bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Er3+ ‐Doped Y2O3 Nanophosphors for Near‐Infrared Fluorescence Bioimaging Applications
Authors: Venkatachalam Nallusamy , Yamano Tomoyoshi , Hemmer Eva , Hyodo Hiroshi , Kishimoto Hidehiro , Soga Kohei
Published: July 2013

Rare‐earth‐doped ceramic nanophosphor (RED‐CNP) materials are promising near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence bioimaging (FBI) agents that can overcome problems of currently used organic dyes including photobleaching, phototoxicity, and light scattering. Here, we report a NIR–NIR bioimaging system by using NIR emission at 1550 nm under 980 nm excitation which can allow a deeper penetration depth into biological tissues than ultraviolet or visible light excitation. In this study, erbium‐doped yttrium oxide nanoparticles (Er3+:Y2O3) with an average particle size of 100 and 500 nm were synthesized by surfactant‐assisted homogeneous precipitation method. NIR emission properties of Er3+:Y2O3 were investigated under 980 nm excitation. The surface of Er3+:Y2O3 was electrostatically PEGylated using poly (ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(acrylic acid) (PEG‐b‐PAAc) block copolymer to improve the chemical durability and dispersion stability of Er3+:Y2O3 under physiological conditions. In vitro cytotoxic effects of bare and PEG‐b‐PAAc‐modified Er3+:Y2O3 were investigated by incubation with mouse macrophage cells (J774). Microscopic and macroscopic FBI were demonstrated in vivo by injection of bare or PEG‐b‐PAAc‐modified Er3+:Y2O3 into C57BL/6 mice. The NIR fluorescence images showed that PEG‐b‐PAAc modification significantly reduced the agglomeration of Er3+:Y2O3 in mice and enhanced the distribution of Er3+:Y2O3.
An integrative review of the factors influencing new graduate nurse engagement in interprofessional collaboration
Authors: Pfaff Kathryn , Baxter Pamela , Jack Susan , Ploeg Jenny
Published: July 2013

Aim

To analyse critically the barriers and facilitators to new graduate nurse engagement in interprofessional collaboration.

Background

The acculturation of new graduate nurses must be considered in strategies that address the global nursing shortage. Interprofessional collaboration may support the transition and retention of new graduate nurses.

Design

Whittemore and Knafl's revised framework for integrative reviews guided the analysis.

Data sources

A comprehensive multi‐step search (published 2000–2012) of the North American interprofessional collaboration and new graduate literature indexed in the CINAHL, Proquest, Pubmed, PsychINFO and Cochrane databases was performed. A sample of 26 research and non‐research reports met the inclusion criteria.

Review methods

All 26 articles were included in the review. A systematic and iterative approach was used to extract and reduce the data to draw conclusions.

Results

The analysis revealed several barriers and facilitators to new graduate engagement in interprofessional collaboration. These factors exist at the individual, team and organizational levels and are largely consistent with conceptual and empirical analyses of interprofessional collaboration conducted in other populations. However, knowledge and critical thinking emerged as factors not identified in previous analyses.

Conclusion

Despite a weak‐to‐moderate literature sample, this review suggests implications for team and organizational development, education and research that may support new graduate nurse engagement in IPC.
Slug promoted vasculogenic mimicry in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Dan , Sun Baocun , Liu Tieju , Zhao Xiulan , Che Na , Gu Qiang , Dong Xueyi , Yao Zhi , Li Rui , Li Jing , Chi Jiadong , Sun Ran
Published: July 2013

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to the unique capability of aggressive tumour cells to mimic the pattern of embryonic vasculogenic networks. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulator slug have been implicated in the tumour invasion and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the relationship between slug and VM formation is not clear. In the study, we demonstrated that slug expression was associated with EMT and cancer stem cell (CSCs) phenotype in HCC patients. Importantly, slug showed statistically correlation with VM formation. We consistently demonstrated that an overexpression of slug in HCC cells significantly increased CSCs subpopulation that was obvious by the increased clone forming efficiency in soft agar and by flowcytometry analysis. Meantime, the VM formation and VM mediator overexpression were also induced by slug induction. Finally, slug overexpression lead to the maintenance of CSCs phenotype and VM formation was demonstrated in vivo. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that slug induced the increase and maintenance of CSCs subpopulation and contributed to VM formation eventually. The related molecular pathways may be used as novel therapeutic targets for the inhibition of HCC angiogenesis and metastasis.
Combining Molecular Data with Classical Morphology for Uncultured Phagotrophic Euglenids (Excavata): A Single‐Cell Approach
Authors: Lax Gordon , Simpson Alastair G. B.
Published: July 2013

