bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ synthesis and characterization of nanosilver/poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate sodium) composites via microwave
Authors: Gao Sheng Tao , Xing Hong Long , Xu Guo Cai , Zhang Xiao Mei
Published: July 2013

Nanosilver/poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate sodium) (nano-Ag/PAMPS) composites were synthesized by a microwave synthesis method. The mechanism of catalytic reduction of Ag ion by atomic nitrogen (from PAMPS) was explored. The composites were characterized by the ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, x-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) possessed face-centered cubic structure and they were homogeneously dispersed in PAMPS matrix. XPS analysis reveals the interaction between AgNPs and PAMPS matrix. TGA proves that the thermal stability of the pure PAMPS was higher than that of the nano-Ag/PAMPS composites.
Study on mechanical properties of nano-calcium carbonate/thermoplastic composites
Authors: Wang Jian , Li Kai-Xi
Published: July 2013

This is a study on evaluating the effect of nano-calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic casts, which were performed by mechanical tests, such as scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Composites loaded with a mass rate of 1–2 wt% of nano-CaCO3 particles in polyethersulphone (PES) showed the most excellent mechanical function. The increase in the rate of compressive strength, the maximum compressive modulus and the flexural modulus increases is 47%, 51% and 32% in contrast to neat thermoplastic resin, respectively. The improvement in mechanical properties is attributed to the nanocomposites based on the modified nano-CaCO3 fillers that perform higher modulus and lower Poisson’s ratio than neat PES resin.
A parametric generalized coordinate formulation for mechanical joint elements in dynamic systems
Authors: Lee Jung Keun , Lee Chul Ho , Bae Dae Sung
Published: July 2013

The efficient and easy computational implementation of multibody dynamic formulations is an important issue. In this paper, a parametric generalized coordinate formulation is proposed as a new approach to formulate joint constraint equations. By introducing the parametric generalized coordinates in the constraint equations, the complexity of the equations is significantly reduced. The number of arithmetic operations required to compute the derivatives of the constraints is drastically decreased depending on the type of joint involved (i.e. especially when the proposed method is applied to joints having lower degrees of freedom). Furthermore, the second derivatives of the constraint equations tend to have a large portion of zero sub-matrices, which simplifies the system matrix of the governing equations and allows for application of efficient sparse matrix techniques. Although the proposed approach has the drawback of a larger set of coordinates than a conventional Cartesian coordinate approach resulting in slightly less efficient computation, a systematic and easy formulation is achieved, which may relieve the implementation complexity for program developers. The dynamic analysis of a multibody slider-crank system is carried out to demonstrate the validity of the proposed formulation.
Neuroeconomics, identity theory, and the issue of correlation
Authors: Lo Dico Giuseppe
Published: July 2013

Neuroeconomics is an interdisciplinary approach that combines cognitive psychology, economics, and neurobiology in studying how people make decisions. A peculiar feature of this approach is the use of neuroscientific methods for individuating the neural correlates of the cognitive processes involved in decision-making. The rationale motivating this use is that neurobiology can provide physical evidence for theoretical and abstract constructs that define the cognitive processes responsible for the human deliberative capacity. In this contribution, I’ll provide a critical account of the above assumption. I’ll argue that, in order to consider neurobiological data as reliable empirical evidence for decision-making theories, neuroeconomists need to adopt a very strong assumption about the relation of brain activity to mental states: mind–body identity theory. Without such an assumption, we should consider these data only in terms of correlation and thus too loose to be truly informative.
Fatigue in Healthy and Diseased Individuals
Authors: Finsterer Josef , Mahjoub Sinda Zarrouk
Published: July 2013

Objectives:

Although fatigue is experienced by everyone, its definition and classification remains under debate.

Methods:

A review of the previously published data on fatigue.

Results:

Fatigue is influenced by age, gender, physical condition, type of food, latency to last meal, mental status, psychological conditions, personality type, life experience, and the health status of an individual. Fatigue may not only be a symptom but also a measurable and quantifiable dimension, also known as fatigability. Additionally, it may be classified as a condition occurring at rest or under exercise or stress, as physiologic reaction or pathologic condition, as spontaneous phenomenon or triggerable state, as resistant or irresistant to preconditioning, training, or attitude, as prominent or collateral experience, and as accessible or inaccessible to any type of treatment or intervention. Fatigue may be the sole symptom of a disease or one among others. It may be also classified as acute or chronic. Quantification of fatigability is achievable by fatigue scores, force measurement, electromyography, or other means. Fatigue and fatigability need to be delineated from conditions such as sleepiness, apathy, exhaustion, exercise intolerance, lack of vigor, weakness, inertia, or tiredness. Among neurological disorders, the prevalence of fatigue is particularly increased in multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and bleeding and also in neuromuscular disorders. Fatigue may be influenced by training, mental preconditioning, or drugs.

