bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Convergence of developmental mutants into a single tomato model system: 'Micro-Tom' as an effective toolkit for plant development research
Authors: Carvalho Rogério F , Campos Marcelo L , Pino Lilian E , Crestana Simone L , Zsögön Agustin , Lima Joni E , Benedito Vagner A , Peres Lázaro EP 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant is both an economically important food crop and an ideal dicot model to investigate various physiological phenomena not possible in Arabidopsis thaliana. Due to the great diversity of tomato cultivars used by the research community, it is often difficult to reliably compare phenotypes. The lack of tomato developmental mutants in a single genetic background prevents the stacking of mutations to facilitate analysis of double and multiple mutants, often required for elucidating developmental pathways.

Results
We took advantage of the small size and rapid life cycle of the tomato cultivar Micro-Tom (MT) to create near-isogenic lines (NILs) by introgressing a suite of hormonal and photomorphogenetic mutations (altered sensitivity or endogenous levels of auxin, ethylene, abscisic acid, gibberellin, brassinosteroid, and light response) into this genetic background. To demonstrate the usefulness of this collection, we compared developmental traits between the produced NILs. All expected mutant phenotypes were expressed in the NILs. We also created NILs harboring the wild type alleles for dwarf, self-pruning and uniform fruit, which are mutations characteristic of MT. This amplified both the applications of the mutant collection presented here and of MT as a genetic model system.

Conclusions
The community resource presented here is a useful toolkit for plant research, particularly for future studies in plant development, which will require the simultaneous observation of the effect of various hormones, signaling pathways and crosstalk.
Periductal stromal sarcoma in a child: a case report
Authors: Masbah Ouafae , Lalya Issam , Mellas Nawfel , Bekkouch Iman , Allaoui Mohamed , Hassouni Khalid , Kebdani Tayeb , Regragui Asmaa , Benjaafar Noureddine , Elgueddari Brahim Khalil 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Periductal stromal sarcoma is an extremely rare malignant fibroepithelial tumor of the breast which is characterized by its biphasic histology with benign ductal elements and a sarcomatous stroma made of spindle cells and lacking phyllodes architecture. Its therapeutic management is based on wide surgery with free margins. Adjuvant therapies are not needed. Periductal stromal sarcoma may evolve into a phyllodes tumor with time, as well as a specific soft-tissue sarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, this tumor has never been described in a child.

Case presentation
A 14-year-old Arabic boy was presented to our hospital one year ago with a nodule of the right breast that was gradually increasing in size without signs of inflammation. The histological examination after lumpectomy revealed a periductal stromal sarcoma with free surgical margins. No adjuvant treatment was given. At 50 months of close follow-up, no recurrence was observed.

Conclusion
Periductal stromal sarcoma in a child is a very rare disease which has the same indolent behavior as it does in adults. Therefore, close follow-up is required.
Oxymatrine induces human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells apoptosis via regulating expression of Bcl-2 and IAP families, and releasing of cytochrome c
Authors: Ling Qi , Xu Xiao , Wei Xuyong , Wang Weibing , Zhou Bin , Wang Bei , Zheng Shusen 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Oxymatrine, an isolated extract from traditional Chinese herb Sophora Flavescens Ait, has been traditionally used for therapy of anti-hepatitis B virus, anti-inflammation and anti-anaphylaxis. The present study was to investigate the anti-cancer effect of oxymatrine on human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells, and its possible molecular mechanism.

Methods
The effect of oxymatrine on the viability and apoptosis was examined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium and flow cytometry analysis. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-x (L/S), Bid, Bad, HIAP-1, HIAP-2, XIAP, NAIP, Livin and Survivin genes was accessed by RT-PCR. The levels of cytochrome c and caspase 3 protein were assessed by Western blotting.

Results
Oxymatrine inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis of PANC-1 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This was accompanied by down-regulated expression of Livin and Survivin genes while the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was upregulated. Furthermore, oxymatrine treatment led to the release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase-3 proteins.

Conclusion
Oxymatrine can induce apoptotic cell death of human pancreatic cancer, which might be attributed to the regulation of Bcl-2 and IAP families, release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and activation of caspase-3.
Introduction to acceptance and commitment therapy
Authors: Webster Mark 
Published: June 2011

SummaryAcceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a descendant of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). The model draws techniques from a wide variety of sources and unites them within a philosophical and scientific framework to create a principle-driven therapy. Psychopathology is understood as a narrowing behavioural repertoire that develops over time through maladaptive strategies to cope with unwanted private events. The six core components of the therapy remain consistent across a wide range of clinical conditions. The approach combines processes of acceptance and mindfulness with those of commitment and behavioural change to produce increased psychological flexibility and an expanded behavioural repertoire. Since its introduction in 1999 an increasing number of trials show promising results for a wide range of conditions.
Service users' perceptions of quality of life measurement in psychiatry
Authors: Wallcraft Jan 
Published: June 2011