Phagotrophic euglenids are one of the most diverse and important forms of heterotrophic flagellates in sediment systems, and are key to understanding the evolution of photosynthetic euglenids and ‘primary osmotrophs’, yet relatively little is known about their biodiversity and phylogenetic relationships. A wealth of light microscopy‐based information is available, but little progress has been made in associating this with molecular sequence data. We established a protocol to obtain light microscopy data and molecular data from single euglenid cells isolated from environmental samples. Individual cells from freshwater and marine benthic samples were isolated and rinsed by micropipetting, documented using high‐resolution photomicroscopy, then subjected to single‐cell nested PCR using taxon‐specific primers in combination with universal eukaryotic primers, generating > 75% or full‐length SSU rDNA sequences. As a proof‐of‐principle eight individuals were characterised and subjected to phylogenetic analyses. Many of these cells were identified as Anisonema or Dinema, and grouped with existing sequences assigned to these taxa, and with a ‘Peranema sp.’ sequence that we could now clearly demonstrate was misidentified or misannotated. Another cell is Heteronema c.f. exaratum, the first ‘skidding heteronemid’ for which sequence data are available. This is not closely related to Heteronema scaphurum, and intriguingly, branches as the sister group to primary osmotrophs. A cell similar to Ploeotia vitrea (the type of this genus), shows no particular phylogenetic affinity to Ploeotia costata, the best studied Ploeotia species. Our experimental protocol provides a useful starting point for future analyses on euglenid biodiversity (including environmental sequence surveys), and their evolution and systematics.
Expression profile of oestrogen receptors and oestrogen‐related receptors is organ specific and sex dependent: the Japanese medaka Oryzias latipes model
Authors: Cheung N. K. M. , Cheung A. C. K. , Ye R. R. , Ge W. , Giesy J. P. , Au D. W. T.
Published: July 2013

Gene expression of all known subtypes of oestrogen receptor (ER) and oestrogen‐related receptor (ERR) in multiple organs and both sexes of the Japanese medaka Oryzias latipes was profiled and systematically analysed. As revealed by statistical analyses and low‐dimensional projections, the expressions of ERRs proved to be organ and sex dependent, which is in contrast with the ubiquitous nature of ERs. Moreover, expressions of specific ERR isoforms (ERRγ1, ERRγ2) were strongly correlated with that of all ERs (ERα, ERβ1 and ERβ2), suggesting the existence of potential interactions. Findings of this study shed light on the co‐regulatory role of particular ERRs in oestrogen‐ERs signalling and highlight the potential importance of ERRs in determining organ and sex‐specific oestrogen responses. Using O. latipes as an alternative vertebrate model, this study provides new directions that call for collective efforts from the scientific community to unravel the mechanistic action of ER‐ERR cross‐talks, and their intertwining functions, in a cell and sex‐specific manner in vivo.
Guanosine behind the scene
Authors: Ciruela Francisco
Published: July 2013

Read the full article ‘Guanosine controls inflammatory pathways to afford neuroprotection of hippocampal slices under oxygen and glucose deprivation conditions’ on doi: 10.1111/jnc.12324
Amyloid precursor proteins are constituents of the presynaptic active zone
Authors: Laßek Melanie , Weingarten Jens , Einsfelder Ulf , Brendel Peter , Müller Ulrike , Volknandt Walter
Published: July 2013

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its mammalian homologs, APLP1, APLP2, have been allocated to an organellar pool residing in the Golgi apparatus and in endosomal compartments, and in its mature form to a cell surface‐localized pool. In the brain, all APPs are restricted to neurons; however, their precise localization at the plasma membrane remained enigmatic. Employing a variety of subcellular fractionation steps, we isolated two synaptic vesicle (SV) pools from rat and mouse brain, a pool consisting of synaptic vesicles only and a pool comprising SV docked to the presynaptic plasma membrane. Immunopurification of these two pools using a monoclonal antibody directed against the 12 membrane span synaptic vesicle protein2 (SV2) demonstrated unambiguously that APP, APLP1 and APLP2 are constituents of the active zone of murine brain but essentially absent from free synaptic vesicles. The specificity of immunodetection was confirmed by analyzing the respective knock‐out animals. The fractionation experiments further revealed that APP is accumulated in the fraction containing docked synaptic vesicles. These data present novel insights into the subsynaptic localization of APPs and are a prerequisite for unraveling the physiological role of all mature APP proteins in synaptic physiology.

image

We deciphered the precise subcellular localization of APP at the nerve terminal. We demonstrate that APP and its family members, APLP1 and APLP2, are constituents of the presynaptic active zone, albeit virtually absent in synaptic vesicles (SV). Our findings open new avenues for understanding the physiological role of the mature APP proteins at synaptic contacts, implying a function in the physiology of neurotransmitter release.
Second‐generation dopamine agonists and recollection impairments in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Shepherd Thomas A. , Edelstyn Nicola M. J. , Mayes Andrew R. , Ellis Simon J.
Published: July 2013

