm in RL direction, and < 2 mm in AP and SI direction. Systematic errors are slightly below random errors (< 1.5 mm). Positioning according skin marks results in higher inaccuracies of ±1.5 – 2 mm in RL and ±2 – 2.5 mm in AP/SI direction.

Conclusions

In case of appropriate patient instructions (constant organ filling) the positioning via bone fusion requires CTV-PTV margins of 2 mm in RL, 4 mm in AP, and 5 mm in SI direction. Studies without any description of patient instruction found much higher margins of > 1 cm in AP and SI direction.
Specific patterns of genetic diversity among aromatic rice varieties in Myanmar
Authors: Myint Khin Myo , Courtois Brigitte , Risterucci Ange-Marie , Frouin Julien , Soe Khin , Thet Khin Maung , Vanavichit Apichart , Glaszmann Jean-Christophe
Published: August 2012

Background

After observing peculiar rice varieties in Myanmar, in terms of classification in varietal groups and of grain quality, we focused on Myanmar varieties and analyzed variations at 19 microsatellite loci as well as sequences of the aroma gene BADH2.

Results

Microsatellites were able to retrieve the well-established classification into Indica (isozyme group 1), Japonica (group 6, comprising temperate and tropical forms) and specific groups from the Himalayan foothills including some Aus varieties (group 2) and some aromatic varieties (group 5). They revealed a new cluster of accessions close to, but distinct from, non-Myanmar varieties in group 5. With reference to earlier terminology, we propose to distinguish a group “5A” including group 5 varieties from the Indian subcontinent (South and West Asia) and a group “5B” including most group 5 varieties from Myanmar. In Myanmar varieties, aroma was distributed in group 1 (Indica) and in group 5B. New BADH2 variants were found. Some accessions carried a 43 bp deletion in the 3’ UTR that was not completely associated with aroma. Other accessions, all of group 5B, displayed a particular BADH2 allele with a 3 bp insertion and 100% association with aroma.

Conclusion

With the new group and the new alleles found in Myanmar varieties, our study shows that the Himalayan foothills contain series of non-Indica and non-Japonica varietal types with novel variations for useful traits.
Effect of incorporation of some wastes on a wheat-guar rotation system on soil physical and chemical properties
Authors: Rezig A M R , Elhadi E A , Mubarak A R
Published: August 2012

Background

Improving levels of organic matter in desert soils is necessary for their cultivation. A two-year study (2008 to 2010) was conducted on a sandy clay loam soil at the experimental research farm of the Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan to determine the effect of application of crop residue, sewage sludge, and humentos on selected soil properties in wheat-guar crop rotation system. Treatments were recommended inorganic fertilizer (125 kg N ha−1and 92 kg P ha−1), recommended inorganic fertilizer with crop residues, crop residue, sewage sludge (10 t ha−1), humentos soil conditioner (200 L ha−1), and control.

Results

Results showed that soil physical properties were not significantly changed except soil water holding capacity. Application of crop residues with recommended fertilizer and sewage sludge for three seasons significantly increased cation exchange capacity and organic carbon by 57.15 % to 60.95 % and 61.0 % to 65.2 %, respectively. Moreover, combined application of crop residues with recommended inorganic fertilizer and sewage sludge had significantly decreased topsoil pH.

Conclusions

The results showed that judicious combined application of organic wastes with inorganic fertilizers could be a useful practice in sustaining fertility of poor sandy soils.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions

Rezig F.A.M she is the main author and did the field and laboratory job and drafted the manscript. Elhadi, E.A particpate in some field work, statstical analysis and participate in correction of the manscript. Mubarak, A. R He is the main supervisor and draft the proposal and participate in the correction of the manscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Clinical recognition and recording of alcohol disorders by
clinicians in primary and secondary care: meta-analysis
Authors: Mitchell Alex J. , Meader Nick , Bird Vicky , Rizzo Maria
Published: August 2012

Background

Clinicians have considerable difficulty identifying and helping those
people with alcohol problems but no previous study has looked at this
systematically.

Aims

To determine clinicians' ability to routinely identify broadly defined
alcohol problems.

Method

Data were extracted and rated by two authors, according to PRISMA
standard and QUADAS criteria. Studies that examined the diagnostic
accuracy of clinicians' opinion regarding the presence of alcohol
problems as well as their written notation were evaluated.

