bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Specific Role for eNOS-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species in Atherosclerosis Progression
Authors: Takaya Tomofumi , Hirata Ken-ichi , Yamashita Tomoya , Shinohara Masakazu , Sasaki Naoto , Inoue Nobutaka , Yada Toyotaka , Goto Masami , Fukatsu Akiko , Hayashi Toshio , Alp Nicholas J. , Channon Keith M. , Yokoyama Mitsuhiro , Kawashima Seinosuke
Published: April 2007

Objective—

When the availability of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is deficient, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) produces superoxide rather than NO (uncoupled eNOS). We have shown that the atherosclerotic lesion size was augmented in apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE-KO) mice overexpressing eNOS because of the enhanced superoxide production. In this study, we addressed the specific importance of uncoupled eNOS in atherosclerosis, and the potential mechanistic role for specific versus nonspecific antioxidant strategies in restoring eNOS coupling.

Methods and Results—

We crossed mice overexpressing eNOS in the endothelium (eNOS-Tg) with mice overexpressing GTP-cyclohydrolase I (GCH), the rate-limiting enzyme in BH4 synthesis, to generate ApoE-KO/eNOS-Tg/GCH-Tg mice. As a comparison, ApoE-KO/eNOS-Tg mice were treated with vitamin C. Atherosclerotic lesion formation was increased in ApoE-KO/eNOS-Tg mice compared with ApoE-KO mice. GCH overexpression in ApoE-KO/eNOS-Tg/GCH-Tg mice increased vascular BH4 levels and reduced plaque area. This reduction was associated with decreased superoxide production from uncoupled eNOS. Vitamin C treatment failed to reduce atherosclerotic lesion size in ApoE-KO/eNOS-Tg mice, despite reducing overall vascular superoxide production.

Conclusion—

In contrast to vitamin C treatment, augmenting BH4 levels in the endothelium by GCH overexpression reduced the accelerated atherosclerotic lesion formation in ApoE-KO/eNOS-Tg mice, associated with a reduction of superoxide production from uncoupled eNOS.
Venous Identity Is Lost but Arterial Identity Is Not Gained During Vein Graft Adaptation
Authors: Kudo Fabio A. , Muto Akihito , Maloney Stephen P. , Pimiento Jose M. , Bergaya Sonia , Fitzgerald Tamara N. , Westvik Tormod S. , Frattini Jared C. , Breuer Christopher K. , Cha Charles H. , Nishibe Toshiya , Tellides George , Sessa William C. , Dardik Alan
Published: April 2007

Objectives—

Ephrin ligands and Eph receptors are signaling molecules that are differentially expressed on arteries and veins during development. We examined whether Eph-B4, a venous marker, and Ephrin-B2, an arterial marker, are regulated during vein graft adaptation in humans and aged rats.

Methods and Results—

Eph-B4 transcripts and immunodetectable protein are downregulated in endothelial and smooth muscle cells of patent vein grafts in both humans and in aged rats, whereas Ephrin-B2 transcripts and protein are not strongly induced. Other markers of arterial identity, including dll4 and notch-4, are also not induced during vein graft adaptation in aged rats. Because VEGF-A is upstream of the Ephrin–Eph pathway, and expression of VEGF-A is induced only at early time points after exposure of the vein to the arterial environment, we inhibited VEGF-A in vein grafts using an siRNA-based approach. Vein grafts treated with siRNA directed against VEGF-A demonstrated a thicker intima-media containing α-actin, consistent with arterialization, but did not contain Eph-B4 or Ephrin-B2.

Conclusions—

Venous identity is preserved in the veins of aged animals, but is lost during adaptation to the arterial circulation; arterial markers are not induced. Markers of vessel identity are plastic in adults and their selective regulation may mediate vein graft adaptation to the arterial environment in aged animals and humans.
Stroke Units in Their Natural Habitat
Authors: Seenan Pamela , Long Marita , Langhorne Peter
Published: April 2007

Background and Purpose—

Within clinical trials, stroke patients allocated to receive organized inpatient (stroke unit) care are more likely to survive, return home, and regain independence than those allocated to conventional care. However, there are concerns that the benefits seen in clinical trials may not be replicated in routine practice. We carried out a systematic review of observational studies of stroke unit implementation.

Methods—

We searched (up to January 2006) MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, British Nursing Index, Cochrane Stroke Group register, and recent conference abstracts for observational studies that compared the outcomes of stroke patients managed in a stroke unit versus non–stroke unit care. We excluded studies that did not describe either matching for baseline prognostic factors or adjustment for case-mix characteristics. The primary outcome was death within 1 year. We also recorded poor outcome (death, institutional care, or dependency). Data analysis used the generic inverse variance method in Revman 4.2. Where raw data were provided, effect sizes and variances were calculated accordingly. We used a random-effects model and explored for sources of heterogeneity.

Results—

We identified 72 articles describing stroke unit outcomes; 25 were eligible for review; and 18 provided data on case fatality or poor outcome. Stroke unit care was associated with significantly reduced odds of death (odds ratio=0.79, 95% CI=0.73 to 0.86;
P
<0.00001) and of death or poor outcome (odds ratio=0.87, 95% CI=0.80 to 0.95;
P
=0.002) within 1 year of stroke. Results were complicated by significant heterogeneity (
P
<0.05), mainly in single-center studies.

