bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drying of a plasmid containing formulation: chitosan as a protecting agent
Authors: Mohajel Nasir , Najafabadi Abdolhossein R , Azadmanesh Kayhan , Amini Mohsen , Vatanara Alireza , Moazeni Esmail , Rahimi Amirabbas , Gilani Kambiz 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Along with research on development of more efficient gene delivery systems, it is necessary to search on stabilization processes to extend their active life span. Chitosan is a nontoxic, biocompatible and available gene delivery carrier. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of this polymer to preserve transfection efficiency during spray-drying and a modified freeze-drying process in the presence of commonly used excipients.

Methods
Molecular weight of chitosan was reduced by a chemical reaction and achieved low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) was complexed with pDNA. Obtained nanocomplex suspensions were diluted by solutions of lactose and leucine, and these formulations were spray dried or freeze dried using a modified technique. Size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, intensity of supercoiled DNA band on gel electrophoresis, and transfection efficiency of reconstituted nanocomplexes were compared with freshly prepared ones.

Results and conclusion
Size distribution profiles of both freeze dried, and 13 out of 16 spray-dried nanocomplexes remained identical to freshly prepared ones. LMWC protected up to 100% of supercoiled structure of pDNA in both processes, although DNA degradation was higher in spray-drying of the nanocomplexes prepared with low N/P ratios. Both techniques preserved transfection efficiency similarly even in lower N/P ratios, where supercoiled DNA content of spray dried formulations was lower than freeze-dried ones. Leucine did not show a significant effect on properties of the processed nanocomplexes. It can be concluded that LMWC can protect DNA structure and transfection efficiency in both processes even in the presence of leucine.
Structural relationships and vasorelaxant activity of monoterpenes
Authors: Cardoso Lima Tamires , Mota Marcelo Mendonça , Barbosa-Filho José Maria , Viana Dos Santos Márcio Roberto , De Sousa Damião Pergentino 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background and purpose of the study
The hypotensive activity of the essential oil of Mentha x villosa and its main constituent, the monoterpene rotundifolone, have been reported. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the vasorelaxant effect of monoterpenes found in medicinal plants and establish the structure-activity relationship of rotundifolone and its structural analogues on the rat superior mesenteric artery.

Methods
Contractions of the vessels were induced with 10 μM of phenylephine (Phe) in rings with endothelium. During the tonic phase of the contraction, the monoterpenes (10-8 - 10-3, cumulatively) were added to the organ bath. The extent of relaxation was expressed as the percentage of Phe-induced contraction.

Results
The results from the present study showed that both oxygenated terpenes (rotundifolone, (+)-limonene epoxide, pulegone epoxide, carvone epoxide, and (+)-pulegone) and non-oxygenated terpene ((+)-limonene) exhibit relaxation activity. The absence of an oxygenated molecular structure was not a critical requirement for the molecule to be bioactive. Also it was found that the position of ketone and epoxide groups in the monoterpene structures influence the vasorelaxant potency and efficacy.

Major conclusion
The results suggest that the presence of functional groups in the chemical structure of rotundifolone is not essential for its vasorelaxant activity.
Formulation and evaluation of microsphere based oro dispersible tablets of itopride hcl
Authors: Shah Sanjay , Madan Sarika , Agrawal SS 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The purpose of the present work is to mask the intensely bitter taste of Itopride HCl and to formulate an Oro dispersible tablet (ODT) of the taste-masked drug by incorporation of microspheres in the tablets for use in specific populations viz. pediatrics, geriatrics and patients experiencing difficulty in swallowing.

Methods
With this objective in mind, microspheres loaded with Itopride HCl were prepared by solvent evaporation method using acetone as solvent for pH-sensitive polymer, Eudragit EPO and light liquid paraffin as the encapsulating medium. The prepared microspheres were characterized with regard to yield, drug content, flow properties, particle size and size distribution, surface features, in vitro drug release and taste. The ODTs so prepared from these microspheres were evaluated for hardness, thickness, weight variation, friability, disintegration time, drug content, wetting time, water absorption ratio, moisture uptake, in vitro dispersion, in vitro disintegration, in vitro drug release and stability.

Results
The average size of microspheres was found to be satisfactory in terms of the size and size distribution. Microspheres prepared were of a regular spherical shape. Comparison of the dissolution profiles of microspheres in different pH media showed that microspheres having drug: polymer ratio of 1:2 produced a retarding effect in simulated salivary fluid (pH 6.8) and were further used for formulation into ODTs after addition of suitable amounts of excipients such as superdisintegrant, diluent, sweetener and flavor of directly compressible grade.