A selective deficit in the recollection of episodic details is frequently reported in Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous explanations implicate dopamine dysregulation in prefrontal structures on which strategic memory processes rely. However, neuroimaging advancements suggest dopaminergic dysregulation of hippocampally dependent memory processes. Accordingly, dopamine agonists, which target D3 receptors in the hippocampus, may impair hippocampal functioning, causing a more pronounced recollection decline. Recognition memory (RM), familiarity, and recollection were examined in 21 patients with mild‐to‐moderate PD (Hoehn and Yahr mean: 2.67). Patients were subdivided into two subgroups according to dopamine agonist (pramipexole [PPX] or ropinirole [RPR]), and completed matched versions of an RM test in a medicated and unmedicated condition (termed ON and OFF, respectively). Ten demographically matched healthy volunteers (HVs) also completed both RM tasks in two separate sessions. The PD group (PPX and RPR subgroups combined) showed impairments in RM and recollection, but spared familiarity. When subdivided by dopamine agonist, the PPX subgroup's ON‐medication recollection performance was significantly lower than that of both the HVs and RPR subgroup. There was no evidence of decline in OFF‐medication recollection or familiarity in either the PPX or RPR subgroups. Recollection in both PD subgroups correlated positively with a composite measure of recall, but not prefrontally dependent measures of cognitive control. These findings suggest that mild‐to‐moderate PD patients may show relatively preserved recollection and familiarity, but that recollection is selectively disrupted by PPX, but not RPR and that this effect may depend on disrupted hippocampal function rather than impaired pre‐frontally dependent executive functions.
Debt's Dilemmas: ACCI's Annual Colston Warne Lecture
Authors: VLADECK DAVID C.
Published: July 2013

In his 2013 Colston Warne Lecture, Georgetown Law Professor David C. Vladeck reflects on his recent four‐year tenure as the Director of the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection and discusses what he believes will be the economic downturn's most enduring legacy—the dilemmas that have been spawned by the pervasive and intractable debt that many US consumers are bearing.
The Regulation of Dietary Supplements Within the United States: Flawed Attempts at Mending a Defective Consumer Safety Mechanism
Authors: QUINONES RALPH L. , WINSOR ROBERT D. , PATINO ANTHONY , HOFFMANN PETER
Published: July 2013

The use of dietary supplements in the United States has escalated in the past decade, driven by the public's desire to exert control over their health and by the mistaken belief that the safety of dietary supplements is assured by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In fact, the marketing of largely unregulated supplements presents significant risks to public health.
Functioning assessment vs. conventional medical assessment: a comparative study on health professionals' clinical decision‐making and the fit with patient's own perspective of health
Authors: Stallinga Hillegonda A , Roodbol Petrie F , Annema Coby , Jansen Gerard J , Wynia Klaske
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To compare a functioning assessment based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) with a conventional medical assessment, in terms of their respective consequences for health professionals' clinical decision‐making and the fit with patient's own perspective of health.

Background

In chronic diseases, pathogenic‐oriented health care falls short in generating all the information required for determining healthcare provision to improve health. A broader, so‐called salutogenic approach, by using the ICF, focusing on how to stay healthy, rather than on what causes diseases, seems more appropriate.

Design

A cross‐sectional comparative study using data from a randomised controlled trial.

Methods

Data about patient problems and professional healthcare activities were collected from a total of 81 patients with severe multiple sclerosis who were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the ICF group, assessed with a functioning assessment (n = 43), and the medical group, assessed with a conventional medical assessment (n = 38). Data were analysed statistically using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

A functioning assessment resulted in the registration of significantly more patient problems in the health components ‘participation’ and ‘environmental factors’, as well as significantly more professional healthcare activities befitting these components. The ICF group had a significant positive correlation between registered problems by health professionals and patients' self‐reported problems, whereas the medical group had several negative correlations.

Conclusion

A functioning assessment resulted in a care plan that not only was broader and more complete but also reflected the patients' self‐reported problems more closely than a medical assessment, without a loss of focus on medical problems.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study has shown that some health problems remain unnoticed by a medical assessment alone, which is especially important for the chronically ill. A functioning assessment provides a strong foundation for identifying all relevant information related to health.
Achieving success in intervention studies: an analysis of variable staff engagement across three midwifery settings
Authors: Henderson Amanda , Schoonbeek Sue , Ossenberg Christine , Caddick Alison , Wing Diane , Capell Lorna , Gould Karen
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To critically analyse the success of staff's behaviour changes in the practice setting. Facilitators were employed to initiate and facilitate a four‐step process (optimism, overcoming obstacles, oversight and reinforcing outcomes) that fostered development of behaviours consistent with learning in everyday practice.

Background

Many studies seek to engage staff in workplace behaviour improvement. The success of such studies is highly variable. Little is known about the work of the facilitator in ensuring success. Understanding the contextual factors that contribute to effective facilitation of workplace improvement is essential to ensure best use of resources.

Design

Mixed methods

Methods

Facilitators employed a four‐step process – optimism, overcoming obstacles, oversight and reinforcing outcomes – to stage behaviour change implementation. The analysis of staff engagement in behaviour changes was assessed through weekly observation of workplaces, informal discussions with staff and facilitator diaries. The impact of behaviour change was informed through pre‐ and postsurveys on staff's perception across three midwifery sites. Surveys measured (1) midwives' perception of support for their role in facilitating learning (Support Instrument for Nurses Facilitating the Learning of Others) and (2) development of a learning culture in midwifery practice settings (Clinical Learning Organisational Culture Survey). Midwives across three sites completed the presurvey (n = 216) and postsurvey (n = 90).

Results

Impact varied according to the degree that facilitators were able to progress teams through four stages necessary for change (OOORO). Statistically significant results were apparent in two subscales important for supporting staff, namely teamwork and acknowledgement; in the two areas, facilitators worked through ‘obstacles’ and coached staff in performing the desired behaviours and rewarded them for their success. Elements of the learning culture also statistically improved in one site.

