bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intentional leadership
Authors: Kubicek Jeremie
Published: March 2012

Leadership development often lacks continuity, strategy, and perspective. Kubicek asserts that what is needed is more holistic thinking, understanding that “raising leaders is not a program; it is a way of life.” Leaders must be intentional about raising capacity and improving capabilities. One way is to be more intentional about the use of time, especially by getting more out of what he refers to as “informal time.” Building development into such segments as exercise and driving to work provides a boost of “trading up” to a new level of thought and action.
A keratin 15 containing stem cell population from the hair follicle contributes to squamous papilloma development in the mouse
Authors: Li Shulan , Park Heuijoon , Trempus Carol S. , Gordon Derek , Liu Yaping , Cotsarelis George , Morris Rebecca J.
Published: March 2012

The multistage model of nonmelanoma skin carcinogenesis has contributed significantly to our understanding of epithelial cancer in general. We used the Krt1‐15CrePR1;R26R transgenic mouse to determine the contribution of keratin 15+ cells from the hair follicle to skin tumor development by following the labeled progeny of the keratin 15 expressing cells into papillomas. We present three novel observations. First, we found that keratin 15 expressing cells contribute to most of the papillomas by 20 weeks of promotion. Second, in contrast to the transient behavior of labeled keratin 15‐derived progeny in skin wound healing, keratin 15 progeny persist in papillomas, and some malignancies for many months following transient induction of the reporter gene. Third, papillomas have surprising heterogeneity not only in their cellular composition, but also in their expression of the codon 61 signature Ha‐ras mutation with approximately 30% of keratin 15‐derived regions expressing the mutation. Together, these results demonstrate that keratin 15 expressing cells of the hair follicle contribute to cutaneous papillomas with long term persistence and a subset of which express the Ha‐ras signature mutation characteristic of initiated cells. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tupisteroide A–C, three new polyhydroxylated steroidal constituents from the roots of Tupistra chinensis
Authors: Liu Cheng‐Xiong , Guo Zhi‐yong , Xue Yan‐Hong , Zhang Hong‐Yan , Zhang Hong‐Qi , Zou Kun , Huang Nian‐Yu
Published: March 2012

Three new steroidal compounds with polyhydroxy groups, tupisteroide A–C (1–3), were obtained from the roots of Tupistra chinensis, together with one known compound (4) that was isolated from this plant for the first time. The structures of tupisteroide A–C were determined on the basis of one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy, including 1H–1H Correlation Spectroscopy, Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Correlation, and Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence experiments. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against A549, HepG2, and CaSki cancer cell lines in vitro. Among them, compounds 1, 2, and 4 did not show significant inhibitory activity, but compound 3 showed cytotoxicity against A549 cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 25.0 μM. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can we prevent incontinence?: ICI‐RS 2011
Authors: Sievert Karl‐Dietrich , Amend Bastian , Toomey Patricia A. , Robinson Dudley , Milsom Ian , Koelbl Heinz , Abrams Paul , Cardozo Linda , Wein Alan , Smith Ariana L. , Newman Diane K.
Published: March 2012

Aims

A review of the current state of research with regard to prevention of incontinence.

Methods

The search was limited to English language publications on the topic of incontinence prevention.

Results

Incontinence is associated with a range of risk factors, most of which are modifiable. Lifestyle changes with behavioral modifications that can prevent urinary incontinence (UI) need to be adopted from an early phase of life. Pregnancy per se for the woman, independent of labor and delivery practice, is a risk factor for UI. The influence of estrogen is still under discussion as to its direct influence to UI. For both men and women, there is a correlation between pelvic‐floor related surgery and UI and fecal incontinence (FI). With further improvement in surgical techniques, UI is often only a transient symptom for most patients. Psychological illnesses and their treatment can induce or worsen incontinence and therefore should be evaluated especially with other necessary co‐medications.

Conclusions

The evidence would suggest that in some cases incontinence can be prevented. Although the evidence base for UI is greater than that for FI, the conditions share many similarities with respect to risk and treatment, suggesting that similar benefits may derive from population‐based prevention strategies. With primary prevention, actions taken early, even in the absence of incontinence, may avoid or delay its onset. There is also evidence that some risk factors for incontinence are modifiable, although not type specific, and can be reduced through preventive measures. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:390–399, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms in healthy postpartum women: A pilot study
Authors: Tsai Shao‐Yu , Thomas Karen A.
Published: March 2012

In this pilot study we examined the relationship between objective and subjective sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms in 22 healthy primiparous postpartum women within 3 months after delivery. We found that none of the women in our study had clinically significant depression scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; nonetheless, a variable duration of night‐time sleep from night to night during the 7‐day monitoring period and reported awakening too early were significantly correlated with increased depressive symptoms. Results suggest that first‐time mothers who complain of irregular night‐time sleep duration and waking up too early should be screened and evaluated for potential postpartum depressive symptoms. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:314–323, 2012
The power of popularity: how the size of a virtual community adds to firm value
Authors: Plangger Kirk
Published: March 2012

