bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transitions Study of predictors of illness progression in young people with mental ill health: study methodology
Authors: Purcell R. , Jorm A.F. , Hickie I.B. , Yung A.R. , Pantelis C. , Amminger G.P. , Glozier N. , Killackey E. , Phillips L. , Wood S.J. , Mackinnon A. , Scott E. , Kenyon A. , Mundy L. , Nichles A. , Scaffidi A. , Spiliotacopoulos D. , Taylor L. , Tong J.P.Y. , Wiltink S. , Zmicerevska N. , Hermens Daniel , Guastella Adam , McGorry P.D. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimAn estimated 75% of mental disorders begin before the age of 24 and approximately 25% of 13–24‐year‐olds are affected by mental disorders at any one time. To better understand and ideally prevent the onset of post‐pubertal mental disorders, a clinical staging model has been proposed that provides a longitudinal perspective of illness development. This heuristic model takes account of the differential effects of both genetic and environmental risk factors, as well as markers relevant to the stage of illness, course or prognosis. The aim of the Transitions Study is to test empirically the assumptions that underpin the clinical staging model. Additionally, it will permit investigation of a range of psychological, social and genetic markers in terms of their capacity to define current clinical stage or predict transition from less severe or enduring to more severe and persistent stages of mental disorder.MethodThis paper describes the study methodology, which involves a longitudinal cohort design implemented within four headspace youth mental health services in Australia. Participants are young people aged 12–25 years who have sought help at headspace and consented to complete a comprehensive assessment of clinical state and psychosocial risk factors. A total of 802 young people (66% female) completed baseline assessments. Annual follow‐up assessments have commenced.ConclusionsThe results of this study may have implications for the way mental disorders are diagnosed and treated, and progress our understanding of the pathophysiologies of complex mental disorders by identifying genetic or psychosocial markers of illness stage or progression.
Miltefosine‐unresponsive Leishmania donovani has a greater ability than miltefosine‐responsive L. donovani to resist reactive oxygen species
Authors: Das Mousumi , Saudagar Prakash , Sundar Shyam , Dubey Vikash K. 
Published: July 2013

Resistance of Leishmania parasites to miltefosine, which is only available oral drug, is a great concern. We have analyzed global gene expression profiles of miltefosine‐unresponsive and miltefosine‐responsive Leishmania donovani in order to understand the various metabolic processes involved in miltefosine drug resistance. The microarray data clearly indicated a role of oxidative metabolism in miltefosine resistance. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy experiments suggested that miltefosine‐unresponsive L. donovani resists the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and subsequent mitochondrial membrane damage leading to apoptotic death. In contrast, in miltefosine‐responsive L. donovani, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species causes apoptotic death. Overall, this study provides fundamental insights into miltefosine resistance in L. donovani.DatabaseThe microarray data have been deposited in the Gene Expression Omnibus database under the accession number GSE45496
Cross‐Border Banking in Europe and Financial Stability
Authors: Schoenmaker Dirk , Wagner Wolf 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we propose country‐specific and systemic metrics that can be used to judge whether cross‐border banking in a country (or region) takes a desirable form. Applying these metrics to the EU countries, we find that the countries with the largest banking centres, the UK and Germany, are well diversified. By contrast, the New Member States (NMS) are highly dependent on a few West European banks and vulnerable to contagion effects. The Nordic and Baltic regions are closely interwoven with little diversification. At the system level, the EU banking system is weakly diversified, with an overexposure to the United States and an underexposure to Japan and China. This explains why the recent US‐originated financial crisis had such a significant impact on European banks.
Probing the Local Structure and Phase Transitions of Bi4V2O11‐Based Fast Ionic Conductors by Combined Raman and XRD Studies
Authors: Patwe Sadequa J. , Patra Atanu , Dey Rita , Roy Anushree , Kadam Ramakant M. , Achary Srungarpu N. , Tyagi Avesh K. 