Conclusions

Findings suggest behaviour change success is dependent on facilitators to systematically engage staff through all four stages of implementation.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is important that investment is made to commitment and resources to all four stages before embarking on change processes.
Determination of vaccination status of pregnant women during pregnancy and the affecting factors
Authors: Celikel Aysegul , Ustunsoz Ayfer , Guvenc Gulten
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To determine the vaccination status of pregnant women during pregnancy and factors affecting their vaccination.

Background

Immunisation provided through vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce or prevent the risks of disease, disability and death. Maternal and newborn health may be protected and morbidity may be decreased through vaccinating pregnant women when necessary.

Design

This was a descriptive and cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

This study was conducted in a university hospital in Ankara, Turkey, between 01 March and 31 May 2010. The study was carried out with 198 healthy pregnant women who had completed the 26th week of gestation. Data were collected using the data collection form composed of questions enquiring about the demographic and obstetric features of pregnant women and whether or not they knew that vaccinations could be given during pregnancy, and which vaccines could be used during pregnancy, which vaccine/vaccines they had previously received and the reasons for having been vaccinated or not.

Results

Approximately half of the participants had received at least one of the vaccines that may be used in pregnancy (52·0%). The pregnant women received vaccinations for tetanus (47·0%), H1N1 (9·1%), seasonal influenza (3·0%) and hepatitis B (0·5%), respectively. The pregnant women who had been educated about vaccinations had been vaccinated at a statistically significantly higher rate compared with those who had not.

Conclusion

This study revealed that pregnant women's knowledge about the required vaccines during pregnancy affected their behaviour towards vaccination. Acquiring knowledge about vaccines that may be used during pregnancy from health personnel is effective to increase vaccination. This result may be interpreted as ‘acquired information affects behaviour towards vaccination’.

Relevance to clinical practice

Providing information about immunisation to pregnant women at the antenatal clinic is important in terms of maternal and newborn health. Nurses and midwives working in the antenatal field should be sufficiently educated about immunisation.
Radioactive cesium (134Cs and 137Cs) content in human placenta after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident
Authors: Suzuki Makoto , Terada Hiroshi , Unno Nobuya , Yamaguchi Ichiro , Kunugita Naoki , Minakami Hisanori
Published: July 2013

Aim

 The degree of contamination with radioactive cesium (134Cs and 137Cs) in the human placenta after the accident at Fukushima nuclear power plant (FNP), which occurred on 11 March 2011, has not been assessed.

Material and Methods

 134Cs and 137Cs contents were determined in 10 placentas from 10 women who gave birth to term singleton infants during the period between October 2011 and August 2012 using high‐purity germanium detectors for gamma ray spectrometry. Five women resided within 50 km of FNP (neighbor group) and gave birth by the end of February 2012, while the other five women resided within 210–290 km of FNP (distant group) and gave birth in July and August 2012.

Results

 All except one of the 10 placentas contained detectable levels of 134Cs and 137Cs, ranging 0.042–0.742 Bq/kg for 134Cs and 0.078–0.922 Bq/kg for 137Cs. One placenta from a woman living in Tokyo contained 0.109 Bq/kg 137Cs and no detectable level of 134Cs (<0.054 Bq/kg). 137Cs content was more than 0.2 Bq/kg in four and one placentas in the neighbor and distant groups, respectively.

Conclusion

 Degree of contamination of the placenta with radioactive Cs was lower even in women who resided within 50 km of FNP compared to Japanese and Canadian placentas in the mid‐1960s after repeated nuclear tests and in northern Italian placentas from 1986–1987 after the Chernobyl power plant accident.
Long‐term disease‐free survival in a patient with cerebral recurrence from adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube
Authors: Shimada Chisa , Todo Yukiharu , Minobe Shinichiro , Okamoto Kazuhira , Kato Hidenori
Published: July 2013

Cerebral recurrence from Müllerian cancer is a rare event and prognosis of patients with such a condition is poor. We report a case of cerebral recurrence from International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics classification stage IV tubal cancer presenting with inguinal lymphadenopathy. The patient achieved more than 7 years' disease‐free survival after irradiation to the brain despite the inauspicious event. The present case had a rare clinical course in terms of primary site, primary symptom, failure site, and clinical outcome. Patients with brain metastasis from Müllerian cancer have a chance for long‐term survival under specified circumstances, such as solitary metastasis, no extracranial metastasis, no recurrence preceding brain metastasis and small tumor size.
Uptake of hepatitis C treatment among people who inject drugs attending Needle and Syringe Programs in Australia, 1999–2011
Authors: Iversen J. , Grebely J. , Topp L. , Wand H. , Dore G. , Maher L.
Published: July 2013

