bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holding Parents So They Can Hold Their Children: Grief Work with Surviving Spouses to Support Parentally Bereaved Children
Authors: Werner-Lin Allison , Biank Nancee M.
Published: November 2012

A child's adjustment to the death of a parent is greatly influenced by the surviving parent's ability to attend to his or her own grief-related needs, to create and sustain a consistent and nurturing environment, and to encourage the child to express distressing or conflicting thoughts, feelings, and fantasies about the loss. Yet, the surviving parent's grief often compromises their ability to parent consistently and empathically. This article will illustrate how, by providing a holding environment for whole families, clinicians can help parents to facilitate children's grief reactions and, thus, mitigate long-term adverse mental health outcomes. Family Matters programs, designed and implemented in a community agency, use a holistic approach to family support and treatment in a milieu setting. Combining therapeutic work with surviving spouses and bereaved children supports children's grief while facilitating newly single parents as they adapt the structure of family life. When clinical work with families begins before the ill parent dies, the clinicians may build a relationship with the dying parent, prepare the child and surviving spouse for life after loss, and support continuity in family culture. We introduce a curriculum for simultaneously supporting bereaved children and parents, present a series of common challenges faced by surviving parents, and suggest avenues for intervention research.
Assessment and Quantification of Taiwanese Children's Views of a Good Death
Authors: Yang Shu Ching
Published: November 2012

The concept of a “good death” reflects an individual's positive perceptions of and expectations about death. What constitutes a good death varies based on factors such as sociocultural norms, time, space, and even individual characteristics such as age, culture, and health status. Kehl (2006) maintained that this definitional ambiguity has impeded the implementation of measures intended to appropriately assist the dying because it has been difficult to determine what clinical evaluations and caregiving practices should be used to provide patients with more than “a good death” as it is medically defined. Thus, a more comprehensive and systematic conceptual understanding of this concept is urgently necessary.
Death Attitudes and Emotional Intelligence in Nursing Students
Authors: Aradilla-Herrero Amor , Tomás-Sábado Joaquín , Gómez-Benito Juana
Published: November 2012

The aims of this study were to analyze the relationships between death attitudes and perceived emotional intelligence in a sample of nursing students, and to determine whether there are differences between different academic years with regard to both emotional intelligence and death attitudes. The participants were 243 nursing students. They all responded voluntarily and anonymously to a questionnaire that assessed the following constructs: Fear of death, Death anxiety, Death depression, Death obsession, and Emotional intelligence (Attention, Clarity, and Mood Repair). Students' scores on Fear of Death of Others subscale ( p < .05) decreased significantly across the 3 years of the nursing degree program and increased significantly on emotional Clarity ( p < .05), a dimension of emotional intelligence. The multiple linear regression analyses confirmed the predictive value of Attention, Clarity, and Mood Repair regarding levels of Fear of Death of Others. The importance of including emotional skills training and death-education programs as part of professional nursing curricula are discussed.
Gratitude Orientation Reduces Death Anxiety but Not Positive and Negative Affect
Authors: Lau Rosanna W. L. , Cheng Sheung-Tak
Published: November 2012

This study aims at investigating whether a gratitude induction procedure can reduce death anxiety and promote emotional well-being. Ninety Chinese undergraduate students were randomly assigned into one of three experimental conditions: gratitude, hassle, and neutral. In each condition, participants were instructed to spend 15–20 minutes to reflect on past events and to write up to five events of the designated category. Subsequently, they responded to measures of death anxiety and affect. Results showed that those in the gratitude condition reported much lower death anxiety than those in the neutral or the hassle group. However, gratitude had no effect on positive or negative affect. The findings suggest that the effect of gratitude may be specific to death anxiety, which does not occur in the context of the enhancement of overall emotional well-being.
Islamic Ontology of Death Anxiety in the Work of Abdel-Khalek
Authors: Beshai James A.
Published: November 2012

This is a book review of Abdel-Khalek's (2005) Arabic Handbook on “Death and Dying.” This review extrapolates the Islamic ontology presented in 492 pages covering 56 empirical and 304 empirical studies published by a host of Arab, American and European psychologists and psychiatrists. The Handbook presents an Islamic ontology on death anxiety for the first time to English readers. Freud's Judeo-Christian view of death anxiety is already familiar to readers of Omega. But the Islamic ontology of death is relatively unknown even though it is relevant. This reviewer finds the Islamic ontology of death to be similar to the Judeo-Christian one. Islam provides believers with assurance of God's mercy regardless of human vulnerability to evil. Death anxiety can be relieved by exercising moderation in relations with others. Quoting from the Qur'an, Abdel-Khalek (2005) makes the claim that there is a judicious path to follow between daily distress and achieving social goals. The Arabic term to describe this path is Surat-Mustakeem. It comes close to Aristotle's Eudaimona or happiness. Death Anxiety is neither negative nor positive in connotation. It is the ethical pursuit of a dialectic of truth and virtue. Death anxiety research shows a convergence between ontology and empirical research.
Hormesis and Cellular Quality Control: A Possible Explanation for the Molecular Mechanisms that Underlie the Benefits of Mild Stress
Authors: Wiegant F.A.C. , Poot S.A.H. de , Boers-Trilles V.E. , Schreij A.M.A
Published: November 2012

