bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic Engineering of Uniform, Highly Efficient, Targeted and Shielded Viral‐Mimetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Karjoo Zahra , McCarthy Helen O. , Patel Parin , Nouri Faranak Salman , Hatefi Arash 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn the past decades, numerous types of nanomedicines have been developed for the efficient and safe delivery of nucleic acid‐based drugs for cancer therapy. Given that the destination sites for nucleic acid‐based drugs are inside cancer cells, delivery systems need to be both targeted and shielded in order to overcome the extracellular and intracellular barriers. One of the major obstacles that has hindered the translation of nanotechnology‐based gene‐delivery systems into the clinic has been the complexity of the design and assembly processes, resulting in non‐uniform nanocarriers with unpredictable surface properties and efficiencies. Consequently, no product has reached the clinic yet. In order to address this shortcoming, a multifunctional targeted biopolymer is genetically engineered in one step, eliminating the need for multiple chemical conjugations. Then, by systematic modulation of the ratios of the targeted recombinant vector to PEGylated peptides of different sizes, a library of targeted–shielded viral‐mimetic nanoparticles (VMNs) with diverse surface properties are assembled. Through the use of physicochemical and biological assays, targeted–shielded VMNs with remarkably high transfection efficiencies (>95%) are screened. In addition, the batch‐to‐batch variability of the assembled targeted–shielded VMNs in terms of uniformity and efficiency is examined and, in both cases, the coefficient of variation is calculated to be below 20%, indicating a highly reproducible and uniform system. These results provide design parameters for engineering uniform, targeted–shielded VMNs with very high cell transfection rates that exhibit the important characteristics for in vivo translation. These design parameters and principles could be used to tailor‐make and assemble targeted–shielded VMNs that could deliver any nucleic acid payload to any mammalian cell type.
An Assessment of the Impact of SiO2 Nanoparticles of Different Sizes on the Rest/Wake Behavior and the Developmental Profile of Zebrafish Larvae
Authors: Xue Ji‐Yang , Li Xiang , Sun Ming‐Zhu , Wang Ya‐Ping , Wu Ming , Zhang Chun‐Yang , Wang Ya‐Nan , Liu Bo , Zhang Yao‐Shu , Zhao Xin , Feng Xi‐Zeng 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this study, zebrafish larvae are introduced as an in vivo platform to examine the neurotoxicity and developmental toxicity associated with continuous exposure to a concentration gradient of different sizes of SiO2 nanoparticles (15 nm and 50 nm diameter) to determine the dose effect and size effect of SiO2 nanoparticle (NP)‐induced toxicity. Bovine serum albumin (BSA‐V) is utilized as a stabilizing agent to prevent coagulation of the SiO2 nanoparticles. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to describe locomotor activity assays linking rest/wake behavioral profiles for the purpose of investigating the neurotoxicity of NPs. In addition, developmental toxicological endpoints including mortality, LC50, malformation, and cartilaginous deformity are assessed. The results show a concentration‐dependent increase in behavioral neurotoxicity, mortality, and malformation among larvae treated with the SiO2 nanoparticles of 15 nm and 50 nm. A comparison of the 15 nm and 50 nm NPs by K‐means clustering analysis demonstrates that the 15 nm NPs have a greater neurotoxic effect than the 50 nm NPs, with the 50 nm NPs exhibiting greater developmental toxicity on the zebrafish larvae than the 15 nm NPs.
Exploring the Association Between Well-Being and Psychopathology in Adolescents
Authors: Bartels Meike , Cacioppo John T. , van Beijsterveldt Toos C. E. M. , Boomsma Dorret I. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Promotion of mental well-being and prevention of emotional and behavioral problems are suggested to go hand in hand. The present study examined the association between subjective well-being (SWB) and psychopathology and investigated the etiology of this association in a large population-based cohort study of adolescent twins (n = 9,136) and their non-twin siblings (n = 1,474) aged 12–20 years. Phenotypic, genetic, and environmental correlations between SWB and psychopathology were obtained from multivariate genetic modeling conditional on sex. An SWB factor score was used based on measures of subjective happiness, satisfaction with life, and quality of life. Psychopathology was obtained from all syndrome and broad-band scales of the Dutch version of the ASEBA Youth Self Report. Males reported significantly higher levels of SWB than females. Females reported significantly more internalizing problems while males report significantly higher levels of externalizing behavior. In both sexes, significant negative associations were found between SWB and psychopathology, with the strongest associations seen for SWB and the YSR syndrome scale anxious/depression behavior. The observed associations were primarily explained by genetic correlations while non-shared environmental influences were mainly domain specific. The genetic liability to lower levels of SWB are indicative of a genetic liability to higher levels of psychopathology, suggesting that it might be feasible to screen for emotional and behavioral problems before clear signs are present by screening on indices of subjective well-being.
