bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of IcareONE rebound tonometer for self‐measuring intraocular pressure
Authors: Sakamoto Mari , Kanamori Akiyasu , Fujihara Masashi , Yamada Yuko , Nakamura Makoto , Negi Akira 
Published: April 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the precision of the IcareONE rebound tonometer, which was developed for self‐measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) and to compare IcareONE measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT).Methods:  Twenty‐four healthy eyes and 81 glaucomatous eyes were enrolled. IOP measurements (three times per session) with IcareONE were made in a random order by an ophthalmologist (Icare(O)) and by the subject (Icare(S)). Intraclass correlation coefficients (CCs), kappa values and mean values of IOP were compared among the two types of Icare recordings and GAT. Bland–Altman analysis was used to assess agreement between methods. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the subject factors that influenced the discordant measurements between IcareONE and GAT.Results:  The mean value of Icare(O) and Icare(S) measurements was 13.5 ± 5.2 and 13.5 ± 5.4 mmHg, respectively, neither of which was significantly different from GAT (13.8 ± 4.4). The intrarater CC of Icare(O) and Icare(S) was 0.968 and 0.885, respectively. The intermethod CC and weighted kappa between Icare(O) and Icare(S) were 0.907 and 0.684, respectively. All pairwise correlations between the two types of IOP measurement showed coefficients of determination >0.8. Bland–Altman analysis did not show any proportional biases. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the differences between GAT and Icare(O) or Icare(S) were positively correlated with central corneal thickness (CCT) and negatively correlated with age.Conclusions:  Intraocular pressure measurements with IcareONE by a physician and by the subject showed excellent agreement with GAT measurements; IcareONE measurements between a physician and the subject had high intrarater reliability, and good agreement thicker CCT led IcareONE measurement to overestimate IOP, while higher age caused it to underestimate IOP compared with GAT.
Antimicrobial activities of Eugenia caryophyllata extract and its major chemical constituent eugenol against Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Yadav Mukesh Kumar , Park Seok‐Won , Chae Sung‐Won , Song Jae‐Jun , Kim Ho Chul 
Published: April 2013

In this study, we investigate the antimicrobial activities of both Eugenia caryophyllata (Ec) extract and its major component eugenol (4‐allyl‐2‐methoxyphenol) against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by microdilution method. Pneumococcal biofilms were detected by crystal‐violet microtiter plate assay, followed by colony‐forming unit counts and visualized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The synergistic effect of eugenol and penicillin was determined by checker‐board method. Both the eugenol and the Ec extract inhibited pneumococcal growth in a concentration‐dependent manner. The MIC and MBC of eugenol were 0.06% and 0.12%, respectively. Eugenol at a concentration of 0.12% completely killed S. pneumoniae within 60 min of exposure. The kill rate of planktonic cells was most rapid during the first 15 min of contact with eugenol. The addition of eugenol or Ec extract inhibited in vitro biofilm formation. In already established biofilms, the inhibitory effect of eugenol or Ec extract was more significant in terms of cell viability than in terms of disruption of the biofilm matrix. SEM analysis revealed non‐viable and disruptive action of eugenol on the cell membrane of bacteria of biofilms. It was found that eugenol and penicillin produced a synergistic effect against S. pneumoniae. In conclusion, eugenol and Ec extract efficiently inhibited S. pneumoniae in planktonic growth and within biofilms.
Molecular diversity of the Planctomycetes in the human gut microbiota in France and Senegal
Authors: Cayrou Caroline , Sambe Bissoume , Armougom Fabrice , Raoult Didier , Drancourt Michel 
Published: April 2013

Until now, Planctomycetes bacteria were considered as environmental organisms. Nevertheless, some studies detected Planctomycetes DNA from human gut. We therefore explored the human gut Planctomycetes content. Planctomycetes‐specific PCR primers were designed to amplify a 240–bp 16S rRNA gene fragment in human stool specimens from individuals in France and in Senegal and from endocarditis patients receiving antibiotics in France. PCR products were then cloned and sequenced. PCR detection revealed a significantly higher prevalence (1.8% vs 0.4%, p = 0.05) and higher diversity (62 vs 6 phylotypes, p = 0.02) of Planctomycetes 16S rRNA gene in stool specimens collected in Senegal than in France. Also, stool specimens from endocarditis patients exhibited non‐significantly higher prevalence (0.6% vs 0.4%) and the ratio of phylotypes by positive patient (3 vs 1.5) than those collected from untreated French individuals. Gemmata sp. related sequences were found in 6/12 individuals. Planctomycetes organisms are a part of the human digestive tract microbiota. Their diversity varied by environment including the geographical origin of the individual and antibiotics treatment.