Customers are increasingly consuming and talking about products and services on online social networks. Thus, these online brand communities have become more important to marketers in their quest to increase future sales through loyalty and customer acquisition. Social media environments, such as Twitter and Facebook, seem to increase consumer loyalty by increasing the popularity of the brand, allowing marketers another way of differentiating. This paper fills a gap in the marketing literature by examining the effect of online brand communities on firm value by using information from the 2010 and the 2006 editions of the Fortune 500 listing as well as key statistics from Facebook and Twitter. The regression models presented show that there is a positive relationship between social media investment and firm value, especially in mature, highly competitive industries, especially for business‐to‐consumer industries. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal serum placental growth factor in second trimester trisomy 21 pregnancies
Authors: Cowans N. J. , Kisanga M. C. , Spencer K.
Published: March 2012

Objective

To investigate the levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) in second trimester maternal serum in trisomy 21 cases and euploid controls – an unclear subject in the published literature.

Methods

Second trimester maternal serum samples from 17 recent (since 2005) and 74 older trisomy 21 cases and 542 euploid controls were extracted from frozen storage and retrospectively analysed for PlGF using a DELFIA Xpress immunoassay platform. Results were converted to multiples of median (MoM) for comparison.

Results

The control group had a PlGF MoM of 0.99, the recent trisomy 21 cases had a PlGF MoM of 1.13 and the older cases a PlGF MoM of 1.11; however, the differences between trisomy 21 cases and controls were not significant.

Conclusion

Although we have found no significant change in the second trimester levels of PlGF in trisomy 21 pregnancies, there remains wide disagreement within the literature on the behaviour of this marker during pregnancies of this syndrome. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sequential testing for Down syndrome: the impact on estimated risk
Authors: Chasen Stephen T. , Wasden Shane
Published: March 2012

Objective

Our objective was to describe the utilization of sequential screening and evaluate the impact on estimated Down syndrome risk.

Methods

We reviewed records of all those undergoing first‐trimester screening over a 3‐year period. All patients received first‐trimester Down syndrome risk, and had options of invasive testing and sequential testing. We compared adjusted first‐trimester Down syndrome risk with adjusted risk following sequential testing. Fisher's exact test and chi‐square for trend were used for statistical comparison.

Results

First‐trimester screening was performed on 12 557 patients. The rate of sequential testing was 34.0%. In 13.1% of patients, sequential testing resulted in a higher risk compared with first‐trimester risk, with a risk at least twice as high in 5.2%. The likelihood that sequential testing would increase risk progressively decreased as first‐trimester risk declined, from 17.8% for those with first‐trimester risk of >1 in 270 to 8.7% in those with first‐trimester risk of <1 in 10 000 (p < .001). For those with first‐trimester risk <1 in 2000, the likelihood that sequential testing would adjust risk to >1 in 270 was <1%.

Conclusions

Sequential testing lowers the Down syndrome risk in most cases and is more likely to do so with decreasing first‐trimester risk. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aneuploidy screening during pregnancy by a three‐dimensional Advanced First Trimester Screening model: Description of the AFS‐3D algorithm
Authors: Schmidt Peter , Hörmansdörfer Cindy , Vaske Bernhard , Hillemanns Peter , Scharf Alexander
Published: March 2012

Background

A novel screening method for fetal aneuploidies was developed, in which nuchal translucency (NT), pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A), and free‐β human chorionic gonadotropin (free‐β hCG) are placed into a three‐dimensional scatter plot. Likelihood ratios are directly inferred from the ratio of already observed healthy and diseased fetuses. This method is called ‘Three‐dimensional Advanced First trimester Screening’ (AFS‐3D). It was aimed to develop and test a new algorithm based on the results of previous studies.

Methods

A new static‐sized sphere model was developed. Several scaling factors of the axes and the optional application of the modifications ‘simulation’ (SIM) and ‘empty sphere positive’ were tested on 15 227 data sets. An additional examination was performed on a second collective (n = 458).

Results

The application of the new AFS‐3D model with static‐sized spheres, a re‐sampled ∆NT axis by a scaling factor of 0.125, and the application of SIM and Empty Box Positive resulted in a marked improvement of the test performance (area under curve, AUC = 0.9668). Analogous results (AUC = 0.9807) were found for the second test collective.

Conclusions

This novel approach is promising and should be tested on a larger, independent collective. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical importance of the drug interaction between statins and CYP3A4 inhibitors: a retrospective cohort study in The Health Improvement Network
Authors: Rowan Christopher G. , Brunelli Steven M. , Munson Jeffrey , Flory James , Reese Peter P. , Hennessy Sean , Lewis James , Mines Daniel , Barrett Jeffrey S. , Bilker Warren , Strom Brian L.
Published: March 2012

Objective

To compare the relative hazard of muscle toxicity, renal dysfunction, and hepatic dysfunction associated with the drug interaction between statins and concomitant medications that inhibit the CYP3A4 isoenzyme.

Background

Although statins provide important clinical benefits related to mitigating the risk of cardiovascular events, this class of medications also has the potential for severe adverse reactions. The risk for adverse events may be potentiated by concomitant use of medications that interfere with statin metabolism.