Conclusions—

Although these results are complicated by potential bias and heterogeneity, the observed benefit associated with stroke unit care in routine practice is comparable to that in clinical trials.
Impact of Increasing Urban Density on Local Climate: Spatial and Temporal Variations in the Surface Energy Balance in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Coutts Andrew M. , Beringer Jason , Tapper Nigel J.
Published: April 2007

Variations in urban surface characteristics are known to alter the local climate through modification of land surface processes that influence the surface energy balance and boundary layer and lead to distinct urban climates. In Melbourne, Australia, urban densities are planned to increase under a new strategic urban plan. Using the eddy covariance technique, this study aimed to determine the impact of increasing housing density on the surface energy balance and to investigate the relationship to Melbourne’s local climate. Across four sites of increasing housing density and varying land surface characteristics (three urban and one rural), it was found that the partitioning of available energy was similar at all three urban sites. Bowen ratios were consistently greater than 1 throughout the year at the urban sites (often as high as 5) and were higher than the rural site (less than 1) because of reduced evapotranspiration. The greatest difference among sites was seen in urban heat storage, which was influenced by urban canopy complexity, albedo, and thermal admittance. Resulting daily surface temperatures were therefore different among the urban sites, yet differences in above-canopy daytime air temperatures were small because of similar energy partitioning and efficient mixing. However, greater nocturnal temperatures were observed with increasing density as a result of variations in heat storage release that are in part due to urban canyon morphology. Knowledge of the surface energy balance is imperative for urban planning schemes because there is a possibility for manipulation of land surface characteristics for improved urban climates.
Intercomparison of Single-Column Numerical Models for the Prediction of Radiation Fog
Authors: Bergot Thierry , Terradellas Enric , Cuxart Joan , Mira Antoni , Liechti Olivier , Mueller Mathias , Nielsen Niels Woetmann
Published: April 2007

The short-term forecasting of fog is a difficult issue that can have a large societal impact. Radiation fog appears in the surface boundary layer, and its evolution is driven by the interactions between the surface and lower layers of the atmosphere. Current NWP models poorly forecast the life cycle of fog, and improved NWP models are needed before improving the prediction of fog. Six numerical model simulations are compared for two cases from the Paris-Charles de Gaulle (Paris-CdG) fog field experiment. This intercomparison includes both operational and research models, which have significantly different vertical resolutions and physical parameterizations. The main goal of this intercomparison is to identify the capabilities of the various models to forecast fog accurately. An attempt is made to identify the main reasons behind the differences among the various models. This intercomparison reveals that considerable differences among models exist in the surface boundary layer before the fog onset, particularly in cases with light winds. The lower-resolution models crudely forecast the nocturnal inversion, the strong inversion at the top of the fog layer, and the interactions between soil and atmosphere. This intercomparison further illustrates the importance of accurate parameterizations of dew deposition and gravitational settling on the prediction of fog.
Uses of NOAA-16 and -18 Satellite Measurements for Verifying the Limb-Correction Algorithm
Authors: Liu Quanhua , Weng Fuzhong
Published: April 2007

The Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) images display strong dependence on the scanning angle because of the temperature gradient of the atmosphere and the change in the optical pathlength between Earth and the satellite. Using a limb-adjustment algorithm, the temperature gradients can be restored from the images. Various limb-correction algorithms have been developed for infrared and microwave sounders by aid of radiative transfer simulations. Together with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-16 AMSU, the NOAA-18 satellite with AMSU (launched on 20 May 2005) provides the best opportunity to collocate observations from two satellites. The collocated measurement pairs from NOAA-16 and NOAA-18 contain data for which both observations have the same scanning angle and various scanning angles—in particular, off-nadir observations from NOAA-16 and nadir observations from NOAA-18. The coincident data pair having the same scan position from NOAA-16 and NOAA-18 can be used for intercalibration of the sensors of the two satellites. The coincident data pair having nadir measurement from NOAA-18 and off-nadir measurement from NOAA-16 can be used for testing the limb-adjustment algorithm using pure satellite measurements. This study applies collocated measurements to evaluate the performance of the current NOAA microwave limb-correction algorithm for brightness temperatures at AMSU-A channels 5, 6, and 7 for the first time. With the limb correction, the warm core of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 can also be detected using a cross-scan sensor such as AMSU-A.
Neighbours in Transition
Authors: Peneder Michael , Stehrer Robert
Published: April 2007

The breakdown of the communist regime in Eastern Europe marked a historical event for countries on both sides of the iron curtain. Applying the recently released EU KLEMS database on sectoral growth and productivity measures, we study the period after the transformational recession 1995-2004 for Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovak Republic, and Slovenia and compare the performance to a group of European core economies. Our analysis reveals pronounced differences in performance but also striking similarities in terms of industrial structure. Beginning witha brief account of aggregate growth and its components, the focus is then on specialisation patterns and the varying contribution of industries characterised by educational intensity. Fianlly, we investigate the manufacturing sector in more detail, demonstrating that the Eastern European countries sucessfully specialised in higher-tech sectors which might be explained by high productivity growth rates in these sectors.
A First Look at the Validity of the DIAL-3 Spanish Version
Authors: Anthony Jason L. , Assel Mike A.
Published: April 2007

