bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Hypericum maculatumCrantz Essential Oil
Authors: Ðorđević Aleksandra S. , Lazarević Jelena S. , Petrović Goran M. , Zlatković Bojan K. , Solujić Slavica R.
Published: January 2014

The chemical composition and the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil isolated from the aerial parts of Hypericum maculatum Crantz were determined. In total, 109 compounds were identified, with germacrene D (21.5%), nonane (6.5%), (E)‐β‐farnesene (5.3%), δ‐cadinene (4.5%), and ledol (4.4%) as the main constituents. The chemical compositions of this oil and of four previously studied H. maculatum oils were compared using multivariate statistical analyses, viz., agglomerative hierarchical cluster and principal component analyses. Based on the results, the interrelationship among the hitherto studied H. maculatum oil samples, including the oil characterized here, was discussed. The study of the antimicrobial potential of the oil against five bacterial and two fungal strains showed that the oil had mainly moderate antimicrobial effects.
Limonoids and Flavonoids from the Flowers of Azadirachta indica var. siamensis, and Their Melanogenesis‐Inhibitory and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Kitdamrongtham Worapong , Ishii Kenta , Ebina Kodai , Zhang Jie , Ukiya Motohiko , Koike Kazuo , Akazawa Hiroyuki , Manosroi Aranya , Manosroi Jiradej , Akihisa Toshihiro
Published: January 2014

A new limonoid, 7‐O‐acetyl‐7‐O‐debenzoyl‐22‐hydroxy‐21‐methoxylimocinin (2), and two new flavonoids, 3′‐(3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylbutyl)naringenin (7) and 4′‐O‐methyllespedezaflavanone C (9), along with nine known compounds, including two limonoids, 1 and 3, and seven flavonoids, 4–6, 8, and 10–12, were isolated from a MeOH extract of the flowers of Azadirachta indica A.Juss. var. siamensis Valeton (Siamese neem tree; Meliaceae). The structures of new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literature data. All of these compounds were evaluated for their melanogenesis‐inhibitory activities in B16 melanoma cells induced with α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH). Compound 2 (16.9% melanin content at 30 μM), 6‐deacetylnimbin (3; 49.6% melanin content at 100 μM), and kaempferide (10; 41.7% melanin content at 10 μM) exhibited inhibitory effects with no, or almost no, toxicity to the cells (81.0–111.7% cell viability). In addition, evaluation of their cytotoxic activities against HL60, A549, AZ521, and SK‐BR‐3 human cancer cell lines, isoazadironolide (1), 4′‐O‐methyl‐8‐prenylnaringenin (5), euchrestaflavanone A (8), 9, and 3‐methoxy‐3′‐prenylnaringenin (12) revealed potent cytotoxicities against one or more cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 4.5–9.9 μM.
Fourier‐Transformed Large‐Amplitude AC Voltammetric Study of Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF): Electrode Kinetics of the TTF0/TTF.+ and TTF.+/TTF2+ Processes
Authors: Bond Alan M. , Bano Kiran , Adeel Shaimaa , Martin Lisandra L. , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2014

The front cover artwork for the inaugural issue is provided by the Monash Electrochemistry Group. The image shows the application of Fourier‐transformed large‐amplitude AC voltammetry (FTACV) for the determination of electrode kinetics of tetrathiafulvalene. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/celc.201300129.
New Slime
Authors: Brink Andreas , Hubricht Sandra
Published: January 2014

Infolge der Richtlinie 2008/58/EG der europäischen Kommission wurden Dinatriumtetraborate, welche für das beliebte „Slime‐Experiment“ verwendet werden, hinsichtlich ihres Gefahrenpotenzials neu eingestuft. Als Folge der Neueinstufung entstand eine Unsicherheit bei den Lehrkräften gegenüber dem Einsatz dieses Versuchs. Teilweise wurden zudem offiziell Empfehlungen ausgesprochen, das „Slime‐Experiment“ mit Dinatriumtetraboraten nicht mehr durchzuführen. In „New Slime“ gelingt die Vernetzung der Galactomannan‐Polysaccharidketten mithilfe eines unbedenklichen Aluminiumsalzes. Im geeigneten pH‐Wertbereich entsteht durch die Zugabe von Aluminium‐Ionen aus einer weißen viskosen Flüssigkeit ein hellgelber „Slime“, der sich ähnlich wie der bekannte Borax‐Schleim verhält. Die Fachliteraturrecherche liefert Indizien dafür, dass in Abhängigkeit von dem pH‐Wert Aluminium‐Ionen von sterisch geeigneten, deprotonierten Hydroxylgruppen des Galactomannan‐Polysaccharids komplexiert werden können. Experimentell untermauert wird diese Hypothese in unseren Untersuchungen durch die Reaktion von „New Slime“ mit Citrat‐Ionen.
Plastiksolarzellen – ein Experiment für die Schule?
Authors: Scherr Dietmar
Published: January 2014

Experimentelle Arbeiten von Schülern und Schülerinnen werden in diesem Beitrag zum Thema „regenerative Energieerzeugung“ vorgestellt. Organische Leuchtdioden und Plastiksolarzellen werden in naher Zukunft ein wichtiges Instrument zur Erzeugung von elektrischer Energie ohne Umwege aus Sonnenlicht sein und den Schülerinnen und Schülern im Alltag begegnen. Diese neuen „elektronisch funktionalen“ Polymere bereichern das Thema Polymerchemie in der Schule mit modernen Aspekten, die sich auch mit den Basiskonzepten der Chemie gut erklären lassen.
Cytotoxic Triosmium Carbonyl Clusters: A Structure–Activity Relationship Study
Authors: Lee Hui Zhi Shirley , Leong Weng Kee , Top Siden , Vessières Anne
Published: January 2014