Characterizing mild cognitive disorders in the young‐old over 8 years: Prevalence, estimated incidence, stability of diagnosis, and impact on IADLs
Authors: Anstey Kaarin J. , Cherbuin Nicolas , Eramudugolla Ranmalee , Sargent‐Cox Kerry , Easteal Simon , Kumar Rajeev , Sachdev Perminder 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesFew studies report incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and other mild cognitive disorders (MCD) in cohorts in their 60s, at an age when diagnoses are less stable. The authors' goal was to estimate the incidence and prevalence of MCI and MCD, characterize subgroups with stable vs nonstable diagnoses, and evaluate the impact of diagnosis on daily life in a young‐old cohort.MethodsA community‐based cohort age 60 to 64 years in 1999 (n = 2551) was monitored for 8 years and assessed every 4 years. A two‐stage sampling design was used to identify MCI and MCD through a neuropsychological and neurological assessment. A panel of physicians blind to previous diagnoses reviewed each case using published criteria.ResultsThe prevalence of MCDs in the cohort aged 68 to 72 years at the last follow‐up was approximately 10%. An estimated 141 subjects (7.7%) progressed to MCI and 183 subjects (10.0%) progressed to MCD between years 4 and 8. Only eight participants received a dementia diagnosis at any wave, five of whom progressed from MCDs. More than 45% of diagnoses were unstable during the 8 years of follow‐up. Stable diagnoses were associated with lower Mini‐Mental State Examination scores, history of neurological disorder, higher cardiovascular risk, and depression at baseline. MCDs were associated with impairments in instrumental activities of daily living and higher rates of reporting memory problems prior to diagnosis.ConclusionsMCDs in individuals in their 60s occur in at least 10% of the population and are likely to be heterogeneous in terms of their etiology and long‐term prognosis, but may cause a significant impact in everyday life.
Dementia severity and weight loss: A comparison across eight cohorts. The 10/66 study
Authors: Albanese Emiliano , Taylor Clare , Siervo Mario , Stewart Robert , Prince Martin J. , Acosta Daisy 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to investigate the association between dementia severity and weight loss in countries with low and middle incomes, where most prevalent cases reside.MethodsCross‐sectional catchment area surveys were performed in Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, China, and India. In 16,538 older adults (≥65 years of age), significant weight loss was self‐reported and confirmed by an informant. We conducted neuropsychological testing and clinical and neurological assessments. Dementia severity was determined by applying a validated algorithm and was quantified by the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale.ResultsThe characteristics of those who reported weight loss varied across countries. In Poisson models, after controlling for relevant covariates and for waist and arm circumferences, dementia severity was associated with reported weight loss (pooled prevalence ratios [95% confidence intervals {CI}] 2.19 [1.98, 2.41]; 3.81 [3.35, 4.33]; and 5.18 [4.41, 6.10] for CDR 0.5, 1, and 2/3, respectively, compared with CDR 0). The association increased linearly through stages of dementia severity in all countries (P for trend < .001), and between‐country heterogeneity was minimal.ConclusionsWe found a strong gradient effect in the direct association between dementia severity and reported weight loss, homogeneous across sites from eight countries, consistent with mechanistic data on the role of neurodegenerative processes on energy balance and with dietary changes due to disease severity. Considering the well‐recognized effect of weight loss on morbidity and mortality and the large number affected by dementia in less resourced countries, amelioration of weight loss in dementia patients should be considered with priority in these settings.
Tent caterpillars are robust to variation in leaf phenology and quality in two thermal environments
Authors: Sarfraz Rana M. , Kharouba Heather M. , Myers Judith H. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe synchrony between emergence of spring-active, insect herbivores and the budburst of their host plants could be affected by warming temperatures with influences on the availability and quality of foliage as it undergoes physical and chemical changes. This can affect the growth and survival of insects. Here, we used sun-exposed and shaded trees to determine whether the synchrony between egg hatch of western tent caterpillar,Malacosoma californicum pluviale Dyar(Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) and budburst of its host red alder,Alnus rubraBongard (Betulaceae) changes with different thermal environments (temperature and light together). To explore the potential outcome of a shift in phenological synchrony, we used laboratory assays of larval growth and survival to determine the effect of variation in young, youthful and mature leaves from sun-exposed and shaded trees. While the average higher temperature of sun-exposed trees advanced the timing of budburst and egg hatch, synchrony was not disrupted. Leaf quality had no significant influence on growth or survival in the laboratory for early instars reared as family groups. Later instar larvae, however, performed best on mature leaves from sun-exposed trees. The robust relationship between leaf and larval development of western tent caterpillars suggests that warming climates may not have a strong negative impact on their success through shifts in phenological synchrony, but might influence other aspects of leaf quality and larval condition.