To examine the convergent and discriminant validity of the scales on the Spanish version of the Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning—Third Edition (DIAL-3), exploratory factor analysis is performed on data from 648 children who are native speakers of Spanish and who attend Head Start. Three factors, labeled Verbal Ability , Nonverbal Ability, and Achievement, collectively account for 56% of the variance in children's performances. Confirmatory factor analysis evaluate this empirically-derived model and the conceptually-derived model of the authors of the DIAL-3 in a separate sample of 588 Spanish-speaking Head Start children. The empirically-derived model characterized children's performances better than the conceptually-derived model. The discussion highlights potential uses of the new factors, ideas for consideration during revision of the Spanish DIAL-3, and the need for additional validity research on the measure.
Does Wall Street Truly Understand Valuation of Publicly Traded Lodging Stocks?
Authors: Lee Seoki , Upneja Arun
Published: April 2007

Lodging stock undervaluation has been a long-standing issue in the industry. The proponents of lodging stock undervaluation attribute the phenomenon to Wall Street's lack of understanding of the lodging business. The opponents dismiss this claim by stating that it is unlikely that Wall Street has extensive knowledge of all industries except lodging. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate whether lodging stocks are, in fact, undervalued. The results support the notion that lodging stocks are undervalued compared to nonlodging stocks during the sample period of the 1990s. The undervaluation phenomenon may create opportunity for existing and potential lodging industry investors to take advantage of investing in a substantially undervalued portfolio. To accomplish this main goal empirically, an equity valuation model is used.
Role of CD28 in fatal autoimmune disorder in scurfy mice
Authors: Singh Nagendra , Chandler Phillip R. , Seki Yoichi , Baban Babak , Takezaki Mayuko , Kahler David J. , Munn David H. , Larsen Christian P. , Mellor Andrew L. , Iwashima Makio
Published: April 2007

Scurfy mice develop CD4 T-cell–mediated lymphoproliferative disease leading to death within 4 weeks of age. The scurfy mutation causes loss of function of the foxp3 gene (foxp3sf), which is essential for development and maintenance of naturally occurring regulatory CD4 T cells (nTregs). In humans, mutations of the foxp3 gene cause immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, and X-linked syndrome (IPEX). In most patients with IPEX and also in scurfy mice, T cells show hyperreactivity and levels of Th1- and Th2-associated cytokines are substantially elevated. We report that removal of CD28 expression rescued scurfy mice from early death. Longer-term surviving CD28-deficient scurfy mice still had lymphoproliferative disorder, but their CD4 T cells showed decreased interferon-γ and no sign of interleukin-4 or interleukin-10 hyperproduction. Furthermore, injection of CTLA4-Ig to block CD28-B7 interactions substantially improved the survival of scurfy mice by blocking effector T-cell differentiation. These data support the hypothesis that CD28-B7 interactions play a critical role in the etiology of lethal autoimmune disease in scurfy mice by stimulating the differentiation of antigen-activated naive T cells into effector T cells.
Deficient CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ T regulatory cells in acquired aplastic anemia
Authors: Solomou Elena E. , Rezvani Katayoun , Mielke Stephan , Malide Daniela , Keyvanfar Keyvan , Visconte Valeria , Kajigaya Sachiko , Barrett A. John , Young Neal S.
Published: April 2007

Regulatory T cells are believed to control the development and progression of autoimmunity by suppressing autoreactive T cells. Decreased numbers of CD4+CD25+ FOXP3+ T cells (Tregs) are associated with impaired immune homeostasis and development of autoimmune diseases. The transcription factors FOXP3 and NFAT1 have key roles in regulatory T-cell development and function. We show that Tregs are decreased at presentation in almost all patients with aplastic anemia; FOXP3 protein and mRNA levels also are significantly lower in patients with aplastic anemia and NFAT1 protein levels are decreased or absent. Transfection of FOXP3-deficient CD4+CD25+ T cells from patients with a plasmid encoding wild-type NFAT1 resulted in increased FOXP3 expression in these cells. By NFAT1 knockdown in CD4+CD25+ T cells, FOXP3 expression was decreased when NFAT1 expression was decreased. Our findings indicate that decreased NFAT1 could explain low FOXP3 expression and diminished Treg frequency in aplastic anemia. Treg defects are now implicated in autoimmune marrow failure.
NOGO-A induction and localization during chick brain development indicate a role disparate from neurite outgrowth inhibition
Authors: Caltharp Shelley A , Pira Charmaine U , Mishima Noboru , Youngdale Erik N , McNeill David S , Liwnicz Boleslaw H , Oberg Kerby C
Published: April 2007

Background

Nogo-A, a myelin-associated protein, inhibits neurite outgrowth and abates regeneration in the adult vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) and may play a role in maintaining neural pathways once established. However, the presence of Nogo-A during early CNS development is counterintuitive and hints at an additional role for Nogo-A beyond neurite inhibition.

Results

We isolated chicken NOGO-A and determined its sequence. A multiple alignment of the amino acid sequence across divergent species, identified five previously undescribed, Nogo-A specific conserved regions that may be relevant for development. NOGO gene transcripts (NOGO-A, NOGO-B and NOGO-C) were differentially expressed in the CNS during development and a second NOGO-A splice variant was identified. We further localized NOGO-A expression during key phases of CNS development by in situ hybridization. CNS-associated NOGO-A was induced coincident with neural plate formation and up-regulated by FGF in the transformation of non-neural ectoderm into neural precursors. NOGO-A expression was diffuse in the neuroectoderm during the early proliferative phase of development, and migration, but localized to large projection neurons of the optic tectum and tectal-associated nuclei during architectural differentiation, lamination and network establishment.