A structure–activity relationship (SAR) study of the triosmium carbonyl cluster Os3(CO)10(NCCH3)2 was carried out with a series of clusters of the general formula Os3(CO)12−nLn, cationic osmium clusters and a hemi‐labile maltolato‐Os cluster. The SAR results showed that good solubility in DMSO and at least one vacant site are required for cytotoxicity. In vitro evaluation of these new compounds showed that some are selectively active against estrogen receptor (ER)‐independent MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell lines relative to ER‐dependent MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, suggesting that the compounds have a different biological target specific to MDA‐MB‐231 cells. In particular, the maltolato cluster exhibits strong antiproliferative activity, with an IC50 value of 3 μM after only 24 h incubation. Additionally, biochemical assays conducted with the cationic cluster show that it induces apoptosis, although a biological target has not yet been identified. Further research to establish the molecular targets of these compounds and to develop improved organometallic clusters as potential breast cancer therapeutics is underway.
Exchange of Methyl‐ and Azobenzene‐Terminated Alkanethiols on Polycrystalline Gold Studied by Tip‐Enhanced Raman Mapping
Authors: Picardi Gennaro , Królikowska Agata , Yasukuni Ryohei , Chaigneau Marc , Escude Marie , Mourier Véronique , Licitra Christophe , Ossikovski Razvigor
Published: January 2014

Mixed thiol self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) presenting methyl and azobenzene head groups were prepared by chemical substitution from the original single‐component n‐decanethiol or [4‐(phenylazo)phenoxy]hexane‐1‐thiol SAMs on polycrystalline gold substrates. Static contact‐angle measurements were carried out to confirm a change in the hydrophobicity of the functionalized surfaces following the exchange reaction. The mixed SAMs presented contact‐angle values between those of the more hydrophobic n‐decanethiol and the more hydrophilic [4‐(phenylazo)phenoxy]hexane‐1‐thiol single‐component SAMs. By means of tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) mapping experiments, it was possible to highlight that molecular replacement takes place easily and first at grain boundaries: for two different mixed SAM compositions, TERS point‐by‐point maps with <50 nm step sizes showed different spectral signatures in correspondence to the grain boundaries. An example of the substitution extending beyond grain boundaries and affecting flat areas of the gold surface is also shown.
Normal fertility in male mice with deletion of β‐catenin gene in germ cells
Authors: Rivas Bryan , Huang Zaohua , Agoulnik Alexander I.
Published: January 2014

As a dual function protein, β‐catenin affects both cell adhesion and mediates canonical Wnt/β‐catenin cell signaling. β‐Catenin is prominently expressed in somatic Sertoli cells in the testis and postmeiotic germ cells, suggesting an additional role in spermatogenesis. It was reported previously that Cre/loxP‐mediated conditional inactivation of the β‐catenin gene (Ctnnb1) in male gonads using a protamine promoter‐driven Cre transgene (Prm‐cre) resulted in partial infertility, reduced sperm count, and abnormal spermatogenesis. In this report, we demonstrated that the conditional deletion of Ctnnb1 using a germ cell specific Cre transgene (Stra8‐icre) had no effect on male fertility. We have shown that the Stra8‐icre transgene was highly efficient in generating deletion in early pre‐meiotic and post‐meiotic cells. No differences in anatomical or histological presentation were found in the mutant testis, the production of viable sperm was similar, and no abnormalities in DNA sperm content were detected. We concluded that β‐catenin is fully dispensable in germ cells for spermatogenesis. The conflicting results from the earlier study may have been due to off‐target expression of Prm‐cre in testicular somatic cells. In future studies, the analysis of conditional mutants using several Cre‐transgenes should be encouraged to reduce potential errors. genesis 52:328–332, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inferences about population dynamics from count data using multistate models: a comparison to capture–recapture approaches
Authors: Zipkin Elise F. , Sillett T. Scott , Grant Evan H. Campbell , Chandler Richard B. , Royle J. Andrew
Published: January 2014

Wildlife populations consist of individuals that contribute disproportionately to growth and viability. Understanding a population's spatial and temporal dynamics requires estimates of abundance and demographic rates that account for this heterogeneity. Estimating these quantities can be difficult, requiring years of intensive data collection. Often, this is accomplished through the capture and recapture of individual animals, which is generally only feasible at a limited number of locations. In contrast,N‐mixture models allow for the estimation of abundance, and spatial variation in abundance, from count data alone. We extend recently developed multistate, open populationN‐mixture models, which can additionally estimate demographic rates based on an organism's life history characteristics. In our extension, we develop an approach to account for the case where not all individuals can be assigned to a state during sampling. Using only state‐specific count data, we show how our model can be used to estimate local population abundance, as well as density‐dependent recruitment rates and state‐specific survival. We apply our model to a population of black‐throated blue warblers (Setophaga caerulescens) that have been surveyed for 25 years on their breeding grounds at theHubbardBrookExperimentalForest inNewHampshire,USA. The intensive data collection efforts allow us to compare our estimates to estimates derived from capture–recapture data. Our model performed well in estimating population abundance and density‐dependent rates of annual recruitment/immigration. Estimates of local carrying capacity and per capita recruitment of yearlings were consistent with those published in other studies. However, our model moderately underestimated annual survival probability of yearling and adult females and severely underestimates survival probabilities for both of these male stages. The most accurate and precise estimates will necessarily require some amount of intensive data collection efforts (such as capture–recapture). Integrated population models that combine data from both intensive and extensive sources are likely to be the most efficient approach for estimating demographic rates at large spatial and temporal scales.
Evaluation of signalling load in control channels for the cognitive management of opportunistic networks
Authors: Karvounas Dimitrios , Georgakopoulos Andreas , Stavroulaki Vera , Tsagkaris Kostas , Demestichas Panagiotis
Published: January 2014