Conclusions
Effective taste-masking was achieved for Itopride HCl by way of preparation of microspheres and ODTs of acceptable characteristics.
Sequencing and analysis of the gastrula transcriptome of the brittle star Ophiocoma wendtii
Authors: Vaughn Roy , Garnhart Nancy , Garey James R , Thomas W Kelley , Livingston Brian T 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The gastrula stage represents the point in development at which the three primary germ layers diverge. At this point the gene regulatory networks that specify the germ layers are established and the genes that define the differentiated states of the tissues have begun to be activated. These networks have been well-characterized in sea urchins, but not in other echinoderms. Embryos of the brittle star Ophiocoma wendtii share a number of developmental features with sea urchin embryos, including the ingression of mesenchyme cells that give rise to an embryonic skeleton. Notable differences are that no micromeres are formed during cleavage divisions and no pigment cells are formed during development to the pluteus larval stage. More subtle changes in timing of developmental events also occur. To explore the molecular basis for the similarities and differences between these two echinoderms, we have sequenced and characterized the gastrula transcriptome of O. wendtii.

Methods
Development of Ophiocoma wendtii embryos was characterized and RNA was isolated from the gastrula stage. A transcriptome data base was generated from this RNA and was analyzed using a variety of methods to identify transcripts expressed and to compare those transcripts to those expressed at the gastrula stage in other organisms.

Results
Using existing databases, we identified brittle star transcripts that correspond to 3,385 genes, including 1,863 genes shared with the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus gastrula transcriptome. We characterized the functional classes of genes present in the transcriptome and compared them to those found in this sea urchin. We then examined those members of the germ-layer specific gene regulatory networks (GRNs) of S. purpuratus that are expressed in the O. wendtii gastrula. Our results indicate that there is a shared ‘genetic toolkit’ central to the echinoderm gastrula, a key stage in embryonic development, though there are also differences that reflect changes in developmental processes.

Conclusions
The brittle star expresses genes representing all functional classes at the gastrula stage. Brittle stars and sea urchins have comparable numbers of each class of genes and share many of the genes expressed at gastrulation. Examination of the brittle star genes in which sea urchin orthologs are utilized in germ layer specification reveals a relatively higher level of conservation of key regulatory components compared to the overall transcriptome. We also identify genes that were either lost or whose temporal expression has diverged from that of sea urchins.
Understanding the basis of a novel fruit type in Brassicaceae: conservation and deviation in expression patterns of six genes
Authors: Avino Mariano , Kramer Elena M , Donohue Kathleen , Hammel Alexander J , Hall Jocelyn C 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundVariation in fruit morphology is important for plant fitness because it influences dispersal capabilities. Approximately half the members of tribe Brassiceae (Brassicaceae) exhibit fruits with segmentation and variable dehiscence, called heteroarthrocarpy. The knowledge of the genetics of fruit patterning in Arabidopsis offers the opportunity to ask: (1) whether this genetic pathway is conserved in taxa with different fruit morphologies; (2) how the pathway may be modified to produce indehiscence; and (3) whether the pathway has been recruited for a novel abscission zone.MethodsWe identified homologs ofALCATRAZ,FRUITFULL,INDEHISCENT,SHATTERPROOF, andREPLUMLESSfrom two taxa, representing different types of heteroarthrocarpy. ComParative gene expression of twelve loci was assessed to address how their expression may have been modified to produce heteroarthrocarpy.ResultsStudies demonstrated overall conservation in gene expression patterns between dehiscent segments ofErucaria erucarioidesand Arabidopsis, with some difference in expression of genes that position the valve margin. In contrast, indehiscence in heteroarthrocarpic fruit segments was correlated with the elimination of the entire valve margin pathway inErucariaandCakile lanceolataas well as its absence from a novel lateral abscission zone.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that modifications in the valve margin positioning genes are responsible for differences between heteroarthrocarpic and Arabidopsis-like fruits and support the hypothesis that heteroarthrocarpy evolved via repositioning the valve margin. They also highlight conservation in the dehiscence pathway across Brassicaceae.
Male mice retain a metabolic memory of improved glucose tolerance induced during adult onset, short-term dietary restriction
Authors: Cameron Kerry M , Miwa Satomi , Walker Cornelia , von Zglinicki Thomas 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Chronic dietary restriction (DR) has been shown to have beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. These factors show rapid and robust improvements when rodents were crossed over from an ad libitum (AL) diet to DR in mid life. We aimed to determine whether the beneficial effects induced by short-term exposure to DR can be retained as a ‘metabolic memory’ when AL feeding is resumed (AL-DR-AL) and vice versa: whether the effects of long-term DR can be reversed by a period of AL feeding (DR-AL-DR). C57BL/6 male and female mice were used to examine sex differences (N = 10/sex/group). Mice were fed AL or DR from 3 until 15 months (baseline) and each dietary crossover lasted approximately 5 months.