SummaryThis article describes the concept of quality of life (QoL) as applied to mental health. It also outlines relevant tools for measuring QoL, both generic and health-specific, and explains their approaches and purposes. These tools are intended to enable researchers to ask questions that are more patient-centred and psychosocial than traditional clinical measures for evaluating outcomes of treatment. However, a number of studies have criticised existing QoL tools in terms of their sensitivity to change and their relevance to mental health patients' concerns. Studies have shown that patients can give accurate self-reports even when ill. Given that government and professional policies favour effective service user involvement and routine outcome monitoring, more effort should be made to develop measures in partnership with service users, as this might better reflect individual priorities in assessment of quality of life.
The place of psychotherapy in modern psychiatric practice
Authors: Denman Chess 
Published: June 2011

SummaryThis article makes a case for training and developing psychotherapeutically competent consultant general psychiatrists. It describes what such psychiatrists should know and suggests that they should be able to prescribe psychotherapy rationally and assess its outcome. They should be able to deliver some psychological treatments themselves but, more importantly, they should be competent to apply psychotherapeutic knowledge and emotional literacy skills to their routine clinical practice. Possible CPD experiences are suggested to increase the competencies of existing consultant general psychiatrists.
Underuse of clozapine in treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Authors: Mistry Himanshu , Osborn David 
Published: June 2011

SummaryUp to a third of patients with schizophrenia develop treatment resistance. Clozapine has been established as the most effective antipsychotic medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, it is significantly underutilised in this population. Possible reasons include clinicians' lack of experience with the drug and negative attitudes towards it. African-Caribbean patients are less likely to be treated with clozapine compared with their White counterparts and more likely to have treatment discontinued due to perceived risk of agranulocytosis. This paper discusses the current evidence relating to the underuse of clozapine and factors responsible for this.
Using clozapine in clinical practice
Authors: Mortimer Ann M. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryClozapine remains underutilised as the only antipsychotic for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, despite liberal National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines for its consideration. Bearing in mind its monitoring requirements and poor tolerability, suggestions are made for patients who fail to improve on other antipsychotic drugs. Clozapine may be offered to apparently unsuitable patients, although this is fraught with difficulty. A realistic appraisal of the alternatives is essential in this situation. Optimising plasma clozapine levels, alongside the use of rehabilitative interventions and adjuncts as necessary, will maximise efficacy, and there are numerous options to minimise side-effects. Clozapine requires a lengthier trial than other antipsychotics and discontinuation should be avoided if possible, as the results are generally very poor. Established successful clozapine treatment can induce substantial functional gains which accrue with time: patients are retained in treatment and relapse is prevented. Such optimal outcomes justify the initial effort expended by all.
Cross-cultural attitudes to help-seeking among individuals who
are suicidal: new perspective for policy-makers
Authors: Pitman Alexandra , Osborn David P. J. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryWorld Mental Health Survey data demonstrate that a high proportion of people
who are suicidal receive no treatment and that, contrary to previous
assumptions, attitudes to treatment constitute greater barriers to
help-seeking than do stigma or structural/financial constraints. We explore
how suicide-prevention policy-makers might respond to Bruffaerts et
al's findings.
Mental well-being and mental illness: findings from the Adult
Psychiatric Morbidity Survey for England 2007
Authors: Weich Scott , Brugha Traolach , King Michael , McManus Sally , Bebbington Paul , Jenkins Rachel , Cooper Claudia , McBride Orla , Stewart-Brown Sarah 
Published: June 2011

BackgroundMental well-being underpins many aspects of health and social
functioning, and is economically important.AimsTo describe mental well-being in a general population sample and to
determine the extent to which mental well-being and mental illness are
independent of one another.MethodSecondary analysis of a survey of 7293 adults in England. Nine survey
questions were identified as possible indicators of mental well-being.
Common mental disorders (ICD-10) were ascertained using the Revised
Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R). Principal components analysis was
used to describe the factor structure of mental well-being and to
generate mental well-being indicators.ResultsA two-factor solution found eight out of nine items with strong loadings
on well-being. Eight items corresponding to hedonic and eudaemonic
well-being accounted for 36.9% and 14.3% of total variance respectively.
Separate hedonic and eudaemonic well-being scales were created. Hedonic
well-being (full of life; having lots of energy) declined with age, while
eudaemonic well-being (getting on well with family and friends; sense of
belonging) rose steadily with age. Hedonic well-being was lower and
eudaemonic well-being higher in women. Associations of well-being with
age, gender, income and self-rated health were little altered by
adjustment for symptoms of mental illness.ConclusionsIn a large nationally representative population sample, two types of
well-being were distinguished and reliably assessed: hedonic and
eudaemonic. Associations with mental well-being were relatively
independent of symptoms of mental illness. Mental well-being can remain
even in the presence of mental suffering.
Evaluating treatment of Axis I mental health disorders in Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Boothby Neil , Veatch Maggie , Pentes Matina 
Published: June 2011