Results

A comprehensive search identified 48 studies that looked at the routine
ability of clinicians to identify alcohol problems (12 in primary care,
31 in general hospitals and 5 in psychiatric settings). A total of 39
examined alcohol use disorder, 5 alcohol dependence and 4 intoxication.
We separated studies into those using self-report and those using
interview. The diagnostic sensitivity of primary care physicians (general
practitioners) in the identification of alcohol use disorder was 41.7%
(95% CI 23.0–61.7) but alcohol problems were recorded correctly in only
27.3% (95% CI 16.9–39.1) of primary care records. Hospital staff
identified 52.4% (95% CI 35.9–68.7) of cases and made correct notations
in 37.2% (95% CI 28.4–46.4) of case notes. Mental health professionals
were able to correctly identify alcohol use disorder in 54.7% (95% CI
16.8–89.6) of cases. There were limited data regarding alcohol dependency
and intoxication. Hospital staff were able to detect 41.7% (95% CI
16.5–69.5) of people with alcohol dependency and 89.8% (95% CI 70.4–99.4)
of those acutely intoxicated. Specificity data were sparse.

Conclusions

Clinicians may consider simple screening methods such as self-report
tools rather than relying on unassisted clinical judgement but the added
value of screening over and above clinical diagnosis remains unclear.
A role for football in mental health: the Coping Through Football project
Authors: Mason Oliver J. , Holt Rebecca
Published: August 2012

Aims and method

Coping Through Football aims to improve well-being and reduce social isolation for younger people with severe mental illness in a deprived area of North East London. Interviews were conducted with 12 service users, 5 referrers and 2 coaches to obtain their views of the project's implications for health and well-being, quality of life and social/community relationships. A qualitative approach was used to derive themes from interview transcripts using some of the tools of grounded theory.

Results

Themes included: identifying with past self; service with a difference: opening up the social world; safety; empowerment; and feeling good. Coping Through Football was seen by stakeholders as leading to increased well-being and social opportunities within a safe and understanding environment.

Clinical implications

For many service users the football project played a key role in their recovery of personal and social roles. Social and community-based mental health projects benefit greatly from active community collaboration, in this case a professional football club and several non-statutory sport/leisure bodies.
Fitness to be interviewed assessments: are specialist trainees fit enough?
Authors: Green Jonathan , Shenoy Suraj , Kent John
Published: August 2012

Aims and method

The law allows courts to exclude evidence from police interviews if it is obtained unfairly or would have an adverse effect on the fairness of proceedings. The assessment of a detainee's fitness to be interviewed is therefore of paramount importance. We surveyed 70 psychiatrists in higher training within the Yorkshire and Humber Deanery to ascertain their current understanding of this clinically important task. The psychiatrists' level of training received and awareness of local employee guidance in relation to their responsibilities in this field was investigated. We then piloted an interactive teaching session aimed at improving knowledge in this area and gained feedback from attending higher trainees.

Results

There was a 64% response rate to the survey before implementation of the teaching session. The survey found that half of all respondents had been asked to carry out a fitness to be interviewed assessment at some point in their higher training. Only a third of the respondents had attended formal teaching in this area, and only a fifth were aware of local employee guidance. All the trainees who attended the pilot teaching session felt it was beneficial to their future clinical practice.

Clinical implications

It is imperative that all the higher training schemes in the country incorporate training in this field to help satisfy the Royal College of Psychiatrists' intended specialist trainee learning outcomes and, more significantly, to avoid potential miscarriages of justice.
A two-model integrated personality disorder service: effect on bed use
Authors: Jones Barry , Juett Georgia , Hill Nathan
Published: August 2012

Aims and method

To assess the impact on psychiatric in-patient bed use of a new personality disorder service that uses two psychoanalytical models: mentalisation-based treatment (MBT) and the service user network (SUN). The number of psychiatric bed days used by patients attending each of the three arms of the service model (SUN, 3-day MBT, 2-day MBT) was collated using the electronic patient records system. Bed use in the 6 months and 12 months before each patient started treatment was compared with bed use in the same periods after starting treatment.

Results

Overall, statistical analysis revealed bed use to be significantly reduced by 6 months of treatment, and the reduction continued to prove significant at 12 months. Comparison between subgroups found no significant difference in bed use between patients attending the MBT programme and patients attending the SUN project at 6 months, but patients on the 3-day MBT programme exhibited a significantly greater reduction in bed use at 6 months compared with patients on the 2-day MBT programme.

Clinical implications

Intervention had a statistically significant effect overall on reducing bed use, which we suggest is linked to an improvement in patients' functioning, and is maintained at 6 months and 12 months of treatment. The lacking difference between the SUN and MBT components of the model raises questions regarding the best allocation of resources and the longer-term effects on bed use, to be answered by further study.