In contrast to the detrimental action of severe stress conditions, the beneficial effects of mild stress, known as hormesis, is increasingly discussed and studied. A variety of applications for hormesis in risk assessment processes, anti-ageing strategies and clinical therapies have been proposed. The molecular mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of hormesis, however, are not yet fully understood. A possible mechanism that has been proposed for hormesis, the homoeostasis overshoot hypothesis, assumes that an overshoot of repair- and self-recovery mechanisms in response to mild damage can be held responsible for the beneficial effects of hormesis. The present paper proposes ‘cellular quality control’ as a further explanation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the benefits observed after exposure to mild stress. The most important quality control mechanisms are outlined and their known and hypothesised actions in hormesis are discussed. As an example, different aspects of protein quality control will be described in more detail, which includes the reaction of the cell upon stress-induced protein damage and –aggregation. The regulation of Heat Shock Proteins and components from the ubiquitin proteasome system as part of cellular quality control is described in relation to its beneficial role in hormesis.
Gliotransmission and Brain Glucose Sensing
Authors: Lanfray Damien , Arthaud Sébastien , Ouellet Johanne , Compère Vincent , Do Rego Jean-Luc , Leprince Jérôme , Lefranc Benjamin , Castel Hélène , Bouchard Cynthia , Monge-Roffarello Boris , Richard Denis , Pelletier Georges , Vaudry Hubert , Tonon Marie-Christine , Morin Fabrice
Published: November 2012

Hypothalamic glucose sensing is involved in the control of feeding behavior and peripheral glucose homeostasis, and glial cells are suggested to play an important role in this process. Diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI) and its processing product the octadecaneuropeptide (ODN), collectively named endozepines, are secreted by astroglia, and ODN is a potent anorexigenic factor. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of endozepines in brain glucose sensing. First, we showed that intracerebroventricular administration of glucose in rats increases DBI expression in hypothalamic glial-like tanycytes. We then demonstrated that glucose stimulates endozepine secretion from hypothalamic explants. Feeding experiments indicate that the anorexigenic effect of central administration of glucose was blunted by coinjection of an ODN antagonist. Conversely, the hyperphagic response elicited by central glucoprivation was suppressed by an ODN agonist. The anorexigenic effects of centrally injected glucose or ODN agonist were suppressed by blockade of the melanocortin-3/4 receptors, suggesting that glucose sensing involves endozepinergic control of the melanocortin pathway. Finally, we found that brain endozepines modulate blood glucose levels, suggesting their involvement in a feedback loop controlling whole-body glucose homeostasis. Collectively, these data indicate that endozepines are a critical relay in brain glucose sensing and potentially new targets in treatment of metabolic disorders.
Pathogenesis of A−β+ Ketosis-Prone Diabetes
Authors: Patel Sanjeet G. , Hsu Jean W. , Jahoor Farook , Coraza Ivonne , Bain James R. , Stevens Robert D. , Iyer Dinakar , Nalini Ramaswami , Ozer Kerem , Hampe Christiane S. , Newgard Christopher B. , Balasubramanyam Ashok
Published: November 2012

A−β+ ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD) is an emerging syndrome of obesity, unprovoked ketoacidosis, reversible β-cell dysfunction, and near-normoglycemic remission. We combined metabolomics with targeted kinetic measurements to investigate its pathophysiology. Fasting plasma fatty acids, acylcarnitines, and amino acids were quantified in 20 KPD patients compared with 19 nondiabetic control subjects. Unique signatures in KPD—higher glutamate but lower glutamine and citrulline concentrations, increased β-hydroxybutyryl-carnitine, decreased isovaleryl-carnitine (a leucine catabolite), and decreased tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates—generated hypotheses that were tested through stable isotope/mass spectrometry protocols in nine new-onset, stable KPD patients compared with seven nondiabetic control subjects. Free fatty acid flux and acetyl CoA flux and oxidation were similar, but KPD had slower acetyl CoA conversion to β-hydroxybutyrate; higher fasting β-hydroxybutyrate concentration; slower β-hydroxybutyrate oxidation; faster leucine oxidative decarboxylation; accelerated glutamine conversion to glutamate without increase in glutamate carbon oxidation; and slower citrulline flux, with diminished glutamine amide–nitrogen transfer to citrulline. The confluence of metabolomic and kinetic data indicate a distinctive pathogenic sequence: impaired ketone oxidation and fatty acid utilization for energy, leading to accelerated leucine catabolism and transamination of α-ketoglutarate to glutamate, with impaired TCA anaplerosis of glutamate carbon. They highlight a novel process of defective energy production and ketosis in A−β+ KPD.
Early Metabolic Markers of the Development of Dysglycemia and Type 2 Diabetes and Their Physiological Significance
Authors: Ferrannini Ele , Natali Andrea , Camastra Stefania , Nannipieri Monica , Mari Andrea , Adam Klaus-Peter , Milburn Michael V. , Kastenmüller Gabi , Adamski Jerzy , Tuomi Tiinamaija , Lyssenko Valeriya , Groop Leif , Gall Walter E.
Published: November 2012