Methods

Data from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) from 1990 to 2008 were used to conduct a retrospective cohort study. Cohorts were created to evaluate each outcome (muscle toxicity, renal dysfunction, and hepatic dysfunction) independently. Each cohort included new statin initiators and compared the relative hazard of the outcome. The interaction ratio (I*R) was the primary contrast of interest. The I*R represents the relative effect of each statin type (statin 3A4 substrate vs. statin non‐3A4 substrate) with a CYP3A4 inhibitor, independent of the effect of the statin type without a CYP3A4 inhibitor. We adjusted for confounding variables using the multinomial propensity score.

Results

The median follow‐up time per cohort was 1.5 years. There were 7889 muscle toxicity events among 362 809 patients and 792 665 person‐years. The adjusted muscle toxicity I*R was 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.90–1.66). There were 1449 renal dysfunction events among 272,099 patients and 574 584 person‐years. The adjusted renal dysfunction I*R was 0.91 (95%CI = 0.58–1.44). There were 1434 hepatic dysfunction events among 367 612 patients and 815 945 person‐years. The adjusted hepatic dysfunction I*R was 0.78 (95%CI = 0.45–1.31).

Conclusions

Overall, this study found no difference in the relative hazard of muscle toxicity, renal dysfunction, or hepatic dysfunction for patients prescribed a statin 3A4 substrate versus a statin non‐3A4 substrate with CYP3A4 inhibitor concomitancy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in treatment of newly treated schizophrenia‐spectrum disorder patients in Taiwan from 1999 to 2006
Authors: Wu Chi‐Shin , Lin Yu‐Ju , Feng Jung
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This study aimed to examine trends in the first‐year pharmacological treatment of newly treated schizophrenia patients in Taiwan between 1999 and 2006.

Method

We collected data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of all newly treated patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia‐spectrum disorder (ICD‐9 295.x). We analyzed all prescription records after diagnosis of schizophrenia and described the patterns of antipsychotics use, other concomitant psychotropic agents use, and mental health system utilization. We tested for trend using multivariate logistic regression and Spearman's partial correlation rank test.

Results

A total of 2895 newly treated patients with schizophrenia were enrolled. The percentage of prescriptions of second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAs) was found to have increased significantly, from 27.5% in 1999 to 76.9% in 2006. The ratio of good antipsychotics adherence (medication possession ratio >0.8) also increased, from 23.2% in 1998 to 38.9% in 2006. Corresponding to this, the percentage of usage of first‐generation antipsychotic drugs, anticholinergic agents, and long‐term combination therapy declined. However, the prescription of antidepressants and mood stabilizers and the hospitalization rate increased. No change was noted in the number of psychiatric visits.

Conclusion

In the first‐year treatment of newly treated schizophrenic patients between 1999 and 2006, we found pharmacological treatment had changed in terms of types of antipsychotics, adherence, and the use of other concomitant psychotropic agents, with the introduction of SGAs. The benefits and costs of the changes with a trend toward an increasing prescription of SGAs warrant further investigation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Therapeutic targeting of angiotensin II receptor type 1 to regulate androgen receptor in prostate cancer
Authors: Takahashi Satoru , Uemura Hiroji , Seeni Azman , Tang Mingxi , Komiya Masami , Long Ne , Ishiguro Hitoshi , Kubota Yoshinobu , Shirai Tomoyuki
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND

With the limited strategies for curative treatment of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), public interest has focused on the potential prevention of prostate cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) has the potential to decrease serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and improve performance status in CRPC patients. These facts prompted us to investigate the direct effects of ARBs on prostate cancer growth and progression.

METHODS

Transgenic rat for adenocarcinoma of prostate (TRAP) model established in our laboratory was used. TRAP rats of 3 weeks of age received ARB (telmisartan or candesartan) at the concentration of 2 or 10 mg/kg/day in drinking water for 12 weeks. In vitro analyses for cell growth, ubiquitylation or reporter gene assay were performed using LNCaP cells.

RESULTS

We found that both telmisartan and candesartan attenuated prostate carcinogenesis in TRAP rats by augmentation of apoptosis resulting from activation of caspases, inactivation of p38 MAPK and down‐regulation of the androgen receptor (AR). Further, microarray analysis demonstrated up‐regulation of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) by ARB treatment. In both parental and androgen‐independent LNCaP cells, ARB inhibited both cell growth and AR‐mediated transcriptional activity. ARB also exerted a mild additional effect on AR‐mediated transcriptional activation by the ERβ up‐regulation. An intervention study revealed that PSA progression was prolonged in prostate cancer patients given an ARB compared with placebo control.

