bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispensing patterns and pregnancy outcomes for women dispensed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in pregnancy
Authors: Colvin Lyn , Slack‐Smith Linda , Stanley Fiona J. , Bower Carol
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND

The safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate dispensing patterns and pregnancy outcomes for women dispensed an SSRI in pregnancy.

METHODS

Using data linkage of population‐based health datasets from Western Australia and a national pharmaceutical claims dataset, our study included 123,405 pregnancies from 2002 to 2005. There were 3764 children born to 3703 women who were dispensed an SSRI during their pregnancy.

RESULTS

A total of 42.3% of the women were dispensed an SSRI in each trimester, and 97.6% of the women used the same SSRI throughout the first trimester without switching. The women who were dispensed an SSRI were more likely to give birth prematurely (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–1.7), to have smoked during the pregnancy (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.8–2.1), and parity >1 (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5–1.8). The singletons were found to have a lower birth weight than expected when other factors were taken into account (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–1.3). There was an increased risk of major cardiovascular defects (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.3). The children of women dispensed citalopram during the first trimester had an increased risk of vesicoureteric reflux (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.3–7.6). Children born to women dispensed sertraline had a higher mean birth weight than those born to women dispensed citalopram, paroxetine, or fluoxetine. This pattern was also seen in birth length.

CONCLUSIONS

Most women were dispensed the same SSRI throughout their pregnancy. We have confirmed previous findings with an increased risk of cardiovascular defects and preterm birth. New findings requiring confirmation include an increased risk of vesicoureteric reflux with the use of citalopram. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The development and validation of the guidelines for stalking assessment and management
Authors: Kropp P. Randall , Hart Stephen D. , Lyon David R. , Storey Jennifer E.
Published: March 2011

International research has established that stalking is a prevalent problem with serious and often life‐threatening consequences for victims. Stalking is also a unique form of violence due to its nature and diversity, making it difficult for criminal justice and health professionals to establish which perpetrators and victims have the greatest need for services and protection. Risk assessment is one way to address these problems but few tools exist. This article describes the development of the Guidelines for Stalking Assessment and Management (SAM), the first risk assessment instrument designed specifically for the stalking situation. Preliminary data are presented, indicating that the SAM has promise for use by professionals working with stalkers and their victims. Results indicated that interrater reliabilities for the SAM risk factors and total scores range from fair to good, and the structural reliability of the SAM is sound. Moreover, the SAM showed good concurrent validity when compared with two other measures of violence propensity: the Psychopathy Checklist Screening Version (PCL:SV) and the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG). Limitations of the study are discussed, especially those related to the difficulties inherent in file‐based research, and suggestions for future research are offered. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Surfactant‐Encapsulated and Organically Grafted Polyoxometalate Complexes
Authors: Wang Huanbing , Yan Yi , Li Bao , Bi Lihua , Wu Lixin
Published: March 2011

A series of surfactant‐encapsulated and organically grafted polyoxometalates (SEOPs) were prepared through a co‐precipitation procedure. Through a rational selection of the molecular components in the structure of the complex, SEOP complexes self‐assemble into ordered aggregates with two different hierarchical self‐assembled structures in an organic solvent mixture of dichloromethane and methanol in different volume ratios. FTIR, 1H NMR, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the self‐assembly process and the involved driving forces. In a weakly polar solvent, SEOPs aggregated into fibers with a lamellar structure. When the solvent polarity was increased, SEOPs formed ribbonlike aggregates with a tetragonal structure. The change of the hierarchical self‐assembled structure was deduced in regard to the arrangement of alkyl chains, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonding between the pyridyl groups and terminal oxygen atoms of the polyoxometalates. The ribbonlike aggregates exhibit birefringence due to the ordered arrangement of SEOPs in the microstructure.
Fluctuation Spectroscopy: A New Approach for Studying Low‐Dimensional Molecular Metals
Authors: Müller Jens
Published: March 2011

Fluctuations (or noise) are often merely considered a nuisance, an unwanted disturbance limiting the accuracy of a scientific measurement. Electronic fluctuations, however, reveal hidden pieces of information not present in the mean quantity (the resistance) itself. Herein we describe resistance noise spectroscopy as a powerful new tool for investigating the low‐frequency dynamics of electronic processes in low‐dimensional organic conductors. Over the years, these molecular charge–transfer complexes have provided unprecedented model systems for exploring the physics of low‐dimensional materials. The combination of low dimensionality with other parameters, specific to molecular conductors, sets the stage for Coulomb correlation effects to become relevant and, under certain circumstances, even to dominate the properties of the π‐electron system. The combined effects of strong electron–electron and electron–phonon interactions give rise to the rich phenomenology of ground states encountered in these materials. To provide examples, we describe noise spectroscopy as a method to study the coupling of the correlated charge carriers to intramolecular modes of lattice vibrations and to investigate the inhomogeneous coexistence region of antiferromagnetic (Mott) insulating and superconducting phases.
Beliefs about Emotions as a Metacognitive Construct: Initial Development of a Self‐Report Questionnaire Measure and Preliminary Investigation in Relation to Emotion Regulation
Authors: Manser Rachel , Cooper Myra , Trefusis Jo
Published: March 2011

