bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of long‐acting somatostatin analogues on adrenal growth and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate formation in experimental diabetes
Authors: Kunjara Sirilaksana , Greenbaum A. Leslie , Sochor Milena , Ali Murad , Flyvbjerg Allan , Grønbaek Henning , McLean Patricia 
Published: January 2012

SummaryAdrenal growth and increased adrenal function occur in experimental diabetes. Previously, we have shown that phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) and PRPP synthetase increased rapidly between 3 and 7 days after induction of diabetes with streptozotocin (STZ), with less marked changes in enzymes of the pentose phosphate pathway. The present study examines the earlier phase of 1–3 days following induction of diabetes, seeking to elucidate whether control of PRPP production is a result of diabetic hyperglycaemia, or to a more general re‐ordering of hormonal factors. To investigate this question, the role of insulin and two different long‐acting somatostatin analogues, Angiopeptin and Sandostatin, were used in a well‐established animal model. PRPP was chosen specifically as a target for these studies in view of its central role in nucleotide formation and nicotinamide mononucleotide synthesis via Nampt which is the rate‐limiting step in the synthesis of NAD and which has been shown to have multiple roles in cell signalling in addition to its known function in glycolysis and energy production. Treatment with the somatostatin analogues ab initio effectively abolished the adrenal growth, the increase in PRPP formation and the rise of PRPP synthetase activity in the first 7 days of diabetes, without having any significant effect on blood glucose values. This suggests that elevated glucose per se is not responsible for the diabetic adrenal hypertrophy and implies that growth factors/hormones, regulated by somatostatin analogues, play a significant role in adrenal growth processes.
Evaluation of a cognitive behavioural self‐help manual for reducing depression: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: SONGPRAKUN W. , MCCANN T. V. 
Published: January 2012

Accessible summary
The prevalence of depression has increased markedly in Thailand.
Self‐help manuals for depression are particularly helpful in people with mild to moderate depression.
Individuals who completed the self‐help manual had lower levels of depression than those in the control group.
Self‐help can be used readily by mental health nurses and other professionals to help relieve depression in people living in the community with moderate depression.
The self‐help manual is helpful for people with moderate depression in a Thai context.
AbstractThe prevalence of depression is increasing in Thailand. We used a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of a self‐help programme in reducing depression in people with depression in Chiang Mai Province in Thailand. Fifty‐six individuals diagnosed with moderate depression participated. They were assigned randomly to an intervention (n= 27) or control (n= 29) group. The intervention group were given a self‐help manual along with standard care and treatment, while the control group continued to receive standard care and treatment. Both groups were also given a short weekly telephone call. The findings showed statistically significant differences between the groups, and within the intervention group, in their depression levels. Between baseline and post‐test, a sharp decrease in depression was evident in the intervention group, whereas the level of depression increased in the control group. Between post‐test and follow‐up, a decrease was apparent in depression in both groups. However, the intervention group showed a much lower level of depression than the control group. The results support the use of bibliotherapy as an adjunct to mental health nurses' and other professionals' work in caring for people with moderate depression in the community.Trial Registration: http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12611000905965.aspx
Do hypertensive diseases of pregnancy disrupt neurocognitive development in offspring?