Metabolomic screening of fasting plasma from nondiabetic subjects identified α-hydroxybutyrate (α-HB) and linoleoyl-glycerophosphocholine (L-GPC) as joint markers of insulin resistance (IR) and glucose intolerance. To test the predictivity of α-HB and L-GPC for incident dysglycemia, α-HB and L-GPC measurements were obtained in two observational cohorts, comprising 1,261 nondiabetic participants from the Relationship between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease (RISC) study and 2,580 from the Botnia Prospective Study, with 3-year and 9.5-year follow-up data, respectively. In both cohorts, α-HB was a positive correlate and L-GPC a negative correlate of insulin sensitivity, with α-HB reciprocally related to indices of β-cell function derived from the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In follow-up, α-HB was a positive predictor (adjusted odds ratios 1.25 [95% CI 1.00–1.60] and 1.26 [1.07–1.48], respectively, for each standard deviation of predictor), and L-GPC was a negative predictor (0.64 [0.48–0.85] and 0.67 [0.54–0.84]) of dysglycemia (RISC) or type 2 diabetes (Botnia), independent of familial diabetes, sex, age, BMI, and fasting glucose. Corresponding areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.791 (RISC) and 0.783 (Botnia), similar in accuracy when substituting α-HB and L-GPC with 2-h OGTT glucose concentrations. When their activity was examined, α-HB inhibited and L-GPC stimulated glucose-induced insulin release in INS-1e cells. α-HB and L-GPC are independent predictors of worsening glucose tolerance, physiologically consistent with a joint signature of IR and β-cell dysfunction.
HLA-A*24 Is an Independent Predictor of 5-Year Progression to Diabetes in Autoantibody-Positive First-Degree Relatives of Type 1 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Mbunwe Eric , Van der Auwera Bart J. , Vermeulen Ilse , Demeester Simke , Van Dalem Annelien , Balti Eric V. , Van Aken Sara , Derdelinckx Luc , Dorchy Harry , De Schepper Jean , van Schravendijk Chris , Wenzlau Janet M. , Hutton John C. , Pipeleers Daniël , Weets Ilse , Gorus Frans K. ,   and the Belgian Diabetes Registry
Published: November 2012

We investigated whether HLA-A*24 typing complements screening for HLA-DQ and for antibodies (Abs) against insulin, GAD, IA-2 (IA-2A), and zinc transporter-8 (ZnT8A) for prediction of rapid progression to type 1 diabetes (T1D). Persistently Ab+ siblings/offspring (n = 288; aged 0–39 years) of T1D patients were genotyped for HLA-DQA1-DQB1 and HLA-A*24 and monitored for development of diabetes within 5 years of first Ab+. HLA-A*24 (P = 0.009), HLA-DQ2/DQ8 (P = 0.001), and positivity for IA-2A ± ZnT8A (P < 0.001) were associated with development of T1D in multivariate analysis. The 5-year risk increased with the number of the above three markers present (n = 0: 6%; n = 1: 18%; n = 2: 46%; n = 3: 100%). Positivity for one or more markers identified a subgroup of 171 (59%) containing 88% of rapid progressors. The combined presence of HLA-A*24 and IA-2A+ ± ZnT8A+ defined a subgroup of 18 (6%) with an 82% diabetes risk. Among IA-2A+ ± ZnT8A+ relatives, identification of HLA-A*24 carriers in addition to HLA-DQ2/DQ8 carriers increased screening sensitivity for relatives at high Ab- and HLA-inferred risk (64% progression; P = 0.002). In conclusion, HLA-A*24 independently predicts rapid progression to T1D in Ab+ relatives and complements IA-2A, ZnT8A, and HLA-DQ2/DQ8 for identifying participants in immunointervention trials.
The Efficacy and Safety of Imeglimin as Add-on Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled With Metformin Monotherapy
Authors: Fouqueray Pascale , Pirags Valdis , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Bailey Clifford J. , Schernthaner Guntram , Diamant Michaela , Lebovitz Harold E.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

A 12-week study assessed the efficacy and safety of a new oral antidiabetic agent, imeglimin, as add-on therapy in type 2 diabetes patients inadequately controlled with metformin alone.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 156 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive imeglimin (1,500 mg twice a day) or placebo added to a stable dose of metformin (1,500–2,000 mg/day). Change in A1C from baseline was the primary efficacy outcome; secondary outcomes included fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and proinsulin/insulin ratio.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, the placebo-subtracted decrease in A1C with metformin-imeglimin was −0.44% (P < 0.001). Metformin-imeglimin also significantly improved FPG and the proinsulin/insulin ratio from baseline (−0.91 mg/dL and −7.5, respectively) compared with metformin-placebo (0.36 mg/dL and 11.81). Metformin-imeglimin therapy was generally well-tolerated with a comparable safety profile to metformin-placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of imeglimin to metformin improved glycemic control and offers potential as a new treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Macro- and Microstructural Magnetic Resonance Imaging Indices Associated With Diabetes Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Falvey Cherie M. , Rosano Caterina , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Harris Tamara , Strotmeyer Elsa S. , Satterfield Suzanne , Yaffe Kristine ,   for the Health ABC Study
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the association between diabetes and cognitive impairment, we evaluated macro- and microstructural brain MRI measures for the total brain and regions of interest (ROIs) in a group of community-dwelling elders with and without diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

MRI measures were obtained on 308 elders (mean age 83.3 years; n = 85 with diabetes) from the Health ABC Healthy Brain Substudy. We performed a series of linear regressions and used standardized β values to estimate the cross-sectional association between diabetes and macrostructural (gray matter volume [GMV] and white matter hyperintensities [WMHs]) and microstructural (mean diffusivity [MD] and fractional anisotropy [FA]) measures for the total brain and ROIs. Models were adjusted for age, race, and sex; GMV values for ROIs were also adjusted for total brain volume (TBV).