Metacognitive theory, amongst other theories, gives an important role to beliefs about mental states, including beliefs about emotions, in the maintenance of distress. Mentalization theory as well as the dialectical behaviour therapy and emotion‐focused therapy literature specifies particular beliefs thought to be related to emotion dysregulation and therefore to a label of borderline personality disorder. The current study aimed to develop a questionnaire to measure the beliefs about emotions as specified by this literature and to test the relationship of this new measure to various aspects of emotion regulation in a non‐clinical sample of 289 participants. A factor analysis extracted six factors, which described beliefs about emotions as (a) overwhelming and uncontrollable; (b) shameful and irrational; (c) invalid and meaningless; (d) useless; (e) damaging; and (f) contagious. The final measure showed some promising psychometric properties. All of the questionnaire subscales were related to aspects of emotion dysregulation including distress, borderline personality disorder symptoms and behaviours associated with dysregulation of emotion, suggesting that beliefs about emotions could be an important metacognitive construct involved in the ability to regulate emotions. Beliefs about emotions may be a useful direct or indirect target for treatment of difficulties regulating emotions, and this could be achieved through the use of various therapeutic modalities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

This article provides information relevant to difficulties with emotion regulation. Such difficulties may underlie or be important in many clinically presenting difficulties notably a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder.

Beliefs about emotions develop the metacognitive therapy literature as well as being relevant to mentalization‐based treatment, dialectical behaviour therapy and emotion‐focused therapy.

The new questionnaire discussed may, in the future, be a useful tool in assessment and formulation, as well as evaluation of outcome in therapy.

Beliefs about emotions may be a direct or indirect target for therapeutic work, and the themes described in this article may be a useful guide as to some of the problematic beliefs that clients may hold.
Impact of 7‐ketocholesterol and very long chain fatty acids on oligodendrocyte lipid membrane organization: Evaluation via LAURDAN and FAMIS spectral image analysis
Authors: Kahn Edmond , Baarine Mauhamad , Dauphin Aurélien , Ragot Kévin , Tissot Nicolas , Seguin Alix , Ménétrier Franck , Kattan Zilal , Bachelet Claude‐Marie , Frouin Frédérique , Lizard Gérard
Published: March 2011

In the context of multiple sclerosis and X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy, 7‐ketocholesterol (7KC) and very long chain fatty acids (C24:0, C26:0) are supposed to induce side effects respectively on oligodendrocytes which are myelin (which is a lipoproteic complex) synthesizing cells. The effects of 7KC (25, 50 μM), C24:0 and C26:0 (10, 20 μM) on cell viability and lipid membrane organization were investigated on 158N murine oligodendrocytes. Concerning 7KC and fatty acids (at 20 μM only): 1) cell growth was strongly inhibited; 2) marked induction of cell death was revealed with propidium iodide (PI); 3) no apoptotic cells were found with C24:0 and C26:0 (absence of cells with condensed and/or fragmented nuclei, of FLICA positive cells and of PI negative/SYTO16 negative cells); 4) some apoptotic cells were detected with 7KC. Fatty acids (at 20 μM only) and 7KC also induced a disorganization of lipid membranes revealed with Merocyanine 540. So, to point out the effects of 7KC (25 μM), C24:0 and C26:0 (20 μM) on the lateral organization of lipid membranes, we used LAURDAN, which gives simultaneous information about morphology and phase state of lipid domains: its emission is blue in the ordered lipid phase, green in the disordered lipid phase. To overcome the qualitative filtering settings of blue and green emission colors, data obtained by mono‐ and bi‐photon confocal microscopy were analyzed by spectral analysis. Sequences of emission images were obtained on both mono‐ and bi‐photon confocal microscopes and processed by means of Factor Analysis of Medical Image Sequences (FAMIS), which is a relevant tool to unmix emission spectra and provide pure color images. Only 7KC was capable to induce a green emission with LAURDAN. Thus, at concentrations inducing oligodendrocyte cell death, 7KC (25 μM) is more efficient than C24:0 and C26:0 (20 μM), to trigger lateral lipid membrane disorganization. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Regulation of intracellular Ca2+ by reactive oxygen species in osteoblasts treated with antimycin A
Authors: Choi Eun Mi
Published: March 2011

This study evaluated the effects of antimycin A (AMA), an inhibitor of electron transport in mitochondria, on the release of intracellular calcium ion ([Ca2+]i), ROS and bone resorbing factors in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells. Pretreatment of osteoblasts with trolox, a ROS scavenger, and cyclosporin A, a potent inhibitor of calcium release from mitochondria, prevented the AMA‐induced increases in [Ca2+]i. However, [Ca2+]i increase by AMA was unaffected by dantrolene, which blocks the ryanodine receptor channel of the endoplasmic reticulum. BAPTA/AM (an intracellular Ca2+ chelator), dantrolene and cyclosporine A did not reverse the effect of AMA on ROS release. We also investigated whether intracellular calcium release inhibitor and antioxidant protect against AMA‐induced bone resorbing cytokine release. Trolox prevented the release of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), IL‐6, and TNF‐α induced by AMA. Moreover, the increased IL‐6 and TNF‐α release by AMA was markedly reduced by BAPTA/AM and cyclosporin A. However, BAPTA/AM did not reverse the effect of AMA on osteoprotegerin and RANKL. Taken together, these results demonstrate that mitochondrial ROS generation and Ca2+ influx by AMA is required for osteoblast death and bone resorbing cytokine release. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal study of apoptotic markers in lizard oviduct
Authors: Assisi Loredana , Raucci Franca , Di Fiore Maria Maddalena
Published: March 2011