CONCLUSION

These data provide a new concept that ARBs are promising potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents for prostate cancer. Prostate 72:1559–1572, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Moxifloxacin: new fluoroquinolone for bacterial conjunctivitis
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Tey Adrian
Published: March 2012

Moxifloxacin (Moxivig) is a fourth‐generation fluoroquinolone for use in bacterial conjunctivitis. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse events, and Dr Adrian Tey discusses its potential role in the treatment of conjunctivitis. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
Structural and optical characterization of Dy‐doped heavy‐metal oxide and oxyhalide borate glasses
Authors: Pisarska Joanna , Żur Lidia , Pisarski Wojciech A.
Published: March 2012

Dy‐doped borate glasses with PbO and PbX2 (X = F, Cl) were examined using Raman and luminescence spectroscopy. The Raman spectra show the structural changes of a glass network with B2O3/PbO ratios and presence of PbX2 (X = F or Cl). The photoluminescence spectra measured in the visible range present two bands located at 480 and 573 nm, which correspond to 4F9/2–6H15/2 (blue) and 4F9/2–6H13/2 (yellow) transitions of Dy3+. Luminescence decays from the 4F9/2 state and yellow/blue luminescence intensity ratios (Y/B) were analyzed as a function of glass composition (B2O3/PbO) and PbX2 (X = F, Cl) content. The branching ratios of yellow/blue luminescence increase, whereas the 4F9/2 lifetime of Dy3+ ions decreases with increasing PbO concentration. An introduction of PbX2 to the borate glass results in the increasing of 4F9/2 lifetime and decreasing of the yellow‐to‐blue luminescence intensity ratio. These phenomena are related to reduction of covalency between Dy3+ and O2−/X− ions.
Deep centers in a CuInGaSe2/CdS/ZnO:B solar cell
Authors: Choi In‐Hwan , Choi Chul‐Hwan , Lee Joo‐Won
Published: March 2012

CuInGaSe2(CIGS)/CdS/ZnO:B heterojunction solar cells and CIGS/Al Schottky junction diodes were fabricated, and the defect centers were examined by capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements and deep‐level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). The homogeneity of the junction in the CIGS heterojunction solar cell was examined by electron‐beam induced current (EBIC) measurements. The distribution of the defect concentrations in the CIGS absorber layer of the CIGS/CdS/ZnO:B heterojunction changed remarkably with depth. On the other hand, the defect distribution in the CIGS layer of the CIGS Schottky junction was quasi‐homogeneous. One electron and one hole trap were observed from CIGS Schottky junction, whereas one electron trap and two hole traps were found in the CIGS/CdS/ZnO:B heterojunction.
Tunable gold nanostars for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Giorgetti Emilia , Trigari Silvana , Rindi Alessio , Margheri Giancarlo , Sottini Stefano , Dellepiane Giovanna , Brusatin Giovanna , Brigo Laura , Muniz‐Miranda Maurizio , Timtcheva Iljiana
Published: March 2012

We fabricated stable gold nanostars (AuNSs) with tunable extinction properties from the visible spectral region up to 1800 nm, depending on the average values of core size and branch length. The results of their UV–Vis and transmission electron microscopy characterization are compared with computational data from finite elements method, which makes use of an approximated model of the branched structures. The theoretical computations put in evidence the existence of hot spots located on the tips of the nanostars even up to 1800 nm wavelength, which opens the way to the improvement of diagnostics in the IR region. Preliminary Fourier transform Raman experiments performed after functionalization with a fluorescent dye bearing end thiol groups seem to confirm the field enhancing capability of the nanostructures at 1064 nm.
Oleuropein, Chief Constituent of Olive Leaf Extract, Prevents the Development of Morphine Antinociceptive Tolerance through Inhibition of Morphine‐induced L‐type Calcium Channel Overexpression
Authors: Zare Leila , Esmaeili‐Mahani Saeed , Abbasnejad Mehdi , Rasoulian Bahram , Sheibani Vahid , Sahraei Hedayat , Kaeidi Ayat
Published: March 2012

It has been shown that blockade of L‐type calcium channels could abolish the development of opioid‐induced antinociceptive tolerance. Here, the antitolerant effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) and its main component, oleuropein, which have a calcium channel blocker property were determined. Adult male Wistar rats were injected with morphine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) for 8 days to induce antinociceptive tolerance. Then OLE (50–200 mg/kg i.g.) and oleuropein (1–10 mg/kg i.p.) were injected concomitantly with morphine. The tail‐flick test was used to assess the nociceptive threshold. The dorsal half of the lumbar spinal cord was assayed for the expression of L‐type calcium channel using semiquantitative RT‐PCR.

The results showed that OLE (200 mg/kg) completely prevented morphine tolerance development. In addition, oleuropein in dose of 10 mg/kg, but not in 5 mg/kg, prevented the development of morphine antinociceptive tolerance. In addition, a significant increase in the mRNA levels of calcium channel (43.9%) was observed in the lumbar spinal cord of tolerant animals, which was reversed by effective of dose OLE.

