bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial problems associated with depression at 18 months poststroke
Authors: De Ryck A. , Fransen E. , Brouns R. , Geurden M. , Peij D. , Mariën P. , De Deyn P. P. , Engelborghs S.
Published: April 2013

Objective

With a prevalence that varies between 20% and 65%, poststroke depression (PSD) is a frequent sequel of stroke. The aim of this study was to determine incidence and risk factors for PSD 18 months after stroke.

Methods

As part of the Middelheim Interdisciplinary Stroke Study, patients were followed up for 18 months in this prospective and longitudinal epidemiological study. Clinically significant signs and symptoms of PSD were quantified by means of the Cornell Scale for Depression (CSD) and the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Activities, including social activities, were measured with the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). Relational problems since stroke onset were defined by a questionnaire.

Results

Data analysis was performed on 125 patients who completed follow‐up assessments. Depression (CSD score ≥8) was diagnosed in 28% of the patients. Patients with PSD were more dependent for activities of daily living and displayed more physical and cognitive impairment than patients without PSD. The risk to become depressed decreased with 5% when the patient's activities increased with one unit on the SIS (odds ratio (OR) = 0.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93–0.97). Patients with persistent relational problems since stroke onset had approximately four and a half times greater risk of becoming depressed than patients without (OR = 4.48; 95%CI = 1.17–16.87).

Conclusions

Multiple regression models indicated that the most determining features for developing PSD at 18 months poststroke include reduced activity and relationship problems due to stroke. Further studies on risk factors for PSD are essential, including psychosocial aspects, given its negative impact on rehabilitation and quality of life. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arc magma compositions controlled by linked thermal and chemical gradients above the subducting slab
Authors: Watt Sebastian F. L. , Pyle David M. , Mather Tamsin A. , Naranjo José A.
Published: April 2013

Global arc magmatism is sustained by a continuous fluid flux that is returned to the mantle in subduction zones. Despite considerable advances in simulations of melting processes, models of arc magmatism remain incompletely tested against erupted products. Here, we show that a suite of primitive volcanic rocks from across the southern Chilean arc preserves the signature of a systematic down‐slab gradient in fluid chemistry. The chemical gradient is consistent with predictions from modeling, geothermometry and experiments. We infer that increasing slab‐surface temperatures cause the sub‐arc slab flux to become less water‐rich and increasingly dominated by hydrous melts over a distance of a few kilometers behind the arc front. This change exerts a first‐order control on magma chemistry, and implies discrete melt‐transport pathways through subduction zones. Our results replicate patterns in other arcs, implying common sub‐arc slab‐surface temperature ranges in thermally‐diverse subduction zones.
A double‐blind trial of the effect of docosahexaenoic acid and vitamin and mineral supplementation on aggression, impulsivity, and stress
Authors: Long Sara‐Jayne , Benton David
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Although a series of well‐designed studies have reported that supplementation with vitamins/minerals and omega‐3 fatty acids reduces the incidence of aggressive behavior, to date, the relative contribution and interaction between these nutrients has not been examined. The aim was therefore to consider the relative contribution of supplementation with multivitamins/minerals and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on laboratory‐based measures of aggression, impulsivity, and stress.

Methods

In a double‐blind randomized trial, four groups of young adult men without a history of aggressive or impulsive behavior received a placebo (n = 42), multivitamins/minerals (n = 43), DHA (n = 47) or both (n = 41) for 3 months.

Results

With the Picture‐Frustration Task, DHA decreased the display of aggressive behavior. DHA also decreased impulsivity as measured using the GoStop Impulsivity Paradigm that examines the ability to inhibit already initiated behavior. Although a multivitamin and mineral supplement did not influence these measures, it did decrease perceived stress.

Conclusions

The influence of supplementation on aggression and impulsivity can be conveniently studied in a sample without a history of antisocial behavior, using laboratory‐based measures. No evidence was found of a synergistic interaction between vitamins/minerals and DHA. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
More ecological ERA: Incorporating natural environmental factors and animal behavior
Authors: Bednarska Agnieszka J , Jevtić Dragan M , Laskowski Ryszard
Published: April 2013

We discuss the importance of selected natural abiotic and biotic factors in ecological risk assessment based on simplistic laboratory bioassays. Although it is impossible to include all possible natural factors in standard lower-tier ecotoxicological testing, neglecting them is not an option. Therefore, we try to identify the most important factors and advocate redesigning standard testing procedures to include theoretically most potent interactions. We also point out a few potentially important factors that have not been studied enough so far. The available data allowed us to identify temperature and O2 depletion as the most critical factors that should be included in ecotoxicity testing as soon as possible. Temporal limitations and fluctuations in food availability also appear important, but at this point more fundamental research in this area is necessary before making decisions on their inclusion in risk assessment procedures. We propose using specific experimental designs, such as Box-Behnken or Central Composite, which allow for simultaneous testing of 3 or more factors for their individual and interactive effects with greater precision and without increasing the effort and costs of tests dramatically. Factorial design can lead to more powerful tests and help to extend the validity of conclusions. Finally, ecological risk assessment procedures should include information on animal behavior, especially feeding patterns. This requires more basic studies, but already at this point adequate mechanistic effect models can be developed for some species. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;9:e39–e46. © 2013 SETAC
Strain differences influence timing and magnitude of both acute and late inflammatory reactions after intratracheal instillation of an alkylating agent in rats
Authors: Gustafsson Åsa , Svensson‐Elfsmark Linda , Lorentzen Johnny C. , Bucht Anders
Published: April 2013