Conclusion

These data suggest Nogo-A plays a functional role in the determination of neural identity and/or differentiation and also appears to play a later role in the networking of large projection neurons during neurite formation and synaptogenesis. These data indicate that Nogo-A is a multifunctional protein with additional roles during CNS development that are disparate from its later role of neurite outgrowth inhibition in the adult CNS.
Deletion of the cruciform binding domain in CBP/14-3-3 displays reduced origin binding and initiation of DNA replication in budding yeast
Authors: Yahyaoui Wafaa , Callejo Mario , Price Gerald B , Zannis-Hadjopoulos Maria
Published: April 2007

Background

Initiation of eukaryotic DNA replication involves many protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions. We have previously shown that 14-3-3 proteins bind cruciform DNA and associate with mammalian and yeast replication origins in a cell cycle dependent manner.

Results

By expressing the human 14-3-3ε, as the sole member of 14-3-3 proteins family in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that 14-3-3ε complements the S. cerevisiae Bmh1/Bmh2 double knockout, conserves its cruciform binding activity, and associates in vivo with the yeast replication origins ARS307. Deletion of the α5-helix, the potential cruciform binding domain of 14-3-3, decreased the cruciform binding activity of the protein as well as its association with the yeast replication origins ARS307 and ARS1. Furthermore, the mutant cells had a reduced ability to stably maintain plasmids bearing one or multiple origins.

Conclusion

14-3-3, a cruciform DNA binding protein, associates with yeast origins of replication and functions as an initiator of DNA replication, presumably through binding to cruciform DNA forming at yeast replicators.
Screening of the transcriptional regulatory regions of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Brockington Alice , Wokke Beatrijs , Nixon Hannah , Hartley Judith , Shaw Pamela J
Published: April 2007

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has neurotrophic activity which is mediated by its main agonist receptor, VEGFR2. Dysregulation of VEGF causes motor neurone degeneration in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and expression of VEGFR2 is reduced in motor neurones and spinal cord of patients with ALS.

Methods

We have screened the promoter region and 4 exonic regions of functional significance of the VEGFR2 gene in a UK population of patients with ALS, for mutations and polymorphisms that may affect expression or function of this VEGF receptor.

Results

No mutations were identified in the VEGFR2 gene. We found no association between polymorphisms in the regulatory regions of the VEGFR2 gene and ALS.

Conclusion

Mechanisms other than genetic variation may downregulate expression or function of the VEGFR2 receptor in patients with ALS.
Diagnostic value of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in Greek patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Alexiou Ioannis , Germenis Anastasios , Ziogas Athanasios , Theodoridou Katerina , Sakkas Lazaros I
Published: April 2007

Background

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies have been of diagnostic value in Northern European Caucasian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In these populations, anti-CCP antibodies are associated with the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope. We assessed the diagnostic value of anti-CCP antibodies in Greek patients with RA where the HLA shared epitope was reported in a minority of patients.

Methods

Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (CCP2) kit, we tested anti-CCP antibodies in serum samples from 155 Greek patients with RA, 178 patients with other rheumatic diseases, and 100 blood donors. We also determined rheumatoid factor (RF) and compared it to anti-CCP antibodies for area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios.

Results

Sensitivity of anti-CCP2 antibodies and RF for RA was 63.2% and 59.1%, and specificity was 95.0% and 91.2%, respectively. When considered simultaneously, the AUC for anti-CCP antibodies was 0.90 with 95% CI of 0.87 to 0.93 and the AUC for RF was 0.71 with 95% CI of 0.64 to 0.77. The presence of both antibodies increased specificity to 98.2%. Anti-CCP antibodies were positive in 34.9% of RF-negative RA patients. Anti-CCP antibodies showed a correlation with the radiographic joint damage. Anti-CCP-positive RA patients had increased the swollen joint count and serum CRP concentration compared to anti-CCP-negative RA patients (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). However, no correlation was found between anti-CCP antibodies and DAS28 score (r = 0.13, p = 0.12).

Conclusion

In Greek patients with RA, anti-CCP2 antibodies exhibit a better diagnostic value than RF and a correlation with radiological joint damage and therefore are useful in everyday rheumatology practice.
hnRNP E1 and E2 have distinct roles in modulating HIV-1 gene expression
Authors: Woolaway Kathryn , Asai Kengo , Emili Andrew , Cochrane Alan
Published: April 2007