In conclusion, the results indicate that olive leaf extract has a potential antitolerant property against the chronic usage of morphine and that its main component, oleuropein, is responsible for such effect. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quercetin, Quercetin Glycosides and Taxifolin Differ in their Ability to Induce AhR Activation and CYP1A1 Expression in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Vrba Jiri , Kren Vladimir , Vacek Jan , Papouskova Barbora , Ulrichova Jitka
Published: March 2012

The natural flavonoid quercetin is a low affinity ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor regulating the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A enzymes. This study examined the ability of quercetin, isoquercitrin (quercetin‐3‐O‐glucoside), rutin (quercetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside) and taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) to activate AhR and to induce CYP1A1 expression in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Gene reporter assays showed that quercetin significantly activated AhR and triggered CYP1A1 transcription after 24 h exposure. These effects were, however, much lower than those of 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin, a prototypical AhR ligand. Quercetin also induced a significant increase in CYP1A1 mRNA levels together with a moderate increase in the level of CYP1A1 activity. In contrast, isoquercitrin and rutin had negligible effects on AhR activity and CYP1A1 expression. Taxifolin at the highest concentration tested (50 µm) produced a mild non‐significant increase in AhR activity and CYP1A1 transcription. Taxifolin also significantly increased CYP1A1 mRNA expression, but this effect was approximately 15 times weaker than that of quercetin and was not accompanied by induction of CYP1A1 activity. It is concluded that quercetin, but not its 3‐O‐glycosides isoquercitrin and rutin, induces AhR activation and CYP1A1 expression in HepG2 cells and that the CYP1A1‐inducing activity of taxifolin has a low toxicological potential. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective Effect and Potential Mechanism of Ginkgo biloba Extract EGb 761 on STZ‐induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats
Authors: Taliyan Rajeev , Sharma P. L.
Published: March 2012

Diabetes induced neuropathic pain is recognized as one of the most difficult types of pain to treat with conventional analgaesics. EGb 761 is a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba that has analgaesic and antiinflammatory properties and modulatory effects on key pain‐related molecules. We examined the effect of EGb 761 on streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced neuropathic pain behaviours and assessed its mechanism of action. Streptozotocin (20 mg/kg i.p for 5 days) was administered to induce experimental diabetes. Pain hypersensitivity to radiant heat was measured using the Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer to test the pain threshold. Diabetic rats exhibited mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperanalgaesia after the third week of STZ injection and concomitantly increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and nitric oxide concentration. The antioxidant enzymes level of superoxide dismutase and catalase was markedly reduced in STZ‐diabetic rats (p < 0.05). Systemic administration of EGb 761 (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg), starting after the third week following STZ injection, dose‐dependently reversed STZ‐induced thermal hyperanalgaesia and mechanical allodynia. Moreover, it reduced oxidonitrosative stress and concomitantly restored the level of antioxidant enzymes (p < 0.05) as compared with untreated diabetic rats. These results suggest that EGb 761 attenuated STZ‐induced neuropathic pain behaviours by inhibiting oxidative and nitrosative stress and may constitute a new approach for treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibacterial and Antimycobacterial Lignans and Flavonoids from Larrea tridentata
Authors: Favela‐Hernández J. M. J. , García A. , Garza‐González E. , Rivas‐Galindo V. M. , Camacho‐Corona M. R.
Published: March 2012

Three lignans and four flavonoids were isolated and characterized from Larrea tridentata and compounds were tested against 16 bacterial species/strains. Results showed that: dihydroguaiaretic acid (1) had activity towards methicillin resistant (MR) Staphylococcus aureus (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 50 µg/mL) and multidrug‐resistant (MDR) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MIC 12.5–50 µg/mL); 4‐epi‐larreatricin (2) was active against Enterobacter cloacae (MIC 12.5 µg/mL), as well as sensitive (MIC 50 µg/mL) and MDR strains of M. tuberculosis (MIC 25 µg/mL). 3′‐Demethoxy‐6‐O‐demethylisoguaiacin (3) displayed activity against sensitive and resistant S. aureus (MIC 25 µg/mL), Enterococcus faecalis (MIC 12.5 µg/mL), Escherichia coli (MIC 50 µg/mL), E. cloacae (MIC 12.5 µg/mL) and MDR strains of M. tuberculosis (MIC 12.5 µg/mL). 5,4′‐Dihydroxy‐3,7,8,3′‐tetramethoxyflavone (4) and 5,4′‐dihydroxy‐3,7,8‐trimethoxyflavone (5) were active against M. tuberculosis MDR strains having MIC values of 25 and 25–50 µg/mL, respectively, while 5,4′‐dihydroxy‐7‐methoxyflavone (6) was active against S. aureus (MIC 50 µg/mL) and E. faecalis (MIC 50 µg/mL). We concluded that lignan 3 is the main compound responsible for the antibacterial activity of L. tridentata. Lignans 1 and 2 as well as flavonoid 6 contribute with some degree of antibacterial activity. On the other hand, compounds 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 contributed to the antimycobacterial activity found in L. tridentata. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ginkgolide B Reduces Neuronal Cell Apoptosis in the Traumatic Rat Brain: Possible Involvement of Toll‐like Receptor 4 and Nuclear Factor Kappa B Pathway
Authors: Yu Wen‐Hua , Dong Xiao‐Qiao , Hu Yue‐Yu , Huang Man , Zhang Zu‐Yong
Published: March 2012