Published: July 2013

In this article, we report the structural phase transitions in Bi4V2O11 as observed from temperature‐dependent Raman scattering and X‐ray diffraction measurements. Four different types of highly disordered coordination polyhedra around the vanadium atoms with large dispersion of V–O bond lengths are observed in Bi4V2O11 at ambient temperature. The observed V–O bond lengths could be grouped into two categories, viz. shorter <1.7 Å and longer >1.7 Å. The Raman modes of Bi4V2O11 could be assigned to vibration of these bonds and V–O–V linkages. We could correlate the difference in degree of anharmonicity of the phonon modes with temperature to differences in V–O bond strength. The local structure of vanadium–oxygen network in Bi4V1.8Cu0.2O10.7 was also obtained by similar studies. The effect of highly disordered anion sublattice in the doped compound is reflected in the broadening of the Raman modes.
Factors with the management of incontinence and promotion of continence in older people in care homes
Authors: Flanagan Lisa , Roe Brenda , Jack Barbara , Shaw Christine , Williams Kate S. , Chung Alan , Barrett James 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimReview of intervention studies of associated factors with incontinence as the primary outcome in older people in care homes to identify and inform practice and future research.BackgroundIncontinence is highly prevalent among care home populations. Previous reviews of descriptive and intervention studies have used urinary incontinence as the primary outcome.DesignSystematic review and narrative summary.Data sourcesElectronic searches of English empirical studies undertaken using MEDLINE and CINAHL from January 1966–May 2010. All relevant empirical designs were selected from MEDLINE highly sensitive search strings from the Cochrane Incontinence Review Group, modified to exclude surgical and pharmacological studiesReview methodsThe PRISMA statement was followed and established methods for systematic review to produce a narrative summary.ResultsNine studies identified relating to associated factors with the management of incontinence in care homes. Factors included economic data, skin care, exercise studies, staff quality and prompted voiding adherence and the promotion of continence by the management of dehydration and incontinence.ConclusionManaging incontinence and promoting continence in care homes is complex, requiring time and cost‐efficient management procedures to contain the problem and deliver quality, achievable care. When developing and designing systems of care in care homes, it is important to also recognize the impact of associated factors. As with any healthcare intervention programme, resources are required to implement the protocols. Economic evaluation studies are limited, with further studies warranted alongside preventative studies to maintain long‐term continence in these populations.
Antihypertensive effects of inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibition in experimental pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Amaral Lorena M. , Pinheiro Lucas C. , Guimaraes Danielle A. , Palei Ana C.T. , Sertório Jonas T. , Portella Rafael L. , Tanus‐Santos Jose E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractUpregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been reported in both experimental and clinical hypertension. However, although pro‐inflammatory cytokines that up‐regulate iNOS contribute to pre‐eclampsia, no previous study has tested the hypothesis that a selective iNOS inhibitor (1400 W) could exert antihypertensive effects associated with decreased iNOS expression and nitrosative stress in pre‐eclampsia. This study examined the effects of 1400 W in the reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP) placental ischaemia animal model and in normal pregnant rats. Sham‐operated and RUPP rats were treated with daily vehicle or 1 mg/kg/day N‐[3‐(Aminomethyl) benzyl] acetamidine (1400 W) subcutaneously for 5 days. Plasma 8‐isoprostane levels, aortic reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)‐dependent ROS production were evaluated by ELISA, dihydroethidium fluorescence microscopy and lucigenin chemiluminescence respectively. Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression was assessed by western blotting analysis and aortic nitrotyrosine was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Mean arterial blood pressure increased by ~30 mmHg in RUPP rats, and 1400 W attenuated this increase by ~50% (P < 0.05). While RUPP increased plasma 8‐isoprostane levels, aortic ROS levels, and NADPH‐dependent ROS production (P < 0.05), treatment with 1400 W blunted these alterations (P < 0.05). Moreover, while RUPP increased iNOS expression and aortic nitrotyrosine levels (P < 0.05), treatment with 1400 W blunted these alterations (P < 0.05). These results clearly implicate iNOS in the hypertension associated with RUPP. Our findings may suggest that iNOS inhibitors could be clinically useful in the therapy of pre‐eclampsia, especially in particular groups of patients genetically more prone to express higher levels of iNOS. This issue deserves further confirmation.