The acute pulmonary responses after exposure to sulfur and nitrogen mustards are well documented whereas the late pulmonary effects are not. With a novel focus on the immune system this paper investigate whether late phase pulmonary effects developed in rats exposed to the nitrogen mustard melphalan are linked to the acute responses and whether the reactions are genetically regulated. The DA rat strain was used to establish a lung exposure model. Five other inbred rat strains (PVG, PVG.1AV1, LEW, WF and F344) were compared within the model at selected time points. All rat strains displayed a biphasic pattern of leukocyte infiltration in the lungs, dominated by neutrophils 2 days after exposure and a second peak dominated by macrophages 29 days after exposure. The number of macrophages was higher in the DA rat compared with the other strains. The infiltration of lymphocytes in the lungs varied in both time of appearance and magnitude between strains. The quantity of collagen deposition in the lungs varied between strains at day 90; LEW and WF displayed high collagen content which coincided with an increased level of cytotoxic T cells. LEW further displayed an increased number of T helper cells and natural killer (NK) T cells in the lungs. The results in this study suggest there is a link between the development of lung fibrosis and high cytotoxic cell responses and that there is a genetic influence, as there are variations in acute and late adverse reactions between rat strains in both timing and magnitude. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Construction of a functional silk‐based biomaterial complex with immortalized chondrocytes in vivo
Authors: Ni Yusu , Jiang Yi , Wen Jianchuan , Shao Zhenzhong , Chen Xin , Sun Shan , Yu Huiqian , Li Wen
Published: April 2013

To explore the feasibility of constructing a functional biomaterial complex with regenerated silk fibroin membrane and immortalized chondrocytes in vivo. Rat auricular chondrocytes (RACs) were transfected with the lentivirus vector pGC‐FU‐hTERT‐3FLAG or pGC‐FU‐GFP‐3FLAG, encoding the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) or GFP gene. The effects of regenerated silk fibroin film on the adhesion, growth of immortalized chondrocytes and expression of collagen II in vitro were analyzed with immunofluorescent histochemistry. Immortalized RACs were transformed. Induction by nutrient medium promoted higher expression levels of collagen II in transformed chondrocytes. The regenerated silk fibroin film was not cytotoxic to immortalized chondrocytes and had no adverse influence on their adhesion. Collagen II expression was good in the immortalized chondrocytes in vivo. The construction of a silk‐based biomaterial complex with immortalized chondrocytes may provide a feasible kind of functional biomaterial for the repair of cartilage defects in clinical applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1071–1078, 2014.
Conformation change of bovine serum albumin induced by bioactive titanium metals and its effects on cell behaviors
Authors: Hu X. N. , Yang B. C.
Published: April 2013

The conformation change of bovine serum albumin (BSA) induced by bioactive titanium surfaces, including acid‐alkali‐treated titanium (AA‐Ti) and alkali–heat‐treated titanium (AH‐Ti), was studied, and its effects on the activity of MC3T3‐E1 cell were evaluated. Pure titanium metal (P‐Ti) was used as control. The AA‐Ti could adsorb more BSA on its surface than AH‐Ti and P‐Ti. The α‐helix part of the protein adsorbed on P‐Ti has weakly decreased compared with native BSA, and it dramatically decreased on AA‐Ti and AH‐Ti. The β‐sheet segment of proteins adsorbed on P‐Ti and AH‐Ti had obviously increased. Much more tryptophan residues were exposed after the protein conformation changed when it interacted with AH‐Ti, and some tryptophan residues were enveloped after it interacted with AA‐Ti and P‐Ti. AA‐Ti has more tryptophan residues enveloped than P‐Ti. All titanium surfaces induced tyrosine residues exposed, especially for the P‐Ti. The higher ratio of COO−/NH3+ for the proteins on P‐Ti and AA‐Ti indicated an orientation of proteins on P‐Ti and AA‐Ti, which makes more COO− exposed. The lower ratio of COO−/NH3+ on AH‐Ti indicates that more NH3+ is exposed on its surface. The cell proliferation ability on different treated titanium surfaces coated with BSA followed by the order: P‐Ti > AA‐Ti > AH‐Ti, which indicated that the protein conformation change on different bioactive titanium surfaces has great effect on the cell activity. Our results showed that the different biological response of bioactive titanium metals might depend on the protein conformation change induced by the surface structure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1053–1062, 2014.
Andrographolide Protects against Cigarette Smoke‐Induced Lung Inflammation through Activation of Heme Oxygenase‐1
Authors: Yang Dongbin , Zhang Weihong , Song Laijun , Guo Fuyou
Published: April 2013