Ginkgolide B (GB) has been demonstrated to have a variety of pharmacological actions. Accumulating evidence indicates that GB may exert a protective effect on brain injury. The study was designed to investigate the influence of GB on toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4) and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB)‐dependent inflammatory responses and neuronal cell apoptosis after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Wistar rats were subjected to 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg GB daily for 5 days, intraperitoneally, following TBI. Rats were sacrificed at hour 2, 6 and 12, as well as day 1, 2, 3 and 5 after TBI. The administration of 10 and 20 mg/kg GB could significantly (least‐significant difference test: p < 0.05) suppress gene expressions of TLR‐4 and NF‐κB, lessen concentrations of tumour necrosis factor α, interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6, as well as reduce the number of apoptotic neuronal cells in traumatic rat brain tissues, but the administration of 5 mg/kg GB did not (p > 0.05). However, a clear concentration–response relationship was not found. Thus, GB may inhibit TLR‐4 and NF‐κB‐dependent inflammatory responses, and furthermore lessen neuronal cell apoptosis after TBI, which may support the use of GB for the treatment of TBI. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational energies of H2+ using fully nonadiabatic wavefunctions
Authors: Alexander Steven A. , Coldwell Robert L.
Published: March 2012

Using variational Monte Carlo methods, we examine a number of fully nonadiabatic trial wavefunctions to determine which features best describe the lowest several vibrational states of H2+. Our final energies are in excellent agreement with previous calculations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A DFT study on reaction of eupatilin with hydroxyl radical in solution
Authors: Li Minjie , Liu Weixia , Peng Chunrong , Ren Qinghua , Lu Wencong , Deng Wei
Published: March 2012

Antioxidants scavenge reactive oxygen species and, therefore, are vitally important in the living cells. The antioxidant properties of eupatilin have recently been reported. In this article, the reactions of eupatilin with the hydroxyl radical (OH•) in solution are studied using density functional theory calculations and the polarizable continuum model. Three mechanisms are considered including: sequential electron proton transfer (SEPT), sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET), and hydrogen abstraction (HA). Three solvents with different polarities, that is, benzene, methanol, and water, are used to investigate the effect of the environment on the mechanisms. The relative Gibbs free energies and enthalpies corresponding to different mechanisms are calculated. Our results show that SEPT is thermodynamically favored in aqueous solution. Once the eupatilin anion is produced, the second step in SPLET mechanism is thermodynamically favored in methanol and water. The HA mechanism is thermodynamically favored in gas, benzene, methanol, and water. This mechanism is more energetically favorable to occur in a more polar solvent. The natural bond orbital charges and spin densities as well as the singly occupied molecular orbital are then analyzed. It is concluded that the HA process is governed by proton coupled electron transfer mechanism. The attack of the radical takes place preferentially at position 7 of eupatilin. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of surface roughness on elastically backscattered electrons
Authors: Da B. , Mao S. F. , Zhang G. H. , Wang X. P. , Ding Z. J.
Published: March 2012

The electron inelastic mean free path can be obtained from the elastic peak electron spectroscopy (EPES) combined with a Monte Carlo simulation. It is thus necessary to know the influence of various experimental factors on the measured and calculated results. In this work, we consider an important factor, i.e. the surface roughness or the surface topography. A Monte Carlo model, taking into account the details of the surface excitation and realistic sample surface roughness, is built to study how the surface excitation and surface roughness affect elastic peak intensity. The simulations of EPES were performed for both planar and rough Ni surfaces and for primary energies from 100 to 5000 eV. The simulation results are found to be in good agreement with the experiments; the quantitative information of elastic peak intensity influenced by surface roughness is obtained for both cylindrical mirror analyzer and retarding field analyzer. It is found that the elastically backscattered electron intensity measured by the two analyzers is only weakly influenced by surface roughness in the size range below 30 nm. The angular resolved elastic peak intensity varies with surface roughness significantly only at the large emission angles above 70o. The present simulation results then suggest that for the inelastic mean free path measurements the emission angle should be below 70o in an EPES experiment to reduce the roughness effect. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of Penetration Depth and Droplet Behavior in the Case of a Gas Jet Impinging on the Surface of Molten Metal using Liquid Ga–In–Sn
Authors: Ek Mattias , Sichen Du
Published: March 2012

To study the penetration depth in the case of a gas jet impinging on the surface of liquid steel, cold model experiments were carried out using a liquid alloy Ga–In–Sn, which had similar physical properties as liquid steel. A HCl solution was used to simulate the top slag. The top phase was found to have appreciable effect on the penetration depth. Comparison of the experimental data with the predictions of the existing models indicated that most the model predictions deviated from the experimental results at higher lance heights and gas flow rates. New model parameter was suggested based on the present experimental data. The observation of the formation and movement of metal droplets generated by the gas jet was also made. The velocity of the droplet was found to be at a level only about 1% of the terminal velocity. This low velocity suggested that the turbulent viscosity played important role and the droplets could have long resident time in the slag.
Effect of the Charging Temperature on the Hot Ductility of Nb‐Containing Steel in the Simulated Hot Charge Process
Authors: Lu Yongjian , Wang Qian , Li Jiang , Li Zushu , He Shengping
Published: March 2012