The majority of new and existing cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection occur among people who inject drugs (PWID). Despite safe and efficacious HCV antiviral therapy, uptake remains low in this population. This study examined trends in HCV treatment uptake among a large national sample of PWID attending Australian Needle and Syringe Programs between 1999 and 2011. Annual cross‐sectional sero‐surveys conducted among PWID since 1995 involve completion of a self‐administered questionnaire and provision of a dried blood spot for HCV antibody testing. Multivariate logistic regression identified variables independently associated with HCV treatment uptake among 9478 participants with both self‐reported and serologically confirmed prior HCV infection. Between 1999 and 2011, the proportion currently receiving treatment increased from 1.1% to 2.1% (P < 0.001), while the proportion having ever received treatment increased from 3.4% to 8.6% (P < 0.001). Men were significantly more likely than women to have undertaken HCV treatment (P = 0.002). Among men, independent predictors of HCV treatment uptake were homosexual identity and older age; among women, independent predictors included homosexual identity and an incarceration history. Despite increases in HCV treatment among Australian PWID between 1999 and 2011, uptake remains low. Strategies are required to increase the proportion of PWID assessed and treated for HCV infection to address the increasing burden of disease. Specific approaches that target women may also be warranted. Continued surveillance of HCV treatment uptake among PWID will be important to monitor the roll‐out of simple, safe and more effective HCV treatments expected to be available in the future.
Stardust Interstellar Preliminary Examination II: Curating the interstellar dust collector, picokeystones, and sources of impact tracks
Authors: Frank David R. , Westphal Andrew J. , Zolensky Michael E. , Gainsforth Zack , Butterworth Anna L. , Bastien Ronald K. , Allen Carlton , Anderson David , Ansari Asna , Bajt Sasa , Bassim Nabil , Bechtel Hans A. , Borg Janet , Brenker Frank E. , Bridges John , Brownlee Donald E. , Burchell Mark , Burghammer Manfred , Changela Hitesh , Cloetens Peter , Davis Andrew M. , Doll Ryan , Floss Christine , Flynn George , Grün Eberhard , Heck Philipp R. , Hillier Jon K. , Hoppe Peter , Hudson Bruce , Huth Joachim , Hvide Brit , Kearsley Anton , King Ashley J. , Lai Barry , Leitner Jan , Lemelle Laurence , Leroux Hugues , Leonard Ariel , Lettieri Robert , Marchant William , Nittler Larry R. , Ogliore Ryan , Ong Wei Ja , Postberg Frank , Price Mark C. , Sandford Scott A. , Tresseras Juan‐Angel Sans , Schmitz Sylvia , Schoonjans Tom , Silversmit Geert , Simionovici Alexandre S. , Solé Vicente A. , Srama Ralf , Stephan Thomas , Sterken Veerle J. , Stodolna Julien , Stroud Rhonda M. , Sutton Steven , Trieloff Mario , Tsou Peter , Tsuchiyama Akira , Tyliszczak Tolek , Vekemans Bart , Vincze Laszlo , Korff Joshua Von , Wordsworth Naomi , Zevin Daniel ,   >30,000 Stardust@home dusters
Published: July 2013

We discuss the inherent difficulties that arise during “ground truth” characterization of the Stardust interstellar dust collector. The challenge of identifying contemporary interstellar dust impact tracks in aerogel is described within the context of background spacecraft secondaries and possible interplanetary dust particles and β‐meteoroids. In addition, the extraction of microscopic dust embedded in aerogel is technically challenging. Specifically, we provide a detailed description of the sample preparation techniques developed to address the unique goals and restrictions of the Interstellar Preliminary Exam. These sample preparation requirements and the scarcity of candidate interstellar impact tracks exacerbate the difficulties. We also illustrate the role of initial optical imaging with critically important examples, and summarize the overall processing of the collection to date.
Anscombe, Zygotes, and Coming‐to‐be
Authors: Rohrbaugh Guy
Published: July 2013

In some quarters, it is held that Anscombe proved that a zygote is not a human being on the basis of an argument involving the possibility of identical twins, but there is surprisingly little agreement on what her argument is supposed to be. I criticize several extant interpretations, both as interpretations of Anscombe and as self‐standing arguments, and offer a different understanding of her conclusion on which the non‐specificity of creation processes and their goals is at issue.
Matrix metalloproteinases and periodontal diseases
Authors: Sapna G , Gokul S , Bagri‐Manjrekar K
Published: July 2013

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized a complex interaction between periodontopathic bacteria and the host inflammatory response resulting in release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines leading to the destruction of periodontal tissues and alveolar bone. One of the important host factors involved in periodontal diseases is matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which is responsible for collagen and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation of the periodontal tissues. MMPs comprise a family of around 25 members broadly categorized into six groups, which are involved in various physiological and pathological conditions. The activities of MMP are generally balanced by endogenous inhibitors such as tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP), and any imbalance between MMP and TIMP levels plays an important role in the disease progression. Assessment of MMP in tissues, GCF, and saliva may serve as an important biomarker in diagnosis of periodontal diseases and also for prognostic follow‐up. Targeted therapy aimed at reducing effects of MMP may serve as a useful adjunct for treatment of periodontitis. This review provides an overview of MMP and its role in various physiological and pathological conditions with emphasis on its association with periodontal diseases. A note on its inhibitors and therapeutic importance is also provided.
The in vitro apoptotic effects of A248 and A1659, newly synthetic histone deacetylase inhibitors in oral cancer cells
Authors: Shin J‐A , Han G , Park S‐K , Lee K , Kim H‐J , Cho S‐D , Kim HM
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors represent potential therapeutic agents against various cancers. In this study, we attempt to identify whether newly synthesized HDAC inhibitors, A248 and A1659, can be effective anti‐cancer drug candidates for oral cancer.