Aims and methodTo share evaluation findings of a new decentralised mental healthcare system addressing Axis I disorders, developed in four subdistricts of Aceh Besar in Indonesia following the 2004 Asian tsunami. Two complementary methodologies were employed: an adequacy survey that assessed whether agreed programme implementation tasks were completed, and an outcome study that utilised patient, caregiver and staff assessment of the programme to determine what changes, if any, resulted from participation in the programme.ResultsThe system is functional in 3 of 4 subdistricts, and 47 of 53 subdistrict clinics (puskesmas) have trained mental healthcare nurses. Both patients and caregivers reported statistically significant differences when ranking patient wellbeing and were able to qualitatively describe specific changes in patient symptomatology and social functioning.Clinical implicationsResults indicate that (a) the creation of a decentralised system with outreach at multiple levels, (b) emphasis on staff capacity building within a wider household-to-hospital continuum of care, and (c) incorporation of community volunteers working with trained medical personnel led to effective treatment options for people with Axis I disorders in a resource-poor setting.
The need for close monitoring of early psychosis and co-occurring substance misuse
Authors: Caton Carol L. M. 
Published: June 2011

SummarySubstance misuse is widespread among individuals with early-phase psychotic disorders and is associated with a worse illness course. Thorough assessment of patterns of substance misuse at admission for psychiatric care is often lacking and can compromise the accuracy of a diagnostic assessment that distinguishes between a primary psychosis and one that is substance induced. Given the risk to recovery from psychosis posed by substance misuse, close monitoring of the course and treatment of early-phase psychosis that is accompanied by substance misuse is indicated and could inform the development of more effective dual-diagnosis treatments.
Medico-legal work of psychiatrists: direction, not drift
Authors: Rix Keith J. B. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryNewly appointed consultants should not 'simply drift into (medico-legal) work because solicitors have asked them to’. They should already have had expert witness training. This is a challenge for training scheme organisers and consultant trainers. There should be no shortage of training opportunities. Core training should include the preparation of ‘ghost’ reports drafted by trainees but owned by the consultant. Higher training should provide opportunities for trainees to prepare reports in their own right albeit under supervision. Background reading and experience of court are also needed. Such training should avoid newly appointed consultants having to decline solicitors' requests to prepare psychiatric reports.
Long-Term High Urinary Potential Renal Acid Load and Low Nitrogen Excretion Predict Reduced Diaphyseal Bone Mass and Bone Size in Children
Authors: Remer Thomas , Manz Friedrich , Alexy Ute , Schoenau Eckhard , Wudy Stefan A. , Shi Lijie 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background:
Longitudinal diet assessment data in children suggest bone anabolic effects of protein intake and concurrent catabolic effects of dietary acid load. However, studies using valid biomarker measurements of corresponding dietary intakes are lacking.

Objective:
The aim of the study was to examine whether the association of long-term dietary acid load and protein intake with children's bone status can be confirmed using approved urinary biomarkers and whether these diet influences may be independent of potential bone-anabolic sex steroids.

Method:
Urinary nitrogen (uN), urinary net acid excretion (uNAE), and urinary potential renal acid load (uPRAL) were quantified in 789 24-h urine samples of 197 healthy children who had at least three urine collections during the 4 yr preceding proximal forearm bone analyses by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. uPRAL was determined by subtracting measured mineral cations (sodium + potassium + calcium + magnesium) from measured nonbicarbonate anions (chloride + phosphorus + sulfate). In a subsample of 167 children, dehydroepiandrosterone metabolites were quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multivariable regression models adjusted for age, sex, pubertal stage, forearm muscle area, forearm length, and urinary calcium were run with uN and/or uPRAL or uNAE as predictors.

Results:
uN was positively associated with bone mineral content, cortical area, periosteal circumference, and strength strain index. uPRAL (but not uNAE) showed negative associations with bone mineral content and cortical area (P &lt; 0.05), both with and without adjustment for the dehydroepiandrosterone-derived sex steroid androstenediol.

Conclusions:
In line with dietary assessment findings, urinary biomarker analyses substantiate long-term positive effects of protein intake and concomitant negative effects of higher dietary acid load on bone status of children, independent of bone-anabolic sex steroid action.
Sex Differences in the Effects of MDMA (Ecstasy) on Plasma Copeptin in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Simmler Linda D. , Hysek Cédric M. , Liechti Matthias E. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background:
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) misuse is associated with hyponatremia particularly in women. Hyponatremia is possibly due to inappropriate secretion of plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP).