Lizard oviduct is a very dynamic organ that undergoes high tissue remodelling as a function of the cyclic reproductive activity. Until today there are no studies of molecular actors involved in cell death in the lizard oviduct. Therefore, this report is focused on some of apoptotic markers responsible of programmed cell death in this organ during the main significant phases of reproductive cycle. Apoptotic cell recognition was based on the estimation of known following markers: cleaved caspase‐9 and‐3; tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and DNA fragmentation. By Western blotting, expected band sizes of 29 and 17 kDa, recognizing the anti‐caspase‐9 and caspase‐3, respectively, showed a stronger expression during the ovulation and postovulation. Enzymatic activity of caspase‐9 shows the highest value at ovulation, whereas that of caspase‐3 is recorded at postovulation. The expression and the activation of tTG protein are in line with the fragmentation of DNA. No tTG positive cells are detected at quiescence, when either no TdT‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive nuclei or DNA fragmentation is observed. At this time tTG activity is at a minimum. Indeed, a consistent DNA smear is observed from the DNA extracted at postovulation, when tTG activity reached its maximum and several transglutaminase immunoreactivity cells and TUNEL positive nuclei are observed. The temporal and dynamic outlines of apoptotic parameters match with seasonal modifications of the oviduct. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the seasonal apoptotic activity of the oviduct represents a key process in the remodelling of this tissue during the reproductive cycle. J. Exp. Zool. 315:291–301, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feeding of the megamouth shark (Pisces: Lamniformes: Megachasmidae) predicted by its hyoid arch: A biomechanical approach
Authors: Tomita Taketeru , Sato Keiichi , Suda Kenta , Kawauchi Junro , Nakaya Kazuhiro
Published: March 2011

Studies of the megamouth shark, one of three planktivorous sharks, can provide information about their evolutionary history. Megamouth shark feeding has never been observed in life animals, but two alternative hypotheses on biomechanics suggest either feeding, i.e., ram feeding or suction feeding. In this study, the second moment of area of the ceratohyal cartilages, which is an indicator of the flexural stiffness of the cartilages, is calculated for 21 species of ram‐ and suction‐feeding sharks using computed tomography. The results indicate that suction‐feeding sharks have ceratohyal cartilages with a larger second moment of area than ram‐feeding sharks. The result also indicates that the ram–suction index, which is an indicator of relative contribution of ram and suction behavior, is also correlated with the second moment of area of the ceratohyal. Considering that large bending stresses are expected to be applied to the ceratohyal cartilage during suction, the larger second moment of area of the ceratohyal of suction‐feeding sharks can be interpreted as an adaptation for suction feeding. Based on the small second moment of area of the ceratohyal cartilage of the megamouth shark, the feeding mode of the megamouth shark is considered to be ram feeding, similar to the planktivorous basking shark. From these results, an evolutionary scenario of feeding mechanics of three species of planktivorous sharks can be suggested. In this scenario, the planktivorous whale shark evolved ram feeding from a benthic suction‐feeding ancestor. Ram feeding in the planktivorous megamouth shark and the basking shark evolved from ram feeding swimming‐type ancestors and that both developed their unique filtering system to capture small‐sized prey. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)‐mediated generation of reactive oxygen species causes cell cycle arrest and induces apoptosis via activation of caspase‐3, mitochondria dysfunction and nitric oxide (NO) in human osteogenic sarcoma U‐2 OS cells
Authors: Wu Chang‐Lin , Huang An‐Cheng , Yang Jai‐Sing , Liao Ching‐Lung , Lu Hsu‐Feng , Chou Su‐Tze , Ma Chia‐Yu , Hsia Te‐Chun , Ko Yang‐Ching , Chung Jing‐Gung
Published: March 2011

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a member of the isothiocyanate family, have been shown to exhibit antineoplastic ability against many human cancer cells. In this study, we found that exposure of human osteogenic sarcoma U‐2 OS cells to BITC and PEITC led to induce morphological changes and to decrease the percentage of viable cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. BITC and PEITC induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase at 48 h treatment and inhibited the levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins such as cyclin A and B1 in U‐2 OS cells but promoted the level of Chk1 and p53 that led to G2/M arrest. BITC and PEITC induced a marked increase in apoptosis (DNA fragmentation) and poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerase (PARP) cleavage, which was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and the activation of caspase‐9 and ‐3. BITC and PEITC also promoted the ROS production in U‐2 OS cells and the N‐acetylcysteine (NAC, an antoxidant agent) was pretreated and then treated with both compounds which led to decrease the levels of ROS and increase the cell viability. Interestingly, BITC and PEITC promoted the levels of NO production and increased the iNOS enzyme. Confocal laser microscope also demonstrated that BITC and PEITC promoted the release of cytochrome c and AIF, suggesting that both compounds induced apoptosis through ROS, caspase‐3 and mitochondrial, and NO signaling pathways. Taken together, these molecular alterations and signaling pathways offer an insight into BITC and PEITC‐caused growth inhibition, G2/M arrest, and apoptotic death of U‐2 OS cells. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1199–1209, 2011
Surface modification by glow discharge gasplasma treatment improves vascularization of allogenic bone implants
Authors: Ring Andrej , Tilkorn Daniel J. , Goertz Ole , Langer Stefan , Schaffran Angela , Awakowicz Peter , Hauser Jörg
Published: March 2011