Results
In females, body and fat mass were proportional to the changes in feeding regime and plasma insulin and glucose tolerance were unaffected by the crossovers. However, in male mice, glucose tolerance and plasma insulin levels were reversed within 6 to 12 weeks. When males returned to AL intake following 5 months DR (AL-DR-AL), body mass was maintained below baseline, proportional to changes in fat mass. Glucose tolerance was also significantly better compared to baseline.

Conclusions
Male mice retained a metabolic memory of 5 months of DR feeding in terms of reduced body mass and improved glucose tolerance. This implies that some of the beneficial effects induced by a period of DR in adult life may be beneficial, even when free feeding is resumed at least in males. However, under continuous DR, lifespan extension was more prominent in females than in males.
Vitamin D status and associated factors in recent-onset type 1 diabetic children in Iran
Authors: Ataie-Jafari Asal , Rahmat Asmah Bt , Abbasi Farzaneh , Cheong Loke Seng , Qorbani Mostafa , Larijani Bagher 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Background
In this study, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was assessed in a group of children and adolescent patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods
Fifty-three patients with age 8–18 years and duration of T1DM less than 8 weeks were recruited. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary vitamin D and calcium intake. Sunshine exposure was measured using a questionnaire to quantify the amount of time children spent in the sun and other sun-related habits, and a sun index score was generated. Serum 25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml was considered as vitamin D deficiency. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of vitamin D deficiency.

Results
All patients were vitamin D deficient (77%) or insufficient (23%). In a logistic regression model, it was shown that the risk of being vitamin D deficient was significantly decreased by sunlight exposure ≥ 15 minutes during the weekends versus < 15 minutes (OR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01–0.75; P=0.029). In addition, vitamin D deficiency in boys was lower than girls in this model (OR: 0.164 [95% CI: 0.02–1.11]; P = 0.063).

Conclusion
Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among children and adolescents with T1DM in Iran. Boys and children with ≥ 15 minutes sunlight exposure in weekends were less likely to be vitamin D deficient than girls and those with < 15 minutes sunlight exposure.
How mentalisation changes the mind
Authors: Fonagy Peter , Adshead Gwen 
Published: September 2012

SummaryIn this article, we offer an account of how various psychological therapies address dysfunctional mentalisation and identify pitfalls of therapy that could lead to an impasse or even to negative consequences associated with psychological treatment. Some practical recommendations follow from our model, particularly in relation to the careful monitoring of the intensity of the patient's attachment and the use of interventions aimed at promoting mentalising.
Supported accommodation for people with severe mental illness: an update
Authors: Macpherson Rob , Shepherd Geoff , Thyarappa Praveen 
Published: September 2012

SummaryAppropriate housing and support are essential elements in the care of many people with mental health problems, and housing has a major impact on the quality of their lives. In the post-deinstitutionalised services of most high-income countries, a complex range of supported accommodation is available, mostly in the private (for-profit and not-for-profit) sector. We describe the different forms of accommodation and consider recent trends in policy and practice and the evidence base in this area. We also discuss quality issues and the potential impact of the recovery movement.
Vascular dementia: a pragmatic review
Authors: Series Hugh , Esiri Margaret 
Published: September 2012

SummaryVascular dementia is associated with a group of diverse pathologies affecting the cerebrovascular circulation and with other dementia pathologies, particularly Alzheimer's disease. It is rather rare on its own. There is a spectrum of severity of cerebrovascular disease ranging from pathology but no cognitive impairment, to mild cognitive impairment to a dementia syndrome (vascular dementia). Where present, cerebrovascular disease can magnify the impact of other pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease. Current criteria for diagnosing vascular dementia are inadequate. Neuroimaging can be very helpful in defining the extent of pathology. Assessment needs to take into account a wide range of issues. Specific evidence-based treatments are limited, but attention should be given to managing risk factors and associated psychiatric problems such as depression.
Paying attention: Hippocratic and Asklepian approaches
Authors: Downie Robin 
Published: September 2012