Different Efforts in European Economic Integration: Implications of the EU Index
Authors: König Jörg , Ohr Renate 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEuropean integration is a multilayer process consisting of significant differences in efforts and capabilities of the Member State's individual EU participation. Hence, general statements about the national level of European economic integration are very vague. In order to fill this gap, this article presents a composite indicator measuring the extent of economic integration within the European Union – the EU Index. Existing composite indicators concerned with economic integration (globalization indices) were not designed to capture the specific European dimensions. The EU Index offers a unique basis, as now the national differences can be illustrated by one statistical measure. Large heterogeneities are found between the Member States with respect to overall European economic integration and to various sub‐indices. By using cluster analysis, it is also shown that the prevailing economic heterogeneities in the EU are combined with a strong and even growing clustering of its members, thereby challenging present and future steps of European integration.
Self‐calibrated concentration measurements of polydisperse nanoparticles
Authors: RÖDING M. , DESCHOUT H. , BRAECKMANS K. , SÄRKKÄ A. , RUDEMO M. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryQuantitative characterization of nanoparticles, e.g. accurate estimation of concentration distributions, is critical to many pharmaceutical and biological applications. We present a method that enables for the first time highly accurate size and absolute concentration measurements of polydisperse nanoparticles in solution, based on fluorescence single particle tracking, that are self‐calibrated in the sense that the detection region volume is estimated based on the tracking data. The method is evaluated using simulations and experimental data of polystyrene nanospheres in water/sucrose solution. In addition, the method is used to quantify aggregation and clearance of different types of liposomes after intravenous injection in rats, where additional and more accurate information can be obtained that was previously unavailable, which can help elucidate their usefulness as drug carriers.
Mathematical classification of tight junction protein images
Authors: OGAWA K.H. , TROYER C.M. , DOSS R.G. , AMINIAN F. , BALREIRA E.C. , KING J.M. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryWe present the rationale for the development of mathematical features used for classification of images stained for selected tight junction proteins. The project examined localization of zonula occludens‐1, claudin‐1 and F‐actin in a model epithelium, Madin–Darby canine kidney II cells. Cytochalasin D exposure was used to perturb junctional localization by actin cytoskeleton disruption. Mathematical features were extracted from images to reliably reveal characteristic information of the pattern of protein localization. Features, such as neighbourhood standard deviation, gradient of pixel intensity measurement and conditional probability, provided meaningful information to classify complex image sets. The newly developed mathematical features were used as input to train a neural network that provided a robust method of individual image classification. The ability for researchers to make determinations concerning image classification while minimizing human bias is an important advancement for the field of tight junction cellular biology.
Shear Bond Strength of Denture Teeth to Two Chemically Different Denture Base Resins after Various Surface Treatments
Authors: Akin Hakan , Tugut Faik , Guney Umit , Akar Turker 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPurposeDebonding of acrylic teeth from the denture base remains a major problem in prosthodontics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of various surface treatments on the shear bond strength of the two chemically different denture base resins—polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA).Materials and MethodsTwo denture base resins, heat‐cured PMMA (Meliodent) and light‐activated UDMA (Eclipse), were used in this study. A total of 60 molar acrylic denture teeth were randomly separated into four groups (n = 15), according to surface treatment: acrylic untreated (group AC), Eclipse untreated (group EC), treated with eclipse bonding agent (group EB), and Er:YAG laser‐irradiated eclipse (group EL). Shear bond strength test specimens were prepared according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Specimens were subjected to shear bond strength test by a universal testing machine with a 1 mm/min crosshead speed. The data were analyzed with one‐way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey‐Kramer multiple comparison tests (α = 0.05).ResultsThe highest mean bond strength was observed in specimens of group EB, and the lowest was observed in group EC specimens. A statistically significant difference in shear bond strength was found among all groups (p < 0.001), except between groups EC and EL (p = 0.61).ConclusionThe two chemically different denture base polymers showed different shear bond strength values to acrylic denture teeth. Laser‐irradiation of the adhesive surface was found to be ineffective on improving bond strength of acrylic denture teeth to denture base resin. Eclipse bonding agent should be used as a part of denture fabrication with the Eclipse Resin System.