This paper proposes the data structures needed for the cognitive management of operator‐governed opportunistic networks (ONs), which are coordinated extensions of the infrastructure and are created dynamically and temporarily through operator policies when they are needed. The data structures are divided in five categories: profiles, context, decision, knowledge and policy. Profile information provides information on the capabilities of devices and infrastructure elements, the characteristics of applications and the requirements and preferences of users. Contextual information comprises information regarding the current status of the terminal and the infrastructure devices as well as their environment, whereas decisions include information about the creation and (re‐)configuration of ONs, as well as information for the (re‐)configuration of infrastructure and terminals. Knowledge information focuses on the storage of the decisions made for each occurred context, whereas the policies provide rules for context handling, in terms of objectives to be achieved, strategies to be used for the optimization and constraints to be respected. The data structures are evaluated through the capacity extension scenario, where network elements exchange messages based on the IEEE 802.21 standard in order to relieve a congested base station through the ON creation that will offload a proportion of terminals to alternative base stations. For a small network, the evaluation proves that the signalling load is around 60 KB, whereas for a large network, the load is around 260 KB. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A karyological study of some Dianthus L. species (Caryophyllaceae) in Northeast of Iran
Authors: Behroozian Maryam , Vaezi Jamil , Reza Joharchi Mohammad
Published: January 2014

This study focuses on karyological investigation of four taxa of Dianthus (Caryophyllaceae) including D. crossopetalus, D. orientalis subsp. stenocalyx, D. orientalis subsp. gorganicus, and Dianthus sp. distributed in Northeast of Iran. The karyotype asymmetry/symmetry was evaluated using two methods: 1) CVCL (coefficient of variation of chromosome length) and CVCI (heterogeneity of the centromeric index); and 2) MCA (mean centromeric asymmetry). The karyotype asymmetry was also used to investigate the relationships among the taxa. Results obtained from the current study revealed that there are two different ploidy levels (2n = 2x = 30 and 2n = 4x = 60) among the investigated taxa. The indices CVCL and MCA described karyotype asymmetry correctly based on variation in chromosome length. Diagram of CVCL vs. MCA seems to be appropriate for karyological delimitation and taxonomic relationships among the Dianthus taxa under study. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Intriguing Transparency
Authors: Roye Andreas
Published: January 2014

With the help of new 3D textiles and manufacturing processes, it is now possible to make translucent concrete elements that are not only strong and durable, but also conduct light. This new generation of translucent concrete opens up a whole new range of potential applications.
The Power of the Alpha Mothers
Authors: Höner Oliver
Published: January 2014

Spotted hyenas live in social groups of up to 100 members. In these complex societies, a strikingly simple behavioural pattern has evolved that efficiently prevents inbreeding: females are very picky when it comes to choosing a father for their young and as a result, most sexually mature males disperse from the group. The results of pioneering studies in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater.
Telling the Story of Poverty in Pictures
Authors: Loiperdinger Martin , Vogl‐Bienek Ludwig
Published: January 2014

Historical images between multimedia presentation and social documentary
Making Strides in Gender Equality
Authors: Dzwonnek Dorothee
Published: January 2014

It's a mixed picture: clear progress has been made in gender equality in German research, but the proportion of women at some career levels, particularly senior positions, remains too low. For the DFG, this is a spur to greater action.
Purines regulate adult brain subventricular zone cell functions: Contribution of reactive astrocytes
Authors: Boccazzi Marta , Rolando Chiara , Abbracchio Maria P. , Buffo Annalisa , Ceruti Stefania
Published: January 2014