Conclusions:

Fatigue needs to be recognized as an important condition that is not only a symptom but may also be quantified and can be modified by various measures depending on the underlying cause.
Cooperating Teachers’ Role in Preparing Preservice Special Education Teachers
Authors: Roberts Carly A. , Benedict Amber E. , Thomas Rachel A.
Published: July 2013

Practicum experiences, a crucial component of preservice teacher preparation, help establish the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for beginning special education teachers (SETs). Preservice SETs need cooperating teachers (CTs) who support preservice SETs in proper emotional development (i.e., feeling like a teacher), who can model and support preservice teachers in the development of effective practices (i.e., acting like a teacher), and who promote the cognitive processes involved in instructional decision making (i.e., thinking like a teacher). When CTs are mindful of the learning needs of beginning special education teachers while also embracing the knowledge and skills they can bring to the partnership, they are more likely to help preservice teachers develop the skills needed to succeed on their own. This article presents strategies from the literature that CTs can use to effectively support their preservice SETs as they begin to feel, act, and think like a teacher.
Contribution of Recurrent Venous Thrombosis and Inherited Thrombophilia to the Pathogenesis of Postthrombotic Syndrome
Authors: Kreidy Raghid
Published: July 2013

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a common complication of deep vein thrombosis. This study aims to assess the role of recurrent venous thrombosis and inherited thrombophilia in the pathogenesis of PTS. A series of 206 patients diagnosed with lower extremity venous thrombosis were retrospectively reviewed. The PTS was observed in 30.58% of the patients. Recurrent venous thrombosis was identified in 3.4% of the patients without PTS and in 33.3% of patients with PTS ( P < .001). Inherited thrombophilia alone or in association with recurrent venous thrombosis was more commonly detected when PTS was moderate to severe ( P = .04 and <.001) or severe ( P < .001). Recurrent venous thrombosis increases the incidence of PTS significantly. The severity of PTS raises when an underlying thrombophilia is present either alone or in association with recurrent venous thrombosis.
Synergistic Thrombotic Risk of Antibodies Against Phosphatidylserine and Prothrombin and β-2-Glycoprotein I
Authors: Kim Hyungsuk , Kim Ji-Eun , Hwang Sang Mee , Lee Hye Ryun , Han Kyou-Sup , Kim Hyun Kyung
Published: July 2013

Background:

Coagulation and anticoagulation systems are good targets of antiphospholipid antibodies. We assessed the contribution of the antiphospholipid antibodies to the thrombotic risk.

Methods:

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays on antibodies against phosphatidylserine and prothrombin (PS/PT), protein C, protein S, protein Z, and thrombomodulin were performed in 164 patients who showed positive results for lupus anticoagulant or anticardiolipin antibody.

Results:

Anti-β-2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) and anti-PS/PT were significant risk factors for thrombotic events ( P < .001, P = .049). However, there was no association between antiprotein C, antiprotein S, antiprotein Z, or antithrombomodulin and thrombosis. Coexistence of anti-β2GPI and anti-PS/PT antibodies was significantly associated with thrombotic events ( P = .001). Interestingly, the absence of both anti-β2GPI and anti-PS/PT antibodies was a significant preventive factor for thrombosis ( P = .003).

Conclusion:

Our data show a lack of association of antiprotein C, antiprotein S, antiprotein Z, and antithrombomodulin antibodies with thrombosis. However, the combination of conventional anti-β2GPI with anti-PS/PT antibody is expected to enhance the predicting power of thrombotic risk.
Relationship Between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Slow Coronary Flow
Authors: Doğan Mehmet , Akyel Ahmet , Çimen Tolga , Bilgin Murat , Sunman Hamza , Kasapkara Haci Ahmet , Arslantaş Uğur , Yayla Kadriye Gayretli , Açıkel Sadık , Yeter Ekrem
Published: July 2013

Objectives:

We evaluated the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and slow coronary flow (SCF).

Methods:

A total of 180 participants were recruited to the present study. Of all the participants, 82 patients were with SCF and 98 participants were with normal coronary arteries. Basal characteristics were recorded. Coronary flow was quantified by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count.

Results:

Basal characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. The NLR was significantly higher in the SCF group when compared to the control group (2.3 ± 0.8 and 1.5 ± 0.4 respectively, P < .001). In multiple logistic regression analysis, NLR remained as the independent predictor of SCF ( P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Our findings showed that NLR was significantly higher in the SCF group when compared to the control group with normal coronary arteries. We also showed that NLR was related to the presence of SCF rather than the extent of SCF. Besides these findings, we also showed the NLR as an independent predictor of SCF.
Organizing Within Dynamic Ecosystems
Authors: Boons Frank
Published: July 2013

This article argues that direct ecological impact needs to be incorporated into research on organizations and the natural environment, as complementary to conceptualizations of ecological impact as a social construction. Building on work in analytical sociology, it proposes to study socio-ecological mechanisms and thus enhance the understanding of processes of organizing within dynamic ecosystems. Three categories of socio-ecological mechanisms are introduced and illustrated with examples. The article concludes with reflections on the expected increase of direct ecological impact on organizations.
Neonatal Sleep Predicts Attention Orienting and Distractibility
Authors: Geva Ronny , Yaron Hagit , Kuint Jacob
Published: July 2013