In order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the effect of hot charging temperature on the hot ductility of a Nb‐containing steel, direct hot charging process was simulated by using a Gleeble thermo stress/strain machine. Three kinds of thermal histories were introduced to assess the hot ductility of the steel during continuously cast, hot charging, and cold charging process by means of hot tensile test in relation to surface cracking of hot charging processed steel slabs. The ductility of the specimens charged at the temperature within the range of ferrite/austenite two‐phase region and charged at the temperature just below the Ar1 of the steel is largely reduced. These results can be ascribed to the retained ferrite films at the boundaries of austenite encouraging voiding at the boundaries and these voids gradually link up to give failure around 750°C, and the combination of inhogeneous austenite grain size and precipitations aggravating the ductility trough by encouraging grain boundary sliding at 950°C. The steel via the conventional cold charge process experienced a complete phase transformation from austenite to ferrite and pearlite structure during the cooling to the ambient temperature. This steel can be charged into a reheating furnace and rolled without experiencing hot embrittlement due to the recrystallization and the precipitates are trapped inside a newly formed grain of austenite. In comparison with the hot ductility results, the hot tensile strength is only slight influenced by the charging temperature.
Developing inquiry‐guided learning in a research university in the United Kingdom
Authors: Levy Philippa
Published: March 2012

This chapter discusses themes from a five‐year institutional development program for inquiry‐guided learning (IGL) at The University of Sheffield. It presents a conceptual framework for IGL instructional design, gives examples of IGL courses, and highlights features of the program's approach to the facilitation of educational change.
Integrating inquiry‐guided learning across the curriculum: The Top 25 Project at Miami University
Authors: Taylor Beverley A. P. , Bakker Andrea I. , Nadler Marjorie Keeshan , Shore Cecilia , Dietz‐Uhler Beth
Published: March 2012

This chapter describes the initiative designed to transform the largest enrollment classes at Miami University to focus on inquiry‐guided learning and student engagement and discusses the results thus far.
The power of inquiry as a way of learning in undergraduate education at a large research university
Authors: Fowler Debra A. , Matthews Pamela R. , Schielack Jane F. , Webb Robert C. , Wu X. Ben
Published: March 2012

The desire of this large research university to initiate inquiry‐guided learning experiences more intentionally and earlier in the curriculum led to the engagement of faculty and students in the implementation of a systematic process for accomplishing this goal.
Lessons learned: The McMaster inquiry story from innovation to institutionalization
Authors: Cuneo Carl , Harnish Del , Roy Dale , Vajoczki Susan
Published: March 2012

Over the past thirty years, inquiry‐guided learning has flourished at McMaster University. In this chapter, we discuss some of the enabling factors that helped to encourage early experimentation in inquiry‐guided learning and push it toward greater institutionalization as well as some of the challenges and obstacles that had to be overcome.
Materialism
Authors: Melnyk Andrew
Published: March 2012

Materialism is nearly universally assumed by cognitive scientists. Intuitively, materialism says that a person's mental states are nothing over and above his or her material states, while dualism denies this. Philosophers have introduced concepts (e.g., realization and supervenience) to assist in formulating the theses of materialism and dualism with more precision, and distinguished among importantly different versions of each view (e.g., eliminative materialism, substance dualism, and emergentism). They have also clarified the logic of arguments that use empirical findings to support materialism. Finally, they have devised various objections to materialism, objections that therefore serve also as arguments for dualism. These objections typically center around two features of mental states that materialism has had trouble in accommodating. The first feature is intentionality, the property of representing, or being about, objects, properties, and states of affairs external to the mental states. The second feature is phenomenal consciousness, the property possessed by many mental states of there being something it is like for the subject of the mental state to be in that mental state. WIREs Cogn Sci 2012, 3:281–292. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1174

This article is categorized under:

Philosophy > Consciousness
Somatostatin Analogues for the Treatment of Enterocutaneous Fistulas: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Coughlin Shaun , Roth Lee , Lurati Giovanna , Faulhaber Markus
Published: March 2012

Background

Enterocutaneous fistulas are abnormal connections between the skin and gastrointestinal tract that most commonly occur after surgery. Somatostatin analogues have been used in their treatment. The objective of the present study was to determine if somatostatin analogues shorten the time to closure of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas compared to placebo.

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, as well as reference lists of textbooks and relevant articles for randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing somatostatin analogues to control in the treatment of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas. We systematically assessed trials for eligibility and validity, and extracted data in duplicate. We pooled data across studies using a random effects model.

Results

Our initial search yielded 720 studies, of which eight RCT ultimately met eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Somatostatin analogues significantly decreased the time to closure of fistulas compared to placebo {weighted mean difference (WMD)—6.37 days [95% confidence interval (CI) −8.33, −4.42]}. The duration of hospital stay was also significantly decreased with somatostatin analogue treatment [WMD—4.53 days (95% CI −8.29, −0.77)]. No difference in mortality was identified with somatostatin treatment [RR 0.87 (95% CI 0.49–1.55)].

