bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST): neuropsychological mechanisms of change
Authors: Hall Louise , Orrell Martin , Stott Joshua , Spector Aimee 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTBackground: Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an evidence-based psychosocial intervention for people with dementia consisting of 14 group sessions aiming to stimulate various areas of cognition. This study examined the effects of CST on specific cognitive domains and explored the neuropsychological processes underpinning any effects.Methods: A total of 34 participants with mild to moderate dementia were included. A one-group pretest–posttest design was used. Participants completed a battery of neuropsychological tests in the week before and after the manualised seven-week CST programme.Results: There were significant improvement pre- to post-CST group on measures of delayed verbal recall (WMS III logical memory subtest – delayed), visual memory (WMS III visual reproduction subtest – delayed), orientation (WMS III information and orientation subscale), and auditory comprehension (Token Test). There were no significant changes on measures of naming (Boston Naming Test-2), attention (Trail Making Test A/Digit Span), executive function (DKEFS verbal fluency/Trail Making Test B), praxis (WMS III visual reproduction – immediate) or on a general cognitive screen (MMSE).Conclusions: Memory, comprehension of syntax, and orientation appear to be the cognitive domains most impacted by CST. One hypothesis is that the language-based nature of CST enhances neural pathways responsible for processing of syntax, possibly also aiding verbal recall. Another is that the reduction in negative self-stereotypes due to the de-stigmatising effect of CST may impact on language and memory, domains that are the primary focus of CST. Further research is required to substantiate these hypotheses.
Assessment of atrial electromechanical delay in children with acute rheumatic fever
Authors: Çiftel Murat , Turan Özlem , Şimşek Ayşe , Kardelen Fırat , Akçurin Gayaz , Ertuğ Halil 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPurposeThere may be an increase in the risk of atrial arrhythmia due to left atrial enlargement and the influence on conduction system in acute rheumatic fever. The aim of this study is to investigate atrial electromechanical delay and P-wave dispersion in patients with acute rheumatic fever.PatientsA total of 48 patients diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever and 40 volunteers of similar age, sex, and body mass index were included in the study. The study groups were compared for M-mode echocardiographic parameters, interatrial electromechanical delay, intra-atrial electromechanical delay, and P-wave dispersion.ResultsMaximum P-wave duration, P-wave dispersion, and interatrial electromechanical delay were significantly higher in patients with acute rheumatic fever compared with the control group (p < 0.001). However, there was no difference in terms of intra-atrial electromechanical delay (p > 0.05). For patients with acute rheumatic fever, a positive correlation was identified between the left atrium diameter and the P-wave dispersion and interatrial electromechanical delay (r = 0.524 and p < 0.001, and r = 0.351 and p = 0.014, respectively). Furthermore, an important correlation was also identified between the P-wave dispersion and the interatrial electromechanical delay (r = 0.494 and p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study shows the prolongation of P-wave dispersion and interatrial electromechanical delay in acute rheumatic fever. Left atrial enlargement can be one of the underlying reasons for the increase in P-wave dispersion and interatrial electromechanical delay.
Three-Dimensional Electron Energy Deposition Modeling of Cathodoluminescence Emission near Threading Dislocations in GaN and Electron-Beam Lithography Exposure Parameters for a PMMA Resist
Authors: Demers Hendrix , Poirier-Demers Nicolas , Phillips Matthew R. , de Jonge Niels , Drouin Dominique 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe Monte Carlo software CASINO has been expanded with new modules for the simulation of complex beam scanning patterns, for the simulation of cathodoluminescence (CL), and for the calculation of electron energy deposition in subregions of a three-dimensional (3D) volume. Two examples are presented of the application of these new capabilities of CASINO. First, the CL emission near threading dislocations in gallium nitride (GaN) was modeled. The CL emission simulation of threading dislocations in GaN demonstrated that a better signal-to-noise ratio was obtained with lower incident electron energy than with higher energy. Second, the capability to simulate the distribution of the deposited energy in 3D was used to determine exposure parameters for polymethylmethacrylate resist using electron-beam lithography (EBL). The energy deposition dose in the resist was compared for two different multibeam EBL schemes by changing the incident electron energy.