Objective:
To assess whether MDMA increases plasma AVP and copeptin in healthy male and female subjects and whether effects depend on MDMA-induced release of serotonin and norepinephrine. Copeptin, the C-terminal part of the AVP precursor preprovasopressin, is cosecreted with AVP and can be determined more reliably.

Methods:
We used a randomized placebo-controlled crossover design. Plasma and urine osmolalities as well as AVP and copeptin levels were measured in 16 healthy subjects (eight female, eight male) at baseline and after MDMA (125 mg) administration. In addition, we tested whether effects of MDMA on AVP and copeptin secretion can be prevented by pretreatment with the serotonin and norepinephrine transporter inhibitor duloxetine (120 mg), which blocks MDMA-induced transporter-mediated release of serotonin and norepinephrine.

Results:
MDMA significantly elevated plasma copeptin levels at 60 min and at 120 min compared with placebo in women but not in men. The copeptin response to MDMA in women was prevented by duloxetine. MDMA also nonsignificantly increased plasma AVP levels in women, and the effect was prevented by duloxetine. Although subjects drank more water after MDMA compared with placebo administration, MDMA tended to increase urine sodium levels and urine osmolality compared with placebo, indicating increased renal water retention.

Conclusion:
MDMA increased plasma copeptin, a marker for AVP secretion, in women but not in men. This sex difference in MDMA-induced AVP secretion may explain why hyponatremia is typically reported in female ecstasy users. The copeptin response to MDMA is likely mediated via MDMA-induced release of serotonin and/or norepinephrine because it was prevented by duloxetine, which blocks the interaction of MDMA with the serotonergic and noradrenergic system.
Evaluating ‘Success’ In Programme Budgeting and Marginal Analysis: A Literature Review
Authors: Tsourapas Angelos , Frew Emma 
Published: June 2011

Objectives Programme budgeting and marginal analysis (PBMA) is a priority-setting toolkit which aims to assist decision-makers in identifying the most efficient use of resources. The last systematic literature review on PBMA was published in 2001 and evaluated success in applying PBMA using the criteria of ‘reallocation of resources’ or the ‘setting of priorities’. Our objective was to re-evaluate applications of PBMA in terms of these criteria separately, summarize different evaluation methods of PBMA and extend the above review by considering all PBMA applications since 2001. Methods Systematic literature review. Information was sought from four general medical electronic databases. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used. Results PBMA was successful in 52% of cases when success was defined in terms of the participants gaining a better understanding of the area under interest; in 65% of cases when success was defined as ‘implementation of all or some of the advisory panel's recommendations’; in 48% of the studies when success was defined in terms of disinvesting or resource reallocation; and in 22% when success was defined in terms of adopting the framework for future use. Conclusions The rate of success is clearly influenced by how success is defined. There is a need for a broadly accepted definition of success to be used when evaluating PBMA applications so to enable direct comparisons of studies. This evaluatory component needs to be adjacent to PBMA and not a separate procedure.
DART – the German strategy to fight antimicrobial resistance. Report on history and current state1
Authors: Wiegel Bernhard 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
This report outlines the German strategy to fight antimicrobial resistance consisting of ten objectives: strengthening of surveillance systems on antibiotic resistance and antibiotic consumption, systematic feedback of data on antibiotic resistance and antibiotic consumption, promoting the use of guidelines to ensure the diagnosis, promotion of training, further education and training of health professionals, pharmacists, and natural scientists, national and international cooperation, promotion of assessment measures in human medicine, promotion of knowledge transfer in the field of antibiotic resistance, as well as networking and strengthening of science in the field of antibiotic resistance. The proposed draft legislation and questions concerning sustainable maintenance of good laboratory practice and the corresponding means are addressed.
Mechanical Behavior of Natural and Recycled Granular Materials for Roads
Authors: Grégoire Colette , Correia Antonio Gomes , De Bel Régis , Dethy Bernard 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
This paper presents a study on resilient and permanent strains measured with the precision cyclic load triaxial test on a limestone aggregate (reference material) commonly used in subbase or capping layers in Belgium and on two recycled materials (steel slag and crushed concrete aggregate) also used in subbase or capping layers. The influence of stress level, water content, density, and compaction method (vibrating hammer or vibrocompaction) was analyzed. Tests with one cyclic stress level on one specimen (single stage loading) and tests with several cyclic stress levels on the same specimen (multi-stage loading) were performed, in order to evaluate the prediction capability of the multi-stage loading test. The latter test procedure is quicker and more practical. Although the permanent strains obtained by the two test procedures were different, the multi-stage loading method did indicate the trend of the long-term behavior of the material. The test results showed that in comparison with the reference material, the recycled materials, particularly the steel slag, exhibited good mechanical behavior (high stiffness, high strength, and good resistance to permanent strains) under-well controlled conditions of water content.