Sufficient induction of blood vessel ingrowth decisively influence transplant functionality. In this study, microvascular response to transplants of surface modified bone substitutes were assessed in vivo. The surface modification of allogenic bone substitutes (dehydrated human femoral head) was achieved in a double‐conductive low‐pressure gasplasma reactor (Ar2/O2, 13.65 MHz, 1,000 W, 5 Pa). The modified bone substitutes (n = 10) as well as untreated bone substitutes serving as controls (n = 10) were placed into the dorsal skinfold chamber of female balb/c mice (n = 10). Dynamic assessment of microcirculatory parameters was performed using intravital fluorescence microscopy during an implantation period of 10 days. The angiogenic response was found markedly accelerated in gasplasma‐treated bone. Compared to untreated implants, the gasplasma‐activated bone substitutes showed significantly higher microvascular density on days 5 and 10. The quantification of the microvascular diameters, red blood cell velocity, and microvascular permeability displayed stable perfusion and vascular integrity of the newly developed blood vessels throughout the 10‐day observation period. The surface activation via cold low‐pressure glow discharge gasplasma supports the vascular integration of allogenic bone by earlier induction of the angiogenesis. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1237–1244, 2011
Correlation of digital sensibility and precision of pinch force modulation in patients with nerve repair
Authors: Shieh Shyh‐Jou , Hsu Hsiu‐Yun , Kuo Li‐Chieh , Su Fong‐Chin , Chiu Haw‐Yen
Published: March 2011

The outcome measures for patients following peripheral nerve repairs commonly include muscle strength and sensory assessments. However, no significant discussion exists on the impact of nerve injury on sensorimotor control. The objective of this longitudinal study was to explore the effects of nerve regeneration on the control of pinch force in executing functional tasks. Seven patients with digital or median nerve repairs were assessed by a custom‐designed pinch device and conventional sensory tools at monthly intervals following nerve repair. These tools measured sensibility, maximum pinch strength, and anticipated pinch force adjustments to movement‐induced load fluctuations in a pinch‐holding‐up activity (PHUA). Six force‐related and temporal parameters for sensory measurement were used to determine improvements in pinch performance over time following sensory recovery. The results revealed significant differences in the parameters of peak pinch force, baseline pinch force, force ratio, and the percentage of maximal pinch force output at different points in the course of nerve regeneration. A strong relationship was also found between kinetic data from the PHUA test and the traditional sensibility tests for the nerve repair patients in the present study. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1210–1215, 2011
Longitudinal Study of Radiographic Spinal Osteoarthritis in a Macaque Model
Authors: Duncan Andrea E. , Colman Ricki J. , Kramer Patricia A.
Published: March 2011

Cross‐sectional analyses of naturally occurring spinal osteoarthritis (OA) in primates have shown that age and body mass are significant predictors, but whether or not these relationships hold true in longitudinal evaluations remains unclear. Because spinal OA manifests similarly in humans and monkeys and macaque monkeys age >3 times the rate of humans, macaque models offer opportunities for longitudinal study that are difficult in humans. Our objective was to characterize the longitudinal development over 11 years of spinal OA in 68 Macaca mulatta (41 males, 27 females, aged 11–32 years). Average disc space narrowing (DSN) and osteophytosis (OST) scores were computed for the thoracolumbar spine (T8–L7). Our longitudinal analyses confirmed the cross‐sectional results: age and body mass (p < 0.001) significantly predicted 50% and 39% of the variability in OST and DSN, respectively. Rates of change in DSN, but not OST, were associated with age at first radiograph. This study represents the first long‐term longitudinal assessment of OA in primates and establishes that the relationship among the covariates in the cross‐sectional and longitudinal approaches is similar. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1152–1160, 2011
Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizae on yield, nutrients, organic solutes, and antioxidant enzymes of two wheat cultivars under salt stress
Authors: Talaat Neveen B. , Shawky Bahaa T.
Published: March 2011

The efficacy of arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) on nutrients, organic solutes, and antioxidant enzymes of wheat under salt stress was investigated and related to root colonization and plant productivity. The mycorrhizal inoculation increased N, P, K, Ca, and Mg uptake, soluble sugars, free amino acids, and proline accumulation, as well as peroxidase and catalase activities under saline conditions as compared to nonmycorrhizal plants. On the other hand, Na concentration was lower in mycorrhizal than in nonmycorrhizal plants grown under saline conditions. Arbuscular mycorrhizae protected wheat against the detrimental effects of salinity and stimulated its productivity. Hence, mycorrhizal colonization can play a vital role in the mitigation of the adverse effects of salinity by improving the wheat osmotic adjustment response, enhancing its defense system, and alleviating oxidative damage to cells. Arbuscular mycorrhizae are able to alter plant physiology in a way that empowers the plant to grow more efficiently on salt‐affected lands.
Multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy
Authors: Yue S. , Slipchenko M.N. , Cheng J.‐X.
Published: March 2011