This study was conducted to check whether andrographolide, a bioactive molecule isolated from Andrographis paniculata, could protect against cigarette smoke (CS)‐induced lung injury through activation of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1). Pretreatment with andrographolide (1 mg/kg body weight) markedly attenuated lung inflammation in CS‐exposed mice, coupled with reduced numbers of total cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and decreased production of cytokine/chemokine into BALF. Furthermore, andrographolide pretreatment increased the expression and activation of HO‐1 in the lung of CS‐exposed animals. Notably, these histological and biochemical changes induced by andrographolide were blocked by prior administration of zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP; 20 mg/kg body weight), a potent heme oxygenase inhibitor. Moreover, andrographolide‐induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was attenuated by ZnPP treatment in CS‐exposed animals. Our data collectively demonstrate that andrographolide confers protection against CS‐induced lung inflammation, partially through activation of HO‐1 and STAT3. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:259‐265, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21483
Purification, Characterization, and Chemical Modification of Neurotoxic Peptide from Daboia russelii Snake Venom of India
Authors: Venkatesh Madhukumar , Prasad Nijaguna , Sing Tej , Gowda Veerabasappa
Published: April 2013

Comprehensive knowledge of venom composition is very important for effective management of snake envenomation and antivenom preparation. Daboia russelii venom from the eastern region of India is the most neurotoxic among the four venom samples investigated. From the eastern D. russelii venom sample, neurotoxic peptide has been purified by combined method of ion exchange gel permeation chromatography and reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Molecular weight of Daboia neurotoxin III (DNTx‐III) found to be 6,849 Da (as measured on matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation‐time of flight mass spectrometer), and N‐terminal amino acid sequences is I K C F I T P D U T S Q A. Approximate LD50 dosage was 0.24 mg/kg body weight. It produced concentration‐ and time‐dependent inhibition of indirectly stimulated twitches of Rana hexadactyla sciatic nerve gastrocnemius muscle preparations. Chemical modification of DNTx‐III tryptophan residue(s) reduced the twitch height inhibition property of toxin, signifying the importance of tryptophan residues for the neurotoxic function. This type of neurotoxic peptide is unique to east Indian regional D. russelii venom. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:295‐304, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21486
Separation of acetone–tetrahydrofuran azeotropic mixture by continuous extractive distillation
Authors: Yuan Shenfeng , Yang Wendong , Yin Hong , Chen Zhirong
Published: April 2013

Background

Acetone and tetrahydrofuran are commonly used as solvents in the chemical industry. The separation of acetone–tetrahydrofuran mixtures is often faced in the pharmaceutical and special chemical industries. As acetone and tetrahydrofuran can form a minimum azeotrope, they cannot be separated by conventional distillation. But acetone and tetrahydrofuran are important organic raw materials and solvents, so the mixture should be separated for reuse.

Results

The process of continuous extractive distillation was used to separate the mixture of acetone (62% mass fraction) and tetrahydrofuran (38% mass fraction) using butyl ether as solvent. The characteristics of the continuous extractive distillation were simulated via ASPEN and experiments also showed the feasibility of separating the acetone–tetrahydrofuran mixture. Effects of the reflux mass ratio (R), mixture feed stage (FS), the solvent feed stage (SFS) on the extractive distillation column and the volume ratio of solvent to mixture (S/F) on the distillate mass fraction of acetone and bottom product mass fraction of acetone were investigated. The results of the extractive distillation simulation were verified by experiment data. With the following operation conditions for the extractive distillation column: number of theoretical plates 53; mixture feed at 24th plate; solvent feed at 7th plate, solvent to mixture ratio 3 and reflux mass ratio 3, the mass fraction of acetone in the distillate can reach 99%.

Conclusions

The process of continuous extractive distillation using butyl ether as solvent can separate the acetone–tetrahydrofuran mixture. The solvent to mixture ratio and reflux mass ratio are important factors that affect the mass fraction of the product. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Curcumin Acts as a Pro‐Oxidant Inducing Apoptosis Via JNKs in the Isolated Perfused Rana ridibunda Heart
Authors: Aggeli Ioanna‐Katerina , Koustas Evaggelos , Gaitanaki Catherine , Beis Isidoros
Published: April 2013

Amphibians are known to better tolerate and endure adverse environmental conditions such as redox imbalances conferred by reactive oxygen species (ROS), compared to mammals. Interestingly, the exact adaptation strategies and signaling mechanisms mediating these effects have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, in the present study, we probed into the molecular response of the isolated perfused Rana ridibunda heart to curcumin, in the context of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) phosphorylation patterns and apoptotic markers occurrence. In particular, this polyphenol was found to exert a pro‐oxidant effect in our model and to significantly upregulate p38‐MAPK and JNKs phosphorylation (thus activation). The early apoptosis observed, substantiated by poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, was established to be JNKs‐ and ROS‐mediated, while no involvement of p38‐MAPK was detected. Subsequently, the pro‐oxidative activity of curcumin was confirmed to mimic H2O2. Furthermore, NADPH oxidase as well as Na+/K+‐ATPase were found to mediate JNKs phosphorylation as well as PARP proteolytic cleavage. Curcumin exerts pleiotropic actions, both beneficial and detrimental and is currently the subject of intense scientific research. Being a low‐molecular‐weight antioxidant, it is intriguing to investigate curcumin's role in redox homeostasis in the amphibian heart, under conditions that apparently favor its pro‐oxidative properties. Comparative studies of its multifaceted role in different species may contribute to the clarification of the signaling mechanisms it triggers and the terminal physiological response it confers. Collectively, this is to our knowledge, the first time that the signal transduction pathways stimulated by curcumin have been assessed in a non‐mammalian species. J. Exp. Zool. 319A:328–339, 2013. © 2013 © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The lunar photoelectron sheath: A change in trapping efficiency during a solar storm
Authors: Farrell W. M. , Poppe A. R. , Zimmerman M. I. , Halekas J. S. , Delory G. T. , Killen R. M.
Published: April 2013