Brain injuries modulate activation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult brain. In pathological conditions, the concentrations of extracellular nucleotides (eNTs) raise several folds, contribute to reactive gliosis, and possibly directly affect subventricular zone (SVZ) cell functioning. Among eNTs and derived metabolites, the P2Y1 receptor agonist ADP strongly promotes astrogliosis and might also influence SVZ progenitor activity. Here, we tested the ability of the stable P2Y1 agonist adenosine 5′‐O‐(2‐thiodiphosphate) (ADPβS) to control adult NSC functions both in vitro and in vivo, with a focus on the possible effects exerted by reactive astrocytes. In the absence of growth factors, ADPβS promoted proliferation and differentiation of SVZ progenitors. Moreover, ADPβS‐activated astrocytes markedly changed the pattern of released cytokines and chemokines, and strongly modulated neurosphere‐forming capacity of SVZ progenitors. Notably, a significant enhancement in proliferation was observed when SVZ cells, initially grown in the supernatant of astrocytes exposed to ADPβS, were shifted to normal medium. In vivo, ADPβS administration in the lateral ventricle of adult mice by osmotic minipumps caused diffused reactive astrogliosis, and a strong response of SVZ progenitors. Indeed, proliferation of glial fibrillary acidic protein‐positive NSCs increased and led to a significant expansion of SVZ transit‐amplifying progenitors and neuroblasts. Lineage tracing experiments performed in the GLAST::CreERT2;Rosa‐YFP transgenic mice further demonstrated that ADPβS promoted proliferation of glutamate/aspartate transporter‐positive progenitors and sustained their progression toward the generation of rapidly dividing progenitors. Altogether, our results show that the purinergic system crucially affects SVZ progenitor activities both directly and through the involvement of reactive astrocytes. GLIA 2014;62:428–439
Apolipoproteins E and J interfere with amyloid‐beta uptake by primary human astrocytes and microglia in vitro
Authors: Mulder Sandra D. , Nielsen Henrietta M. , Blankenstein Marinus A. , Eikelenboom Piet , Veerhuis Robert
Published: January 2014

Defective clearance of the amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) from the brain is considered a strong promoter in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Astrocytes and microglia are important mediators of Aβ clearance and Aβ aggregation state and the presence of amyloid associated proteins (AAPs), such as Apolipoproteins E and J (ApoE and ApoJ), may influence Aβ clearance by these cells. Here we set out to investigate whether astrocytes and microglia differ in uptake efficiency of Aβ oligomers (Aβoligo) and Aβ fibrils (Aβfib), and whether the Aβ aggregation state and/or presence of AAPs affect Aβ uptake in these cells in vitro. Adult human primary microglia and astrocytes, isolated from short delay post‐mortem brain tissue, were exposed to either Aβoligo or Aβfib alone or combined with a panel of certain AAPs whereafter Aβ‐positive cells were quantified using flow cytometry. Upon exposure to Aβ combined with ApoE, ApoJ, α1‐antichymotrypsin (ACT) and a combination of serum amyloid P and complement C1q (SAP‐C1q), a clear reduction in astrocytic but not microglial Aβoligo uptake, was observed. In contrast, Aβfib uptake was strongly reduced in the presence of AAPs in microglia, but not in astrocytes. These data provide the first evidence of distinct roles of microglia and astrocytes in Aβ clearance. More importantly we show that Aβ clearance by glial cells is negatively affected by AAPs like ApoE and ApoJ. Thus, targeting the association of Aβ with AAPs, such as ApoE and ApoJ, could serve as a therapeutic strategy to increase Aβ clearance by glial cells. GLIA 2014;62:493–503
The translational biology of remyelination: Past, present, and future
Authors: Franklin Robin J. M. , Gallo Vittorio
Published: January 2014

Amongst neurological diseases, multiple sclerosis (MS) presents an attractive target for regenerative medicine. This is because the primary pathology, the loss of myelin‐forming oligodendrocytes, can be followed by a spontaneous and efficient regenerative process called remyelination. While cell transplantation approaches have been explored as a means of replacing lost oligodendrocytes, more recently therapeutic approaches that target the endogenous regenerative process have been favored. This is in large part due to our increasing understanding of (1) the cell types within the adult brain that are able to generate new oligodendrocytes, (2) the mechanisms and pathways by which this achieved, and (3) an emerging awareness of the reasons why remyelination efficiency eventually fails. Here we review some of these advances and also highlight areas where questions remain to be answered in both the biology and translational potential of this important regenerative process. GLIA 2014;62:1905–1915
Taxonomy for Methods of Resource Use Measurement
Authors: Ridyard Colin H. , Hughes Dyfrig A. ,   DIRUM Team
Published: January 2014

Resource use measures, including forms, diaries and questionnaires, are ubiquitous in trial‐based economic evaluations in the UK. However, there are concerns about the accuracy of how they are described, which limits the transparency of reporting. We developed a simple and structured taxonomy for methods of resource use measurement by examining 94 resource use measures (RUMs) employed within clinical trials, conducting a descriptive synthesis of the extracted data and soliciting wider opinion during a period of consultation. The reporting of RUMs was found to be varied and inconsistent. Our new taxonomy, which considered the views of 20 consultees, requires that RUMs are reported with a description of the following: (i) the source of data (patient; patient proxy, e.g. carer, parent or guardian; observation of contemporary events; medical records; or other databases); (ii) who completes the RUM (patient or their proxy, and researcher or health care professional); (iii) how it is administered (to self [the patient], face to face or telephone); (iv) how it is recorded (form, questionnaire, log or diary); and (v) medium of recording (e.g. paper or electronically). Based on the present analysis, we have developed a taxonomy for RUMs that should result in data collection methods being described more accurately. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Origin and pharmacological modulation of tumor‐associated regulatory dendritic cells
Authors: Zhong Hua , Gutkin Dmitriy W. , Han Baohui , Ma Yang , Keskinov Anton A. , Shurin Michael R. , Shurin Galina V.
Published: January 2014