RESULTS

In multivariate-adjusted models, diabetes was associated with lower total GMV (P = 0.0006), GMV in the putamen (P = 0.02 for left and right), and TBV (P = 0.04) and greater cerebral atrophy (P = 0.02). There was no association with WMHs. On microstructural measures, diabetes was associated with reduced FA for total white matter (P = 0.006) and greater MD for the hippocampus (P = 0.006 left; P = 0.01 right), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (P = 0.0007, left; P = 0.002, right), left posterior cingulate (P = 0.02), and right putamen (P = 0.02). Further adjustment for stroke, hypertension, and myocardial infarction produced similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cross-sectional study, elders with diabetes compared with those without had greater brain atrophy and early signs of neurodegeneration. Further studies are needed to determine whether these structural changes associated with diabetes predict risk of cognitive decline.
Vitamin D Receptor Fok-I Polymorphism Modulates Diabetic Host Response to Vitamin D Intake
Authors: Neyestani Tirang R. , Djazayery Abolghassem , Shab-Bidar Sakineh , Eshraghian Mohammad Reza , Kalayi Ali , Shariátzadeh Nastaran , Khalaji Niloufar , Zahedirad Malihe , Gharavi A’zam , Houshiarrad Anahita , Chamari Maryam , Asadzadeh Sepideh
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

Interpopulation as well as interindividual variations in response to vitamin D intake commonly observed in subjects with type 2 diabetes may be related to genetic makeup. One of the candidate genes potentially responsible for this diversity is vitamin D receptor (VDR). This study aimed to investigate the interactive effect of VDR Fok-I polymorphism and vitamin D intake on diverse aspects of diabetic host response.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Glycemic status, lipid profiles, inflammatory biomarkers, and VDR Fok-I genotypes were determined in diabetic subjects (n = 140) who participated in a randomized controlled trial. Participants consumed two 250-mL bottles per day of yogurt drink (doogh) fortified with 500 IU vitamin D/250 mL for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Mean serum 25(OH)D increased by ~30 nmol/L (P < 0.001). The time × intervention effect was significant for 25(OH)D (P = 0.030), HDL (P = 0.011), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (P < 0.001), interleukin (IL)-4 (P = 0.008), and IL-6 (P = 0.017) among the genotypic groups. The alleles were defined as ‘‘F’’ or ‘‘f’’ depending on the absence or presence of the restriction site, respectively. The least increment in 25(OH)D was in ff (23.0 ± 3.8 nmol/L) compared with Ff (31.2 ± 3.4 nmol/L) and FF (35.6 ± 2.7 nmol/L) (P for trend = 0.009), but only the difference between ff and FF was significant (P = 0.023). FF group had the largest decrement of both hsCRP and IL-6 compared with Ff (P < 0.001 and P = 0.038) and ff (P = 0.010 and P = 0.048), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that those of VDR ff genotype may be regarded as “low responders” to vitamin D intake in terms of response of circulating 25(OH)D and certain inflammatory biomarkers. A nutrigenetic approach may, therefore, be needed to protect diabetic patients from vitamin D deficiency.
Association of Electrocardiographically Determined Left Ventricular Mass With Incident Diabetes, 1985–1986 to 2010–2011
Authors: Carnethon Mercedes R. , Ning Hongyan , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Lewis Cora E. , Schreiner Pamela J. , Sidney Stephen , Lloyd-Jones Donald M.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

Electrocardiographic indices reflecting left ventricular hypertrophy are associated with incident diabetes in clinical populations at risk for coronary heart disease. We tested whether electrocardiographically determined left ventricular mass was positively associated with incident diabetes in a population sample.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study participants (n = 4,739) were followed from 1985–1986 to 2010–2011 for incident diabetes. Validated sex- and race-specific formulas were applied to standard electrocardiograms to determine left ventricular mass.

RESULTS

Over 25 years, 444 participants developed diabetes (9.4%). After adjustment for demographic, behavioral, and clinical covariates, participants in the highest quartile of left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were twice as likely to develop diabetes than participants in the lower three quartiles (hazard ratio 2.61 [95% CI 2.16–3.17]). Neither Cornell voltage nor Cornell voltage product was associated with incident diabetes in fully adjusted models.