On the lunar dayside, photoelectrons are quasi‐constantly emitted from the Moon's surface and this electron flux acts to typically charge the dayside lunar surface a few volts positive. In arriving at an equilibrium surface potential, the surface will charge to balance the two primary currents: the outgoing photoelectron flux, Jp, against the incoming solar wind electron thermal flux, Je. In nominal solar wind conditions, Jp > Je and the surface charges positive, trapping most of the photoelectrons. However, during the passage of a coronal mass ejection (CME), the incoming electron thermal flux, Je, will quickly change from being less than Jp to being greater than Jp on time scales of ~1–2% of a lunation. Using a set of independently developed particle‐in‐cell plasma codes, we find at times when Jp/Je < 1, there is substantially less near‐surface electrostatic trapping of the photoelectrons due to the reduction of the restraining surface potential. The photoelectron population then has almost direct access to upstream regions. We find that the morphology of the sheath is very different in the CME's dense cool plasma than in the nominal solar wind, with a larger relative portion of the photoelectrons now liberated to propagate upstream into plasma regions ahead of the Moon.
Global dust storm signal in the meteorological excitation of Mars' rotation
Authors: Zhou Y. H. , Salstein D. A. , Xu X. Q. , Liao X. H.
Published: April 2013

The meteorological excitation of Mars' rotation refers to the change of Mars' orientation parameters caused by meteorological processes, e.g., that portion due to variations of atmospheric circulation and surface pressure, and a cryospheric part due to the variable Martian polar ice caps associated with the CO2 sublimation/condensation effects. Global dust storms (GDSs) are unique meteorological events on Mars that cause changes in surface pressure, polar caps extent, and circulation patterns on a global scale, which in turn alter Mars' rotation under the conservation of Mars' total angular momentum. In this paper, the GDS signal in the meteorological excitation of Mars' rotation is investigated on seasonal, diurnal, and semidiurnal time scales, based on the Martian Climate Database. On seasonal scales, the cryospheric excitation plays a less important role in general, due to its location at high latitudes, than its atmospheric counterpart. The GDS brings (−3%, +15%) changes in the amplitude of annual polar motion and length‐of‐day (LOD) variation and (+22%, −34%) changes in the amplitude of semiannual polar motion and LOD variation. On diurnal and semidiurnal scales, the cryospheric excitation can be fully neglected in comparison to its atmospheric counterpart. A significant GDS signal is found with respect to the diurnal polar motion and semidiurnal LOD excitation variation, because of strong atmospheric tides arising from GDS effects. The amplitude increases in diurnal polar motion and semidiurnal LOD variation during some periods of the Martian year may reach 3–5 times as large as those during the same stage in a typical Martian year.
Novel and recurrent mutations in the EXT1 and EXT2 genes in Chinese kindreds with multiple osteochondromas
Authors: Wu Yuhong , Xing Xuesha , Xu Shaonian , Ma Hongwei , Cao Lihua , Wang Shusen , Luo Yang
Published: April 2013

Multiple osteochondromas (MO) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder caused by heterozygous germline mutations in the exostonsin‐1 (EXT1) or exostosin‐2 (EXT2) genes. In this study, we screened mutations in the EXT1/EXT2 genes in four Chinese MO kindreds by direct sequencing. Three point mutations were detected, including a nonsense mutation in the EXT2 gene (c.544C > T) and two splice site mutations in the EXT1 and EXT2 genes, respectively (EXT1: c.1883 + 1G > A and EXT2: c.1173 + 1G > T). Although splice site mutations constitute at least 10% of all mutations that cause MO, there has been limited research on their pathogenic effect on RNA processing due to poor availability of patient RNA samples. In this study, ex vivo and in vivo splicing assays were used to investigate the effect of EXT1 and EXT2 mutations on aberrant splicing at the mRNA level. Our results indicate that identified splice site mutations can cause either cryptic splice site usage or exon skipping. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1492–1499, 2013
Micro‐Raman spectroscopy identifies crocidolite and erionite fibers in tissue sections
Authors: Croce Alessandro , Musa Maya , Allegrina Mario , Rinaudo Caterina , Baris Y. Izzettin , Dogan A. Umran , Powers Amy , Rivera Zeyana , Bertino Pietro , Yang Haining , Gaudino Giovanni , Carbone Michele
Published: April 2013