Authors: Whitehouse Andrew J. O. , Robinson Monique , Newnham John P. , Pennell Craig E. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryWhitehouse AJO, Robinson M, Newnham JP, Pennell CE. Do hypertensive diseases of pregnancy disrupt neurocognitive development in offspring? Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 101–108.The current study sought to determine whether hypertensive diseases of pregnancy (gestational hypertension and pre‐eclampsia) are associated with neurocognitive outcomes in middle childhood. Participants were members of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. Data were available for 1389 children (675 females; mean age = 10.59 years; SD = 0.19). Twenty‐five per cent of these participants were offspring of pregnancies complicated by either gestational hypertension (n = 279), or pre‐eclampsia (n = 34). Verbal ability at age 10 years was assessed with the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test – Revised (PPVT‐R), and non‐verbal ability with Ravens Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM). Separate multivariable regression analyses, incorporating sociodemographic, antenatal, obstetric and postnatal covariates, investigated the effect of a two‐ (normotensive pregnancy vs. hypertensive pregnancy) and three‐level (normotensive pregnancy vs. gestational hypertension vs. pre‐eclampsia) predictor variable on PPVT‐R and RCPM scores. Offspring of pregnancies complicated by maternal hypertension (gestational hypertension or pre‐eclampsia) had a mean PPVT‐R score that was 1.83 ([95% confidence interval (CI) −3.48, −0.17], P = 0.03) points lower than children from normotensive pregnancies. Multivariable regression analysis also identified a significant inverse association between the three‐level predictor variable and offspring PPVT‐R scores (P = 0.02). Gestational hypertension (without pre‐eclampsia) reduced offspring PPVT‐R scores by 1.71 points [95% CI −3.39, −0.03] and pre‐eclampsia led to a reduction of 3.53 points [95% CI −8.41, 1.35], although this latter association did not achieve statistical significance. There was no effect of the two‐ (P = 0.99) or three‐level (P = 0.92) predictor variable on RCPM scores. Maternal hypertensive diseases of pregnancy are a risk factor for a small reduction in offspring verbal ability.
Agonistic Autoantibodies to the α1‐Adrenergic Receptor and the β2‐Adrenergic Receptor in Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia
Authors: Karczewski P. , Hempel P. , Kunze R. , Bimmler M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAlthough primary causes of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia are unknown, the importance of preceding vascular lesions is widely accepted. Furthermore, there is strong evidence for the involvement of autoimmune mechanisms. Here, we report the presence of agonistic autoantibodies directed at adrenergic receptors in the circulation of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. In 59% of these patients, agonistic autoantibodies against the α1‐adrenergic receptor and the β2‐adrenergic receptor were identified. The majority of positive patients (66%) contained both types of autoantibodies in combination. In a control group of patients with neurological impairments others than Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, only 17% were found to harbour these autoantibodies. The autoantibodies to the α1‐adrenergic receptor interacted preferably with the extracellular loop1 of the receptor. They were further studied in IgG preparations from the column regenerate of a patient who underwent immunoadsorption. The α1‐adrenergic receptor autoantibodies specifically bound to the extracellular loop1 peptide of the receptor with an apparent EC50 value of 30 nm. They mobilized intracellular calcium in a clonal cell line expressing the human form of the α1‐adrenergic receptor. Our data support the notion that autoimmune mechanisms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. We suggest that agonistic autoantibodies to the α1‐adrenergic and the β2‐adrenergic receptor may contribute to vascular lesions and increased plaque formation.
Neural responses associated with cue‐reactivity in frequent cannabis users
Authors: Cousijn Janna , Goudriaan Anna E. , Ridderinkhof K. Richard , van den Brink Wim , Veltman Dick J. , Wiers Reinout W. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTCue‐reactivity reflects enhanced motivational processing underlying continued substance use and relapse in substance use disorders. Substance use disorders are associated with greater cue‐reactivity in orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, striatum, ventral tegmental area and amygdala. Here we examine whether this also holds for frequent cannabis users. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), neural responses to neutral and cannabis‐related cues were compared between frequent cannabis users (n = 31), sporadic cannabis users (n = 20) and cannabis‐naive controls (n = 21). In addition, fMRI findings were correlated with the level of cannabis use, problem severity and craving. In frequent users compared with sporadic users and controls, cannabis images engendered higher activation than control images in the ventral tegmental area. Activation of the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex and striatum was only higher in a subgroup of frequent users with high compared with low‐problem severity. Activity in the right putamen and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex correlated negatively with subjective craving in frequent users. Activity was not correlated with level of cannabis use. These findings indicate that cannabis cues activate areas associated with addiction pathology in frequent cannabis users compared with sporadic users and controls. However, among frequent users, cue‐reactivity seems to be primarily associated with problem severity, not with amount of cannabis use. These findings imply neural cue‐reactivity as a tool in assessing problem severity of cannabis use.