Protumorigenic activity of immune regulatory cells has been proven to play a major role in precluding immunosurveillance and limiting the efficacy of anticancer therapies. Although several approaches have been offered to deplete myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells, there are no data on how to control suppressive dendritic cell (DC) accumulation or function in the tumor environment. Although immunosuppressive function of DC in cancer was implicated to immature and plasmacytoid DC, details of how conventional DC (cDC) develop immunosuppressive properties remain less understood. Here, we show that the development of lung cancer in mice was associated with fast accumulation of regulatory DC (regDC) prior to the appearance of MDSC. Using the in vitro and in vivo approaches, we demonstrated that (i)both cDC and MDSC could be polarized into protumor regDC in the lung cancer environment; (ii) cDC → regDC polarization was mediated by the small Rho GTPase signaling, which could be controlled by noncytotoxic doses of paclitaxel; and (iii) prevention of regDC appearance increased the antitumor potential of DC vaccine in lung cancer. These findings not only bring new players to the family of myeloid regulatory cells and provide new targets for cancer therapy, but offer novel insights into the immunomodulatory capacity of chemotherapeutic agents used in low, noncytotoxic doses.
Over one‐third of African‐American MGUS and multiple myeloma patients are carriers of hyperphosphorylated paratarg‐7, an autosomal dominantly inherited risk factor for MGUS/MM
Authors: Zwick Carsten , Held Gerhard , Auth Michaela , Bernal‐Mizrachi Leon , Roback John D. , Sunay Susan , Iida Shinsuke , Kuroda Yoshiaki , Sakai Akira , Ziepert Marita , Ueda Ryuzo , Pfreundschuh Michael , Preuss Klaus‐Dieter
Published: January 2014

As hyperphosphorylated paratarg‐7 (pP‐7) carrier state was shown to be the first molecularly defined autosomal dominantly inherited risk factor for monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM) in a European population, the prevalence of pP‐7 carrier state among African‐Americans who have a significantly higher incidence of MGUS/MM is of interest. We therefore determined pP‐7 carrier state and paraproteins with specificity for P‐7 in African‐American, European and Japanese patients with MGUS/MM and healthy controls. By isoelectric focusing and ELISA, a paratarg‐7‐specific paraprotein and the associated pP‐7 carrier state was observed in 30/81 (37.0%) African‐American, 42/252 (16.7%) European and 7/176 (4.0%) Japanese MGUS/MM patients (p < 0.001). A pP‐7 carrier state was found in 11/100 (11.0%) African‐American, 8/550 (1.5%) European and 1/278 (0.4%) Japanese healthy controls (p < 0.001), resulting in an odds ratio for MGUS/MM of 4.8 (p < 0.001) among African‐American, 13.6 among European (p < 0.001) and 11.5 (p = 0.023) among Japanese carriers of pP‐7. We conclude that pP‐7 carriers are most prevalent among African‐Americans, but a pP‐7 carrier state is the strongest molecularly defined single risk factor for MGUS/MM known to date in all three ethnic groups. The high prevalence of pP‐7 carriers among African‐American patients emphasizes a predominant role of this genetic factor in the pathogenesis of these diseases. The large number of pP7 African‐American patients and controls should facilitate the identification of the SNP or mutation underlying the pP‐7 carrier state.
Is prostate cancer screening cost‐effective? A microsimulation model of prostate‐specific antigen‐based screening for British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Pataky Reka , Gulati Roman , Etzioni Ruth , Black Peter , Chi Kim N. , Coldman Andrew J. , Pickles Tom , Tyldesley Scott , Peacock Stuart
Published: January 2014

Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer may reduce mortality, but it incurs considerable risk of over diagnosis and potential harm to quality of life. Our objective was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of PSA screening, with and without adjustment for quality of life, for the British Columbia (BC) population. We adapted an existing natural history model using BC incidence, treatment, cost and mortality patterns. The modeled mortality benefit of screening derives from a stage‐shift mechanism, assuming mortality reduction consistent with the European Study of Randomized Screening for Prostate Cancer. The model projected outcomes for 40‐year‐old men under 14 combinations of screening ages and frequencies. Cost and utility estimates were explored with deterministic sensitivity analysis. The incremental cost‐effectiveness of regular screening ranged from $36,300/LYG, for screening every four years from ages 55 to 69 years, to $588,300/LYG, for screening every two years from ages 40 to 74 years. The marginal benefits of increasing screening frequency to 2 years or starting screening at age 40 years were small and came at significant cost. After utility adjustment, all screening strategies resulted in a loss of quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs); however, this result was very sensitive to utility estimates. Plausible outcomes under a range of screening strategies inform discussion of prostate cancer screening policy in BC and similar jurisdictions. Screening may be cost‐effective, but the sensitivity of results to utility values suggests individual preferences for quality versus quantity of life should be a key consideration.
Motivational cues: The role of perceived senders' self‐control ability in raters' deception judgements
Authors: Wu Song , Zou Hong , Cai Wei , Wang Xue , Jin Shenghua
Published: January 2014

Previous studies have found that senders' personal traits may be used by others to make judgements about the senders' truthfulness. Two studies were conducted to examine whether perceived self‐control ability has an effect on deception judgement. Perceived self‐control was hypothesized to act as a motivational cue that participants would use to assess the sender's motivation to lie, which in turn would influence their deception judgement. Results revealed that when participants assessed the sender as having higher self‐control ability, they would consider the sender to be less motivated to lie in daily life (Study 1), and judge the sender more truthful in a text‐based deception judgement task (Study 2). However, the effect of perceived self‐control ability disappeared in a video‐based task (Study 2), likely due to the multitude of various cues available in audio‐visual stimuli. The theoretical and applied implications of the results are discussed.
Heterotopic and homotopic nociceptive conditioning stimulation: Distinct effects of pain modulation
Authors: Haefeli J. , Kramer J.L.K. , Blum J. , Curt A.
Published: January 2014

Background

Within an area, habituation and sensitization represent well‐established modulatory effects to repetitive noxious input. Less is known regarding the nociceptive conditioning effects between body sites – i.e., how stimulating one site may affect another. Therefore, we investigated the effects of nociceptive stimulation of anatomically distinct locations (shoulder and hand) on pain rating and evoked potentials (i.e., contact heat‐evoked potentials).