Objective: Children with sleep disorders tend to experience attention problems, yet little is known about the relationship between sleep and attention in early development. This prospective follow-up study investigated the longitudinal relationships between neonatal sleep, attention, and distraction in infants born preterm. Method: We used actigraphy and sleep-wake diaries in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU, N = 65), attention orienting in a visual-recognition-memory task (VRM) at age 4 months, and structured observation of attention and distractibility at age 18 months. Results: Infants with poorer neonatal sleep ( n = 31) exhibited longer first gaze durations in the VRM at 4 months and longer distraction episodes at 18 months relative to neonatal controls who slept well ( p < .01). Hierarchical regression models support relations between neonatal sleep and gaze behavior at 4 months and distractibility at 18 months; moreover, alterations in orienting attention at 4 months predicted the likelihood of being distracted during the second year of life. Conclusion: Findings underscore the importance of early sleep-wake and attention regulation in the development of distraction in infants born preterm.
ADHD Knowledge, Misconceptions, and Treatment Acceptability
Authors: Sciutto Mark J.
Published: July 2013

Objective: Despite the availability of several effective treatments, many children with ADHD do not receive adequate services. A variety of factors may influence help-seeking behavior among families of children with ADHD. This study explores two factors that may influence help-seeking decisions: knowledge and misconceptions of ADHD and treatment acceptability. Method: A total of 196 participants completed measures of ADHD knowledge and use of information sources prior to rating the acceptability of two interventions: stimulant medication and sugar elimination diets. Results: Higher levels of ADHD misconceptions were associated with lower acceptance of medication and higher acceptance of dietary interventions. However, analysis of individual misconceptions suggests that specific misconceptions are differentially related to perceptions of individual treatments. Conclusion: It may be important for clinicians to assess and deliberately target specific misconceptions as part of treatment for ADHD.
Physical Activity, Affect, and Cognition in Children With Symptoms of ADHD
Authors: Gawrilow Caterina , Stadler Gertraud , Langguth Nadine , Naumann Alexander , Boeck Antje
Published: July 2013

Objective: To examine the role of physical activity in determining the affect and executive functioning of children with symptoms of ADHD. Method: In Study 1, the association between physical activity and affect in the daily lives of children with varying degrees of hyperactivity was examined. In Study 2, children with ADHD were randomly assigned a physical activity or a sedentary task before working on a task requiring executive control. Results: Lack of physical activity was shown to relate to depressed affect, more strongly in participants with severe hyperactivity symptoms (Study 1). The physically active participants showed improved executive functioning after only 5 min of vigorous activity; the sedentary control participants showed no improvement (Study 2). Conclusion: These results indicate that interventions to increase the level of physical activity in children with and without ADHD might improve affect and executive functioning.
Endothelial microparticles: Sophisticated vesicles modulating vascular function
Authors: Curtis Anne M , Edelberg Jay , Jonas Rebecca , Rogers Wade T , Moore Jonni S , Syed Wajihuddin , Mohler Emile R
Published: July 2013

Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) belong to a family of extracellular vesicles that are dynamic, mobile, biological effectors capable of mediating vascular physiology and function. The release of EMPs can impart autocrine and paracrine effects on target cells through surface interaction, cellular fusion, and, possibly, the delivery of intra-vesicular cargo. A greater understanding of the formation, composition, and function of EMPs will broaden our understanding of endothelial communication and may expose new pathways amenable for therapeutic manipulation.
Exploitation and demeaning choices
Authors: Snyder Jeremy
Published: July 2013

Scholarship aiming to describe the wrongness of exploitation, especially when it is voluntary and mutually beneficial, has increased greatly in recent years. In this paper, I expand the scope of this discussion by highlighting a set of additional ethical concerns associated with many cases of mutually voluntary and beneficial exploitation. Specifically, I argue that the phenomenon of persons desperately seeking out and gratefully accepting exploitative interactions raises special moral concerns. The element of voluntariness is key to understanding how and why some exploitative interactions are degrading to exploitees. When an exploitative offer does not allow the exploitee sufficient progress toward a decent minimum of human functioning, these offers can create what I call a 'demeaning choice', where the exploitee may either accept the status quo or accept an offer that improves the exploitee's insufficiently. In these cases, the exploitee's participation in the interaction contributes to its demeaning quality, creating a form of `surface endorsement' of the treatment that she receives.
Does Sequence Matter in Multimode Surveys
Authors: Wagner James , Arrieta Jennifer , Guyer Heidi , Ofstedal Mary Beth
Published: July 2013