Operant model of frustrated expected reward in mice
Authors: Burokas Aurelijus , Gutiérrez‐Cuesta Javier , Martín‐García Elena , Maldonado Rafael 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTOne aspect of the addictive process that has not been thoroughly investigated is the consequence of the frustrated state occurring when the drug is not available. The present study aimed to validate a novel operant model of frustrated expected reward in mice. C57BL/6J mice were trained in operant conditioning maintained by chocolate‐flavoured pellets or cocaine. After the completion of high rates of responding on a progressive ratio schedule, the reward was unexpectedly withheld. The consequences of this frustrated behaviour on anxiety, aggressiveness, perseveration, extinction and reinstatement were investigated. Mice exposed to the frustrated event perseverated in the operant responses and showed increased aggressiveness in the resident—intruder test. These animals also showed higher rates of cue‐induced reinstatement of drug seeking. The present study provides a reliable operant model in mice to evaluate a frustrated state following reward unavailability. This animal model could be useful to study the behavioural and neurochemical consequences related to the emotional states generated during the omission of a highly expected reward.
Use of a Culture Medium (McCoy®), as a Method for Evaluating Bos indicus × Bos taurus Embryos
Authors: Godinez B. , Galina C. S. , Moreno‐Mendoza N. , Alarcon M. , Lammoglia M. A. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to use culture medium (McCoy®) as a test to evaluate the classification of embryos after a primary grading using stereoscopic microscopy to further confirm whether embryos have been correctly scored by stereoscopic microscopy evaluating the level of apoptosis. Forty‐six Bos indicus embryos were collected with a non‐surgical method and evaluated with stereoscopic microscopy for scoring in three categories (good, fair and poor). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed and compared between the control group (n = 14) at the onset of the experiment and in an experimental group (n = 32) after stored for 4 h in a culture medium. Embryos were processed using TUNEL and BrdU markers to determine the apoptosis and cell proliferation. Seventy‐four per cent of good quality embryos developed favourably after the 4 h of culture; 60% of fair embryos maintained their evolution, while 100% of poor quality embryos presented degenerative changes from the beginning. No statistical differences were found between the experimental and the control groups in the count of positive BrdU and apoptotic nuclei. In poor quality embryos, a higher number of apoptotic cells were found relative to good and fair embryos, both in the experimental and control groups (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the culture medium may be used for a short time as a fast, practical and non‐invasive alternative to further confirm whether embryos have been correctly scored by stereoscopic microscopy.
Anaerobic degradation of 4‐methylbenzoate via a specific 4‐methylbenzoyl‐CoA pathway
Authors: Lahme Sven , Eberlein Christian , Jarling René , Kube Michael , Boll Matthias , Wilkes Heinz , Reinhardt Richard , Rabus Ralf 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe pathway for anaerobic degradation of 4‐methylbenzoate was studied in the denitrifying alphaproteobacterium Magnetospirillum sp. strain pMbN1. Adaptation studies with whole cells indicated substrate‐dependent induction of the capacity to degrade 4‐methylbenzoate. Differential protein profiling (2D‐DIGE) of 4‐methylbenzoate‐ in comparison with benzoate‐ or succinate‐adapted cells revealed the specific abundance increase of substrate‐specific protein sets. Their coding genes form distinct clusters on the genome, two of which were assigned to 4‐methylbenzoate and one to benzoate degradation. The predicted functions of the gene products agree with a specific 4‐methylbenzoyl‐CoA degradation pathway in addition to and analogous to the known anaerobic benzoyl‐CoA degradation pathway. In vitro benzoyl‐CoA and 4‐methylbenzoyl‐CoA reductase activities revealed the electron donor and ATP‐dependent formation of the corresponding conjugated cyclic dienoyl‐CoA/4‐methyl‐dienoyl‐CoA products. The 4‐methylbenzoyl‐CoA reductase activity was induced in the presence of 4‐methylbenzoate. In accordance, metabolite analysis of cultures grown with 4‐methylbenzoate tentatively identified 4‐methylcyclohex‐1,5‐diene‐1‐carboxylate. The 4‐methylbenzoate induced genes were assigned to code for the putative 4‐methylbenzoyl‐CoA reductase; their products display pronounced sequence disparity from the conventional class I benzoyl‐CoA reductase, which does not accept substituents at the para‐position. Identification of 3‐methylglutarate together with the formation of specific proteins for ring cleavage and β‐oxidation in 4‐methylbenzoate‐adapted cells suggest conservation of the methyl group along the specific 4‐methylbenzoyl‐CoA degradation pathway.