Methods

The effect of stimulation order was assessed in eight healthy subjects. The shoulder was examined before the hand or the hand before the shoulder. All subjects underwent both conditions (shoulder before hand and hand before shoulder) on separate days. In an additional 30 subjects (total n = 38), between retesting the shoulder or the hand, conditioning stimulation in the respective other location (i.e., hand or shoulder) was applied. Both analyses focused upon changes in the magnitude of evoked pain responses in relation to the respective area being conditioned by heterotopic stimulation.

Results

When the shoulder was stimulated before the hand, N2P2 amplitude was significantly reduced. In contrast, stimulating the hand before the shoulder resulted in significant response increments (shorter N2 latency). Additionally, conditioning stimulation of the hand resulted in increased pain rating to shoulder stimulation.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings indicate that response modulation to noxious contact heat stimulation depends upon conditioning stimulus location. These effects represent changes beyond conventional habituation due to repeated stimulation in the same area.
Fyn kinase‐regulated NMDA receptor‐ and AMPA receptor‐dependent pain sensitization in spinal dorsal horn of mice
Authors: Liu Y.N. , Yang X. , Suo Z.W. , Xu Y.M. , Hu X.D.
Published: January 2014

Background

Inhibition of Src‐family protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs) in spinal dorsal horn has been established as an effective strategy for the alleviation of chronic pathological pain. As one of the important SFKs members, Fyn kinase is critical for synaptic plasticity and many pathophysiological processes. However, whether Fyn is involved in spinal sensitization is far from being elucidated.

Method

We manipulated Fyn activity by expressing a constitutively active Fyn mutant [Fyn(Y528F) ] or a catalytically null mutant [Fyn(K296M) ] in the spinal dorsal horn of mice, and performed behavioural and biochemical experiments to investigate the role of Fyn in regulating the nociceptive responses and the synaptic expression of ionotropic glutamate receptors.

Results

Spinal expression of Fyn(Y528F) alone in intact mice was sufficient to elicit persistent mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, which lasted for at least 12 days. Fyn(Y528F) simultaneously enhanced the concentrations of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA)‐subtype and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)‐subtype glutamate receptors at synaptosomal membrane fraction. Pharmacological inhibition of NMDA receptors or AMPA receptors greatly alleviated Fyn(Y528F)‐induced pain hypersensitivity. To evaluate the contribution of Fyn to inflammatory pain, we expressed Fyn(K296M) before intradermal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), finding that Fyn(K296M) had no effect on the induction of inflammatory pain within 3 h post‐CFA injection, which, however, repressed the synaptic accumulation of NMDA receptors and AMPA receptors to attenuate the maintenance of chronic pain states.

Conclusion

Fyn played a key role in the sustained sensitization of nociceptive behaviours by up‐regulating the functions of ionotropic glutamate receptors in spinal dorsal horn.
A Large Case-Control Study Reveals a Positive Association Between Bisphosphonate Use and Delayed Dental Healing and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Borromeo Gelsomina L , Brand Caroline , Clement John G , McCullough Michael , Crighton Lisa , Hepworth Graham , Wark John D
Published: January 2014

This study sought to investigate, using a case-control study design, the association between bisphosphonate therapy and delayed dental healing and osteonecrosis of the jaw. Identification of potential cases of delayed dental healing was by consecutive screening of Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial and Special Needs Dentist clinic records for patients aged older than 50 years, during a 6-month window, in Victoria, Australia. Cases were confirmed by a case adjudication panel blinded to bisphosphonate status. Cases associated with malignancy or local radiotherapy were excluded. Controls were matched for age, sex, and source of dental referral (1:4, n = 160 controls). Variables of interest were dental precipitants, dental clinic type, smoking history, and medical comorbidities. A total of 4212 of 22,358 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 69 were potential cases with 40 (0.95%) confirmed cases. The odds ratio (OR) for developing delayed dental healing when taking an oral bisphosphonate was 13.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4 to 39.3; p < 0.001). There were no cases associated with intravenous bisphosphonate use. There was some evidence of an interaction with age, sex, and clinic type. When adjusted for smoking, the estimated odds ratio was 11.6 (95% CI 1.9 to 69.4; p = 0.01). There was an association between having another illness and delayed dental healing (OR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.0 to 5.2). A dental precipitant was present in 39 of 40 (97.5%) delayed dental healing cases. An important association between bisphosphonate use and delayed dental healing in the setting of benign bone disease, predominately in individuals with a dental precipitant, has been demonstrated. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
One‐range Addition Theorems for Complete Sets of Modified Exponential Type Orbitals and Noninteger n Slater Functions in Standard Convention
Authors: Guseinov I. I.
Published: January 2014