Because each nonlinear optical (NLO) imaging modality is sensitive to specific molecules or structures, multimodal NLO imaging capitalizes the potential of NLO microscopy for studies of complex biological tissues. The coupling of multiphoton fluorescence, second‐harmonic generation, and coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) has allowed investigation of a broad range of biological questions concerning lipid metabolism, cancer development, cardiovascular disease, and skin biology. Moreover, recent research shows the great potential of using a CARS microscope as a platform to develop more advanced NLO modalities such as electronic‐resonance‐enhanced four‐wave mixing, stimulated Raman scattering, and pump‐probe microscopy. This article reviews the various approaches developed for realization of multimodal NLO imaging as well as developments of new NLO modalities on a CARS microscope. Applications to various aspects of biological and biomedical research are discussed.
Fabrication of nanoparticles using partially purified pomegranate ellagitannins and gelatin and their apoptotic effects
Authors: Li Zheng , Percival Susan S. , Bonard Suzanna , Gu Liwei
Published: March 2011

Scope: Nanoparticles possess unique chemical and biological properties compared to bulk materials. Bioactive food components encapsulated in nanoparticles may have increased bioavailability and bioactivities.

Methods and results: Self‐assembled nanoparticles made of partially purified pomegranate ellagitannins (PPE) and gelatin were fabricated using three PPE‐to‐gelatin mass ratios (1:5, 5:5, and 7:5). The PPE contained 16.6% (w/w) of punicalagin A, 32.5% (w/w) of punicalagin B, and a small amount of ellagic acid‐hexoside and ellagic acid (1%, w/w). Nanoparticles fabricated using the ratio 5:5 had a particle size of 149.3±1.8 nm, positive zeta‐potential of 17.8±0.9 mV, production efficiency 53.0±4.2%, and spherical morphology under scanning electron microscopy. Loading efficiency of punicalagin A and punicalagin B in these particles were 94.2±0.4% and 83.8±0.5 %, respectively. Loading capacity was 14.8±1.5% and 25.7±2.2%, respectively. Only punicalagin anomers were able to bind with gelatin to form nanoparticles, whereas ellagic acid‐hexoside or ellagic acid could not. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that the interactions between ellagitannins and gelatin were hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. PPE‐gelatin nanoparticle suspension was less effective than PPE in inducing the early stage of apoptosis on human promyelocytic leukemia cells HL‐60. But they had similar effects in inducing late stage of apoptosis and necrosis.

Conclusion: Pomegranate ellagitannins bind with gelatin to form self‐assembled nanoparticles. Ellagitannins encapsulated in nanoparticles had decreased apoptotic effects on leukemia cells HL‐60.
Differential effects of sulforaphane on histone deacetylases, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in normal prostate cells versus hyperplastic and cancerous prostate cells
Authors: Clarke John D. , Hsu Anna , Yu Zhen , Dashwood Roderick H. , Ho Emily
Published: March 2011

Scope: Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli. The ability of SFN to inhibit histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes may be one mechanism by which it acts as a chemoprevention agent. The ability of a chemopreventive agent to specifically cause cytotoxicity in cancer and not normal cells is an important factor in determining its safety and clinical relevance.

Methods and results: We characterized the effects of SFN in normal (PrEC), benign hyperplasia (BPH1) and cancerous (LnCap and PC3) prostate epithelial cells. We observed that 15 μM SFN selectively induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in BPH1, LnCap and PC3 cells but not PrEC cells. SFN treatment also selectively decreased HDAC activity, and Class I and II HDAC proteins, increased acetylated histone H3 at the promoter for P21, induced p21 expression and increased tubulin acetylation in prostate cancer cells. HDAC6 over‐expression was able to reverse SFN‐induced cyotoxicity. In PrEC cells, SFN caused only a transient reduction in HDAC activity with no change in any other endpoints tested. The differences in sensitivity to SFN in PrEC and PC3 are likely not due to differences in SFN metabolism or differences in phase 2 enzyme induction.