Hapten Mediated Display and Pairing of Recombinant Antibodies Accelerates Assay Assembly for Biothreat Countermeasures
Authors: Sherwood Laura J. , Hayhurst Andrew 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA bottle-neck in recombinant antibody sandwich immunoassay development is pairing, demanding protein purification and modification to distinguish captor from tracer. We developed a simple pairing scheme using microliter amounts of E. coli osmotic shockates bearing site-specific biotinylated antibodies and demonstrated proof of principle with a single domain antibody (sdAb) that is both captor and tracer for polyvalent Marburgvirus nucleoprotein. The system could also host pairs of different sdAb specific for the 7 botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes, enabling recognition of the cognate serotype. Inducible supE co-expression enabled sdAb populations to be propagated as either phage for more panning from repertoires or expressed as soluble sdAb for screening within a single host strain. When combined with streptavidin-g3p fusions, a novel transdisplay system was formulated to retrofit a semi-synthetic sdAb library which was mined for an anti-Ebolavirus sdAb which was immediately immunoassay ready, thereby speeding up the recombinant antibody discovery and utilization processes.
Predicted Redistribution of Ceratomyxa shasta Genotypes with Salmonid Passage in the Deschutes River, Oregon
Authors: Stinson Matthew E. T. , Bartholomew Jerri L. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
A series of dams on the Deschutes River, Oregon, act as migration barriers that segregate the river system into upper and lower basins. Proposed fish passage between basins would reunite populations of native potamodromous fish and allow anadromous fish of Deschutes River origin access to the upper basin. We assessed the potential redistribution of host-species-specific genotypes (O, I, II, III) of the myxozoan parasite Ceratomyxa shasta that could occur with fish passage and examined the influence of nonnative fish on genotype composition. To determine the present distribution of the parasite genotypes, we exposed eight salmonid species—three native and five stocked for sport fishing—in present and predicted anadromous salmonid habitats. We monitored fish for infection by C. shasta and sequenced a section of the parasite ribosomal DNA gene from fish and water samples to determine parasite genotype. Genotype O was present in both upper and lower basins and detected only in steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss. Genotype I was spatially limited to the lower basin, isolated predominately from Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha, and lethal for this species only. Genotype II was detected in both basins and in multiple species, but only as a minor component of the infection. Genotype III was also present in both basins, had a wide host range, and caused mortality in native steelhead and multiple nonnative species. Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and kokanee O. nerka were the least susceptible to infection by any genotype of C. shasta. Our findings confirmed the host-specific patterns of C. shasta infections and indicated that passage of Chinook salmon would probably spread genotype I into the upper Deschutes River basin, but with little risk to native salmonid populations.
Received April 20, 2012; accepted July 19, 2012
Effect of thermal conduction on pressure-driven modes in the reversed-field pinch
Authors: Mirza Ahmed Akram , Scheffel Jan , Johnson Thomas 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Classical linearized resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability theory predicts unstable pressure-driven modes even at low plasma beta values for the reversed-field pinch (RFP) because of its unfavourable curvature and strong poloidal magnetic field. These resistive g-modes undermine energy confinement and are detrimental to the RFP reactor potential. In the analysis, one aspect is common, which is the usage of the adiabatic energy equation, ignoring the contribution due to thermal conduction effects. However, in recent analysis, stabilization of pressure-driven modes is demonstrated through inclusion of thermal conductivity. In this paper, we compare the results obtained from both classical and thermal conduction modified boundary layer stability analysis with those from a time-spectral resistive linearized MHD code. Ohmic heating and thermal conduction effects are included in the calculations. We have found that thermal conduction effects stabilize pressure-driven resistive g-modes only for very low values of plasma beta. In addition, analytical and numerical investigation of the equilibrium reveal that, for reactor relevant values of S
0 and tearing stable plasmas, the scaling

for the growth rate of these modes is weaker than that for the adiabatic case

.