Interest in a multimode approach to surveys has grown substantially in recent years, in part due to increased costs of face-to-face (FtF) interviewing and the emergence of the Internet as a survey mode. Yet, there is little systematic evidence of the impact of a multimode approach on survey costs and errors. This article reports the results of an experiment designed to evaluate whether a mixed-mode approach to a large screening survey would produce comparable response rates at a lower cost than an FtF screening effort. The experiment was carried out in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), an ongoing panel study of Americans over age 50. In 2010, HRS conducted a household screening survey to recruit new sample members to supplement the existing sample. The experiment varied the sequence of modes with which the screening interview was delivered. One treatment offered mail first, followed by FtF interviewing; the other started with FtF and then mail. A control group was offered only FtF interviewing. Results suggest that the mixed-mode options reduced costs without reducing response rates to the screening interview. There is some evidence, however, that the sequence of modes offered may impact the response rate for a follow-up in-depth interview.
Measuring Agreement between Egos and Alters
Authors: Green Harold D. , Hoover Matthew A. , Wagner Glenn J. , Ryan Gery W. , Ssegujja Eric
Published: July 2013

In personal network studies, respondents (egos) are asked to report information about members of their personal network (alters); egos respond based on their perceptions. Previous studies of informant accuracy present a varied picture: Some find egos’ reporting on their relationships with alters to be accurate; others do not. In our study of people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda, egos were asked to invite up to four alters named during their interview to answer questions about their relationship with ego. Using Gower’s general coefficient of similarity, we calculated a measure of accuracy both by variable and by alter. Our analysis by variable tends to confirm informant accuracy research, while our analysis by alter adds to the literature by identifying how accurate a particular ego is when discussing an alter and what characteristics might be associated with accuracy or inaccuracy.
Surname Sampling
Authors: Kim Jibum , Lauderdale Diane S. , Shin Hee-Choon , Lee Yongmo
Published: July 2013

In 1984, Shin and Yu proposed that sampling Koreans by simply identifying those with the common surname Kim would yield a representative sample, as determined by geographic distribution. We extend the evidence that individuals with specific common surnames in Korea are representative of the whole population. We found that individuals with any of the five most common Korean surnames, not just Kim, were highly representative in Korea in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, and health characteristics. In the United States, we found that Kim sampling produces a representative sample of Korean Americans among those who have a Korean surname. While Kim sampling generates a representative sample of Korean American men, it underidentifies Korean American women who grew up in the United States, many of whom do not have Korean surnames, thus potentially biasing samples of women.
Design and fabrication of Temperature Sensing Fabric
Authors: Husain Muhammad Dawood , Kennon Richard , Dias Tilak
Published: July 2013

A temperature sensing fabric is described, along with the manufacturing techniques required to produce the fabric on a computerised flat-bed knitting machine. Knitted sensing fabrics with copper, nickel and tungsten wire elements have been produced with resistances ranging from 3 to 130 Ω. The most successful samples have been created using textile-wrapped, enamelled wire and not only the textile character of the sensing element was enhanced, but also its tensile strength. A mathematical relationship has been derived between the temperature and resistance of the knitted sensors and this can be used to optimise its dimensions to achieve a targeted reference resistance. The temperature-resistance curves demonstrate a linear trend with a coefficient of determination in the range of 0.99–0.999 and can be integrated into garments to monitor skin temperatures.
Synthesis and characterization of novel drug delivery system based on cellulose acetate electrospun nanofiber mats
Authors: Gouda M , Hebeish AA , Aljafari AI
Published: July 2013

Cellulose acetate nanofiber mats containing tetracycline hydrochloride were prepared by electrospinning. Incorporation of tetracycline hydrochloride (20 wt% based on the weight of cellulose acetate) in the cellulose acetate solution (17% wt/vol in 2:1 vol/vol ethanol-dimethyl sulfoxide) did not affect the morphology of the obtained fibers, as tetracycline hydrochloride-loaded cellulose acetate fibers were smooth. The average diameters of these fibers ranged between 50 and 90 nm. Determination of the release characteristics of tetracycline hydrochloride from the cellulose acetate nanofiber mats was carried out by total immersion in phosphate buffer solution, that is, in the total immersion method, the maximum amounts of the tetracycline hydrochloride released from the cellulose acetate nanofiber into the medium were 10 and 25% µg/100 ml. Antibacterial activity of prepared tetracycline hydrochloride-loaded as-spun cellulose acetate fiber mate was achieved using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as a representative each of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. Antibacterial activity of tetracycline hydrochloride-loaded as-spun cellulose acetate fiber mat showed effectiveness with 77–88% bacteria reduction after 10 min–1 h for Escherichia coli and approximately 83–85% reduction after 10 min–1 h for Staphylococcus aureus.
The Use of Reality Therapy With a Depressed Deaf Adult
Authors: Bhargava Ruchi
Published: July 2013

Although reality therapy has been effective in reducing symptoms of depression in adults, there is little research to support the use of reality therapy with deaf adults. This article demonstrates the use of reality therapy in reducing symptoms of depression in a deaf adult. Cultural competence is an important factor in the psychological treatment of individuals. It is important for clinicians to identify the cultural components that can play a part in the client’s identity and treatment. The objective of this study is to highlight the importance of cultural competence and the use of reality therapy to help in meeting therapeutic goals.
The role of comorbidities in patients’ hypertension self-management
Authors: Fix Gemmae M , Cohn Ellen S , Solomon Jeffrey L , Cortés Dharma E , Mueller Nora , Kressin Nancy R , Borzecki Ann , Katz Lois A , Bokhour Barbara G
Published: July 2013

Objective

We sought to understand barriers to hypertension self-management in patients with hypertension and comorbidities.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured, qualitative interviews with 48 patients with uncontrolled hypertension and at least one comorbidity to learn about beliefs and behaviors that might affect hypertension self-management. Using a grounded theory strategy, we analyzed interview transcripts detailing patients’ hypertension self-management behaviors vis-à-vis a framework including Explanatory Models—a patient’s understanding of the pathophysiology, cause, course, treatment, and severity of an illness, such as hypertension.