Pre-mRNA processing, including 5' end capping, splicing, and 3' end cleavage/polyadenylation, are events coordinated by transcription that can influence the subsequent export and translation of mRNAs. Coordination of RNA processing is crucial in retroviruses such as HIV-1, where inefficient splicing and the export of intron-containing RNAs are required for expression of the full complement of viral proteins. RNA processing can be affected by both viral and cellular proteins, and in this study we demonstrate that a member of the hnRNP E family of proteins can modulate HIV-1 RNA metabolism and expression. We show that hnRNP E1/E2 are able to interact with the ESS3a element of the bipartite ESS in tat/rev exon 3 of HIV-1 and that modulation of hnRNP E1 expression alters HIV-1 structural protein synthesis. Overexpression of hnRNP E1 leads to a reduction in Rev, achieved in part through a decrease inrevmRNA levels. However, the reduction in Rev levels cannot fully account for the effect of hnRNP E1, suggesting that hmRNP E1 might also act to suppress viral RNA translation. Deletion mutagenesis determined that the C-terminal end of hnRNP E1 was required for the reduction in Rev expression and that replacing this portion of hnRNP E1 with that of hnRNP E2, despite the high degree of conservation, could not rescue the loss of function.
Reactome: a knowledge base of biologic pathways and processes
Authors: Vastrik Imre , D'Eustachio Peter , Schmidt Esther , Joshi-Tope Geeta , Gopinath Gopal , Croft David , de Bono Bernard , Gillespie Marc , Jassal Bijay , Lewis Suzanna , Matthews Lisa , Wu Guanming , Birney Ewan , Stein Lincoln
Published: April 2007

Reactome http://www.reactome.org, an online curated resource for human pathway data, provides infrastructure for computation across the biologic reaction network. We use Reactome to infer equivalent reactions in multiple nonhuman species, and present data on the reliability of these inferred reactions for the distantly related eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Finally, we describe the use of Reactome both as a learning resource and as a computational tool to aid in the interpretation of microarrays and similar large-scale datasets.
An agitation of contrary opinions
Authors: Tyrer Peter
Published: April 2007

Those people who are dangerous often have personality disorders. Should these individuals be dealt with by criminal justice or mental health services? England (note not Scotland) has taken the mental health route with the Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder Programme. Is this bold move wise or foolish? To answer this question we have both evidence and opinion – neither is conclusive.
Foetal brain development in offspring of women with psychosis
Authors: Clarke Mary C. , Cannon Mary , Hogg Matthew , Marks Maureen N. , Conroy Sue , Pawlby Susan J. , Greenough Anne , Nicolaides Kypros
Published: April 2007

Cerebral ventricular enlargement and reduced cortical volume are correlates of chronic schizophrenia. We investigated whether genetic risk for psychosis is related to differences in foetal brain development as measured by prenatal ultrasonography. Routine foetal cerebral measures at 19–23 weeks of gestation were compared between the offspring of 35 women with a history of psychosis and 105 control women matched for gestational age. Overall, no significant differences were found between the high-risk and control groups. There was a non-significant trend in the adjusted analysis towards increased lateral ventricular width in the offspring of mothers with psychosis.
Common mental disorders and the built environment in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Araya Ricardo , Montgomery Alan , Rojas Graciela , Fritsch Rosemarie , Solis Jaime , Signorelli Andres , Lewis Glyn
Published: April 2007

Background

There is growing research interest in the influence of the built environment on mental disorders.

Aims

To estimate the variation in the prevalence of common mental disorders attributable to individuals and the built environment of geographical sectors where they live.

Method

A sample of 3870 adults (response rate 90%) clustered in 248 geographical sectors participated in a household cross-sectional survey in Santiago, Chile. Independently rated contextual measures of the built environment were obtained. The Clinical Interview Schedule was used to estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders.

Results

There was a significant association between the quality of the built environment of small geographical sectors and the presence of common mental disorders among its residents. The better the quality of the built environment, the lower the scores for psychiatric symptoms; however, only a small proportion of the variation in common mental disorder existed at sector level, after adjusting for individual factors.

Conclusions

Findings from our study, using a contextual assessment of the quality of the built environment and multilevel modelling in the analysis, suggest these associations may be more marked in non-Western settings with more homogeneous geographical sectors.
Sir Martin Roth FRS
Authors: Kerr Alan , Kay David
Published: April 2007

Since the mid-19th century central Europe had been the cradle of conceptual thinking in clinical psychiatry. Following the turbulence and persecution in the 1920s and 1930s some of a later generation of mid-European psychiatrists emigrated to Britain, bringing with them the traditions of meticulous and detailed observation, a broad clinical perspective and fresh ways of looking at problems. Among those individuals making significant contributions were Willy Mayer-Gross, Erich Guttman, Erwin Stengel, Felix Post, F. Kraupl Taylor, Max Hamilton and Martin Roth. Roth, who was born in Budapest in 1917, the last survivor of this extraordinarily gifted group, died on 26 September 2006 at the age of 88.
Cross-national prevalence and correlates of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Fayyad John , De Graaf Ron , Kessler Ronald , Alonso Jordi , Angermeyer Matthias , Demyttenaere Koen , De Girolamo Giovanni , Haro Josep Maria , Karam Elie G. , Lara Carmen , Lépine Jean-Pierre , Ormel Johan , Posada-Villa José , Zaslavsky Alan M. , Jin Robert
Published: April 2007

Background

Little is known about the epidemiology of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Aims

To estimate the prevalence and correlates of DSM-IV adult ADHD in the World Health Organization World Mental Health Survey Initiative.

Method

An ADHD screen was administered to respondents aged 18–44 years in ten countries in the Americas, Europe and the Middle East (n=11422). Masked clinical reappraisal interviews were administered to 154 US respondents to calibrate the screen. Multiple imputation was used to estimate prevalence and correlates based on the assumption of cross-national calibration comparability.

Results

Estimates of ADHD prevalence averaged 3.4% (range 1.2–7.3%), with lower prevalence in lower-income countries (1.9%) compared with higher-income countries (4.2%). Adult ADHD often co-occurs with other DSM-IV disorders and is associated with considerable role disability. Few cases are treated for ADHD, but in many cases treatment is given for comorbid disorders.