Evidence‐Based Criteria for Differential Treatment Planning of Implant Restorations for the Mandibular Edentulous Patient
Authors: Sadowsky Steven J. , Hansen Peter W. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSince the introduction of the ad modum Branemark prototype prosthesis for the mandibular edentulous patient more than 30 years ago, design permutations have met clinician and patient considerations. Dental student training and specialist continuing education often rely on anecdotal reports of success to determine the recommended design for patients. Decision‐making algorithms for treatment are optimally predicated on the best available evidence. The purpose of this article is to elucidate the benefit/risk calculus of various implant modalities for the mandibular edentulous patient.
Optimization of self-microemulsifying drug delivery system for telmisartan using Box–Behnken design and desirability function
Authors: Cho Hyuk Jun , Lee Dong Won , Marasini Nirmal , Poudel Bijay Kumar , Kim Jeong Hwan , Ramasamy Thiruganesh , Yoo Bong Kyu , Choi Han-Gon , Yong Chul Soon , Kim Jong Oh 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Objectives
To develop and optimize the novel self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) formulation for enhanced water solubility and bioavailability of telmisartan (TMS) using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) and desirability function.

Method
TMS-SMEDDS formulation consisted of the mixture of oil (Peceol), surfactant (Labrasol), co-surfactant (Transcutol), TMS and triethanolamine. A three-level BBD was applied to explore the main effect, interaction effect and quadratic effect of three independent variables, including the amount of Peceol (X1), Labrasol (X2) and Transcutol (X3). Determined conditions were 20 &lt; X1 &lt; 40, 50 &lt; X2 &lt; 80 and 5 &lt; X3 &lt; 30. The response variables were droplet size (Y1), polydispersity index (Y2) and dissolution percentage of TMS after 15 min (Y3).

Key findings
The optimized conditions were 28.93, 80 and 28.08 (mg) for X1, X2 and X3, respectively, and the response variables were predicted to be 159.8 nm, 0.241 and 85.8% for Y1, Y2 and Y3, respectively. The actual values from the optimized formulation showed good agreement with predicted values. The optimized TMS-SMEDDS formulation showed faster drug dissolution rate and higher bioavailability than TMS powder.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that response surface methodology using BBD and desirability function is a promising approach to understand the effect of SMEDDS variables and to optimize the formulation.
Gene delivery to periodontal tissue using Bubble liposomes and ultrasound
Authors: Sugano M. , Negishi Y. , Endo‐Takahashi Y. , Hamano N. , Usui M. , Suzuki R. , Maruyama K. , Aramaki Y. , Yamamoto M. 
Published: July 2013

Background and ObjectivePeriodontitis is the most common inflammatory disease caused by oral biofilm infection. For efficient periodontal treatment, it is important to enhance the outcome of existing regenerative therapies. The physical action of an ultrasound may be able to deliver a therapeutic gene or drugs into the local area of the periodontium being treated for periodontal regeneration. Previously, we developed “Bubble liposomes” as a useful carrier for gene or drug delivery, and reported that delivery efficiency was increased with high‐frequency ultrasound in vitro and in vivo. Hence, the aim of the present study was to examine the possibility of delivering genes into gingival tissues using Bubble liposomes and ultrasound.Material and MethodsWe attempted to deliver naked plasmid DNA encoding luciferase or enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) into the lower labial gingiva of Wistar rats using Bubble liposomes, with or without ultrasound exposure. Ultrasound parameters were optimized for intensity (0‐4.0 W/cm2) and exposure time (0–120 s) to establish the most efficient conditions for exposure. The efficacy and duration of gene expression in the gingiva were investigated using a luciferase assay and fluorescence microscopy.ResultsThe strongest relative luciferase activity was observed when rats were treated under the following ultrasound conditions: 2.0 W/cm2 intensity and 30 s of exposure time. Relative luciferase activity, 1 d after gene delivery, was significantly higher in gingiva treated using Bubble liposomes and ultrasound than in gingiva of the other treatment groups. Histological analysis also showed that distinct EGFP‐expressing cells were observed in transfected gingiva when rats were treated under optimized conditions.ConclusionFrom these results, the combination of Bubble liposomes and ultrasound provides an efficient technique for delivering plasmid DNA into the gingiva. This technique can be applied for the delivery of a variety of therapeutic molecules into target tissue, and may serve as a useful treatment strategy for periodontitis.