Association between 5HT2A polymorphism and selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor (SSRI)‐induced sexual desire disorder (SDD) among Malaysian women
Authors: Masiran Ruziana , Sidi Hatta , Mohamed Zahurin , Mohamed Saini Suriati , Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionSSRIs are known for their sexual side‐effects with a variable rate of sexual dysfunction (SD). 5HT2A (rs6311) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was found to have significant association with SD. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of female SDD, its clinical correlates and association with 5HT2A (rs6311) SNP in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) treated with SSRIs.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study. We evaluated 95 female outpatients with MDD treated with SSRIs who were in remission. Outcome measures were stratified by the presence or absence of SDD. A buccal swab was obtained from each patient and sent for genotyping in the Pharmacogenomics and Medical Biotechnology Laboratory of Universiti Malaya.ResultsThe overall prevalence of female SD was 32.6%. The prevalence of female SDD was 62.1%. Those with arousal problem, lubrication problem, sexual satisfaction problem, orgasm problem and problematic marriage were more likely to have sexual desire disorder. The majority of participants who had sexual desire disorder had genotype TT (42.4%) but there was no significant association observed. After controlling for age, number of children, education level, SSRI type, lubrication problem, orgasm problem, satisfaction problem and marital problem, only arousal problem significantly enhanced the presence of sexual desire disorder by 8.5 times (odds ratio = 8.46, 95% confidence interval = 1.24–57.58; P = 0.018).DiscussionThis study showed that there was no significant association between SDD and the 5HT2A (rs6311) SNP. Arousal problem significantly enhanced the presence of sexual desire disorder.
Hospital‐based community psychiatric service for patients with schizophrenia in Kuala Lumpur: A 1‐year follow‐up study of re‐hospitalization
Authors: Dahlan Rahima , Midin Marhani , Sidi Hatta , Maniam T. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionHospital‐based community psychiatric service (HCPS) is a developing intervention in Malaysia targeted for patients with severe mental illnesses (SMIs). Its effectiveness had not been systematically measured. This study aimed to assess the outcome of HCPS with respect to re‐hospitalization and factors associated with low re‐hospitalization among patients with schizophrenia in the metropolitan city of Kuala Lumpur.MethodsA naturalistic and retrospective cohort study was conducted using within‐subject pre‐post design on 155 patients with schizophrenia who received HCPS in Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). The selection was made by simple random sampling. The hospital admission profiles were obtained from clinical records. The socio‐demographic and relevant clinical data were also assessed through clinical interviews.ResultsOne hundred and forty (90%) of 155 respondents had low rate of hospital admission with significant reduction of being hospitalized within 1 year after receiving HCPS (p < 0.001). Having good social support was significantly associated with lower rate of rehospitalization (p = 0.001).DiscussionThe study revealed the effectiveness of HCPS in terms of reducing rates of hospital admission among patients with schizophrenia in Malaysia. The finding may be used as an evidence to develop the service further in other hospitals. However, the finding needs to be replicated through studies with better design involving more psychiatric centres.