Nanostructured magnesium increases bone cell density
Authors: Weng Lucy , Webster Thomas J 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Magnesium has attracted some attention in orthopedics due to its biodegradability and mechanical properties. Since magnesium is an essential natural mineral for bone growth, it can be expected that as a biomaterial, it would support bone formation. However, upon degradation in the body, magnesium releases OH− which results in an alkaline pH that can be detrimental to cell density (for example, osteoblasts or bone forming cells). For this reason, modification of magnesium may be necessary to compensate for such detrimental effects to cells. This study created biologically inspired nanoscale surface features on magnesium by soaking magnesium in various concentrations of NaOH (from 1 to 10 N) and for various periods of time (from 10 to 30 min). The results provided the first evidence of increased roughness, surface energy, and consequently greater osteoblast adhesion, after 4 h as well as density up to 7 days on magnesium treated with any concentration of NaOH for any length of time compared to untreated controls. For these reasons, this study suggests that soaking magnesium in NaOH could be an inexpensive, simple and effective manner to promote osteoblast functions for numerous orthopedic applications and, thus, should be further studied.
Different labour outcomes in primiparous women that have been subjected to childhood sexual abuse or rape in adulthood: a case–control study in a clinical cohort
Authors: Nerum H , Halvorsen L , Straume B , Sørlie T , Øian P 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo compare the duration and outcome of the first labour in women who have been subjected to childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and women who have been raped in adulthood (RA).DesignCase–control study in a clinical cohort.SettingUniversity Hospital of North Norway.SampleIn all, 373 primiparas: 185 subjected to CSA, 47 to RA and 141 controls without a history of abuse.MethodsData on birth outcomes were retrieved from the patient files. Information on sexual abuse was reported in consultation with specialised midwives in the mental health team. Birth outcomes were analysed by multinominal regression analysis.Main outcome measuresVaginal births, delivery by caesarean section, operative vaginal delivery and duration of labour.ResultsAs compared with controls, the RA group showed a significantly higher risk for caesarean section (adjusted OR 9.9, 95% CI 3.4–29.4) and operative vaginal delivery (adjusted OR 12.2, 95% CI 4.4–33.7). There were no significant differences between the CSA and the control group. The RA group displayed significantly longer duration of labour in all phases as compared with the control and CSA groups.ConclusionsThere were major differences in the duration of labour and birth outcomes in the two abuse groups. Despite a higher proportion of obstetric risk factors at onset of labour in the CSA group, women subjected to CSA had shorter labours and less risk for caesarean section and operative vaginal deliveries than women subjected to RA. The best care for birthing women subjected to sexual abuse needs to be explored in further studies.
Coitus to expedite the onset of labour: a randomised trial
Authors: Omar NS , Tan PC , Sabir N , Yusop ES , Omar SZ 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of suggesting coitus as a safe and effective means to expedite labour on pregnancy duration and requirement for labour induction.DesignA randomised trial.SettingAntenatal clinic in a university hospital in Malaysia.PopulationWomen from 35 weeks of gestation with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy.MethodsThe advise‐coitus arm was counselled that coitus at term is a safe, natural and effective means to initiate labour and to avoid labour induction. The control arm was told coitus was safe. Both arms were asked to record coital activity.Main outcome measuresPregnancy duration and labour induction.ResultsThe intervention to delivery interval (mean ± SD) was 3.2 ± 1.4 versus 3.3 ± 1.3 weeks (P = 0.417), with a gestational age at delivery of 39.4 ± 1.2 versus 39.5 ± 1.2 weeks (P = 0.112), and with labour induction rates of 126/574 (22.0%) versus 120/576 (20.8%) (P = 0.666) for the advise‐coitus and control arms, respectively, with no statistical difference between the groups. Coitus prior to delivery was more often reported in the advise‐coitus arm compared with the control arm: 481/574 (85.3%) versus 458/576 (79.9%) (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.0, P = 0.019). Also, the median (interquartile range) reported number of coital acts of 3 (2–5) versus 2 (1–4) (P = 0.006) was higher for the advise‐coitus arm. Other pregnancy and neonatal outcomes did not differ between the groups.ConclusionsLabour onset and labour induction did not differ in the advise‐coitus arm.