Exposure to asbestos or erionite is associated with malignant mesothelioma (MM) and other diseases. Micro‐Raman spectroscopy and Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy were used to identify mineral fibers in histological sections of various tissues taken from mice injected with crocidolite asbestos and erionite fibers. Routine diagnostic histopathological slides of biopsies from erionite‐exposed MM patients from Turkey were also analyzed. We show here that micro‐Raman spectroscopy easily permits the recording of distinct Raman patterns of both crocidolite and erionite fibers, in both murine tissues and in human biopsies. The described findings provide a new powerful and non‐destructive tool to determine the type of fiber exposure in patients with MM and other mineral fiber‐associated diseases. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination and imaging of binder remnants and aggregates in historic cement stone by Raman microscopy
Authors: Schmid Thomas , Dariz Petra
Published: April 2013

We present to our knowledge the first application of Raman microscopic imaging to cementitious materials. This technique yielded the composition and phase distribution (spatial resolution ≈ 500 nm) in samples of cement stone taken from façade elements of four Swiss buildings covering the period of 1892–1924. Raman maps of Roman cement, a predecessor of modern Portland cement, reveal the chemical heterogeneity of clinker remnants consisting of various crystalline, polymorphic, and amorphous phases and visualize different crystal orientations. Our findings include the observation of the γ‐polymorph of Ca2SiO4 – previously, only detected in Portland cement – and Raman spectra of calcium aluminate (ferrite) interstitial phases in Roman cement showing significant differences to the corresponding phases in Portland cement clinker. Furthermore, calcite, vaterite, gypsum, and ettringite were identified in the rim of a nonhydrated residual nodule. Beyond binder remnants, aggregates in the form of spherical (≤500 µm diameter) slag and irregularly shaped pigment particles were analyzed. Here, we focused on the unambiguous identification of compounds in complex matrices by comparing sample spectra with database and own reference spectra. A Raman map collected on blast furnace slag in cement stone shows the spatial distribution of calcite, quartz glass and pyrite. Furthermore, several Fe‐containing, Si‐containing, and Pb‐containing phases were identified. The analysis of pigments partly confirmed and partly contradicted the bequeathed historic recipe of a cement stone façade. These results have direct implications in the field of conservation and restoration and generally demonstrate the potential of Raman imaging to provide deeper understanding of (historic) building materials. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐Markovian nature of the fluctuation of the polarizability in molecular liquids by time‐domain and frequency‐domain measurements
Authors: Sakai Yuji , Watanabe Junji , Kinoshita Shuichi
Published: April 2013

We measured the low‐frequency regions of several molecular liquids at various temperatures using time‐domain and frequency‐domain spectroscopy to investigate the origin of the relaxation mode. We employed high‐resolution light scattering spectroscopy in the frequency domain and femtosecond optical Kerr effect spectroscopy in the time domain. By comparing the light scattering spectra of a relaxation mode with a Lorentzian function fitted to the spectra, we found that the spectra only follow the Lorentzian curve within a limited wavenumber range around the peak, which is comparable with the half width at half maximum of each Lorentzian curve. We evaluated the spectral range and compared it with the half width of the Lorentzian curve for several liquid samples at various temperatures together with the data obtained by the time‐domain method. We found that they were surprisingly correlated with each other regardless of the sample and temperature used, which indicates that the relaxation mode systematically deviates from the Lorentzian function. This suggests that the dynamics governing the relaxation mode is clearly non‐Markovian. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of grain size distribution on Raman analyses and the consequences for in situ planetary missions
Authors: Foucher F. , Lopez‐Reyes G. , Bost N. , Rull‐Perez F. , Rüßmann P. , Westall F.
Published: April 2013

Raman spectroscopy can be used for analysing both mineral and organic phases, thus allowing characterisation of the microbial‐scale geological context as well as the search for possible traces of life. This method is therefore very useful for in situ planetary exploration missions. Compared with the myriad of sample preparation techniques available in terrestrial laboratories, the possibilities for sample preparation during in situ missions on other planetary bodies are extremely limited and are generally restricted to abrasion of rock surfaces or crushing of the target samples. Whereas certain techniques need samples to be prepared in powder form, such as X‐ray diffraction, this kind of preparation is not particularly suitable for optical microscopy and/or Raman spectroscopy. In this contribution, we examine the effects of powdering rock and mineral samples on optical observations and Raman analyses. We used a commercial Raman spectrometer, as well as a Raman laser spectrometer that simulates the instrument being developed for the future ExoMars 2018 mission. The commercial Raman spectrometer documents significant modifications to the spectra of the powdered samples, including broadening of the peaks and shifts in their position, as well as the appearance of new peaks. These effects are caused by localised heating of the sample under the laser beam and amplification of nominal surface effects due to the increase in surface area in finer grain sizes. However, most changes observed in the Raman spectra using the Raman laser spectrometer system are negligible because the relatively large (50 µm diameter) laser spot size produces lower irradiance. Furthermore, minor phases were more easily detectable in the powdered samples. Most importantly, however, this sample preparation method results in the loss of the textural features and context, making identification of potential fossilized microbial remains more problematic. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role and utilization of electronic medical records in ambulatory otolaryngology
Authors: Mahboubi Hossein , Salibian Ara A. , Wu Edward C. , Patel Madhukar S. , Armstrong William B.
Published: April 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To estimate the usage of electronic medical records (EMRs) in ambulatory otolaryngology and to compare the usage trends between otolaryngologists and physicians in other specialties.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of data taken from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS).