SummaryPsychiatry predominantly uses an evidence-based way of understanding patients. Over the past two decades, however, the idea has become acceptable that something can also be learned from the arts. This article suggests a precise role for ‘narrative understanding’, but argues that something further can be learned by examining a particular mode of attention – that which an experienced viewer might give to a painting or listener to a piece of serious music. The article articulates the contrast between the detached attention of the scientist and the engaged attention of the artist in terms of two traditions of medicine: Hippocratic and Asklepian. It argues that it is possible to combine these and that the ways in which an informed viewer looks at paintings or listener listens to music can be models for this sort of attention.
Searching for real holism
Authors: Hughes Julian C. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryRobin Downie provides useful reminders of the broad basis of medical practice. This should encourage the sort of ‘engaged attention’ that he describes – the sort of attention needed to appreciate works of art. But what else is going on in a clinical encounter (as in a work of art)? This commentary suggests that real communication is to be understood in dramaturgical terms as occurring between actors in real time and space. It involves shared understandings, which require empathy but which depend on something ineffable to do with our standing as human beings in the world.
Health inequalities and mental life
Authors: Marmot Michael 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe evidence, which is summarised in this editorial, shows that the circumstances in which people are born, grow, live, work and age are powerful determinants of health and of the unfair distribution of health – health inequity. Discrimination against people with mental illness shows how the relation can go the other way: for example, when people with mental ill health cannot get back into work.
Effect of exercise on depression severity in older people:
systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled
trials
Authors: Bridle Christopher , Spanjers Kathleen , Patel Shilpa , Atherton Nicola M. , Lamb Sarah E. 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundThe prevelance of depression in older people is high, treatment is
inadequate, it creates a substantial burden and is a public health
priority for which exercise has been proposed as a therapeutic
strategy.AimsTo estimate the effect of exercise on depressive symptoms among older
people, and assess whether treatment effect varies depending on the
depression criteria used to determine participant eligibility.MethodSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of
exercise for depression in older people.ResultsNine trials met the inclusion criteria and seven were meta-analysed.
Exercise was associated with significantly lower depression severity
(standardised mean difference (SMD) =–0.34, 95% CI –0.52 to –0.17),
irrespective of whether participant eligibility was determined by
clinical diagnosis (SMD =–0.38, 95% CI –0.67 to –0.10) or symptom
checklist (SMD =–0.34, 95% CI –0.62 to –0.06). Results remained
significant in sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that, for older people who present with clinically
meaningful symptoms of depression, prescribing structured exercise
tailored to individual ability will reduce depression severity.
Where are the hypotheses when you need them?
Authors: Burns Tom 
Published: September 2012

SummaryPoor staff morale is a pressing problem in UK mental health services,
especially for acute in-patient wards, community mental health teams and
social workers. Instead of interpreting low morale using a
demand–control–support model, it is suggested here that simply being honest
about what should be expected of staff and stopping constant criticism and
reorganisation might be more fruitful.
The role of the high-risk approach in suicide
prevention
Authors: Pitman Alexandra , Caine Eric 
Published: September 2012

SummaryEvidence favours the population approach over high-risk approaches to
suicide prevention, but methodological problems may have obscured the
contribution of the latter. This editorial uses the findings of a recent
evaluation of a high-risk approach used in England to consider the role of
high-risk interventions in national suicide prevention strategies.
Long-term consequences of mild traumatic brain
injury
Authors: Rona Roberto J. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryA debate has ensued about the long-term consequences of mild traumatic brain
injury, the ‘signature injury’ of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Most
epidemiological studies have found that mild traumatic brain injury is
unrelated to unspecific post-concussion symptoms based on self-reported
symptoms. A longitudinal study, in this issue of the
Journal, using objective tests has demonstrated that
mild traumatic brain injury has limited lasting neuropsychological
consequences.
Metabolic syndrome in patients attending psychiatric day centres: prevalence and associations
Authors: Gubbins Anna , Lally John , McDonald Colm 
Published: September 2012

Aims and methodTo ascertain the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in individuals with chronic enduring mental illness attending community psychiatric day centres, and to identify the prevalence of individual cardiometabolic risk factors and the rate of screening for these abnormalities. One hundred participants with chronic enduring mental illness were recruited and investigated using physical assessments and comprehensive laboratory testing.ResultsOf the 100 participants recruited, 55% met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. There were similar prevalence rates between those with psychotic and non-psychotic disorders. Forty-four per cent of the patients had not been screened for metabolic parameters in the previous 12 months, and 43% of these met criteria for metabolic syndrome.Clinical implicationsChronic enduring mental illness is associated with high prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome regardless of diagnosis or use of antipsychotic medication. A substantial proportion of this standard cohort of patients attending day centres carry cardiovascular risk factors that remain unidentified, but should be screened for and intensively managed.
The seven habits of recovery-oriented psychiatrists: a non-clinical guide for personal growth and development
Authors: Jha Arun , Jha Mithilesh 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBritish mental health trusts are trying to organise and deliver services based on recovery principles. Psychiatrists are perceived to be either reluctant or opposed to adopting these principles, although there is some support for recovery-oriented practice. In this paper we highlight the recovery needs of psychiatrists and propose a framework of internalising recovery principles in order to develop recovery-conducive habits based on Stephen Covey's popular book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.