Materials and Methods

The anti‐cancer activities of A248 and A1659 in MC‐3 and HN22 human oral cancer cells were evaluated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐20yl)‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulphophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS) assay, 4′‐6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) staining, Western blot analysis, immunocytochemistry, and small interference RNA (siRNA) technology.

Results

A248 and A1659 enhanced histone acetylation and decreased the viability of MC‐3 and HN22 cells. A248 and A1659 also induced apoptosis, as evidenced by altered nuclear features and poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerase (PARP) cleavage. A248 and A1659 markedly decreased Sp1 expression in a concentration‐ or time‐dependent manner and blocked nuclear translocation of Sp1 protein from the cytosol, which contributed to an increase in p27 expression and a decrease in cyclin D1 expression. Furthermore, the knockdown of Sp1 protein with siRNA caused marked alteration of p27 and cyclin D1 expression to induce apoptosis. The most popular HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA) also induced apoptosis and reduced the expression level of Sp1 protein.

Conclusion

These results suggest that A248 and A1659, two new HDAC inhibitors, may be attractive therapeutic drug candidates for targeting Sp1 in human oral cancer cells.
The Foundation of Roman London: Examining the Claudian Fort Hypothesis
Authors: Wallace Lacey
Published: July 2013

This article addresses the problems with the theory that London was founded as a Claudian fort, recently reiterated by D. Perring (2011). The main issues addressed are the chronological and functional assumptions of ditches, as well as the significance of military artefacts necessary to consider Perring's argument. Additionally, isolating a small number of features from the pre‐Boudican period can be misleading, and this article briefly contextualizes the ditches cited within all known contemporaneous large ditches from Claudian/Neronian London. An assessment of Perring's interpretation of the character of the early settlement and an alternative portrayal based on the author's research are presented briefly.
White and Coloured Marbles of the Roman Town of Urbs Salvia (Urbisaglia, Macerata, Marche, Italy)
Authors: Antonelli Fabrizio , Lazzarini Lorenzo
Published: July 2013

The results of an archaeometric study concerning the coloured stones and 14 white marble sculptures found in the ancient city of Urbs Salvia (Urbisaglia, Macerata) – one of the main Roman archaeological sites of the Marche region (east central Italy) – are presented here. Data show the presence of the most important decorative stones used by the Romans, originating in all of the Mediterranean provinces, from Egypt and North Africa to Asia Minor, Greece, Gallia, Iberia and Italy. Thirty‐one different coloured lithotypes have been identified, including red and green porphyries as well as marmor phrygium and numidicum, namely the four most expensive stones cited in Diocletian's edict. Crustae of marmor chium, taenarium, chalcidicum, scyreticum, lucullaeum and sagarium also feature. Another significant presence is that of coloured stones that are generally rare, even in Rome and Ostia, such as cipollino mandolato (which is very abundant at Urbs Salvia, more than anywhere outside Gallia), broccatello di Spagna, alabastro a pecorella, lapis ophytes, brecciated facies of marmor iassene and cottanello antico. Worthy of mention, too, is the abundant presence of so‐called Roman breccia from Lez (Upper Garonne valley, French Pyrenees), a stone never reported outside Gallia. The 14 marble sculptures analysed come from public and private buildings of the Roman city and are now exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Urbisaglia. Our petrographic and isotopic analyses show that they are made of Lunense (five), Pentelic (three), Parian lychnites (three), Thasian (three) and Proconnesian (one Corinthian capital) marbles. The quality of the coloured stones identified, together with the presence of sculptures made of precious imported white marble varieties, reveals an opulent town and a local patronage wishing to decorate public buildings and rich houses with the most sought‐after marbles of Rome.
Horses for Courses? Religious Change and Dietary Shifts InAnglo‐SaxonEngland
Authors: Poole Kristopher
Published: July 2013

The evidence for horse consumption inAnglo‐SaxonEngland is examined with regards to the spread ofChristianity from the late sixth century onwards. It is argued that the negative attitudes of Church leaders to hippophagy relate largely to the perceived links of this practice with pagan beliefs and were closely allied to attempts at establishing greater religious orthodoxy. In considering the effects of such attitudes, previous studies have made little attempt to relate textual sources to the physical remnants of such activities – horse bones themselves. By combining these sources, this paper suggests that horses were probably eaten by at least some people before, during and after the Conversion period, but thatChristianity may have had some effect on these practices. However, the impact varied according to social identity and perhaps also regions of the country.
Adult attachment and psychotic phenomenology in clinical and non‐clinical samples: A systematic review
Authors: Korver‐Nieberg Nikie , Berry Katherine , Meijer Carin J. , de Haan Lieuwe
Published: July 2013

Objectives

It has been argued that attachment theory could enhance our knowledge and understanding of psychotic phenomenology.

Design

We systematically reviewed and critically appraised research investigating attachment and psychotic phenomenology in clinical and non‐clinical samples.

Methods

We searched databases Pub Med, PsycINFO, Medline and Web of Science using the keywords. Attachment, Adult Attachment, Psychosis, Schizotypy and Schizophrenia and identified 29 studies assessing adult attachment in combination with psychotic phenomenology.