CONCLUSIONS

Electrocardiographically determined LVMI may be a useful noninvasive marker for identifying adults at risk for diabetes.
Early Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Thach S. , Hirst Jane E. , Do My An T. , Morris Jonathan M. , Jeffery Heather E.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the discriminative power of prognostic models for early prediction of women at risk for the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using four currently recommended diagnostic criteria based on the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). We also described the potential effect of application of the models into clinical practice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional study of 2,772 pregnant women was conducted at a referral maternity center in Vietnam. GDM was determined by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG), Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS), and World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Prognostic models were developed using the Bayesian model averaging approach, and discriminative power was assessed by area under the curve. Different thresholds of predicted risk of developing GDM were applied to describe the clinical impact of the diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS

The magnitude of GDM varied substantially by the diagnostic criteria: 5.9% (ADA), 20.4% (IADPSG), 20.8% (ADIPS), and 24.3% (WHO). The ADA prognostic model, consisting of age and BMI at booking, had the best discriminative power (area under the curve of 0.71) and the most favorable cost-effective ratio if implemented in clinical practice. Selective screening of women for GDM using the ADA model with a risk threshold of 3% gave 93% sensitivity for identification of women with GDM with a 27% reduction in the number of OGTTs required.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple prognostic model using age and BMI at booking could be used for selective screening of GDM in Vietnam and in other low- and middle-income settings.
Testing achene germinationof Potamogeton praelongus Wulfen
Authors: Prausová Romana , Janová Jana , Šafářová Lenka
Published: November 2012

The goal of this work was to determine the best method of breaking the achene dormancy in Potamogeton praelongus Wulfen. The ways of breaking achene dormancy studied in this experiment included methods of achene storage, stratification, UVA radiation, anaerobic conditions, mechanical disruption of achenes?outer layers and their chemical disruption by NaClO. Nine different treatments of achenes were combined with two methods of achene storage. Particular achene treatments and storage conditions were proven to have a significant impact on breaking dormancy. Although the highest germination rate (83.3%) was achieved when the dormancy was broken chemically by long effect of 100% concentrations of Savo detergent (containing 5% NaClO), the growth of the sprouts was subsequently inhibited due to toxic effects of Savo. Thus the most successful treatment was based on changing temperature, e.g. 2.5 months of cold storage followed by 14 days at room temperature (germination rate 32.7%). This treatment was also most similar to the natural process. Germinated achenes were also found in Petri dishes exposed to UVA radiation, anaerobic conditions and chemical disruption of the outer layers. Results of these treatments were influenced by the storage method.
Life After Vouchers
Authors: Carlson Deven , Cowen Joshua M. , Fleming David J.
Published: November 2012

Few school choice evaluations consider students who leave such programs, and fewer still consider the effects of leaving these programs as policy-relevant outcomes. Using a representative sample of students from the citywide voucher program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we analyze more than 1,000 students who leave the program during a 4-year period. We show that low-performing voucher students tend to move from the voucher sector into lower performing and less effective public schools than the typical public school student attends, whereas high-performing students transfer to better public schools. In general, transferring students realize substantial achievement gains after moving to the public sector; these results are robust to multiple analytical approaches. This evidence has important implications for school choice policy and research.
A Semiparametric Model for Jointly Analyzing Response Times and Accuracy in Computerized Testing
Authors: Wang Chun , Fan Zhewen , Chang Hua-Hua , Douglas Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2012

The item response times (RTs) collected from computerized testing represent an underutilized type of information about items and examinees. In addition to knowing the examinees’ responses to each item, we can investigate the amount of time examinees spend on each item. Current models for RTs mainly focus on parametric models, which have the advantage of conciseness, but may suffer from reduced flexibility to fit real data. We propose a semiparametric approach, specifically, the Cox proportional hazards model with a latent speed covariate to model the RTs, embedded within the hierarchical framework proposed by van der Linden to model the RTs and response accuracy simultaneously. This semiparametric approach combines the flexibility of nonparametric modeling and the brevity and interpretability of the parametric modeling. A Markov chain Monte Carlo method for parameter estimation is given and may be used with sparse data obtained by computerized adaptive testing. Both simulation studies and real data analysis are carried out to demonstrate the applicability of the new model.
Preliminary In Vitro Biological and Phytochemical Screenings of Parmentiera cereifera Seem
Authors: Reyad-ul-Ferdous Md , Rashid Ridwan Bin , Sikder Md Al Amin , Aktar Fahima , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: November 2012

In this present study, the leaf extracts of Parmentiera cereifera were subjected to a comparative evaluation of the antioxidant capacities, phenol and polyphenols content, membrane stabilization, thrombolytic, antimicrobial activities and cytotoxicity to brine shrimps (Artemia salina). When the DPPH (1,1- Diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging effect was determined spectrophotometrically significant radical scavenging property was observed in crude methanol extract (ME) with IC50 of 21.95 ?g/ml. Here, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ascorbic acid (ASA) were used as standard antioxidants. The phenol and polyphenol content of the extractives varied between 56.84 to 89.58 mg of GAE/gm of dried extract. The thrombolytic and membrane stabilizing activities were assessed by using human erythrocyte and the results were compared with standard streptokinase (SK) and standard anti-inflammatory drug, acetyl salicylic acid (ASA), respectively. The extracts demonstrated significant toxicity to A. salina with LC50 values ranging from 6.07 to 7.83 ?g/ml as compared to standard Vincristine sulphate (VS, LC50 value 0.45 ?g/ml). On the other hand, the chloroform soluble fraction (CSF) of methanol extract revealed moderate antibacterial activity against some microorganisms used in the screening. Preliminary phytochemical investigation suggested the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids and steroids. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12572 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 103-106, 2012
Anti-nociceptive and Antipyretic Activities of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Cassia sophera Linn. Leaves
Authors: Roy Debasish , Shill Manik Chandra , Dev Shrabanti , Deb Debashish , Shahriar Masum , Das Asish Kumar , Choudhuri M Shahabuddin Kabir
Published: November 2012