Conclusions

Adult ADHD should be considered more seriously in future epidemiological and clinical studies than is currently the case.
Avian and Human Metapneumovirus
Authors: BROOR SHOBHA , BHARAJ PREETI
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Pneumovirus infection remains a significant problem for both human and veterinary medicine. Both avian pneumovirus (aMPV, Turkey rhinotracheitis virus) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are pathogens of birds and humans, which are associated with respiratory tract infections. Based on their different genomic organization and low level of nucleotide (nt) and amino acid (aa) identity with paramyxoviruses in the genus Pneumovirus, aMPV and hMPV have been classified into a new genus referred to as Metapneumovirus. The advancement of our understanding of pneumovirus biology and pathogenesis of pneumovirus disease in specific natural hosts can provide us with strategies for vaccine formulations and combined antiviral and immunomodulatory therapies.
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Type 1 and Type 2 Mediate Differential Effects on 15-Hydroxy Prostaglandin Dehydrogenase Expression in Cultured Human Chorion Trophoblasts
Authors: Gao Lu , He Ping , Sha Jinyan , Liu Chunmin , Dai Ling , Hui Ning , Ni Xin
Published: April 2007

Throughout gestation, the chorion laeve controls the levels of biologically active prostaglandins (PGs) by its high level of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent 15-hydroxy PG dehydrogenase (PGDH). In this study, we investigate the effects mediated by CRH receptors on the expression of PGDH in the chorion. We found that both CRHR1 and CRHR2 were localized in cultured chorion trophoblast cells, with CRH-R1α, R1β, R1c, R1e, and R1f and CRHR2β isoforms identified in these cells. To block the actions of endogenous CRH and its related peptides, cultured chorion trophoblasts were treated with an increasing concentration of α-helical CRH 9–41, the nonselective CRH receptor antagonist, which resulted in decreased mRNA and protein expression as well as the activity of PGDH. To investigate the individual role of CRHR1 and CRHR2, cell cultures were treated with the specific CRHR1 antagonist antalarmin and CRHR2 antagonist astressin2B, respectively. The results showed that antalarmin increased whereas astressin2B decreased mRNA and protein expression as well as the activity of PGDH in chorion cells. When the cells were treated with an exclusive CRHR2 agonist, urocortin II, elevated expression and activity of PGDH was exhibited. However, cells treated with either exogenous CRH or urocortin I showed significantly increased PGDH expression, and these effects could be blocked by astressin2B but not by antalarmin. We suggest that, in chorion trophoblast cells, CRHR1 and CRHR2 mediate divergent effects on PGDH expression, and this may provide a precise regulation of PGs levels from chorion to myometrium during pregnancy.
Ligand-Activated Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor γ Alters Placental Morphology and Placental Fatty Acid Uptake in Mice
Authors: Schaiff W. Timothy , Knapp F. F. (Russ) , Barak Yaacov , Biron-Shental Tal , Nelson D. Michael , Sadovsky Yoel
Published: April 2007

The nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is essential for murine placental development. We previously showed that activation of PPARγ in primary human trophoblasts enhances the uptake of fatty acids and alters the expression of several proteins associated with fatty acid trafficking. In this study we examined the effect of ligand-activated PPARγ on placental development and transplacental fatty acid transport in wild-type (wt) and PPARγ+/− embryos. We found that exposure of pregnant mice to the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone for 8 d (embryonic d 10.5–18.5) reduced the weights of wt, but not PPARγ+/− placentas and embryos. Exposure to rosiglitazone reduced the thickness of the spongiotrophoblast layer and the surface area of labyrinthine vasculature, and altered expression of proteins implicated in placental development. The expression of fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1), FATP4, adipose differentiation related protein, S3-12, and myocardial lipid droplet protein was enhanced in placentas of rosiglitazone-treated wt embryos, whereas the expression of FATP-2, -3, and -6 was decreased. Additionally, rosiglitazone treatment was associated with enhanced accumulation of the fatty acid analog 15-(p-iodophenyl)-3-(R, S)-methyl pentadecanoic acid in the placenta, but not in the embryos. These results demonstrate that in vivo activation of PPARγ modulates placental morphology and fatty acid accumulation.
Female Mice Haploinsufficient for an Inactivated Androgen Receptor (AR) Exhibit Age-Dependent Defects That Resemble the AR Null Phenotype of Dysfunctional Late Follicle Development, Ovulation, and Fertility
Authors: Walters K. A. , Allan C. M. , Jimenez M. , Lim P. R. , Davey R. A. , Zajac J. D. , Illingworth P. , Handelsman D. J.
Published: April 2007