Board Structure and Survival of New Economy IPO Firms
Authors: Chancharat Nongnit , Krishnamurti Chandrasekhar , Tian Gary 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: This study examines the relevance of currently accepted best practice recommendations regarding board structure on the survival likelihood of new economy initial public offering companies. We argue that industry context determines governance outcomes.Research Findings/Insights: We study 125 Australian new economy firms listed between 1994 and 2002. Each firm is tracked until the end of 2007 for monitoring their survival. We find that board independence is associated with an increase in the likelihood of corporate survival. We also find that the benefits of board independence increase at a decreasing rate.Theoretical/Academic Implications: The standard best practice recommendation of board independence stems from the monitoring role of directors and is based on agency theory. The results from our study suggest that the recommendation regarding board independence does not work well for new economy firms. While the agency theory based model implies a monotonic relation between board independence and performance, our research suggests that the relationship is nonlinear. This variation occurs because of increased monitoring costs faced by outsiders due to higher information asymmetry and complexity of new economy firms. Our empirical results suggest that inside directors play a complementary role to outsiders in mitigating firm failure.Practitioner/Policy Implications: Our research offers insights to policy makers who are interested in setting best practice standards regarding board structure. Our research suggests that firm/industry characteristics play a crucial role in determining the optimal board structure. In firms/industries where outsiders face significantly higher information processing costs, insiders can play a valuable complementary role to outsiders in enhancing the effectiveness of the board. Thus future hard or soft regulations related to board structure should consider industry context.
Introducing social insurance for long‐term care in Taiwan: Key issues
Authors: Nadash Pamela , Shih Yao‐Chi 
Published: January 2012

Nadash P, Shih Y.‐C. Introducing social insurance for long‐term care in Taiwan: Key issuesTaiwan will shortly complete its comprehensive social safety net, which includes national health insurance, retirement security, and unemployment insurance, by introducing long‐term care (LTC) insurance – putting it ahead of the many countries that rely on a patchwork of policies to address the need for LTC. The program, to be implemented in 3 to 5 years, will cover all citizens on a primarily social insurance basis. The range of LTC policy options considered is discussed, particularly how to structure the program, how to finance and regulate it, and how to develop its inadequate LTC infrastructure and workforce. Particularly thorny issues include the choice of social insurance, the feasibility of cash benefits, and how to address Taiwan's heavy reliance on foreign workers. Taiwan's increasingly democratic character, along with high levels of public support for the program, creates significant pressure on politicians to deliver on their promises to implement LTC reform.Key Practitioner Message: •Emphasizes the importance of policy learning from other environments; •Highlights the need for a strong regulatory and provider infrastructure for delivering long‐term care services; •Emphasizes the need for training, support, and appropriate regulation of the long‐term care workforce.