The crude hydroalcoholic extract of Cassia sophera Linn. leaves were investigated for its possible analgesic and antipyretic activities in rodents. The peripheral analgesic activity of C. sophera leaves was studied using acetic acidinduced writhing in mice and central analgesic activity was evaluated by using heat-induced pain in mice. The antipyretic activity of HECS was studied in Brewers yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. All these experiments were done at the doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight. Intraperitoneal administration of C. sophera hydroalcoholic extract (HECS) produced significant (P<0.01) reduction in number of writhing induced by acetic-acid. Moreover, in hotplate test, HECS significantly (P<0.01) raised the pain threshold at different time of observation (0-180 min) in comparison with control. The extract also showed significant as well as dose-dependent antipyretic activity in Brewers yeast-induced pyrexia in rats throughout the observation period of 4 h. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12573 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 107-111, 2012
Formulation and Evaluation of Gastro Retentive Floating Tablets of Simvastatin using Hydrophilic Rate Retardant
Authors: Hussain Md Nazmul , Al Masum Md Abdullah , Akhter Sharmin , Sharmin Florida , Reza Md Selim
Published: November 2012

Gastro retentive floating tablet of Simvastatin was prepared by direct compression technique using Methocel K4M as the rate controlling polymer. The hydrophilic cellulose derivative, Methocel K4M was evaluated for its gel forming and release controlling properties. Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid were incorporated as gas generating agents. The effects of soluble components (sodium bicarbonate and citric acid) and gel forming agents on drug release profile and floating properties were investigated. The tablets from all formulations were evaluated for thickness, diameter, weight variation, hardness, and friability. The tablets were also tested for the buoyancy studies and in vitro drug release studies. The drug release study was evaluated for eight hours using USP XXII paddle-type dissolution apparatus using 0.1N HCl with 1% Sodium Lauryl Sulphate as dissolution medium. The release mechanisms were explored and explained with zero order, first order, Higuchi, Hixon Crowell and Korsmeyer equations. The release rate, extent and mechanisms were found to be governed by the polymer content. It was found that the mean dissolution time, percentage drug release, release rate constant and diffusion exponent were influenced significantly by the amount of polymer incorporation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12575 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 119-126, 2012
A Possible Involvement of ACR4, a Receptor Like Kinase, in Plant Defence Mechanism
Authors: E-Zereen Jannat , Ingram Gwyneth
Published: November 2012

Many developmentally important Receptor Like Kinases (RLKs), also known as receptor kinases have been shown to play independent roles in plant defence. In order to investigate the role of Arabidopsis CRINKLY4 (ACR4) in plant defence mechanism, pathogen challenge experiments were carried out. It was found that ACR4 knockout leaves show reduced susceptibility to the necrotrophic pathogen, Botrytis cinerea. It is therefore possible that the ACR4 receptor might interact with other proteins that regulate specific defence responses. Reduced susceptibility of ACR4 mutant to B. cinerea could also be due to the possible epidermal defect of acr4 leaves. A detailed study of the cuticular lipid composition of acr4 leaves may help ascertain whether epidermal defects in acr4 leaves are responsible for resistance against B. cinerea. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12576 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 127-130, 2012
Effects of Acacia nilotica Leaf Extract on Adrenaline-induced Hyperlipidemia and Cardiac Remodeling in Rats
Authors: Nahar Nazmun , Alam AHM Khurshid , Islam Saiful , Mamun Al , Hossain AKM Motahar , Rahman Md Aziz Abdur , Rashid Mamunur
Published: November 2012

Hyperlipidemia is one of the major causes of disability in western as well as in developing countries. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of the ethanolic leaf extract of a Bangladeshi medicinal plant Acacia nilotica (AN) on adrenaline-induced hyperlipidemia and cardiac remodeling in rats. The plant extract and commercial lipid lowering drug atorvastatine were administered in adrenaline-induced hyperlipidemic rats (AIHRs) through intraperitoneal route for one week at a dose of 30 mg and 0.04 mg per 150 gm body weight of rat, respectively. The AN extract showed a significant (P<0.01) decrease in lipid profile, and reducing the left ventricular hypertrophy (heart weight/body weight), heart weight, cardiac myocytes size as well as kidney, pancreas and liver weight of AIHRs. The observation was also made for consecutive four weeks (long term treatment) to confirm the results obtained in one week model. The results indicated that the leaf extract of A. nilotica in comparison with atorvastatine has got profound hypolipidemic and anticardiac remodeling activities. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12578 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 135-139, 2012
In vitro Antioxidant, Membrane Stabilizing and Thrombolytic Activities of Glycosmis arborea
Authors: Hossain Sayed Mamur , Islam Farhana , Sharmin Tasnuva , Sheikh Hasib , Hasan AM Rashedul , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: November 2012