The role of classical genomic androgen receptor (AR) mediated actions in female reproductive physiology remains unclear. Female mice homozygous for an in-frame deletion of exon 3 of the Ar (AR−/−) were subfertile, exhibiting delayed production of their first litter (AR+/+ = 22 d vs. AR−/− = 61 d, P < 0.05) and producing 60% fewer pups/litter (AR+/+: 8.1 ± 0.4 vs. AR−/−: 3.2 ± 0.9, P < 0.01). Heterozygous females (AR+/−) exhibited an age-dependent 55% reduction (P < 0.01) in pups per litter, evident from 6 months of age (P < 0.05), compared with AR+/+, indicating a significant gene dosage effect on female fertility. Ovulation was defective with a significant reduction in corpora lutea numbers (48–79%, P < 0.01) in 10- to 12- and 26-wk-old AR+/− and AR−/− females and a 57% reduction in oocytes recovered from naturally mated AR−/− females (AR+/+: 9.8 ± 1.0 vs. AR−/−: 4.2 ± 1.2, P < 0.01); however, early embryo development to the two-cell stage was unaltered. The delay in first litter, reduction in natural ovulation rate, and aromatase expression in AR+/− and AR−/− ovaries, coupled with the restored ovulation rate by gonadotropin hyperstimulation in AR−/− females, suggest aberrant gonadotropin regulation. A 2.7-fold increase (AR+/+: 35.4 ± 13.4 vs. AR−/−: 93.9 ± 6.1, P < 0.01) in morphologically unhealthy antral follicles demonstrated deficiencies in late follicular development, although growing follicle populations and growth rates were unaltered. This novel model reveals that classical genomic AR action is critical for normal ovarian function, although not for follicle depletion and that haploinsufficiency for an inactivated AR may contribute to a premature reduction in female fecundity.
β-1,3-Glucan Schizophyllan Can Act as a One-dimensional Host to Arrange Icosahedral Carboranes
Authors: Numata Munenori , Tamesue Shingo , Nagasaki Takeshi , Sakurai Kazuo , Shinkai Seiji
Published: April 2007

We here demonstrate that schizophyllan (SPG: one kind of β-1,3-glucans)/m-carborane nanocomposites can be easily created in a supramolecular manner by utilizing the unique wrapping capability of SPG. TEM observations revealed that incorporated m-carborane molecules adopt continuous one-dimensional (1-D) arrangement in the SPG hydrophobic cavity. We believe that the present system can provide a novel concept not only for the separation of carborane isomers and the construction of one-dimensional architectures but also for the new formulation of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) agents.
Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica Single Crystal SBA-16 by Fluorinated Surfactants with Short Carbon Chains
Authors: Meng Xiangju , Lu Daling , Tatsumi Takashi
Published: April 2007

Single crystals of mesoporous silica SBA-16 with the shape of rhombododecahedron consisting of 12 flat crystal faces can be obtained by the addition of fluorinated surfactants with short carbon chains.
Construction of Supramolecular Complexes by Use of Planar Bis(β-diketonato)cobalt(II) Complexes as Building Blocks
Authors: Yoshida Jun , Nishikiori Shin-ichi , Kuroda Reiko
Published: April 2007

As building blocks for the construction of supramolecular complexes, two bis(β-diketonato) CoII complexes were examined. From the self assembly of each CoII complex and a polypyridyl ligand, 2′,4′,6′-tri(4-pyridyl)pyridine, two types of polymer structures, 1D zigzag chain and 2D hexagonal net, were obtained.
Micropatterned Film of Silica-coated Gold Nanoparticles Formed by Covalent Bonds
Authors: Qi Youli , Chen Miao , Liang Shan , Zhao Jing , Yang Wu , Liu Weimin
Published: April 2007

With well-established surface-chemical properties, monodisperse silica-coated Au nanoparticles (Au@SiO2) were first functionalized with the silane reagent 3-gylcidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTS). Then, these epoxy-terminated Au@SiO2 nanoparticles could be easily assembled onto the silicon surface, which has been patterned with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) SAMs and octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) SAMs alternately, to form close-packed two-dimensional nanoparticle arrays by covalent bonding.
Teachers' reporting of behavioural problems and cognitive‐academic performances in children aged 5–7 years
Authors: Giannopulu I. , Escolano S. , Cusin F. , Citeau H. , Dellatolas G.
Published: April 2007

Background

The behavioural and academic performance of young children with teachers' reported hyperactivity, conduct problems or inattention is under debate.

Aim

This study investigates the associations between teachers' reported behavioural difficulties and academic and cognitive performances in two large samples of preschool and school children in France.

Samples and method

Behavioural data relating to two large samples of preschool (N = 475) and first grade (N = 465) children were collected from their teachers by means of a questionnaire. A factorial analysis of the questionnaire revealed a four‐factor structure (‘hyperactivity’, ‘inattention’, ‘conduct problems’ and ‘unsociability’) that was similar in both age groups. Cognitive tests were used for each age group.

Results

Teachers' reporting of ‘inattention’ was associated with significantly lower performances in all tests in both the preschool and first grade samples. ‘Hyperactivity’ or ‘conduct problems’ were not consistently associated with the test results, when the effect of ‘inattention’ was taken into account. Preschool ‘inattention’, but not ‘hyperactivity’ or ‘conduct/sociability problems’, was related to poor performances at reading tasks in first grade.

Conclusion

These findings question the pathological significance of teachers' report of ‘hyperactivity’ in young children without associated attention problems.
Platelet Resistance to the Antiaggregatory Cyclic Nucleotides in Central Obesity Involves Reduced Phosphorylation of Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein
Authors: Russo Isabella , Del Mese Paola , Doronzo Gabriella , De Salve Alessandro , Secchi Mariantonietta , Trovati Mariella , Anfossi Giovanni
Published: April 2007

Background: Impairment of platelet response to antiaggregatory agents is seen in individuals with central obesity and may play a role in the increased cardiovascular risk associated with obesity. In this study we evaluated whether this impairment involves the antiaggregatory pathways regulated by cAMP and cGMP.