Using the L ‐generalized Laguerre polynomials L ‐GLPs) and φ ‐generalized exponential type orbitals φ ‐GETOs) introduced by the author in standard convention, the one‐ and two‐center onerange addition theorems are established for the complete sets of Ψ(α*) ‐modified exponential type orbitals (Ψ(α*) ‐METOs) and noninteger n χ‐Slater type orbitals (χ‐NISTOs), where pl* = 2l + 2 ‐ α* and α* is the integer (α* = α, −∞ < α ≤2) or noninteger (α* ≠ α, −∞ < α* < 3) self‐frictional quantum number. It should be noted that the origin of the L ‐GLPs, φ ‐GETOs and Ψ(α*) ‐METOs, therefore, of the one‐range addition theorems presented in this work is the Lorentz damping or self‐frictional field produced by the particle itself.
Synthesis of Pharmacologically Active Bis(indolyl) and Tris(indolyl) Derivatives Using Chlorotrimethylsilane
Authors: Singh Nongthombam G. , Kathing Chingrishon , Rani Jims W. S. , Nongkhlaw Rishan L.
Published: January 2014

Chlorotrimethylsilane is found to be a comparatively fast and efficient catalyst for carrying out electrophilic substitution reactions of indoles with various aldehydes/ketones/triethylorthoformate, yielding excellent amount of bis(indolyl)methanes/tris(indolyl)methanes. The merits of this protocol are avoidance of any external energy source, minimal reaction time, simple and easy procedure and high yield under solvent free room temperature condition. The versatility of this method has been tested with various aldehydes/ketones and received satisfactory results.
Kinetic resolution of (R, S)‐2‐(2‐chloro‐1‐hydroxyethyl) thiophene via immobilizing lipase from Alcaligenes sp. onto magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Xun Erna , Wang Zhi , Zhao Jimin , Guo Jixun
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

(S)‐2‐(2‐chloro‐1‐hydroxyethyl) thiophene is one of the most important intermediates for the synthesis of (S)‐duloxetine. The preparation of (S)‐2‐(2‐chloro‐1‐hydroxyethyl) thiophene could be realized from its racemate via enzymatic resolution. This study aimed to prepare an easy‐recycling immobilized lipase with excellent performance and use it to obtain (S)‐2‐(2‐chloro‐1‐hydroxyethyl) thiophene with high enantiometric purity through enzymatic enantioselective transesterificaion in organic media. To achieve this, immobilization of the lipase and the effects of different reaction conditions (e.g. organic solvent, water activity, substrate ratio and temperature) on the activity and enantioselectivity of the lipase were investigated.

RESULTS

Lipase from Alcaligenes sp. (lipase QL) was successfully immobilized onto the prepared magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles through hydrophobic interaction, and the enzyme loading (97.4 ± 2.3 mg g−1) as well as immobilization yield (48.7 ± 1.4%) was obtained. Under optimum reaction conditions, the higher enzyme activity (0.225 ± 0.01 µmol mg−1 min−1) and enantioselectivity (E‐value: 59.7 ± 1.8) for the immobilized lipase QL than those (enzyme activity: 0.034 ± 0.002 µmol mg−1 min−1, E‐value: 57.9 ± 2.0) for aggregated lipase was observed. The results also showed that (S)‐2‐(2‐chloro‐1‐hydroxyethyl) thiophene with optical purity ≥99% was obtained. In addition, the immobilized lipase QL was easily separated from the reaction media by magnetic steel, and maintained 90% of its initial activity with nearly unchanged enantioselectivity after five consecutive cycles.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained demonstrated good potential for practical application of magnetic nanoparticle‐immobilized lipase for the resolution of 2‐(2‐chloro‐1‐hydroxyethyl) thiophene through enantioselective transesterification. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
How do supervising physicians decide to entrust residents with unsupervised tasks? A qualitative analysis
Authors: Choo Kevin J. , Arora Vineet M. , Barach Paul , Johnson Julie K. , Farnan Jeanne M.
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

Medical supervisors struggle to find meaningful ways to evaluate the preparedness of trainees to independently perform patient care tasks. The aim of this study was to describe the factors that influence how attending and resident physician perceptions of trust impact decision making.

METHODS

Internal medicine residents and attending physicians at a tertiary academic medical center were interviewed during a single academic year. Participants were asked to describe, using the critical incident technique, entrustment decisions made during their clinical rotations. A deductive qualitative analysis using the entrustable professional activities framework was used. The inter‐rater reliability was calculated using a generalized kappa statistic.

RESULTS

Eighty‐four percent (46/50) of residents and 88% (44/50) of attending physicians participated. The analysis yielded 535 discrete mentions of entrusting factors that were mapped to the following domains deductively, with inductively derived subthemes: trainee factors (eg, confidence, specialty plans), supervisor factors (eg, approachability), task factors (eg, situational characteristics) and systems factors (eg, workload). The inter‐rater kappa between the 2 raters was 0.84.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors influencing trust in a trainee are related to the supervisor, trainee, their relationship, task, and the environment. Attending physicians note early interactions and language cues as markers of trustworthiness. Attending physicians reported using perceived confidence as a gauge of the trainee's true ability and comfort. Attendings noted trainee absences, even those that comply with regulation, negatively affected willingness to entrust. Future studies are needed to develop better assessment instruments to understand how entrustment decisions for independent practice are made. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:169–175. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
A role for microglial cells in reshaping neuronal circuitry of the adult rat auditory brainstem after its sensory deafferentation
Authors: Janz Philipp , Illing Robert‐Benjamin
Published: January 2014