Stressors in secondary boarding school students: Association with stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms
Authors: Wahab Suzaily , Rahman Fairuz Nazri Abdul , Wan Hasan Wan Muhammad Hafiz , Zamani Intan Zulaikha , Arbaiei Nabilah Che , Khor Siew Ling , Nawi Azmawati Mohammed 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionChronic stress in adolescents may cause physical, mental and emotional health issues which lead to poor outcomes if left untreated. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress, and their association with stressors.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 350 students in a selected boarding school. Two validated Malay version questionnaires were used as instruments, which comprised the 21‐item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale to assess depression, anxiety and stress level, and Soalselidik Stressor Sekolah Menengah to assess stressors.ResultsThe prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were 39.7%, 67.1% and 44.9%, respectively. The highest mean score was 2.3 (±0.80) for the academic‐related stressor. All stressors (academic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, teacher, learning/teaching and social group) had significant association with depression, anxiety and stress (P < 0.001). Multiple regression showed that both the intrapersonal‐related stressor and learning/teaching‐related stressor were 2.8‐ and 2.0‐times more likely (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.8 [P < 0.001] and OR = 2.0 [P = 0.002], respectively) to cause depressive symptoms. On the other hand, the interpersonal‐related stressor was 2.9‐times more likely (adjusted OR = 2.9, P < 0.001) to cause anxiety. The learning/teaching‐related and intrapersonal‐related stressors were 2.7‐ and 2.5‐times more likely to develop stress (adjusted OR = 2.7 [P < 0.001] and OR = 2.5 [P = 0.001], respectively).DiscussionThe possibility of introducing screening for mental health problems among boarding school students needs to be considered and investigated. Addressing the possible stressors and employing healthy coping may help in reducing negative emotional outcomes in these students.
Depression in male patients on methadone maintenance therapy
Authors: Baharudin Azlin , Mislan Noormazita , Ibrahim Normala , Sidi Hatta , Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionDepression is one of the most common psychiatric conditions in men. The aim of the study was to determine the depressive symptoms and associated factors among men on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT).MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 108 subjects who attended the Drug Clinic at Hospital Kuala Lumpur. The instruments used include the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition Axis‐I Disorder, Beck Depression Inventory and the 15‐item International Index of Erectile Function.ResultsThe rate of depression was 44.4%. There were significant associations between Malay ethnicity, secondary education level and concurrent illicit cannabis use with depression (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant associations between depression and erectile dysfunction (P = 0.379).DiscussionEven though depression is common among men on MMT, it is often missed by the treating doctors. It is important to make the treating doctors aware that depression is a serious clinical condition that has a profound impact on the individual and compliance to treatment.
Estimation of genetic parameters for longevity traits in dairy cattle: A review with focus on the characteristics of analytical models
Authors: Sasaki Osamu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLongevity is an economically important trait of dairy cattle for increasing the profitability of dairy management. The reasons for culling can be either voluntary (primarily productivity) or involuntary (primarily health and fertility). Longevity characteristics include: (i) true longevity (all culling reasons, including productivity); and (ii) functional longevity (all culling reasons, except productivity). Improvements to longevity are made to decrease the rate of involuntary culling rather than extend the herd life (HL). The proportional hazard model is useful for evaluating genetic ability for HL. However, the differences between estimates made using the proportional hazard model and those made using linear single or multiple‐trait animal models are not clear. The model commonly used for evaluation differs among countries. Productive traits, udder traits, and feet and legs traits are genetically correlated with longevity, and consequently these traits are used to indirectly evaluate longevity. The reliability of estimates of genetic ability for longevity is increased by combining direct and indirect estimates. In Japan, HL is evaluated using the multiple‐traits model. The genetic correlations between HL and other traits vary with the birth year. Therefore, these genetic correlations need to be reviewed regularly.
Change of antibody levels to ferritin in the sera of foals after birth: Possible passive transfer of maternal anti‐ferritin autoantibody via colostrum and age‐related anti‐ferritin autoantibody production
Authors: Numata Masami , Kondo Takashi , Nambo Yasuo , Yoshikawa Yasunaga , Watanabe Kiyotaka , Orino Koichi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAntibody (immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM or IgA) levels relative to ferritin in six foal sera (three male and three female) after birth (day 0 and 2, 6, 10, 20, 28, 36, 40, 52 and 56 weeks of age) were semi‐quantitatively measured with normalization with antibody activity to ferritin in one adult horse serum. After addition of horse spleen ferritin to the serum sample, the complex formed between antibodies to ferritin in the serum and ferritin was co‐immunoprecipitated using antibody to horse spleen ferritin. Antibody classes of the co‐immnoprecipitate were detected with antibodies specific for horse IgG, IgM or IgA heavy chain. Six adult horse serum samples were found to have ferritin‐binding activities in all immunoglobulin classes examined. Although ferritin antibody activities (IgG, IgM and IgA) were scant in the foal sera before sucking colostrum (day 0), their activities increased at 2 weeks of age. IgG antibodies showed a biphasic response and IgM antibody activity increased up to 40 weeks of age. Antibody (IgG, IgM and IgA) activities to ferritin in three colostrum samples were significantly higher than in adult horse serum samples. These results demonstrate that antibody to ferritin in foal serum is derived from colostrum after birth and is produced thereafter.