Bile composition, plasma lipids and oxidative hepatic damage induced by calcium supplementation; effects of goat or cow milk consumption
Authors: Díaz-Castro Javier , Alférez María JM , López-Aliaga Inmaculada , Nestares Teresa , Sánchez-Alcover Ana , Campos Margarita S 
Published: March 2013

Calcium-fortified foods, especially milk and dairy products are recommended to be consumed daily for groups in risk of nutritional deficiency, including children, young adults, menopausal women, pregnant women and the elderly, however Ca-supplementation promotes gallstone formation because Ca is a nucleating factor. The objective of the current study was to assess the influence of cow or goat milk-based diets, either normal or Ca-supplemented, on bile composition, biochemical parameters and hepatic antioxidant status. Weanling male rats were randomly divided into six groups, fed standard, goat or cow milk-based diets, either with normal Ca content (5·0 g/kg), or Ca-supplemented (10·0 g/kg), for 2 weeks. Bile cholesterol concentration and output was higher in rats fed goat milk in comparison with those fed with standard and cow-milk-based diet. Ca-supplementation increased lithogenic index with the standard and cow-milk based diets, this change was not observed with the goat milk diet. Activities of plasma transaminases were also lower in the animals fed Ca-supplemented goat milk, in comparison with the other diets assayed. In general, Ca-supplement in the diet led to an increase in the hepatic oxidative damage, with an increase in the activities of all the antioxidant enzymes studied in the standard and cow milk diet, but not with goat milk. The habitual consumption of goat milk has positive effects on the plasma lipid profile, biliary composition and hepatic antioxidant defence. In addition, under our experimental conditions, Ca-supplementation of this type of milk does not increase the lithogenic index, or hepatic oxidative damage.
Rethinking echolalia: repetition as interactional resource in the communication of a child with autism
Authors: STERPONI LAURA , SHANKEY JENNIFER 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTEcholalia is a pervasive phenomenon in verbal children with autism, traditionally conceived of as an automatic behavior with no communicative function. However, recently it has been shown that echoes may serve interactional goals. This article, which presents a case study of a six-year-old child with autism, examines how social interaction organizes autism echolalia and how repetitive speech responds to discernible interactional trajectories. Using linguistic, discourse, and acoustic analyses, we demonstrate that the child is able to mobilize echolalia to mark different stances, through the segmental and suprasegmental modulation of echoes. We offer an interpretive framework that deepens our understanding of the complex interactions that children with autism can engage in by using echoes, and discuss the implications of this perspective for current views of atypical language development in autism.
Predictors of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in adult Bahrainis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Golbahar Jamal , Al-Saffar Nida , Altayab Diab Diab , Al-Othman Sara , Darwish Abdullah , Al-Kafaji Ghada 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveHigh prevalence of hypovitaminosis D has been reported to be common in different regions of the Middle East. The objective of the present study was to examine the predictors of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in Bahrainis.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingBlood transfusion volunteers at a blood bank.SubjectsSerum levels of total 25-hydroxyvitamin D, bone markers and other parameters such age, sex, season and clothing style in the 500 healthy Bahrainis were investigated.ResultsIn the entire cohort the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 49·4 % and the relative risk of vitamin D deficiency increased significantly by 1·1, 1·2, 1·5, 1·7 and 1·2 fold with younger age group (P = 0·03), hyperparathyroidism (P = 0·01), low serum Ca (P < 0·001), warm and hot months of the year (P < 0·0001) and female sex (P = 0·002), respectively. In females the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 67·6 % and the relative risk of vitamin D deficiency increased significantly by 1·1, 1·2, 1·2, 1·2 and 1·4 fold with younger age group (P = 0·04), hyperparathyroidism (P = 0·03), low serum Ca (P = 0·001), warm and hot months of the year (P = 0·001) and conservative clothing style (P = 0·04), respectively. In contrast, in males the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 31·2 % and the relative risk of vitamin D deficiency was increased by 1·6 fold in warm and hot months of the year (P < 0·0001).ConclusionsHigh prevalence of low circulating levels of vitamin D and the relative risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency observed in the present study suggest an urgent need for public health interventions including vitamin D food fortification in Bahrain.