Result

The findings indicated that both insecure anxious and insecure avoidant attachment are associated with psychotic phenomenology. Insecurely attached individuals are more vulnerable to developing maladaptive coping strategies in recovering from psychosis. The importance of attachment experiences for processing social information, mentalization skills and developing social relationships, including therapeutic relationships, in samples with psychosis is also highlighted.

Conclusion

Attachment style is a clinically relevant construct in relation to development, course and treatment of psychosis.

Practitioner points

Understanding the role of attachment in symptoms may help to gain insight into the development or persistence of symptoms.

Associations between attachment and recovery style suggest that it may be helpful to improve attachment security in a context of therapeutic relationships or other social relationships before encouraging people to explore their experiences of psychosis.

Associations between insecure attachment and impaired mentalization skills may help in understanding interpersonal difficulties and this knowledge can be used to improve recovery.
Links between Schwann cells and melanocytes in development and disease
Authors: Van Raamsdonk Catherine D. , Deo Mugdha
Published: July 2013

Melanocytes are pigment‐producing cells that reside in the skin, eyes, ears, heart, and central nervous system meninges of mammals. Schwann cells are glial cells, which closely associate with peripheral nerves, myelinating, and sheathing them. Melanocytes and Schwann cells both arise from the neural crest during development, and some melanocytes arise directly from Schwann cell precursors lining developing spinal nerves. In this review, we explore the connections between melanocytes and Schwann cells in development and transformation.
A case of generalized lichen nitidus successfully treated with narrow‐band ultraviolet B treatment
Authors: Bilgili Serap Gunes , Karadag Ayse Serap , Calka Omer , Ozdemir Serhat , Kosem Mustafa
Published: July 2013

Lichen nitidus (LN) is a rare skin disorder presenting with multiple, small and bright papules located on the chest, abdomen, penis glans and upper extremities. It usually presents with limited involvement; however, it can present as generalized involvement. There is no consensus on treatment. Corticosteroid, astemizole, phototherapy has been used; however, the results are controversial. A 15‐year‐old male with clinical and histopathological diagnosis of LN was treated with narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB). The lesions completely regressed with post‐inflammatory hypopigmentation on the second month of the therapy (25 sessions). We believe that NB‐UVB is an effective treatment on generalized LN.
Pain during topical photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses with 5‐aminolevulinic acid and red light source: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Buinauskaite Evelina , Zalinkevicius Rimantas , Buinauskiene Jurate , Valiukeviciene Skaidra
Published: July 2013

Background

Pain is the major drawback of photodynamic therapy (PDT), an otherwise effective treatment for actinic keratoses (AKs).

Objective

To determine pain intensity and its dependence upon various factors during PDT with 5‐aminolevulinic acid for face/scalp AKs.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, within‐patient comparison study was performed. Thirty‐eight patients with at least two clearly definable, mild or moderate AKs were randomized to receive either a red light dose of 70 or 100 J/cm2 as a first or second split face/scalp treatment. They were blinded to the light dose administered. Pain during treatment was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

The mean intensity of pain during the first treatment session was 5.00 (± 1.78), while during the follow‐up VAS score was 4.50 (± 1.51). Bigger AKs (> 130 mm2) were more painful than the smaller ones (P = 0.003) and AKs on the face were twice more painful than the ones on the scalp (P = 0.002). Gender and patient age were poor pain predictors. Pain was independent of the patient's Fitzpatrick skin type, AK clinical grade, pretreatment fluorescence intensity, and the light dose during PDT.

Conclusion

Pain during PDT is associated with AK location and size. Treatment of bigger lesions (> 130 mm2) results in more pain than smaller ones and treatment of the face is more painful than the scalp area.
Predicting the ultraviolet radiation protection by polyester–cotton blended woven fabrics using nonlinear regression and artificial neural network models
Authors: Hatua Piyali , Majumdar Abhijit , Das Apurba
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of fabric is mainly influenced by fabric cover which is dependent on the primary fabric construction parameters like yarn count and thread density. UPF can be modeled by using these primary fabric parameters as inputs by the help of nonlinear regression as well as artificial neural network (ANN).

Objectives

The objective of this study is to develop prediction models for fabric UPF using nonlinear regression and ANN techniques and compare their relative efficacy.

Methods

Thirty‐six woven fabric samples were produced by varying weft related parameters like proportion of polyester, weft count and pick density. Nonlinear regression and ANN models were developed from same experimental data sets. Prediction accuracy of both the models was evaluated and compared. Trend analysis was performed to check the generalization ability of the ANN model.

Results

UPF was well estimated from the three primary fabric parameters by both the nonlinear regression and ANN models. However, ANN model demonstrated better prediction accuracy than the nonlinear regression model.

Conclusions

Fabric UPF can be predicted with high degree of accuracy using ANN and nonlinear regression models. These models can be used to estimate the UPF of woven fabrics without spectrophotometer based test.
Good agreement between minimal erythema dose test reactions and objective measurements: an in vivo study of human skin
Authors: Bodekær Mette , Philipsen Peter Alshede , Karlsmark Tonny , Wulf Hans Christian
Published: July 2013

Background/Purpose

The erythema resulting from the minimal erythema dose (MED) test is subjectively assessed. The evaluator visually grades erythema on an ordinal scale. Both intra‐ and interobserver variation have been found for this erythema assessment. We wanted to examine if objective measurements could be used to confirm the subjective finding.