Assessment and management of iron overload in β‐thalassaemia major patients during the 21st century: a real‐life experience from the Italian Webthal project
Authors: Piga Antonio , Longo Filomena , Musallam Khaled M. , Cappellini Maria Domenica , Forni Gian Luca , Quarta Giovanni , Chiavilli Francesco , Commendatore Francesca , Mulas Sergio , Caruso Vincenzo , Galanello Renzo 
Published: April 2013

SummaryWe conducted a cross‐sectional study on 924 β‐thalassaemia major patients (mean age 30·1 years) treated at nine Italian centres using the webthal software, to evaluate real‐life application of iron overload assessment and management standards. Serum ferritin <2500 ng/ml was a risk factor for never having liver iron concentration (LIC) measurement, while absence of cardiac disease and siderosis were risk factors for a delay in LIC measurement >2 years. Patients who never had a cardiac MRI (CMR) T2* measurement were <18 years, had iron intake ≤0·4 mg/kg per day, or a serum ferritin <2500 ng/ml. A history of normal CMR T2* was the main risk factor for a delay in subsequent assessment of >2 years. Deferoxamine (22·8%) was more commonly used in patients with Hepatitis C Virus or high serum creatinine. Deferiprone (20·6%) was less commonly prescribed in patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase; while a deferoxamine + deferiprone combination (17·9%) was more commonly used in patients with serum ferritin >2500 ng/ml or CMR T2* <20 ms. Deferasirox (38·3%) was more commonly prescribed in patients <18 years, but less commonly used in those with heart disease or high iron intake. These observations largely echoed guidelines at the time, although some practices are expected to change in light of evolving evidence.
α‐Synuclein: The Long Distance Runner
Authors: George Sonia , Rey Nolwen L. , Reichenbach Nicole , Steiner Jennifer A. , Brundin Patrik 
Published: April 2013

AbstractParkinson's disease is characterized by α‐synuclein pathology in the form of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. Braak et al described the spatial and temporal spread of α‐synuclein pathology in Parkinson's disease. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that α‐synuclein can transfer from cell to cell. In this review, we highlight the involvement of α‐synuclein in Parkinson's disease and in Braak's staging of Parkinson's disease pathology. We discuss whether a prion‐like mechanism of α‐synuclein spread might contribute to Parkinson's disease pathology. We describe recent studies investigating cell‐to‐cell transfer of α‐synuclein and focus our review on the long‐distance axonal transport of α‐synuclein along neurons.
Pathway specific modulation of S1P1 receptor signalling in rat and human astrocytes
Authors: Healy Luke M , Sheridan Graham K , Pritchard Adam J , Rutkowska Aleksandra , Mullershausen Florian , Dev Kumlesh K 
Published: April 2013

Background and PurposeThe sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor subtype 1 (S1P1R) is modulated by phosphorylated FTY720 (pFTY720), which causes S1P1R internalization preventing lymphocyte migration thus limiting autoimmune response. Studies indicate that internalized S1P1Rs continue to signal, maintaining an inhibition of cAMP, thus raising question whether the effects of pFTY720 are due to transient initial agonism, functional antagonism and/or continued signalling. To further investigate this, the current study first determined if continued S1P1R activation is pathway specific.Experimental ApproachUsing human and rat astrocyte cultures, the effects of S1P1R activation on cAMP, pERK and Ca2+ signalling was investigated. In addition, to examine the role of S1P1R redistribution on these events, a novel biologic (MNP301) that prevented pFTY720‐mediated S1P1R redistribution was engineered.Key ResultsThe data showed that pFTY720 induced long‐lasting S1P1R redistribution and continued cAMP signalling in rat astrocytes. In contrast, pFTY720 induced a transient increase of Ca2+ in astrocytes and subsequent antagonism of Ca2+ signalling. Notably, while leaving pFTY720‐induced cAMP signalling intact, the novel MNP301 peptide attenuated S1P1R‐mediated Ca2+ and pERK signalling in cultured rat astrocytes.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese findings suggested that pFTY720 causes continued cAMP signalling that is not dependent on S1P1R redistribution and induces functional antagonism of Ca2+ signalling after transient stimulation. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that pFTY720 causes continued signalling in one pathway (cAMP) versus functional antagonism of another pathway (Ca2+) and which also suggests that redistributed S1P1Rs may have differing signalling properties from those expressed at the surface.