The methanol extract of leaves and stems of Glycosmis arborea and their pet-ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and aqueous soluble partitionates were subjected to assays for antioxidant activity by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent, membrane stabilizing and thrombolytic activities. The carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction of stems of G. arborea demonstrated the presence of significant amount of phenolic compounds (36.95 ± 0.54 mg of GAE/g of extract). The extractives inhibited heat as well as hypotonic solution-induced haemolysis of rat erythrocytes in vitro. The pet-ether soluble fraction of leaves and stems of G. arborea showed 20.46 and 38.24% and 22.50 and 48.25%. inhibition of hemolysis of RBC caused by heat and hypotonic solution, as compared to 30.55 and 72.91% inhibition of hemolysis of RBC caused by the standard Acetyl salicylic acid at 0.01 mg/ml concentration, respectively. Among the four fractions, the chloroform soluble materials of the stems of G. arborea revealed highest thrombolytic activity with clot lysis value of 36.50% while standard streptokinase and water used as positive and negative controls, showed 64.25±0.26 and 2.35±0.35 % lysis of clot respectively DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12579 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 141-143, 2012
Adsorptive Removal of Reactive Black 5 from Aqueous Solution using Chitin Prepared from Shrimp Shells
Authors: Begum Hosne Ara , Mondal Ajoy Kanti , Muslim Tanvir
Published: November 2012

The utilization of chitin as adsorbent for the removal of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) from aqueous solution was investigated. Chitin was prepared from shrimp shells using conventional method. Prepared chitin was characterized by FT-IR spectral and thermogravimetric analysis. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of contact time, initial concentration of RB5 solution, temperature and pH of the solution. The amount of adsorption of RB5 from aqueous solution on chitin increased with the increase of initial concentration of RB5 solution and temperature of the solution. The equilibrium adsorption data were fitted to the Langmuir and Freunlich isotherms. The best result was achieved with Langmuir isotherm model. The thermodynamics of reactive dye by chitin indicated its spontaneous and endothermic nature. The kinetic of the sorption was analysed using the pseudo firstorder and second-order kinetic models. The data showed that the pseudo second-order equation was the more appropriate. The experimental data showed that the adsorption capacity was gradually decreased with the increment of pH. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12580 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 145-152, 2012
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Asteracantha longifolia Nees
Authors: Al Amin Md , Chowdhury Ishtiaque A , Mahbub KMM , Sattar Mafruhi , Shahriar Masum , Kuddus Md Ruhul , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: November 2012

The present study was designed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of whole plant of Asteracantha longifolia Nees (family Acanthaceae) in mice. The analgesic activity was determined for its central and peripheral pharmacological actions using hotplate, formalin induced pain and acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice. Anti inflammatory effects were determined by ear swelling induced by croton oil, xyleneinduced ear edema, leukocyte migration induced by carrageenan, cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation. Tramadol (10 mg/kg) and Ibuprofen (100 mg/kg) were used as reference analgesic agents. The crude ethanol extract showed a significant inhibition of ear swelling caused by croton oil and xylene in mice. The crude extract decreased leukocyte migration induced by carrageenan, also moderately inhibited the weight of granuloma induced by a cotton pellet, as well as the formalin-induced pain. The extract given by p.o. route, produced significant inhibition of abdominal constrictions caused by acetic acid. Moreover, the extract also showed moderate analgesic activity on the hot plate pain threshold in mice. These data demonstrated that the plant may contain bioactive compounds possessing anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12586 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 171-176, 2012
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Gomphrena globosa (L.)
Authors: Hamiduzzaman Md , Azam ATM Zafrul
Published: November 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12590 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 183-185, 2012
Bread Wheat Quality: Some Physical, Chemical and Rheological Characteristics of Syrian and English Bread Wheat Samples
Authors: Al-Saleh Abboud , Brennan Charles S.
Published: November 2012

The relationships between breadmaking quality, kernel properties (physical and chemical), and dough rheology were investigated using flours from six genotypes of Syrian wheat lines, comprising both commercially grown cultivars and advanced breeding lines. Genotypes were grown in 2008/2009 season in irrigated plots in the Eastern part of Syria. Grain samples were evaluated for vitreousness, test weight, 1000-kernel weight and then milled and tested for protein content, ash, and water content. Dough rheology of the samples was studied by the determination of the mixing time, stability, weakness, resistance and the extensibility of the dough. Loaf baking quality was evaluated by the measurement of the specific weight, resilience and firmness in addition to the sensory analysis. A comparative study between the six Syrian wheat genotypes and two English flour samples was conducted. Significant differences were observed among Syrian genotypes in vitreousness (69.3%–95.0%), 1000-kernel weight (35.2–46.9 g) and the test weight (82.2–88.0 kg/hL). All samples exhibited high falling numbers (346 to 417 s for the Syrian samples and 285 and 305 s for the English flours). A significant positive correlation was exhibited between the protein content of the flour and its absorption of water (r = 0.84 **), as well as with the vitreousness of the kernel (r = 0.54 *). Protein content was also correlated with dough stability (r = 0.86 **), extensibility (r = 0.8 **), and negatively correlated with dough weakness (r = −0.69 **). Bread firmness and dough weakness were positively correlated (r = 0.66 **). Sensory analysis indicated Doumah-2 was the best appreciated whilst Doumah 40765 and 46055 were the least appreciated which may suggest their suitability for biscuit preparation rather than bread making.
Educational Inequalities in Women’s Depressive Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Perceived Neighbourhood Characteristics
Authors: Teychenne Megan , Ball Kylie , Salmon Jo
Published: November 2012