Methods

One hundred two ultraviolet radiation (UVR)‐exposed skin sites on the backs of 17 healthy volunteers were assessed. Erythema was visually graded according to a 5‐point scale [0, (+), 1+, 2+, 3+] and objectively measured by a skin reflectance meter. Skin water content was objectively measured by tissue dielectric constant measurements.

Results

The relationship between subjective assessments and objective measurements of erythema was found to be linear (R2 = 0.482, P < 0.0001). A positive correlation was found between subjective assessments of erythema and objective measurements of water content (Spearman's Rho = 0.414, P < 0.0001). Water content in categories 2+ and 3+ of the subjective erythema assessments differed significantly from the lesser categories (P < 0.0001). A linear relationship was found between the objective measurements of erythema and water content (R2 = 0.241, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Objective measurements of skin erythema and water content after UV exposure were in good agreement with the subjective assessments of erythema, but showed considerable interpersonal variation.
The Effect of Learning and Integration Investment on Manufacturing Outsourcing Decisions: A Game Theoretic Approach
Authors: Xiao Wenli , Gaimon Cheryl
Published: July 2013

We introduce a two‐period Stackelberg game of a supplier and buyer. We recognize that learning from manufacturing experience has many advantages. Consistent with the literature, we assume both the buyer and supplier realize reductions in their respective production costs in period 2 due to volume‐based learning from period 1 production. In addition, we introduce another learning concept, the future value, to capture the buyer's benefits of transferring current manufacturing experience for the design and development of future products and technologies. In contrast to the literature, we allow the supplier two mechanisms to impact the buyer's outsourcing decision: price and the investment in integration process improvement (IPI) that reduces the buyer's unit cost of integration. IPI may include the investment in new materials, specialized technology, or the re‐design of the integration process. Conditions are given whereby the buyer partially outsources component demand as opposed to fully outsourcing or fully producing in‐house. Furthermore, conditions are given characterizing when the supplier's price and investment in IPI are substitute strategies versus complements. Both analytic and numerical results are presented.
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition does not prevent lung adenocarcinoma‐induced malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Vazakidou Maria‐Eleni , Magkouta Sofia , Moschos Charalambos , Kalomenidis Ioannis
Published: July 2013

The impact of temsirolimus was investigated in a murine model of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) created with intrapleural injection of Lewis Lung Cancer (LLC) cells. Temsirolimus (1 or 20 mg/kg) did not affect the pleural fluid volume or the number of pleural tumour foci. In addition, temsirolimus did not affect vascular endothelial growth factor expression by LLC cells in vitro. In conclusion, temsirolimus did not curtail experimental lung‐adenocarcinoma‐induced MPE.
Increased prevalence of cigarette smoking in Japanese patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: Hattori Takeshi , Konno Satoshi , Shijubo Noriharu , Ohmichi Mitsuhide , Nishimura Masaharu
Published: July 2013

Background and objective

Several studies have shown that individuals with sarcoidosis in Western populations are less likely to have smoked before diagnosis. Epidemiological characteristics of sarcoidosis are known to differ between Japanese and Westerners. Therefore, the relationship between cigarette smoking and sarcoidosis in a Japanese population was investigated.

Methods

Three hundred eighty‐eight patients newly diagnosed with sarcoidosis between 2000 and 2008 were retrospectively identified. The results of two large surveys of smoking prevalence in Japan provided reference data. Specific clinical manifestations of sarcoidosis were compared between current smokers and never‐smokers, after excluding former smokers.

Results

The prevalence of current smokers at the time of the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was 59.6% in men and 27.9% in women. With the exception of men in their 30s, the prevalence was higher in all age groups compared with the general Japanese population. The prevalence of lung parenchymal involvement tended to be higher in current smokers than in never‐smokers (odds ratio = 1.33 (0.99–1.77), P = 0.054).

Conclusions

This retrospective cohort study suggests that smoking prevalence is higher in Japanese sarcoidosis patients than that reported in Western sarcoidosis patients and that there could be different relationships between smoking and the development of sarcoidosis in these populations.
The World Bank as Knowledge Bank: Analyzing the Limits of a Legitimate Global Knowledge Actor
Authors: Kramarz Teresa , Momani Bessma
Published: July 2013

The World Bank has always sold ideas, not just loans. Starting in 1996, then president James Wolfensohn rebranded the Bank by articulating a formal vision of a “Knowledge Bank”—a provider of state‐of‐the‐art expertise on development. After a number of internal changes and assessments, the Bank is acknowledging that it needs to be more humble, pluralistic, and practical. Why do some regard the Bank as a legitimate knowledge actor, whereas others contest that authority? We offer an analytical framework that can explain stakeholders' uneven recognition of the Bank's knowledge role.

When stakeholders define knowledge as products, the Bank generally obtains recognition for the quality and quantity of the information it generates. This is the output dimension of legitimacy. On the other hand, when knowledge only counts as such to users who have been part of the process of creating it, the Bank finds itself with limited recognition.