Results

We identified four factors that interfered with hypertension self-management. (1) Interdependence: Participants saw hypertension as interconnected to their comorbidities and subsequently had difficulty separating information about their illnesses. (2) Low priority: Compared to other conditions, participants assigned hypertension a lower priority. (3) Conflicts: Participants struggled with conflicts between hypertension self-management practices and those for comorbidities. (4) Managing multiple medications: Polypharmacy led to patients’ confusion and concern about taking medications as prescribed.

Discussion

Participants did not experience hypertension as a discreet clinical condition; rather, they self-managed hypertension concurrently with other conditions, leading to a breakdown in hypertension self-management. We provide strategies to address each of the four barriers to better equip providers in addressing their clinically salient concerns.
Fluid management in pre-eclampsia
Authors: Anthony John , Schoeman Leann K
Published: July 2013

Intravenous fluid given to women with pre-eclampsia may be a necessary form of treatment; however, intravenous fluid therapy can also cause iatrogenic pulmonary oedema. The indications for the use of intravenous fluids, the titration of the amount of fluid given and the use of invasive monitoring have not been subject to adequate examination in randomised studies. Clinical experience, combined with available evidence and a reasoned approach are the basis for a suggested management algorithm.
Cognitive impairment and “invisible symptoms” are not associated with CCSVI in MS
Authors: Leone Carmela , D’Amico Emanuele , Cilia Sabina , Nicoletti Alessandra , Di Pino Luigi , Patti Francesco
Published: July 2013

Background

We investigated the association between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and cognitive impairment (CI) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Moreover, we evaluated the association between CCSVI and other frequent self-reported MS symptoms.

Methods

We looked at the presence of CI in incident MS patients with CCVSI in a population-based cohort of Catania, Italy. All subjects were group-matched by age, sex, disease duration and EDSS score with MS patients without CCSVI, serving as controls. CI was assessed with the Brief Repeatable Battery (BRB) and the Stroop Test (ST) and it was defined by the presence of at least three impaired tests. Fatigue and depressive symptoms were assessed with Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Hamilton Depressive Rating Scale (HDRS), respectively. Bladder and sexual symptoms were assessed with the respective items of the Italian version of Guy's Neurological Disability Scale (GNDS). Quality of life was evaluated with Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 Instrument (MSQOL-54).

Results

Out of 61 MS patients enrolled in the study, 27 were CCSVI positive and 34 were CCSVI negative. Of them, 43 were women (70.5%); the mean age was 43.9 ± 11.8 years; the mean disease duration was 159.7 ± 113.7 months; mean EDSS was 3.0 ± 2.6. Of them, 36 (59.0%) were classified relapsing-remitting (RR), 12 (19.7%) secondary progressive (SP), seven (11.5%) primary progressive (PP) and six (9.3%) Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS). Overall, CI was detected in 29/61 (47.5%) MS patients; particularly 13/27 (48.1%) in the CCSVI positive group and 16/34 (47.0%) in the CCSVI negative group. Presence of CCSVI was not significantly associated with the presence of CI (OR 1.04; 95% CI 0.37-2.87; p-value = 0.9). Not significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the other MS symptoms investigated.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a lack of association between CCSVI and CI in MS patients. Fatigue, depressive, bladder/sexual symptoms and self-reported quality of life are not associated with CCSVI.
Immunomodulatory role of Emblica officinalis in arsenic induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in thymocytes of mice
Authors: Singh Manish K , Yadav Suraj S , Gupta Vineeta , Khattri Sanjay
Published: July 2013

Background

Arsenic is widely distributed in the environment and has been found to be associated with the various health related problems including skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular and immunological disorders. The fruit extract of Emblica officinalis (amla) has been shown to have anti-oxidative and immunomodulatory properties. In view of increasing health risk of arsenic, the present study has been carried out to investigate the protective effect of amla against arsenic induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in thymocytes of mice.

Methods

Mice were exposed to arsenic (sodium arsenite 3 mg/kg body weight p.o.) or amla (500 mg/kg body weight p.o.) or simultaneously with arsenic and amla for 28 days. The antioxidant enzyme assays were carried out using spectrophotometer and generation of ROS, apoptotic parameters, change in cell cycle were carried out using flow cytometer following the standard protocols.