Methods: We obtained platelet-rich plasma from 12 obese individuals and 12 controls. We investigated the effects of the cyclic nucleotide analogs 8-pCPT-cAMP (10–500 μmol/L) and 8-pCPT-cGMP (10–500 μmol/L) on ADP-induced platelet aggregation as assessed by decreased light scattering. We assessed the activation of cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases by measuring phosphorylation of the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) at Ser157 and Ser239.

Results: The antiaggregatory effect of both cyclic nucleotide analogs was impaired in obese individuals compared to controls, with mean (SE) half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) (after 20-min incubation) of 123 (33) μmol/L vs 5 (1) μmol/L, respectively, for 8-pCPT-cAMP (P <0.01) and of 172 (43) μmol/L vs 17 (8) μmol/L, respectively, for 8-pCPT-cGMP (P <0.01). The Homeostasis Model Assessment Index of Insulin Resistance was independently correlated with cyclic nucleotide analog IC50. In obese individuals, VASP phosphorylation at Ser157 and Ser239 in response to cyclic nucleotides was significantly lower than in controls.

Conclusions: In central obesity the reduced ability of cyclic nucleotides to inhibit platelet aggregation is associated with reduced activation of their specific kinases. Because cyclic nucleotides help regulate platelet antiaggregation, alteration of this ability is consistent with platelet hyperactivity in obesity.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Standards for Training and Clinical Practice
Authors:   Committee of the Victorian Section Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists., Barrington Julie
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this article is to open discussion on the appropriate standards for training and practice in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for clinical psychologists. CBT has in recent years become increasingly popular as a brief and effective psychological treatment for mental health problems. Public funding has become available for the provision of CBT for a prescribed number of sessions to people diagnosed with specific psychiatric disorders, and there has been an increasing shift in public mental health services toward more short-term and structured episodic care interventions, many of which are CBT-based. There has also been a corresponding increase in health professionals seeking CBT training and offering psychological services described as CBT. However, there is a lack of formal nationally agreed standards for clinical psychologists in relation to training and practice in CBT, and ethical concerns have been raised about the provision of ‘stand-alone’ brief training to professionals who do not have an undergraduate psychology degree and hence may not have an understanding of the theory and research that underlies CBT. Issues raised in this article include training and practice considerations such as levels of competence, diversity and complexity of CBT, treatment length, ethical considerations and barriers to best practice.
Ew gross! Recognition of Expressions of Disgust by Children With Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Allen Jennifer L. , Abbott Maree J. , Rapee Ronald M. , Coltheart Max
Published: April 2007

There is evidence suggesting that obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults may be associated with an impaired ability to recognise the facial expression of disgust (Sprengelmeyer et al., 1997a; Woody, Corcoran, & Tolin, in press). It has been suggested that this impairment begins in childhood when the recognition of emotional expressions is being learnt (see Spengelmeyer et al., 1997a). This study compared the recognition of facial affect in children aged around 11 years with a diagnosis of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD; n = 11), other anxiety disorders (n = 20), and nonclinical children (n = 19), adapting the methodology of Sprengelmeyer et al. Disgust was most commonly misclassified as anger by children in all three groups. However, children with OCD did not show any evidence of a recognition deficit for disgust in comparison to either control group. Unexpectedly, however, children with OCD recognised expressions of surprise more accurately than nonclinical children. Recognition of disgust or any other emotion was not related to child self-reported anxiety symptoms. Given the observed differences in some studies with adults, future research may benefit by examining older adolescents and young adults to determine when these effects may first be noticed.
Thought–Action Fusion in Schizophrenia: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Berle David , Blaszczynski Alex , Einstein Danielle A. , Menzies Ross G.
Published: April 2007

Thought–action fusion (TAF), a belief that one's thoughts can either increase the likelihood of a given event or imply the immorality of one's character, is associated with a range of disorders, but has not yet been investigated in relation to psychosis. We sought to determine whether TAF beliefs are endorsed by individuals with chronic schizophrenia. Twenty-seven adults with chronic schizophrenia completed self-report measures of TAF, magical ideation, delusional beliefs and obsessive–compulsive symptoms. Scores were compared with a gendermatched nonclinical group (n = 27) and associations between self-report measures were investigated for the chronic schizophrenia sample. TAF Likelihood–Others, magical ideation and obsessive–compulsive symptoms were endorsed to a greater extent by those with chronic schizophrenia than by controls. The participants with chronic schizophrenia however, did not generally endorse TAF statements at level greater than ‘neutral’. TAF Moral, magical ideation and obsessive– compulsive symptoms were associated with scores on the delusional beliefs measure. We conclude that TAF beliefs may not especially characterise the thinking styles of those with schizophrenia. These findings await replication using a larger sample.
Preliminary tests to evaluate the mechanical properties of young trees with small diameter
Authors: Kasal Bohumil , Peszlen Ilona , Peralta Perry , Li Laigeng
Published: April 2007

This paper describes methods developed to test the mechanical properties of small-diameter (3–10 mm) 1-year-old trees. Special test fixtures and procedures were designed to accommodate the small diameter and uneven shape of these young trees. The modulus of elasticity and strength in tension parallel to the grain, compression parallel to the grain, and bending were measured.