Decision aids to improve informed decision‐making in pregnancy care: a systematic review
Authors: Vlemmix F , Warendorf JK , Rosman AN , Kok M , Mol BWJ , Morris JM , Nassar N 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundRapid development in health care has resulted in an increasing number of screening and treatment options. Consequently, there is an urgency to provide people with relevant information about benefits and risks of healthcare options in an unbiased way. Decision aids help people to make decisions by providing unbiased non‐directive research evidence about all treatment options.ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of decision aids to improve informed decision making in pregnancy care.Search strategyWe searched MEDLINE (1953–2011), EMBASE (1980–2011), CENTRAL (CENTRAL, the Cochrane Library; 2011, Issue 4), Psycinfo (1806–2011) and Research Registers of ongoing trials (www.clinicaltrials.gov, www.controlled-trials.com).Selection criteriaWe included randomised controlled trials comparing decision aids in addition to standard care. The study population needed to be pregnant women making actual decisions concerning their pregnancy.Data collection and analysisTwo independent researchers extracted data on quality of the randomised controlled trial (GRADE criteria), quality of the decision aid (IPDAS criteria), and outcome measures. Data analysis was undertaken by assessing group differences at first follow up after the interventions.Main resultsTen randomised controlled trials could be included. Pooled analyses showed that decision aids significantly increased knowledge, (weighted mean difference 11.06, 95% confidence interval 4.85–17.27), decreased decisional conflict scores (weighted mean difference −3.66, 95% confidence interval −6.65 to −0.68) and decreased anxiety (weighted mean difference −1.56, 95% confidence interval −2.75 to −0.43).ConclusionsOur systematic review showed the positive effect of decision aids on informed decision making in pregnancy care. Future studies should focus on increasing the uptake of decision aids in clinical practice by identifying barriers and facilitators to implementation.
NS309 decreases rat detrusor smooth muscle membrane potential and phasic contractions by activating SK3 channels
Authors: Parajuli Shankar P , Hristov Kiril L , Soder Rupal P , Kellett Whitney F , Petkov Georgi V 
Published: November 2012

Background and PurposeOveractive bladder (OAB) is often associated with abnormally increased detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) contractions. We used NS309, a selective and potent opener of the small or intermediate conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (SK or IK, respectively) channels, to evaluate how SK/IK channel activation modulates DSM function.Experimental ApproachWe employed single‐cell RT‐PCR, immunocytochemistry, whole cell patch‐clamp in freshly isolated rat DSM cells and isometric tension recordings of isolated DSM strips to explore how the pharmacological activation of SK/IK channels with NS309 modulates DSM function.Key ResultsWe detected SK3 but not SK1, SK2 or IK channels expression at both mRNA and protein levels by RT‐PCR and immunocytochemistry in DSM single cells. NS309 (10 μM) significantly increased the whole cell SK currents and hyperpolarized DSM cell resting membrane potential. The NS309 hyperpolarizing effect was blocked by apamin, a selective SK channel inhibitor. NS309 inhibited the spontaneous phasic contraction amplitude, force, frequency, duration and tone of isolated DSM strips in a concentration‐dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of NS309 on spontaneous phasic contractions was blocked by apamin but not by TRAM‐34, indicating no functional role of the IK channels in rat DSM. NS309 also significantly inhibited the pharmacologically and electrical field stimulation‐induced DSM contractions.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur data reveal that SK3 channel is the main SK/IK subtype in rat DSM. Pharmacological activation of SK3 channels with NS309 decreases rat DSM cell excitability and contractility, suggesting that SK3 channels might be potential therapeutic targets to control OAB associated with detrusor overactivity.