Conclusion: SFN exerts differential effects on cell proliferation, HDAC activity and downstream targets in normal and cancer cells.
Insight into in vivo magnetization exchange in human white matter regions
Authors: Kalantari Saeed , Laule Cornelia , Bjarnason Thorarin A. , Vavasour Irene M. , MacKay Alex L.
Published: March 2011

Water exchange can play an important role in interpreting compartment‐specific magnetic resonance imaging data in brain. For example, an MR method of myelin measurement, known as myelin water fraction imaging, assumes that water exchange processes are slow compared with the measurement time scale. In this article, we examined whether water exchange processes have an effect on myelin water fraction values. A previously established four pool model of white matter was used to simulate the interactions between two aqueous compartments (myelin water and intra/extracellular water) and nonaqueous compartments (myelin and nonmyelin tissues). To extract the water exchange cross relaxation times, the Bloch equations were solved analytically. As the water exchange time scales are dependent on the spin‐lattice T1 relaxation of each of these four pools and due to the current uncertainties regarding the T1 associated with each pool, exchange cross relaxation times for three different T1 scenarios were calculated. The corrections that need to be considered in order for myelin water fraction to be an accurate marker for myelin were found to be less than 15%. This work indicates that regional variations in white matter myelin water fraction values are most likely due to variations in myelin content rather than regional differences in exchange rates. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cooperative adaptive sampling of random fields with partially known covariance
Authors: Graham Rishi , Cortés Jorge
Published: March 2011

This paper considers autonomous robotic sensor networks taking measurements of a physical process for predictive purposes. The physical process is modeled as a spatiotemporal random field. The network objective is to take samples at locations that maximize the information content of the data. The combination of information‐based optimization and distributed control presents difficult technical challenges as standard measures of information are not distributed in nature. Moreover, the lack of prior knowledge on the statistical structure of the field can make the problem arbitrarily difficult. Assuming the mean of the field is an unknown linear combination of known functions and its covariance structure is determined by a function known up to an unknown parameter, we provide a novel distributed method for performing sequential optimal design by a network comprised static and mobile devices. We characterize the correctness of the proposed algorithm and examine in detail the time, communication, and space complexities required for its implementation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinicopathological Features and Outcomes of Young Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Hepatectomy
Authors: Takeishi Kazuki , Shirabe Ken , Muto Jun , Toshima Takeo , Taketomi Akinobu , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: March 2011

Background

There are few reports about hepatectomy for young patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the significance of resection for young patients remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate retrospectively the clinicopathological features and outcomes after hepatectomy of young HCC patients.

Methods

Among 610 patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC between January 1987 and December 2007, 13 patients younger than 40 years of age were defined as the young group. Because none of the young group had hepatitis C virus antibodies (HCVAb), 246 patients aged above 40 years without HCVAb were defined as the older group. The clinicopathological findings and outcomes after hepatectomy were compared between the two groups.

Results

In the young group, 7 patients had hepatitis B surface antigen and 3 other patients had hepatitis B core antibodies. The young group had better liver function but more advanced HCC, with a large tumor size and a high incidence of portal vein invasion compared with the older group. Major hepatectomy was more frequently chosen in the young group than in the older group. There was no significant difference in the incidences of postoperative complications. The overall survival tended to be better in the young group than in the older group (p = 0.057).

Conclusions

Hepatitis B virus‐related HCC was common inthe younger group of patients reported here. Although the young patients had advanced HCC, there were no significant differences in the complication rate and the overall survival rate of the young and older groups. Aggressive hepatic resection for young patients would contribute to improved survival and should be recommended.
Clinical Quality Measures for Intraoperative and Perioperative Management in Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Authors: Nuckols Teryl K. , Gibbons Melinda Maggard , Harness Neil G. , Chang Walter T. , Chung Kevin C. , Asch Steven M. ,   The Carpal Tunnel Quality Group, Chagnon Denis , Harris Jeff , Jablecki Charles , Kilmer David , Mandell Peter , Mass Daniel , Masear Victoria , Melhorne Mark , Pho Cuong , Strain Rick
Published: March 2011

Background

Previous research documents suboptimal preoperative or postoperative care for patients undergoing surgery. However, few existing quality measures directly address the fundamental element of surgical care: intra-operative care processes. This study sought to develop quality measures for intraoperative, preoperative, and postoperative care for carpal tunnel surgery, a common operation in the USA.

Methods

We applied a variation of the well-established RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. Adherence to measures developed using this method has been associated with improved patient outcomes in several studies. Hand surgeons and quality measurement experts developed draft measures using guidelines and literature. Subsequently, in a two-round modified-Delphi process, a multidisciplinary panel of 11 national experts in carpal tunnel syndrome (including six surgeons) reviewed structured summaries of the evidence and rated the measures for validity (association with improved patient outcomes) and feasibility (ability to be assessed using medical records).

Results

Of 25 draft measures, panelists judged 22 (88%) to be valid and feasible. Nine intraoperative measures addressed the location and extent of surgical dissection, release after wrist trauma, endoscopic release, and four procedures sometimes performed during carpal tunnel surgery. Eleven measures covered preoperative and postoperative evaluation and management.