Methods

The 2005 to 2010 NAMCS datasets were analyzed for whether storage of patient records in otolaryngology practices were completely electronic, partly electronic, or paper based. The trend of EMR utilization in the studied period was compared between otolaryngology and other specialties. Furthermore, the usage of different EMR functions (e.g., ordering tests) was also evaluated.

Results

The proportion of otolaryngology practices with complete or partial EMR usage increased from 27.0% in 2005 to 2006, to 48.5% in 2009 to 2010 (P < .001), and was projected to increase to 80.3% in 2015 to 2016. Otolaryngologists had variable usage of different functions of EMRs. Neither the overall use of EMRs nor their different functions were statistically different between otolaryngologists and other specialists. Further exploration of data revealed that 34.0% of otolaryngologists intended to install new EMR systems within the following years. Finally, 39.9% of otolaryngologists had plans to apply for Medicare or Medicaid incentive payments, of which 92.3% expected to start meaningful use in 2011.

Conclusions

The increasing utilization of EMRs in ambulatory otolaryngology is an important marker of progress in compliance with health care reform. Despite this upward trend, however, <50% of ambulatory offices had adopted EMRs in 2009 to 2010, and it remains to be seen how the field will adapt to the evolving challenge of EMR adoption and implementation. Laryngoscope, 123:2418–2422, 2013
Looking back into the future: 30 years of metabolomics at TNO
Authors: van der Greef Jan , van Wietmarschen Herman , van Ommen Ben , Verheij Elwin
Published: April 2013

Metabolites have played an essential role in our understanding of life, health, and disease for thousands of years. This domain became much more important after the concept of metabolism was discovered. In the 1950s, mass spectrometry was coupled to chromatography and made the technique more application‐oriented and allowed the development of new profiling technologies. Since 1980, TNO has performed system‐based metabolic profiling of body fluids, and combined with pattern recognition has led to many discoveries and contributed to the field known as metabolomics and systems biology. This review describes the development of related concepts and applications at TNO in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, nutritional, and microbiological fields, and provides an outlook for the future. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 32: 399–415, 2013.
Factors predictive of the development of Levodopa‐induced dyskinesia and wearing‐off in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Warren Olanow C. , Kieburtz Karl , Rascol Olivier , Poewe Werner , Schapira Anthony H. , Emre Murat , Nissinen Helena , Leinonen Mika , Stocchi Fabrizio ,   Stalevo Reduction in Dyskinesia Evaluation in Parkinson's Disease (STRIDE‐PD) Investigators
Published: April 2013

The Stalevo Reduction in Dyskinesia Evaluation in Parkinson's Disease (STRIDE‐PD) study compared the initiation of levodopa (l‐dopa) therapy with l‐dopa/carbidopa (LC) versus l‐dopa/carbidopa/entacapone (LCE) in patients with Parkinson's disease. In the current study, the STRIDE‐PD study population was investigated to determine the effect of l‐dopa dose and other risk factors on the development of dyskinesia and wearing‐off. Patients were randomized to receive LCE (n=373) or LC (n=372). Blinded assessments for dyskinesia and wearing‐off were performed at 3‐month intervals for the 134‐ to 208‐week duration of the study. The patients were divided into 4 dose groups based on nominal l‐dopa dose at the time of onset of dyskinesia (or at study conclusion if there was no dyskinesia): group 1, <400 mg/day (n=157); group 2, 400 mg/day (n=310); group 3, 401 to 600 mg/day (n=201); and group 4, >600 mg/day (n=77). Similar analyses were performed with respect to wearing‐off and any motor complication. The times to onset and frequency of dyskinesia, wearing‐off, or any motor complication were compared using the log‐rank test (overall trend test) and a Cox proportional hazards model (pairwise comparisons). A stepwise Cox proportional hazards model was used to screen predictive factors in a multivariate analysis. The risk of developing dyskinesia and wearing‐off increased in an l‐dopa dose‐dependent manner (P<0.001 for both). Analyses using l‐dopa equivalent doses produced comparable results. Factors that were predictive of dyskinesia, in rank order, were: young age at onset, higher l‐dopa dose, low body weight, North American geographic region, LCE treatment group, female gender, and more severe Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part II. Multivariate analyses identified similar predictors for wearing‐off but included baseline UPDRS Part III and excluded weight and treatment allocation. The risk of developing dyskinesia or wearing‐off was closely linked to l‐dopa dose. The current results suggest that physicians should use the lowest dose of l‐dopa that provides satisfactory clinical control to minimize the risk of both dyskinesia and wearing‐off. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Improving memory in Parkinson's disease: A healthy brain ageing cognitive training program
Authors: Naismith Sharon L. , Mowszowski Loren , Diamond Keri , Lewis Simon J.G.
Published: April 2013