Socio-economically disadvantaged (e.g., less educated) women are at a greater risk of depression compared to less disadvantaged women. However, little is known regarding the factors that may explain socioeconomic inequalities in risk of depression. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of perceived neighbourhood factors in mediating the relationship between education and women’s risk of depression. Cross-sectional data were provided by 4,065 women (aged 18–45). Women self-reported their education level, depressive symptoms (CES-D 10), as well as four neighbourhood factors (i.e., interpersonal trust, social cohesion, neighbourhood safety, and aesthetics). Single and multiple mediating analyses were conducted. Clustering by neighbourhood of residence was adjusted by using a robust estimator of variance. Multiple mediating analyses revealed that interpersonal trust was the only neighbourhood characteristic found to partly explain the educational inequalities in women’s depressive symptoms. Social cohesion, neighbourhood aesthetics and safety were not found to mediate this relationship. Acknowledging the cross-sectional nature of this study, findings suggest that strategies to promote interpersonal trust within socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods may help to reduce the educational inequalities in risk of depression amongst women. Further longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Persistence in Macrophages Alters the Profile of Cellular Gene Expression
Authors: Rivera-Toledo Evelyn , Gómez Beatríz
Published: November 2012

Viruses can persistently infect differentiated cells through regulation of expression of both their own genes and those of the host cell, thereby evading detection by the host’s immune system and achieving residence in a non-lytic state. Models in vitro with cell lines are useful tools in understanding the mechanisms associated with the establishment of viral persistence. In particular, a model to study respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) persistence in a murine macrophage-like cell line has been established. Compared to non-infected macrophages, macrophages persistently infected with RSV show altered expression both of genes coding for cytokines and trans-membrane proteins associated with antigen uptake and of genes related to cell survival. The biological changes associated with altered gene expression in macrophages as a consequence of persistent RSV infection are summarized.
Fast characterisation of cell‐derived extracellular vesicles by nanoparticles tracking analysis, cryo‐electron microscopy, and Raman tweezers microspectroscopy
Authors: Tatischeff Irène , Larquet Eric , Falcón‐Pérez Juan M. , Turpin Pierre‐Yves , Kruglik Sergei G.
Published: November 2012

The joint use of 3 complementary techniques, namely, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), cryo‐electron microscopy (Cryo‐EM) and Raman tweezers microspectroscopy (RTM), is proposed for a rapid characterisation of extracellular vesicles (EVs) of various origins. NTA is valuable for studying the size distribution and concentration, Cryo‐EM is outstanding for the morphological characterisation, including observation of vesicle heterogeneity, while RTM provides the global chemical composition without using any exogenous label. The capabilities of this approach are evaluated on the example of cell‐derived vesicles of Dictyostelium discoideum, a convenient general model for eukaryotic EVs. At least 2 separate species differing in chemical composition (relative amounts of DNA, lipids and proteins, presence of carotenoids) were found for each of the 2 physiological states of this non‐pathogenic microorganism, that is, cell growth and starvation‐induced aggregation. These findings demonstrate the specific potency of RTM. In addition, the first Raman spectra of human urinary exosomes are reported, presumably constituting the primary step towards Raman characterisation of EVs for the purpose of human diseases diagnoses.
In vitro radiographic characteristics and biomechanical properties of the canine lumbar vertebral motion unit after lateral corpectomy, mini-hemilaminectomy and hemilaminectomy
Authors: de Vicente F. , Bernard F. , FitzPatrick D. , Moissonnier P.
Published: November 2012

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of three surgical procedures (left lateral corpectomy [LC], LC plus mini-hemilaminectomy [LC-MH], and LC plus hemilaminectomy [LC-H]) on the biomechanics and intervertebral collapse of a lumbar vertebral motor unit (VMU).

Methods: Six canine cadaveric first and second lumbar vertebrae (L1-L2) VMU were retrieved. Range-of-motion (ROM) was measured while a custom-built mechanical simulator applied 3 Nm torque in lateral bending, flexion and extension to the intact VMU and following the three surgical procedures (LC, LC-MH, LC-H) performed sequentially. Radiographs were taken with and without 3 kg axial compression at each step.

Results: Left lateral corpectomy and LC-MH significantly increased the ROM in left lateral bending and total lateral bending. A LC-H significantly increased the ventral, left, right, total lateral, and total dorsoventral ROM. Significant intervertebral collapse was observed after LC-H with and without axial compression, and after LC and LC-MH, but only with axial compression.

Clinical significance: A LC induces significantly increased ROM in lateral bending to the side of the surgery and in total lateral ROM. Extending the LC to a LC-MH does not change the spinal column stability compared to LC alone, while it provides better access to the spinal canal. The LC-H further destabilizes the VMU. The finding of intervertebral collapse following these surgical procedures confirms the importance of the intervertebral disc and articular facet in the maintenance of spatial integrity.