Conclusions

We have developed several measures that experts, including surgeons, believe to reflect the quality of care processes occurring during carpal tunnel surgery and be assessable using medical records. Although quality measures like these cannot assess a surgeon's skill in handling the instruments, they can assess many important aspects of intraoperative care. Intraoperative measures should be developed for other procedures.
Physico‐Chemical Studies on Microemulsion: Effect of Cosurfactant Chain Length on the Phase Behavior, Formation Dynamics, Structural Parameters and Viscosity of Water/(Polysorbate‐20 + n‐Alkanol)/n‐Heptane Water‐in‐Oil Microemulsion
Authors: Paul Sujoy , Panda Amiya Kumar
Published: March 2011

The pseudo‐ternary water‐in‐oil microemulsion system, comprising water/polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Polysorbate‐20) + n‐alkanol/n‐heptane, have been studied by phase manifestation, method of dilution, viscosity and dynamic light scattering measurements. Polysorbate‐20, in combination with equal mass of cosurfactants (of varying chain length, from n‐butanol to n‐octanol) were used in studying the systems in the temperature range 303–323 K. Appearance of turbidity was noted visually, which indicated the attainment of immiscibility or phase separation; a clear dependence of the different phases on cosurfactant chain length was noted. By employing the method of dilution, associated thermodynamic parameters for the formation of water‐in‐oil microemulsion droplets were derived. Different associated structural parameters were derived through further computation of the data derived from the method of dilution. Unusual behavior of Polysorbate‐20, compared to the conventional ionic surfactants, was noted. Viscosity measurements, as carried out with different compositions and temperatures, revealed the temperature and water pool size dependency of the microemulsion systems. Viscosity data did not follow the same trend during heating and the cooling process, due to the condensation effect. This phenomenon was further confirmed by dynamic light scattering measurements.
Bendamustine with or without rituximab in the treatment of relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: an Italian retrospective study
Authors: Iannitto Emilio , Morabito Fortunato , Mancuso Salvatrice , Gentile Massimo , Montanini Antonella , Augello Accursio , Bongarzoni Velia , D’Arco Alfonso , Di Renzo Nicola , Fazzi Rita , Franco Giovanni , Marasca Roberto , Mulè Antonino , Musso Maurizio , Musto Pellegrino , Pennese Elsa , Piccin Andrea , Rota‐Scalabrini Delia , Visani Giuseppe , Rigacci Luigi
Published: March 2011

To retrospectively assess the efficacy of bendamustine alone and with rituximab (R–B), 109 patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) were enrolled in 24 Italian centres. The median age was 66 years (range 39–85). Forty‐three percent of patients had relapsed and 57% were resistant (median previous therapies = 3; range 1–8). Twenty‐two patients received bendamustine alone and 87 patients received R–B (median B dosage: 100 mg/m2 per day, range 90–130 mg/m2 per day). The overall response rate was 69·6% (complete response 28·6%; partial response 41%), and was significantly higher in patients treated with R–B (P = 0·014) and in those responsive to the previous treatment (P = 0·04). After a median follow‐up of 7·9 months (range 1–148), the median progression‐free survival was 16 months and the median duration of response was 13 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 16·8 months for the whole cohort; patients not responding to the treatment had a significantly worse outcome than those who attained a response (P = 0·0001). In multivariate analysis, only resistant disease status at start of bendamustine treatment (HR 3·2, 95% CI 1·4–7·3, P = 0·006) had an independent prognostic value for OS. Toxicity was manageable and mostly haematological. In conclusion, in our experience R–B was an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for relapsed/refractory CLL patients, producing a remarkable high CR rate and mild toxicity.
Exploring the burden of emergency care: predictors of stress‐health outcomes in emergency nurses
Authors: Adriaenssens Jef , De Gucht Veronique , Van Der Doef Margot , Maes Stan
Published: March 2011

adriaenssens j., de gucht v., van der doef m. & maes s. (2011)  Exploring the burden of emergency care: predictors of stress‐health outcomes in emergency nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(6), 1317–1328.

Aims.  This paper is a report of a study that examines (1) whether emergency nurses differ from a general hospital nursing comparison group in terms of job and organizational characteristics and (2) to what extent these characteristics predict job satisfaction, turnover intention, work engagement, fatigue and psychosomatic distress in emergency nurses.

Background.  The work environment and job characteristics of nurses are important predictors of stress‐health outcomes. Emergency nurses are particularly exposed to stressful events and unpredictable work conditions.

Methods.  This cross‐sectional study (N = 254) was carried out in 15 emergency departments of Belgian general hospitals in 2007–2008 by means of the Leiden Quality of Work Questionnaire for Nurses, the Checklist Individual Strength, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Brief Symptom Inventory.

Results.  Emergency nurses report more time pressure and physical demands, lower decision authority, less adequate work procedures and less reward than a general hospital nursing population. They report, however, more opportunity for skill discretion and better social support by colleagues. Work‐time demands appear to be important determinants of psychosomatic complaints and fatigue in emergency nurses. Apart from personal characteristics, decision authority, skill discretion, adequate work procedures, perceived reward and social support by supervisors prove to be strong determinants of job satisfaction, work engagement and lower turnover intention in emergency nurses.