Eicosapentaenoic acid suppression of systemic inflammatory responses and inverse up‐regulation of 15‐deoxyΔ12,14Prostaglandin J2 production
Authors: Davidson Jillian , Higgs Warren , Rotondo Dino 
Published: April 2013

Background and PurposeEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been shown to suppress immune cell responses, such as cytokine production and downstream PG production in vitro. Studies in vivo, however, have used EPA as a minor constituent of fish oil with variable results. We investigated the effects of EPA on systemic inflammatory responses as pure EPA has not been evaluated on immune/inflammatory responses in vivo.Experimental ApproachRabbits were administered polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) i.v. before and after oral treatment with EPA for 42 days (given daily). The responses to IL‐1β and TNF‐α were also studied. Immediately following administration of poly I:C, body temperature was continuously monitored and blood samples were taken. Plasma levels of IL‐1β, PGE2 (PGE2), and 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐PGJ2 (15d‐PGJ2) were measured by enzyme immunoassay.Key ResultsFollowing EPA treatment, the fever response to poly I:C was markedly suppressed compared with pretreatment responses. This was accompanied by a parallel reduction in the poly I:C‐stimulated elevation in plasma levels of IL‐1β and PGE2. Paradoxically, the levels of 15d‐PGJ2 were higher following EPA treatment. EPA treatment did not significantly alter the fever response or plasma levels of PGE2 in response to either IL‐1β or TNF‐α.Conclusion and ImplicationsOral treatment with EPA can suppress immune/inflammatory responses in vivo via a suppression of upstream cytokine production resulting in a decreased fever response and indirectly reducing circulating levels of PGE2. EPA also enhances the production of the cytoprotective prostanoid 15d‐PGJ2 indicating the therapeutic benefit of EPA.
Chitosan‐Coated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Doxorubicin Delivery: Synthesis and Anticancer Effect Against Human Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Javid Amaneh , Ahmadian Shahin , Saboury Ali A. , Kalantar Seyed M. , Rezaei‐Zarchi Saeed 
Published: April 2013

Doxorubicin‐loaded chitosan‐coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4; SPIO‐NPs) were prepared by coprecipitation and emulsification cross‐linking method and uniform NPs with an average particle size of 82 nm, with high encapsulation efficiencies, were obtained. The drug‐loading efficiency of doxorubicin (3.2 mg/mg NPs) showed better results for the chitosan‐loaded SPIO‐NPs as compared to the bare ones (0.5 mg/mg; p < 0.05). The incubation of A2780 and OVCAR‐3 human ovarian cancer cells with doxorubicin‐loaded and doxorubicin‐loaded chitosan‐coated SPIO‐NPs, for 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h, showed significant IC50 (2.0 ± 0.6 and 7.1 ± 2.7 mm doxorubicin) and IC90 (4.0 ± 9.2 and 10 ± 0.5 mm doxorubicin), respectively, after 96 h of incubation. While, 95% and 98% growth inhibition was seen in A2780 and OVCAR‐3 cells after the 96‐h exposure to the doxorubicin‐chitosan‐SPIO‐NPs (p < 0.05). A 5‐day (120 h) incubation with doxorubicin‐chitosan‐SPIO‐NPs showed that A2780 and OVCAR‐3 cells were able to uptake 120 and 110 pg iron/cell, respectively, when treated with doxorubicin‐chitosan‐SPIO‐NPs for 72 h (p < 0.05).