Advances in Biometric Encryption: Taking Privacy by Design from Academic Research to Deployment
Authors: Cavoukian Ann , Chibba Michelle , Stoianov Alex 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAn organization should address ethical issues including privacy before deploying biometric systems. Threats to informational privacy rights related to potential data misuse, function creep, and the data linkage of personal information contained in diverse databases makes possible such unintended consequences as surveillance, profiling, and discrimination. Unlike passwords, biometric data are unique, irrevocable, and variable. Biometric encryption (BE) is highlighted as a prominent example of Privacy by Design, where privacy is embedded as a core functionality in the biometric system. BE binds a digital key to (or extracts the key from) the biometrics. Earlier technical challenges to this new technology, as well as recent advances, are presented. Lastly, an overview is provided of an application using facial recognition (FR) in a watch list scenario, known to be the first and largest successful deployment of BE using FR, in a casino context.
Cash at Your Fingertips: Biometric Technology for Transfers in Developing Countries*
Authors: Gelb Alan , Decker Caroline 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn recent years, interest has soared in the development potential of well‐designed cash transfer programs. One particular application is the use of transfers by resource‐rich countries (as recently initiated by Iran) to distribute rents across their populations. An emerging body of research suggests that the development impact of such programs tends to be positive and that, especially when received by poor individuals or households, they can unlock constraints on economic activities, allowing a further increase in income. This paper considers the use of biometric technology to underpin transfer programs and how new technology is opening up possibilities for effective transfer programs that, up to now, have only been a theoretical option in the institutional conditions that prevail in many developing countries. Once implemented, biometric identification systems can be used to support a wide range of other development initiatives including banking, voting, health care, and general identification systems. The paper reviews some of the programs using these technologies and how it is enabling poor countries to leapfrog rich ones in the area of identity, much as the cellphone revolution did in the area of communications.
Analysis of molecular mechanisms and anti‐tumoural effects of zoledronic acid in breast cancer cells
Authors: Insalaco Lavinia , Gaudio Francesca Di , Terrasi Marianna , Amodeo Valeria , Caruso Stefano , Corsini Lidia Rita , Fanale Daniele , Margarese Naomi , Santini Daniele , Bazan Viviana , Russo Antonio 
Published: January 2012

AbstractZoledronic acid (ZOL) is the most potent nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonate (N‐BPs) that strongly binds to bone mineral and acts as a powerful inhibitor of bone resorption, already clinically available for the treatment of patients with osteolytic metastases. Recent data also suggest that ZOL, used in breast cancer, may provide more than just supportive care modifying the course of the disease, though the possible molecular mechanism of action is still unclear.As breast cancer is one of the primary tumours with high propensity to metastasize to the bone, we investigated, for the first time, differential gene expression profile on Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 (MCF‐7) breast cancer cells treated with low doses of ZOL (10 μM). Microarrays analysis was used to identify, describe and summarize evidence regarding the molecular basis of actions of ZOL and of their possible direct anti‐tumour effects. We validated gene expression results of specific transcripts involved in major cellular process by Real Time and Western Blot analysis and we observed inhibition of proliferation and migration through 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Matrigel assay. We then focused on changes in the cytoskeletal components as fibronectin 1 (FN1), actin, and anti angiogenic compounds as transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and thrombospondin 1 (THBS1). The up‐regulation of these products may have an important role in inhibiting proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis mediated by ZOL.
Nano‐regenerative medicine towards clinical outcome of stem cell and tissue engineering in humans
Authors: Arora Pooja , Sindhu Annu , Dilbaghi Neeraj , Chaudhury Ashok , Rajakumar Govindasamy , Rahuman Abdul Abdul 
Published: January 2012

AbstractNanotechnology is a fast growing area of research that aims to create nanomaterials or nanostructures development in stem cell and tissue‐based therapies. Concepts and discoveries from the fields of bio nano research provide exciting opportunities of using stem cells for regeneration of tissues and organs. The application of nanotechnology to stem‐cell biology would be able to address the challenges of disease therapeutics. This review covers the potential of nanotechnology approaches towards regenerative medicine. Furthermore, it focuses on current aspects of stem‐ and tissue‐cell engineering. The magnetic nanoparticles‐based applications in stem‐cell research open new frontiers in cell and tissue engineering.