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a multifactorial ‘healthy brain ageing cognitive training program’ for Parkinson's disease. Using a single‐blinded waitlist control design, 50 participants with Parkinson's disease were recruited from the Brain & Mind Research Institute, Sydney, Australia. The intervention encompassed both psychoeducation and cognitive training; each component lasted 1‐hour. The 2‐hour sessions were delivered in a group format, twice‐weekly over a 7‐week period. Multifactorial psychoeducation was delivered by a range of health professionals. In addition to delivering cognitive strategies, it targeted depression, anxiety, sleep, vascular risk factors, diet, and exercise. Cognitive training was computer‐based and was conducted by clinical neuropsychologists. The primary outcome was memory. Secondary outcomes included other aspects of cognition and knowledge pertaining to the psychoeducation material. Results demonstrated that cognitive training was associated with significant improvements in learning and memory corresponding to medium to large effect sizes. Treatment was also associated with medium effect size improvements in knowledge. Although the study was limited by the lack of randomized allocation to treatment and control groups, these findings suggest that a healthy brain ageing cognitive training program may be a viable tool to improve memory and/or slow cognitive decline in people with Parkinson's disease. It also appeared successful for increasing awareness of adaptive and/or compensatory cognitive strategies, as well as modifiable risk factors to optimize brain functioning. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Effect of expectancy and personality on cortical excitability in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lou Jau‐Shin , Dimitrova Diana M. , Hammerschlag Richard , Nutt John , Hunt Elizabeth A. , Eaton Ryan W. , Johnson Sarah C. , Davis Melanie D. , Arnold Grace C. , Andrea Sarah B. , Oken and Barry S.
Published: April 2013

Our previous studies in Parkinson's disease have shown that both levodopa and expectancy of receiving levodopa reduce cortical excitability. We designed this study to evaluate how degree of expectancy and other individual factors modulate placebo response in Parkinson's patients. Twenty‐six Parkinson's patients were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: 0%, 50%, and 100% expectancy of receiving levodopa. All subjects received placebo regardless of expectancy group. Subjects completed the NEO‐Five Factor Inventory, General Perceived Self‐Efficacy Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale. Cortical excitability was measured by the amplitude of motor‐evoked potential (MEP) evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation. Objective physical fatigue of extensor carpi radialis before and after placebo levodopa was also measured. Responders were defined as subjects who responded to the placebo levodopa with a decrease in MEP. Degree of expectancy had a significant effect on MEP response (P < .05). Subjects in the 50% and 100% expectancy groups responded with a decrease in MEP, whereas those in the 0% expectancy group responded with an increase in MEP (P < .05). Responders tended to be more open to experience than nonresponders. There were no significant changes in objective physical fatigue between the expectancy groups or between responders and nonresponders. Expectancy is associated with changes in cortical excitability. Further studies are needed to examine the relationship between personality and placebo effect in Parkinson's patients. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
One‐step synthesis of 6‐acetamido‐3‐(N‐(2‐(dimethylamino) ethyl) sulfamoyl) naphthalene‐1‐yl 7‐acetamido‐4‐hydroxynaphthalene‐2‐sulfonate and its characterization with 1D and 2D NMR techniques
Authors: Zhang Wei
Published: April 2013

A one‐step method was reported for the synthesis of 6‐acetamido‐3‐(N‐(2‐(dimethylamino) ethyl) sulfamoyl) naphthalene‐1‐yl 7‐acetamido‐4‐hydroxynaphthalene‐2‐sulfonate by treating 7‐acetamido‐4‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthalenesulfonyl chloride with equal moles of N, N‐dimethylethylenediamine in acetonitrile in the presence of K2CO3. The chemical structure of the obtained compounds was characterized by MS, FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, gCOSY, TOCSY, gHSQC, and gHMBC. The chemical shift differences of 1H and 13C being δ 0.04 and 0.2, respectively, were unambiguously differentiated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable flip angle balanced steady‐state free precession for lower SAR or higher contrast cardiac cine imaging
Authors: Srinivasan Subashini , Ennis Daniel B.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Cardiac cine balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) imaging uses a high flip angle (FA) to obtain high blood‐myocardium signal‐to‐noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNR). Use of high FAs, however, results in substantially increased SAR. Our objective was to develop a variable FA bSSFP cardiac cine imaging technique with: (1) low SAR and blood‐myocardium CNR similar to conventional constant FA bSSFP (CFA‐bSSFP) or (2) increased blood‐myocardium CNR compared to CFA‐bSSFP with similar SAR.

Methods

Variable FA bSSFP cardiac cine imaging was achieved using an asynchronous k‐space acquisition, which is asynchronous to the cardiac cycle (aVFA‐bSSFP). Bloch simulations and phantom experiments were performed to compare the signal, resolution, and frequency response of the variable FA bSSFP and CFA‐bSSFP schemes. Ten volunteers were imaged with different aVFA‐bSSFP and asynchronous CFA‐bSSFP schemes and compared to conventional segmented CFA‐bSSFP.

Results

The SAR of aVFA‐bSSFP is significantly decreased by 36% compared to asynchronous CFA‐bSSFP (1.9 ± 0.2 vs. 3.0 ± 0.2 W/kg, P <  10−10) for similar blood‐myocardium CNR (34 ± 6 vs. 35 ± 9, P = 0.5). Alternately, the CNR of the aVFA‐bSSFP is improved by 28% compared to asynchronous CFA‐bSSFP (49 ± 9 vs. 38 ± 8, P <  10−4) with similar SAR (3.2 ± 0.5 vs. 3.3 ± 0.5 W/kg, P = 0.6).