Andrographolide protects against cigarette smoke‐induced oxidative lung injury via augmentation of Nrf2 activity
Authors: Guan SP , Tee W , Ng DSW , Chan TK , Peh HY , Ho WE , Cheng C , Mak JC , Wong WSF 
Published: November 2012

Background and PurposeCigarette smoke is a major cause for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Andrographolide is an active biomolecule isolated from the plant Andrographis paniculata. Andrographolide has been shown to activate nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), a redox‐sensitive antioxidant transcription factor. As Nrf2 activity is reduced in COPD, we hypothesize that andrographolide may have therapeutic value for COPD.Experimental ApproachAndrographolide was given i.p. to BALB/c mice daily 2 h before 4% cigarette smoke exposure for 1 h over five consecutive days. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lungs were collected for analyses of cytokines, oxidative damage markers and antioxidant activities. BEAS‐2B bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and used to study the antioxidant mechanism of action of andrographolide.Key ResultsAndrographolide suppressed cigarette smoke‐induced increases in lavage fluid cell counts; levels of IL‐1β, MCP‐1, IP‐10 and KC; and levels of oxidative biomarkers 8‐isoprostane, 8‐OHdG and 3‐nitrotyrosine in a dose‐dependent manner. Andrographolide promoted inductions of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities in lungs from cigarette smoke‐exposed mice. In BEAS‐2B cells, andrographolide markedly increased nuclear Nrf2 accumulation, promoted binding to antioxidant response element (ARE) and total cellular glutathione level in response to CSE. Andrographolide up‐regulated ARE‐regulated gene targets including glutamate‐cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC) subunit, GCL modifier (GCLM) subunit, GPx, GR and heme oxygenase‐1 in BEAS‐2B cells in response to CSE.ConclusionsAndrographolide possesses antioxidative properties against cigarette smoke‐induced lung injury probably via augmentation of Nrf2 activity and may have therapeutic potential for treating COPD.
Body fat predicts an increase and limb muscle strength predicts a decrease in leptin in older adults over 2·6 years
Authors: Antony Benny , Jones Graeme , Stannus Oliver , Blizzard Leigh , Ding Changhai 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveObesity is characterized by hyperleptinaemia, which is associated with diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to determine if body fat and muscle measures predict the natural increase in leptin over 2·6 years in older adults.MethodsA total of 190 subjects (50% females) aged between 50 and 79 years were selected to perform the serum measurements for leptin. Height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Fat and lean mass of the whole body and the trunk were acquired through dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Leg muscle strength and handgrip strength were measured using dynamometry.ResultsIn multivariable analyses, leg muscle strength was negatively associated with both baseline leptin (β: −0·05 μg/l per kg, 95% CI: −0·08, −0·02) and follow‐up leptin (β: −0·04 μg/l per kg, 95% CI: −0·07, −0·01). BMI, and percentage total fat and trunk fat and their respective change per annum (cpa) were significantly and positively associated with leptin. Lean mass was negatively associated with baseline leptin. Gender‐specific analyses produced similar associations between leg muscle strength, fat measures and follow‐up leptin in males and females.ConclusionBesides positive associations between body fat, trunk fat and leptin, we found that leg muscle strength was negatively associated with leptin after 2·6 years in a sample of older population. This suggests that interventions to maintain or increase muscle strength may have a protective effect on hyperleptinaemia.
Prenatal diagnosis of cervical spinal cord compression in chondrodysplasia punctata brachytelephalangic type: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ochiai Daigo , Takamura Kyoko , Nishimura Gen , Ikeda Toshiyuki , Yakubo Kazumi , Fukuiya Tatsuro 
Published: November 2012

AbstractChondrodysplasia punctata brachytelephalangic type is a common subset of a heterogeneous group of chondrodysplasia punctata. Most affected children generally do not have significant physical disabilities; however, a small number of patients are at risk of cervical canal stenosis with cervical cord compression leading to serious morbidity and early mortality. Very little is known about the in utero manifestation of severe complications. We report an affected child in whom the Binder phenotype was found on antenatal ultrasound and cervical spinal cord compression on fetal magnetic resonance imaging. Prenatal diagnosis of chondrodysplasia punctata brachytelephalangic type and its complications are beneficial for timely, prompt medical intervention.