Cochlear ablation triggers cellular and molecular reactions in the adult mammalian central auditory system, leading to complex rearrangements in the cellular networks of the auditory brainstem. The role of microglial cells in these processes is largely unknown. We analyzed morphological and molecular responses as well as cellular affiliations of microglia in the auditory brainstem 1 and 7 days after unilateral sensory deafferentation of the cochlear nucleus. In the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN), morphological changes of microglial cells were evident following cochlear ablation. Microglial activation preceded astroglial hypertrophy in VCN and lateral superior olive (LSO). During axonal degeneration in VCN early after cochlear ablation, p‐ERK1/2‐ and p‐p38‐immunoreactive microglia displayed a hypertrophied phenotype, with processes partially surrounding glutamatergic but not GABAergic synapses. During the peak of VCN reinnervation 1 week after cochlear ablation, the number of microglial cells increased massively. Microglia now displayed dense ramifications juxtaposed to Gap43‐immunoreactive axons and their terminals. Moreover, we identified lesion‐dependent changes in the populations of microglia and astrocytes in LSO and inferior colliculus. By covisualizing cytological markers such as NeuN, GFAP, CD11b, vGluT‐1, GAD‐65, and Gap43 with the prominent MAP kinases ERK1/2 and p38, we show that MAPK signaling is affected by sensory deafferentation in microglia but not in astroglia or in neurons. In conclusion, microglia displaying MAPK signaling appear to contribute to an adaptive response in central auditory regions that was directly or indirectly affected by sensory deafferentation. Moreover, microglial cells are temporally and spatially in place to participate in synaptogenesis inside VCN. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A process analytical approach for quality control of dapivirine in HIV preventive vaginal rings by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Lyndgaard Lotte Bøge , Spångberg Rolf , Gilmour Christopher , Lyndgaard Christian Bøge , van den Berg Frans
Published: January 2014

An estimated 34 million people are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) worldwide. A polymeric drug delivery device for women has been developed to help reduce male to female vaginal transmission of HIV‐1. The device is an intravaginal slow‐release ring containing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). In all pharmaceutical delivery systems, API content is a critical control point. Conventional quantification of the API in vaginal rings is a stepwise, destructive and time‐consuming process involving solvent extraction and high pressure liquid chromatography. This study investigates the potential of Raman spectroscopy for fast and non‐destructive quantification of dapivirine in intravaginal rings. Wide‐area illumination measurements were carried out on rotating rings using a custom built ring spinner. Customized reference rings of known concentrations were used to build calibration models, and the models were verified by rings from production using the established method as reference analysis. Bi‐ and multivariate calibration methods were applied. Models based on band ratios and partial least squares (PLS) regression models performed similarly well resulting in low model and prediction errors. Next to an alternative reference analysis for quality assurance, Raman can also be used as a production process performance analysis and optimization tool due to its non‐destructive nature and speed of analysis. Using measurements on connected spots over the entire ring circumference, the within ring variation in API was determined. ANOVA showed that there was a statistical difference in API distribution over the rings, information that can be of use in process optimization, for example. However, Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test proved that no regions of the ring were out of specifications, indicating a stable production system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Loss of sulfur dioxide and changes in some chemical properties of Malatya apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) during sulfuring and drying
Authors: Türkyılmaz Meltem , Özkan Mehmet , Güzel Nihal
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to determine the differences in some analytical properties of four apricot cultivars and to determine the changes in these analytical properties during sulfuring and sun‐drying.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the contents of polyphenols, carotenoids and organic acids (OA) as well as antioxidant activities (AOAs) of the cultivars (P < 0.05). After sulfuring and drying, considerable reductions were detected in the contents of total polyphenols (TPCs, 11–26%), OAs (4–32%) and β‐carotene (6–21%), and AOAs (2–21%) of the samples. Sun‐drying resulted in 71–83% decreases in sulfur dioxide (SO2) contents of sulfured–dried apricots (SDAs) in comparison with apricots immediately after sulfuring. As the TPCs increased, the SO2 absorption by the samples also increased. In contrast, the OA contents had no effect on SO2 absorption, but an increase in OA content resulted in an increase in the browning values of the SDAs. As expected, increases in contents of ferulic acid (r = 0.932), chlorogenic acid (r = 0.850), epicatechin (r = 0.804) and quercetin (r = 0.750) led to an increase in browning values of the SDAs.

CONCLUSION

There were significant effects of cultivar and processing on the physico‐chemical properties investigated in the study, and with the absorption of SO2 and the formation of a brown colour in the samples. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrowetting on non‐fluorinated hydrophobic surfaces
Authors: You Han , Steckl Andrew J.
Published: January 2014

Fluorinated polymers, the most extensively used hydrophobic surface materials for electrowetting (EW) devices, are expensive and have potential risks to health and environment. In this paper, EW devices fabricated with non‐fluorinated hydrophobic surfaces are demonstrated by using a polysiloxane‐modified polyacrylate (BYK® Silclean® 3700, Louisville, KY). Water contact angle, which is the most critical parameter of EW devices, changes from ~165° to ~95° with a negligible hysteresis (~3°) when a 42 V AC voltage is applied. EW array display prototypes were constructed on the non‐fluorinated surface and can be switched reversibly by applying a low voltage difference. These results indicate the promise of this BYK® Silclean® hydrophobic surface for EW devices in electronic readers and other mobile devices.