Conclusion

aVFA‐bSSFP can be used for lower SAR or higher contrast cardiac cine imaging compared to the conventional segmented CFA‐bSSFP imaging. Magn Reson Med 71:1035–1043, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic and inherent B0 correction for DTI using stimulated echo spiral imaging
Authors: Avram Alexandru V. , Guidon Arnaud , Truong Trong‐Kha , Liu Chunlei , Song Allen W.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

To present a novel technique for high‐resolution stimulated echo diffusion tensor imaging with self‐navigated interleaved spirals readout trajectories that can inherently and dynamically correct for image artifacts due to spatial and temporal variations in the static magnetic field (B0) resulting from eddy currents, tissue susceptibilities, subject/physiological motion, and hardware instabilities.

Methods

The Hahn spin echo formed by the first two 90° radiofrequency pulses is balanced to consecutively acquire two additional images with different echo times and generate an inherent field map, while the diffusion‐prepared stimulated echo signal remains unaffected. For every diffusion‐encoding direction, an intrinsically registered field map is estimated dynamically and used to effectively and inherently correct for off‐resonance artifacts in the reconstruction of the corresponding diffusion‐weighted image.

Results

After correction with the dynamically acquired field maps, local blurring artifacts are specifically removed from individual stimulated echo diffusion‐weighted images and the estimated diffusion tensors have significantly improved spatial accuracy and larger fractional anisotropy.

Conclusion

Combined with the self‐navigated interleaved spirals acquisition scheme, our new method provides an integrated high‐resolution short‐echo time diffusion tensor imaging solution with inherent and dynamic correction for both motion‐induced phase errors and off‐resonance effects. Magn Reson Med 71:1044–1053, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Voluntary rate of torque development is impaired after a voluntary versus tetanic conditioning contraction
Authors: Smith Cameron B. , Allen Matti D. , Rice Charles L.
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Both voluntary and evoked conditioning contractions will potentiate muscle twitch contractile properties. The response of a voluntary contraction to each condition type is not well understood but it may be a more functional model than evoked twitch potentiation. Methods: Baseline measurements from tibialis anterior included: maximal isometric twitch torque and rate of torque development (RTD); maximal evoked 50‐Hz torque; and maximal voluntary ballistic RTD. Potentiation was induced by a 10‐s voluntary or tetanic contraction (∽78% MVC), followed by 2 twitches and 2 ballistic contractions. Results: Twitch properties (torque and RTD) were potentiated equally after each conditioning contraction. Ballistic RTD was greater post‐tetanus (390.2 ± 59.3 Nm/s) than post‐voluntary (356.4 ± 69.1 Nm/s), but both were reduced from baseline (422.0 ± 88.9 Nm/s). Conclusions: Twitch potentiation was similar between conditioning contraction types, but ballistic RTD was lower after post‐tetanus than post‐voluntary. The results indicate central inhibition or fatigue concurrent with peripheral potentiation. Muscle Nerve 49: 218–224, 2014
Ratiometric analysis in hyperpolarized NMR (I): test of the two‐site exchange model and the quantification of reaction rate constants
Authors: Li Lin Z. , Kadlececk Stephen , Xu He N. , Daye Dania , Pullinger Benjamin , Profka Harrilla , Chodosh Lewis , Rizi Rahim
Published: April 2013

Conventional methods for the analysis of in vivo hyperpolarized 13C NMR data from the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) reaction usually make assumptions on the stability of rate constants and/or the validity of the two‐site exchange model. In this study, we developed a framework to test the validity of the assumption of stable reaction rate constants and the two‐site exchange model in vivo via ratiometric fitting of the time courses of the signal ratio L(t)/P(t). Our analysis provided evidence that the LDH enzymatic kinetics observed by hyperpolarized NMR are in near‐equilibrium and satisfy the two‐site exchange model for only a specific time window. In addition, we quantified both the forward and reverse exchange rate constants of the LDH reaction for the transgenic and mouse xenograft models of breast cancer using the ratio fitting method developed, which includes only two modeling parameters and is less sensitive to the influence of instrument settings/protocols, such as flip angles, degree of polarization and tracer dosage. We further compared the ratio fitting method with a conventional two‐site exchange modeling method, i.e. the differential equation fitting method, using both the experimental and simulated hyperpolarized NMR data. The ratio fitting method appeared to fit better than the differential equation fitting method for the reverse rate constant on the mouse tumor data, with less relative errors on average, whereas the differential equation fitting method also resulted in a negative reverse rate constant for one tumor. The simulation results indicated that the accuracy of both methods depends on the width of the transport function, noise level and rate constant ratio; one method may be more accurate than the other based on the experimental/biological conditions aforementioned. We were able to categorize our tumor models into specific conditions of the computer simulation and to estimate the errors of rate quantification. We also discussed possible approaches to the development of more accurate rate quantification methods for hyperpolarized NMR. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.