Conclusion.  Emergency departments should be screened regularly on job and organizational characteristics to identify determinants of stress‐health outcomes that can be the target of preventive interventions.
Two capsular polysaccharides enable Bacillus cereus G9241 to cause anthrax‐like disease
Authors: Oh So‐Young , Budzik Jonathan M. , Garufi Gabriella , Schneewind Olaf
Published: March 2011

Bacillus cereus G9241 causes an anthrax‐like respiratory illness in humans; however, the molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis are not known. Genome sequencing identified two putative virulence plasmids proposed to provide for anthrax toxin (pBCXO1) and/or capsule expression (pBC218). We report here that B. cereus G9241 causes anthrax‐like disease in immune‐competent mice, which is dependent on each of the two virulence plasmids. pBCXO1 encodes pagA1, the homologue of anthrax protective antigen, as well as hasACB, providing for hyaluronic acid capsule formation, two traits that each contribute to disease pathogenesis. pBC218 harbours bpsX‐H, B. cereus exo‐polysaccharide, which produce a second capsule. During infection, B. cereus G9241 elaborates both hasACB and bpsX‐H capsules, which together are essential for the establishment of anthrax‐like disease and the resistance of bacilli to phagocytosis. A single nucleotide deletion causes premature termination of hasA translation in Bacillus anthracis, which is known to escape phagocytic killing by its pXO2 encoded poly‐d‐γ‐glutamic acid (PDGA) capsule. Thus, multiple different gene clusters endow pathogenic bacilli with capsular material, provide for escape from innate host immune responses and aid in establishing the pathogenesis of anthrax‐like disease.
The stress‐activated protein kinase Hog1 develops a critical role after resting state
Authors: Escoté Xavier , Miranda Merce , Rodríguez‐Porrata Boris , Mas Albert , Cordero Ricardo , Posas Francesc , Vendrell Joan
Published: March 2011

Quiescence is an essential process in eukaryotes. Control of cell cycle progression by stress‐activated protein kinases (SAPK) is critical for cell adaptation to extracellular stimuli. In yeast, activation of the HOG MAPK signalling pathway results in the control of cell cycle at several phases. In this manuscript, we describe the role of Hog1p modulating re‐entry into cell cycle from a resting state. Cells deficient in Hog1p activation show a delay in entering the mitotic cell cycle from the stationary phase. Furthermore, a repressible Hog1p allele (Hog1AS) presents a comparable behaviour at this phase to the deleted strain. In addition, the role of Hog1p at the stationary phase exit is not related to loss of cell viability. Moreover, when cells enter the mitotic cell cycle after being in the stationary phase, Hog1p is rapidly activated and concentrates in the nucleus where it modifies the expression of several genes. Similar results are obtained in higher eukaryotic cells by activation of p38. Thus, these results reveal a novel role of the SAPK Hog1p in the control of cell cycle progression as cells leave a resting state.
A personal epistemology: towards gender diversity
Authors: Merryfeather Lyn
Published: March 2011

In spite of the growing public awareness of those who would identify as transgender, very little has changed in attitudes that would accord such people full approbation. The author takes the reader on a 40‐year journey of discovery that has led her to an abiding interest in and dedication to the issues faced by people who do not fit within the gender binary of Western society. As well as describing a personal experience with someone who identifies as transsexual, the author relates two troubling experiences from her nursing career. Included in the discussion are linguistics, sexuality, and vocabulary. A personal epistemology is explored that incorporates unknowing, intuition, and embodiment, and the difference this view can make to the care of those who identify as gender‐diverse.
Mature care and the virtue of integrity
Authors: Ekeberg Vigdis
Published: March 2011

This article explores the contribution of the virtue of integrity to the concept of mature care. The virtue of integrity is understood as both a personal and a social virtue. The argument is that the virtue of integrity is a necessary condition for providing mature care. An example from a psychiatric acute ward illustrates that a nurse acting with the virtue of integrity displays clear self‐boundaries and self‐respect as well as respect towards the inherent integrity of the patient. The article also addresses some problems related to lack of the virtue of integrity by discussing the problems connected to detachment and rigidity.
Remodelling reparation: changes in the compensation of victims of natural catastrophes in Belgium and the Netherlands
Authors: Bruggeman Véronique , Faure Michael , Haritz Miriam
Published: March 2011

The paper presents a comparative analysis of the development and present state of compensation for victims of catastrophes in Belgium and the Netherlands. These two neighbouring countries have both seen legislative changes in this field in recent years, albeit with different outcomes. The paper thus analyses to what extent the two compensation scheme structures allow for conclusions as to the comparative benefits of a comprehensive insurance scheme for natural disasters. From the perspective of law and economics, the evolution of private insurance and public intervention through compensation funds, the preference for private or public solutions and the actual financing of these are examined. Drawing on practical experience, such as the case of flood risks, the solutions are tested in view of incentive‐based financing. The paper concludes that the private insurance market is more developed in Belgium than it is in the Netherlands, where the reform process has not yet ended.
Parasitoid spectrum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae; Aphelinidae) of the soybean aphid Aphis glycines (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Japan and Indonesia (Java and Bali)
Authors: TAKADA Hajimu , NAKAMURA Chifumi , MIYAZAKI Masahisa
Published: March 2011

Aphidiine and aphelinid parasitoids collected from the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, on Glycine max in Japan and Indonesia (Java and Bali) were identified to clarify the parasitoid spectrum of the aphid there. Nine parasitoid species from Japan (Aphidiinae: Aphidius gifuensis, Aphidius sp., Binodoxys communis, Diaeretiella rapae, Lipolexis gracilis, Lysiphlebia japonica; Aphelinidae: Aphelinus asychis, A. gossypii, A. varipes) and two parasitoid species from Indonesia (B. communis, A. gossypii) were found to be associated with A. glycines.