bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brief depressive symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder: Analysis of long-term self-reported data
Authors: Bauer Michael , Glenn Tasha , Keil Michael , Bauer Rita , Marsh Wendy , Grof Paul , Alda Martin , Sagduyu Kemal , Murray Greg , Quiroz Danilo , Baethge Christopher , Whybrow Peter C 
Published: June 2012

Objective: Most patients with bipolar disorder experience depressive symptoms outside of an episode of depression as defined by DSM-IV criteria. This study explores the frequency of brief depressive episodes, lasting 1 to 4 days, using daily self-reported mood ratings. Method: Mood ratings were obtained from 448 patients (281 bipolar I, 167 bipolar II) using ChronoRecord software (91,786 total days). Episodes of depression and days of depression outside of episodes were determined. The intensity of depressive symptoms (mild versus moderate to severe) was compared. Results: Using the DSM-IV length criteria, 61% of all depressive days occurred outside of a depressed episode. Decreasing the minimum length criterion to 2 days, both the number of patients experiencing a depressed episode (128 to 317) and the mean percent of days spent in a depressed episode by each patient (7.9% to 17.8.%) increased by about 2½ times, and 34.3% of depressed days remained outside of an episode. Depending on the episode length, the proportion of days within an episode with severe symptoms varied from ⅓ to ¼ for episodes lasting from 14 to 2 days, and ¼ for single-day episodes. There was no significant difference in the frequency of brief depressive episodes between bipolar I and II disorders. For all episode lengths, patients taking antidepressants spent 4% more days within an episode and 6% more days with depressive symptoms outside of an episode than those not taking antidepressants. Conclusion: Brief depressive episodes lasting 1 to 4 days occur frequently in bipolar disorder and do not distinguish between bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms of moderate to severe intensity occur on ¼ to ⅓ of the days in brief depressive episodes. This study did not address brief depression in those without bipolar disorder. Patients taking antidepressants experienced more brief depressive episodes. Controlled trials are needed to assess the impact of antidepressants on subsyndromal depressive symptoms.
Are long-term psychiatric patients causing more crisis consultations outside office hours in mental health care?
Authors: Dekker J , Theunissen J , Van R , Kikkert M , van der Post L , Zoeteman J , Peen J 
Published: June 2012

Background: As well as an improvement in community services, the de-institutionalization of patients receiving long-term psychiatric care can lead to marginally staffed mental health services, more homelessness, rising admission rates and more people in prison cells. It is assumed that an imbalance between community and hospital care for chronic patients puts pressure on crisis services. Aims: In this study, the central question is whether patients receiving long-term psychiatric care in Amsterdam do indeed put pressure on the city’s emergency mental health services. We compare the pressure exerted by this group with the pressure resulting from the use of these services by all registered patients. Methods: Data were taken from the client registration systems of three mental health organizations in Amsterdam in the period from 2000 to 2004. Inclusion criteria for long-term psychiatric patients were age above 19 years and uninterrupted receipt of mental health care for a minimum of two successive years. Results: Annually, 6%–8% of all non-long-term patients experienced a crisis outside office hours in the period under investigation; this was 4%–6% for long-term patients. The non-long-term patients accounted for 83% of crisis contacts outside office hours over the entire study period, with long-term patients accounting for 17%. Conclusions: The assumption that crises are more prevalent in long-term patients in the community seems to be an example of stigmatization rather than an observation based on fact.
Victimization of the severely mentally ill in Greece: The extent of the problem
Authors: Katsikidou Magdalini , Samakouri Maria , Fotiadou Maria , Arvaniti Aikaterini , Vorvolakos Theofanis , Xenitidis Kiriakos , Livaditis Miltos 
Published: June 2012