Results

Arsenic exposure to mice caused a significant increase in the lipid peroxidation, ROS production and decreased cell viability, levels of reduced glutathione, the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, cytochrome c oxidase and mitochondrial membrane potential in the thymus as compared to controls. Increased activity of caspase-3 linked with apoptosis assessed by the cell cycle analysis and annexin V/PI binding was also observed in mice exposed to arsenic as compared to controls. Co-treatment with arsenic and amla decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation, ROS production, activity of caspase-3, apoptosis and increased cell viability, levels of antioxidant enzymes, cytochrome c oxidase and mitochondrial membrane potential as compared to mice treated with arsenic alone.

Conclusions

The results of the present study exhibits that arsenic induced oxidative stress and apoptosis significantly protected by co-treatment with amla that could be due to its strong antioxidant potential.
Activation of an early feedback survival loop involving phospho-ErbB3 is a general response of melanoma cells to RAF/MEK inhibition and is abrogated by anti-ErbB3 antibodies
Authors: Fattore Luigi , Marra Emanuele , Pisanu Maria Elena , Noto Alessia , de Vitis Claudia , Belleudi Francesca , Aurisicchio Luigi , Mancini Rita , Torrisi Maria Rosaria , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Ciliberto Gennaro
Published: July 2013

Background

Treatment of advanced melanoma has been improved with the advent of the BRAF inhibitors. However, a limitation to such treatment is the occurrence of resistance. Several mechanisms have been identified to be responsible for the development of resistance, either MEK-dependent or MEK-independent. In order to overcome resistance due to reactivation of MEK signaling, MEK inhibitors are being clinically developed with promising results. However, also in this case resistance inevitably occurs. It has been recently reported that ErbB3, a member of the EGFR receptor family, may be involved in the establishment of drug resistance.

Methods

Three melanoma cell lines were tested: LOX IMVI (BRAF V600E), MST-L (BRAF V600R) and WM266 (BRAF V600D). Phosphorylation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) was assessed by an RTK array. Western blot analysis was performed on total protein extracts using anti-ErbB3, anti-AKT and anti-ERK 1/2 antibodies. The expression of neuregulin after vemurafenib treatment was assessed by Real Time PCR and Western blotting. The growth inhibitory effects of vemurafenib, GSK1120212b and/or anti-ErbB3 mAbs were evaluated by in vitro colony formation assays.

Results

In the present study we demonstrate that ErbB3 is the main RTK undergoing rapidly hyperphosphorylation upon either treatment with a BRAF inhibitor or with a MEK inhibitor in a panel of melanoma cell lines harboring a variety of V600BRAF mutations and that this results in a strong activation of phospho-AKT. Importantly, ErbB3 activation is fully abrogated by the simultaneous use of anti-ErbB3 monoclonal antibodies, which are also shown to potently synergize with BRAF inhibitors in the inactivation of both AKT and ERK pathways and in the inhibition of melanoma cell growth. We show that upregulation of phospho-ErbB3 is due to an autocrine loop involving increased transcription and production of neuregulin by melanoma cells.

Conclusions

On the basis of these results, we propose that initial co-treatment with BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors and anti-ErbB3 antibodies should be pursued as a strategy to reduce the ErbB3-dependent feedback survival mechanism and enhance duration of clinical response.
Growth Hormone Therapy and Respiratory Disorders: Long-Term Follow-up in PWS Children
Authors: Berini Jenny , Spica Russotto Valeria , Castelnuovo Paolo , Di Candia Stefania , Gargantini Luigi , Grugni Graziano , Iughetti Lorenzo , Nespoli Luigi , Nosetti Luana , Padoan Giovanni , Pilotta Alba , Trifirò Giuliana , Chiumello Giuseppe , Salvatoni Alessandro ,   on behalf of the Genetic Obesity Study Group of the Italian Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology (ISPED)
Published: July 2013

Context:

Adenotonsillar tissue hypertrophy and obstructive sleep apnea have been reported during short-term GH treatment in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).

Objective:

We conducted an observational study to evaluate the effects of long-term GH therapy on sleep-disordered breathing and adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children with PWS.

Design:

This was a longitudinal observational study.

Patients and Methods:

We evaluated 75 children with genetically confirmed PWS, of whom 50 fulfilled the criteria and were admitted to our study. The patients were evaluated before treatment (t0), after 6 weeks (t1), after 6 months (t2), after 12 months (t3), and yearly (t4–t6) thereafter, for up to 4 years of GH therapy. The central apnea index, obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI), respiratory disturbance index, and minimal blood oxygen saturation were evaluated overnight using polysomnography. We evaluated the adenotonsillar size using a flexible fiberoptic endoscope.

Results:

The percentage of patients with an OAHI of >1 increased from 3 to 22, 36, and 38 at t1, t4, and t6, respectively (χ2 = 12.2; P < .05). We observed a decrease in the respiratory disturbance index from 1.4 (t0) to 0.8 (t3) (P < .05) and the central apnea index from 1.2 (t0) to 0.1 (t4) (P < .0001). We had to temporarily suspend treatment for 3 patients at t1, t4, and t5 because of severe obstructive sleep apnea. The percentage of patients with severe adenotonsillar hypertrophy was significantly higher at t4 and t5 than at t0. The OAHI directly correlated with the adenoid size (adjusted for age) (P < .01) but not with the tonsil size and IGF-1 levels.