Plasma zinc, vitamin B12 and α-tocopherol are positively and plasma γ-tocopherol is negatively associated with Hb concentration in early pregnancy in north-west Bangladesh
Authors: Shamim Abu Ahmed , Kabir Alamgir , Merrill Rebecca D , Ali Hasmot , Rashid Mahbubur , Schulze Kerry , Labrique Alain , West Keith P , Christian Parul 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the current analysis was to explore the association of multiple micronutrients with Hb concentration among pregnant women in a South Asian setting, a topic that has not been adequately explored.DesignSociodemographic, anthropometric and micronutrient status (plasma ferritin, transferrin receptor, retinol, α- and γ-tocopherol, folate, vitamin B12, Zn) and Hb concentration were assessed at early pregnancy.SettingThe biochemical sub-study was nested within a double-blind, placebo-controlled, community-based vitamin A and β-carotene supplementation trial in rural north-western Bangladesh (JiVitA). All assessments were conducted before trial supplementation was initiated.SubjectsA systematic sample of 285 women was selected from those enrolled in the biochemical sub-study.ResultsSeventeen per cent of women were mildly anaemic; moderate and severe anaemia was uncommon (2·1 %). α-Tocopherol, vitamin B12 and Zn deficiencies were common (43·5 %, 19·7 % and 14·7 %, respectively); however, vitamin A, folate and Fe deficiencies were comparatively rare (7·4 %, 2·8 % and <1 %, respectively). Plasma Zn, vitamin B12 and α-tocopherol were positively associated and plasma γ-tocopherol was negatively associated with Hb (P < 0·05) after adjustment for gestational age, inflammation status, season and nutritional status measured by mid-upper arm circumference.ConclusionsAmong pregnant women in rural Bangladesh with minimal Fe deficiency, plasma Zn, vitamin B12, and α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations were associated with Hb concentration. Appreciating the influence on Hb of micronutrients in addition to those with known associations with anaemia, such as Fe, folate, and vitamin A, is important when addressing anaemia in similar settings.
ON FREE SPECTRA OF A CLASS OF FINITE INVERSE MONOIDS
Authors: DOLINKA IGOR 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFor a finite Clifford inverse algebra $A$, with natural order meet-semilattice ${Y}_{A} $ and group of units ${G}_{A} $, we show that the inverse monoid obtained as the semidirect product ${ Y}_{A}^{1} {\mathop{\ast }\nolimits}_{\rho } {G}_{A} $ has a log-polynomial free spectrum whenever $\rho $ is a term-expressible left action of ${G}_{A} $ on ${Y}_{A} $ and all subgroups of $A$ are nilpotent. This yields a number of examples of finite inverse monoids satisfying the Seif conjecture on finite monoids whose free spectra are not doubly exponential.
Incompatible effects of p53 and HDAC inhibition on p21 expression and cell cycle progression
Authors: Sachweh M C C , Drummond C J , Higgins M , Campbell J , Laín S 
Published: March 2013

AbstractNutlin-3 selectively activates p53 by inhibiting the interaction of this tumor suppressor with its negative regulator murine double minute 2 (mdm2), while trichostatin A (TSA) is one of the most potent histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors currently available. As both Nutlin-3 and TSA increase the levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p21(cip1/waf1) in cells, we investigated whether a combination of these compounds would further augment p21 levels. Contrary to expectations, we found that short-term exposure to Nutlin-3 and TSA in combination did not have an additive effect on p21 expression. Instead, we observed that activation of p53 prevented the ability of TSA to increase p21 levels. Furthermore, TSA inhibited Nutlin-3-induced expression of p53-dependent mRNAs including P21. This negative effect of TSA on Nutlin-3 was significantly less pronounced in the case of hdm2, another p53 downstream target. Aside from suggesting a model to explain these incompatible effects of Nutlin-3 and TSA, we discuss the implications of our findings in cancer therapy and cell reprogramming.
Nitrification rates in Arctic soils are associated with functionally distinct populations of ammonia-oxidizing archaea
Authors: Alves Ricardo J Eloy , Wanek Wolfgang , Zappe Anna , Richter Andreas , Svenning Mette M , Schleper Christa , Urich Tim 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The functioning of Arctic soil ecosystems is crucially important for global climate, and basic knowledge regarding their biogeochemical processes is lacking. Nitrogen (N) is the major limiting nutrient in these environments, and its availability is strongly dependent on nitrification. However, microbial communities driving this process remain largely uncharacterized in Arctic soils, namely those catalyzing the rate-limiting step of ammonia (NH3) oxidation. Eleven Arctic soils were analyzed through a polyphasic approach, integrating determination of gross nitrification rates, qualitative and quantitative marker gene analyses of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) and enrichment of AOA in laboratory cultures. AOA were the only NH3 oxidizers detected in five out of 11 soils and outnumbered AOB in four of the remaining six soils. The AOA identified showed great phylogenetic diversity and a multifactorial association with the soil properties, reflecting an overall distribution associated with tundra type and with several physico-chemical parameters combined. Remarkably, the different gross nitrification rates between soils were associated with five distinct AOA clades, representing the great majority of known AOA diversity in soils, which suggests differences in their nitrifying potential. This was supported by selective enrichment of two of these clades in cultures with different NH3 oxidation rates. In addition, the enrichments provided the first direct evidence for NH3 oxidation by an AOA from an uncharacterized Thaumarchaeota–AOA lineage. Our results indicate that AOA are functionally heterogeneous and that the selection of distinct AOA populations by the environment can be a determinant for nitrification activity and N availability in soils.