Conclusions

Somatostatin analogues appear to decrease the duration of enterocutaneous fistulas and duration of hospital stay, but no mortality benefit was identified. The quality of evidence for outcomes in this review ranged from low to moderate. Future large, blinded, RCT would be useful in improving the confidence in the treatment effects identified in this systematic review and meta‐analysis.
The aphid‐tending ant Lasius fuji exhibits reduced aggression toward aphids marked with ant cuticular hydrocarbons
Authors: Endo Shintaro , Itino Takao
Published: March 2012

Some aphid species are attended by ants, which protect aphids against enemies, but ants sometimes prey on the aphids they are attending depending on the resource conditions. A previous study indicated that the ant Lasius niger preys less on the aphid individuals that experienced ant attendance than on those that did not. This observation leads to the hypothesis that ants transfer some substances to the aphids they attend and selectively prey on the aphids without the substances. In this study, we focus on cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), which are used by ants as nestmate recognition substances, and test whether ants discriminate the aphids on the basis of CHCs. We confirmed that the ant Lasius fuji preyed less on the aphids that were attended by their nestmates than those that were not attended. Glass dummies treated with CHCs from attended aphids were attacked less by ants than those treated with CHCs from non‐attended aphids. The CHC profiles of ant attended aphids resembled those of the ants, suggesting that ants’ CHCs are transferred to the aphids’ body surface through ant attendance. These results support the hypothesis that ants “mark” their attended aphids with their CHCs and the CHCs reduce ant predation intensity.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C): A Review of Molecular and Clinical Literature
Authors: Murray Brittney
Published: March 2012

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is heritable cardiomyopathy that may result in arrhythmia, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Approximately 50–60% of ARVD/C patient will have an identifiable pathogenic mutation in one of seven genes associated with the cardiac desmosome and other cardiac pathways. Genetic counseling remains complicated, however, because of great variable expressivity and reduced penetrance, even within members of the same family. Diagnosis of ARVD/C is made by meeting a set of major and minor diagnostic criteria, revised in 2010. Despite this, misdiagnosis is a chronic problem. Management of ARVD/C is aimed at reducing risk of sudden death/arrhythmias and preventing progression of disease. Strenuous physical activity is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor in disease presentation and progression and is an important factor in preventative management. Anticipation of the psychosocial implications of this disease is also an important aspect of patient management. This review presents an overview of the clinical diagnosis, management, as well as disease mechanism and genetics of this rare cardiomyopathy.
Alternative technique for open reduction and fixation of displaced pediatric medial epicondyle fractures
Authors: Glotzbecker Michael P. , Shore Benjamin , Matheney Travis , Gold Meryl , Hedequist Daniel
Published: March 2012

Purpose

To describe an alternative positioning technique for the fixation of pediatric medial epicondyle fractures which offers some significant advantages over traditional supine positioning.

Methods

At our institution, 27 patients with a displaced medial epicondyle fracture requiring open reduction and fixation were positioned prone for the procedure. The internally rotated operative arm lies on the hand table with the elbow in a natural flexed, pronated position. The elbow can be brought into extension and flexion for appropriate intraoperative radiographs. The fracture is then reduced with the arm in flexion and pronation, without having to pull excessively on the fragment. After reduction, the fragment is held easily in place for surgical fixation. A similar group of patients from the same time period positioned supine was also examined and compared to the patients who had the surgery prone.

Results

The average age of the 27 patients was 11.2 years (range 5.1–16.9 years). Indications for operative treatment were displaced medial epicondyle fracture (14), medial epicondyle fracture with associated elbow dislocation (12), and medial epicondyle fracture with ulnar nerve symptoms (1). At a mean of 4.5 months of follow up (1–11 months), 7 patients required the removal of hardware for screw irritation. There were no infections in the 27 surgeries and there were no other intraoperative or postoperative complications. Mild loss of flexion and extension was common in the group. Patients who had surgery in the supine position were similar with regards to patient demographics and postoperative complications, including the need for screw removal.

Conclusions

While displaced medial epicondyle fractures can be treated successfully with traditional positioning, placing patients prone for the fixation of pediatric medial epicondyle fractures offers some significant advantages over supine positioning.
MR imaging of the reconstructed breast: What the radiologist needs to know
Authors: Dialani Vandana , Lai Kenny C. , Slanetz Priscilla J.
Published: March 2012

Objective

The objective is to review the different types of breast reconstruction following cancer surgery and describe expected imaging appearances and complications seen in the reconstructed breast.

Methods

Surgical management of breast cancer often entails lumpectomy or mastectomy. When mastectomy is performed, patients often opt for breast reconstruction. Most facilities do not routinely image the reconstructed breast with mammography.

Results

However, many of these women are imaged with screening breast MRI for evaluation of the contralateral breast, or they may develop a clinical problem that warrants a diagnostic evaluation with MRI. In this article, we will review the more commonly encountered types of breast reconstruction, which include implants, tranversus rectus abdomnis flap, latissimus dorsi flap, deep inferior epigastric perforator flap, and gluteal flaps. Each of these types of reconstruction has different appearances on MR. We will also discuss potential complications that can be seen in the reconstructed breasts, including fat necrosis and recurrence.

Conclusion

Radiologists will better understand the different types of breast reconstruction after mastectomy and their normal imaging appearance on MRI. Radiologists will be more aware of how to recognize complications related to surgery as well as how to determine whether recurrence is present.

Main Messages

• The different surgical techniques used in breast reconstruction are discussed.

• Describes the normal magnetic resonance imaging appearance of the breast after reconstruction.

• Identify MR imaging features of benign sequelae and recurrence following breast reconstruction.