Conclusion:

Long-term GH treatment in patients with PWS is safe; however, we recommend annual polysomnography and adenotonsillar evaluation.
Targeting Stromal Androgen Receptor Suppresses Prolactin-Driven Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Authors: Lai Kuo-Pao , Huang Chiung-Kuei , Fang Lei-Ya , Izumi Kouji , Lo Chi-Wen , Wood Ronald , Kindblom Jon , Yeh Shuyuan , Chang Chawnshang
Published: July 2013

Stromal-epithelial interaction plays a pivotal role to mediate the normal prostate growth, the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer development. Until now, the stromal androgen receptor (AR) functions in the BPH development, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we used a genetic knockout approach to ablate stromal fibromuscular (fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells) AR in a probasin promoter-driven prolactin transgenic mouse model (Pb-PRL tg mice) that could spontaneously develop prostate hyperplasia to partially mimic human BPH development. We found Pb-PRL tg mice lacking stromal fibromuscular AR developed smaller prostates, with more marked changes in the dorsolateral prostate lobes with less proliferation index. Mechanistically, prolactin mediated hyperplastic prostate growth involved epithelial-stromal interaction through epithelial prolactin/prolactin receptor signals to regulate granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor expression to facilitate stromal cell growth via sustaining signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 activity. Importantly, the stromal fibromuscular AR could modulate such epithelial-stromal interacting signals. Targeting stromal fibromuscular AR with the AR degradation enhancer, ASC-J9®, led to the reduction of prostate size, which could be used in future therapy.
Dena'ina Resistance to Russian Hegemony, Late Eighteenth and Ninetenth Centuries: Cook Inlet, Alaska
Authors: Boraas Alan , Leggett Aaron
Published: July 2013

The almost one hundred years of Russian colonial occupation of Alaska resulted in the Russian-American Company's (RAC) controlling only a small territory with a small population and operating a generally unsuccessful economic enterprise. Contemporary Russian writers were critical of RAC administrative decisions, suggesting far more could have been done to further the interests of Russia in Alaska. Less attention has been given to the agentive actions of the Tlingit, Ahtna, Alutiiq, and Dena'ina in controlling the Russian occupiers and minimizing European hegemony. Three aspects of the Dena'ina response to occupation played a significant role in maintaining their indigenous sovereignty. First, the 1797 Battle of Kenai expelled Russian occupiers from Dena'ina territory, resulting in only a small population of Russians for the duration of Russian America, until 1867. Second, the Dena'ina contextualized the turmoil not as the oppressive actions of invaders but as shaman-induced intracultural turmoil, thereby shaping the narrative in their own historical terms and negating the power of the occupier to frame history. Third, after the 1836–40 smallpox epidemic, many Dena'ina were baptized as Orthodox; however, Orthodoxy was highly indigenized, with many concepts filtered through the lens of Dena'ina culture, thus limiting religion as a tool of “governmentality.”
MoO3/ZrO2 as a Stable, Reusable, and Highly Active Solid Acid Catalyst for Polyester Polyol Synthesis
Authors: Oki Hironobu , Morita Tsuyoshi , Nakajima Kiyotaka , Hara Michikazu
Published: July 2013

MoO3/ZrO2, a solid Brønsted acid, exhibited high catalytic performance for the polyesterification of adipic acid with 1,4-butanediol: the conversion of adipic acid exceeds 95% over 8 h. The amount of residual Mo species that induce the hydrolysis of ester bonds with atmospheric vapors was below 3 ppm in the resulting polymer. After reaction, the MoO3/ZrO2 catalyst was easily recovered by simple filtration and used repeatedly without significant loss of original activity for subsequent reactions.
An RpoS-dependent sRNA regulates the expression of a chaperone involved in protein folding
Authors: Silva Inês Jesus , Ortega Álvaro Darío , Viegas Sandra Cristina , García-del Portillo Francisco , Arraiano Cecília Maria
Published: July 2013

Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are usually expressed in the cell to face a variety of stresses. In this report we disclose the first target for SraL (also known as RyjA), a sRNA present in many bacteria, which is highly induced in stationary phase. We also demonstrate that this sRNA is directly transcribed by the major stress σ factor σS (RpoS) in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. We show that SraL sRNA down-regulates the expression of the chaperone Trigger Factor (TF), encoded by the tig gene. TF is one of the three major chaperones that cooperate in the folding of the newly synthesized cytosolic proteins and is the only ribosome-associated chaperone known in bacteria. By use of bioinformatic tools and mutagenesis experiments, SraL was shown to directly interact with the 5′ UTR of the tig mRNA a few nucleotides upstream of the Shine-Dalgarno region. Namely, point mutations in the sRNA (SraL*) abolished the repression of tig mRNA and could only down-regulate a tig transcript target with the respective compensatory mutations. We have also validated in vitro that SraL forms a stable duplex with the tig mRNA. This work constitutes the first report of a small RNA affecting protein folding. Taking into account that both SraL and TF are very well conserved in enterobacteria, this work will have important repercussions in the field.
Is the South ‘Brazilian’? The public realm in urban Brazil through a comparative lens
Authors: Seekings Jeremy
Published: July 2013