Elderly age is not a negative predictive factor for virological response to therapy with pegylated interferon‐α and ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C virus patients
Authors: Frei Pascal , Leucht Anna‐Kathrin , Held Ulrike , Kofmehl Reto , Manser Christine N. , Schmitt Johannes , Mertens Joachim , Rau Monika , Baur Katharina , Gerlach Tilman , Negro Francesco , Heim Markus , Moradpour Darius , Cerny Andreas , Dufour Jean‐François , Müllhaupt Beat , Geier Andreas ,   on behalf of the Swiss Hepatitis C Cohort Study Group
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsAge is frequently discussed as negative host factor to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) to antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C. However, elderly patients often show advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis as known negative predictive factor. The aim of this study was to assess age as an independent predictive factor during antiviral therapy.MethodsOverall, 516 hepatitis C patients were treated with pegylated interferon‐α and ribavirin, thereof 66 patients ≥60 years. We analysed the impact of host factors (age, gender, fibrosis, haemoglobin, previous hepatitis C treatment) and viral factors (genotype, viral load) on SVR per therapy course by performing a generalized estimating equations (GEE) regression modelling, a matched pair analysis and a classification tree analysis.ResultsOverall, SVR per therapy course was 42.9 and 26.1%, respectively, in young and elderly patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1/4/6. The corresponding figures for HCV genotypes 2/3 were 74.4 and 84%. In the GEE model, age had no significant influence on achieving SVR. In matched pair analysis, SVR was not different in young and elderly patients (54.2 and 55.9% respectively; P = 0.795 in binominal test). In classification tree analysis, age was not a relevant splitting variable.ConclusionsAge is not a significant predictive factor for achieving SVR, when relevant confounders are taken into account. As life expectancy in Western Europe at age 60 is more than 20 years, it is reasonable to treat chronic hepatitis C in selected elderly patients with relevant fibrosis or cirrhosis but without major concomitant diseases, as SVR improves survival and reduces carcinogenesis.
Genomic dissection of variation in clutch size and egg mass in a wild great tit (Parus major) population
Authors: Santure Anna W. , De Cauwer Isabelle , Robinson Matthew R. , Poissant Jocelyn , Sheldon Ben C. , Slate Jon 
Published: July 2013

AbstractClutch size and egg mass are life history traits that have been extensively studied in wild bird populations, as life history theory predicts a negative trade‐off between them, either at the phenotypic or at the genetic level. Here, we analyse the genomic architecture of these heritable traits in a wild great tit (Parus major) population, using three marker‐based approaches – chromosome partitioning, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and a genome‐wide association study (GWAS). The variance explained by each great tit chromosome scales with predicted chromosome size, no location in the genome contains genome‐wide significantQTL, and no individualSNPs are associated with a large proportion of phenotypic variation, all of which may suggest that variation in both traits is due to many loci of small effect, located across the genome. There is no evidence that any regions of the genome contribute significantly to both traits, which combined with a small, nonsignificant negative genetic covariance between the traits, suggests the absence of genetic constraints on the independent evolution of these traits. Our findings support the hypothesis that variation in life history traits in natural populations is likely to be determined by many loci of small effect spread throughout the genome, which are subject to continued input of variation by mutation and migration, although we cannot exclude the possibility of an additional input of major effect genes influencing either trait.