Participatory budgeting, which originated in southern Brazil, entails an important reworking of the public sphere. The deliberative democracy of the ‘Brazilian model’ is, however, less readily replicated, even within Brazil itself, than many enthusiasts recognise. A crucial feature of Brazilian urban politics is the relative weakness of political society in terms of both redistribution (of resources and dignity) and co-optation (of dissident civic activists). In some other parts of the global South, including India and South Africa, the strengths of political society inhibit the emergence of a public sphere along the lines of the ‘Brazilian model’.
Mineralogical and Chemical Properties and the Origin of Two Types of Analcime in SW Ankara, Turkey
Authors: Karakaya Necati , Karakaya Muazzez Çelik , Temel Abidin
Published: July 2013

Authigenic analcimes were observed in different amounts in Miocene units in central Anatolia, Turkey. Two types of analcime occurrences were defined: (1) as continuous but inhomogeneous concentrations varying from 3 to 75 wt.% in lacustrine sedimentary rocks; and (2) as low concentrations (between 3 and 20%) and discontinuous components in the tuffs and claystones intercalated with tuff. The type 2 analcimes have been investigated by many researchers while the origin and properties of the sedimentary analcimes, which are widespread in different parts of Turkey, have not been clarified. The present study focused on the genesis and the mineralogical and geochemical properties of both types of analcime. The analcimes were investigated using X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and chemical analytical methods. In the first type, other than volcaniclastic material, analcime is the only zeolite mineral. The first type of analcime was associated mainly with montmorillonite, dolomite, and feldspar and sometimes with calcite, and rarely with illite and kaolinite. The second type of analcime was found as an accessory mineral accompanied by montmorillonite, feldspar, and heulandite/clinoptilolite, and more rarely by erionite, kaolinite, and mica. The pyroclastic rocks are chemically classified into two subgroups, dacitic and andesitic rocks, with an intermediate to high silica content and a high percentage of alkali cations. Analcime in the pyroclastics intercalated with clay layers commonly replaced early-formed zeolites, such as clinoptilolite or volcanic materials. The first type of analcime was not formed from precursor zeolites and had a different origin than the second type. Type 1 analcime contains larger amounts of Si (34.19 to 34.68 Si per unit cell) and less Al and Na than in theoretical analcime. The theoretical structural formula of analcime is Na16(Al16Si32O96)H2O. The strongly decomposing feldspar and clay minerals (in particular montmorillonite and partially illite) of the older formations and the dissolution of halite and also soda minerals, e.g. thenardite and glauberite, allow the authigenic formation of type 1 analcime, dolomite, K-feldspar, and montmorillonite in a saline and highly alkaline environment such as the marginal part of Lake Tuzgölü. Type 2 analcime may have been precipitated directly from solution, pyroclastic material, or precursor zeolite minerals in saline and alkaline lake water.
What a difference a state makes: pharmaceutical innovation after the TRIPs agreement
Authors: Schüren Verena
Published: July 2013

For more than a decade, political science scholars have stressed the harmonizing effect of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs). Recent implementation practices in developing countries, however, have challenged this view. In this article, I argue that different manifestations of innovation systems can lead to varying patterns of innovation. I substantiate this claim through a comparison between the pharmaceutical sectors of India and Brazil. Drawing on the NSI approach, my analysis reveals that different forms of state engagement have played a decisive role for the varying directions of post-TRIPs pharmaceutical innovation in the two countries. The article illustrates that developing countries can opt for different approaches to innovation even after TRIPs and that the socioeconomic effects of global IP regimes can only be assessed properly when taking into account the country-specific configurations of national innovation systems.
Epigenetic drugs in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cuadrado-Tejedor Mar , Oyarzabal Julen , Lucas María Pascual , Franco Rafael , García-Osta Ana
Published: July 2013

Epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, regulate the genome-environment interactions that may play important roles in a wide range of brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Indeed, the role of epigenetic machinery in learning and memory processes is well documented. In this review, we will focus on the most recent literature on tools that target epigenetic mechanisms, particularly on histone acetylation, and we will discuss the use of chemical probes to validate these targets in therapeutic strategies for AD.
Laser ablation-enhanced transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Li Yajuan , Guo Liangran , Lu Wei
Published: July 2013

Transdermal delivery offers an excellent route for drug and vaccine administration. Nonetheless, the lipid-rich outer stratum corneum layer of the skin presents a critical challenge to drug penetration. Laser ablation perforates epidermis through selective photothermolysis, making skin more permeable to hydrophilic and macromolecular drugs such as peptides, proteins, and genes. This review summarizes recent applications to laser ablation-enhanced transdermal delivery. Needle- and pain-free transcutaneous drug delivery via laser ablation provides an alternative approach to achieve local or systemic therapeutics.