Background: In contrast to extensive research on psychiatric patients’ dangerousness, very few studies have examined their victimization. Aim: The aim of our study is to record reported victimization of seriously mentally ill outpatients in Greece and compare them with healthy controls. Method: We interviewed 150 severely mentally ill outpatients and a matched group of healthy controls using a semi-structured interview. This recorded incidents of victimization and perceived discrimination during the previous year. Logistic regression models were used to examine the influence of demographic parameters on both victimization and discrimination. Results: In this study 59.3% of patients and 46.0 % of controls ( p = .02) reported being victims of a criminal act at least once and 52.0% of patients and 24.0 % of controls ( p < .001) reported experiencing discrimination during the previous year. Patients, in comparison to controls, were more likely to report being victims of any kind of victimization (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.07–3.21), of assault/threat (OR = 4.62, 95% CI = (2.32–9.19) and of discrimination (OR = 3.34, 95% CI = (2.1–5.62). In addition, patients reported experiencing higher distress in assault/threat crime compared to controls ( p = .03). Conclusions: Patients with serious mental illness are more likely than the general population to report being victims of criminal acts and experiencing discrimination.
Characterisation of surface properties of chemical and plasma treated regenerated cellulose fabric
Authors: Peršin Zdenka , Vesel Alenka , Kleinschek Karin Stana , Mozetič Miran 
Published: June 2012

The aim of this research work was to study the surface properties and sorption characteristics of differently treated regenerated cellulose fabrics. Surface modifications of viscose, modal and lyocell samples caused by using standard chemical pre-treatment procedures were compared to an alternative activation procedure by applying low pressure oxygen plasma treatment. The elemental chemical composition of the modified fabric surfaces was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), while hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties were evaluated by determining the water contact angles, as well as thoroughly analysed using Owens–Wendt surface energy (SFE) and surface polarity investigations. Standard chemical and also plasma treatments changed the surface chemistry of cellulose. Bleaching and alkaline treatments increased the surface carboxylic acid content by approximately 4.8% while plasma treatment increased it by approximately 9.7%. As a consequence, higher hydrophilicity arises as proved by water contact angle decrease; i.e. 24% (61°) after standard chemical treatments and 70% (20°) after plasma treatment. Both chemical treatments increase the SFE and polar components, while the reduction of dispersive components was less pronounced. The oxygen activation treatment has the greatest influence on the SFEs of the samples as well as on polarity of the samples.
Dry cleaning of electroconductive layers screen printed on flexible substrates
Authors: Kazani Ilda , Hertleer Carla , De Mey Gilbert , Guxho Genti , Van Langenhove Lieva 
Published: June 2012

Smart textiles and wearable textile systems are up to now a growing research field, with a view to applications such as monitoring vital signs or environmental parameters through garments. These developments require new materials such as electroconductive textiles. As a result, research into screen printing of conductive silver inks onto textiles has emerged. In this study, screen printing is used to print four kinds of silver-based conductive inks on a flexible foam and a nonwoven substrate. The screen printing method is chosen because it is a low cost and user friendly technique to obtain flexible and lightweight conductive fabrics. For the evaluation of the electrical properties the square resistance of the printed fabrics is measured after repeated dry cleaning cycles. The printed textiles studied here show good electrical properties after printing (< 0.05 Ω/□). However, after 60 dry cleaning cycles, the conductivity decreased considerably. Consequently, in order to improve washability, a protective polyurethane layer was put on top of the printed samples. In this case, the resistivity remained below 2.3 Ω/□ after 60 dry cleaning cycles.
The Impact of Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose on a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: McAndrew Lisa M. , Napolitano Melissa A. , Pogach Leonard M. , Quigley Karen S. , Shantz Kerri Leh , Vander Veur Stephanie S. , Foster Gary D. 
Published: June 2012

Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine the association of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) to weight loss and A1C among participants in a behavioral weight loss intervention. Methods Multivariate analyses were employed to evaluate the relationship between SMBG and changes in patient weight and A1C levels. Bootstrapping was used to determine whether there was an indirect effect of SMBG on weight loss through diet adherence and an indirect effect of SMBG on A1C through weight loss. Results The relationship between increased SMBG and greater weight loss was mediated by better adherence to diet. The relationship of increased SMBG and greater reductions in A1C were mediated by greater weight loss. Conclusions Results of the study were consistent with the hypothesis that SMBG leads to an increased adherence to dietary recommendations. For patients who are taught to use their diet to lose weight, increased adherence to dietary recommendations is associated with increased weight loss and subsequently better glucose control. SMBG may be of value as an adjunctive intervention in behavioral programs for type 2 diabetes.
Sustained response to botulinum toxin in SUNCT syndrome
Authors: Zabalza Ramon J 
Published: June 2012

Introduction: Short-lasting, unilateral, neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) is a rare condition grouped in the category of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia. The syndrome is characterized by very frequent, unilateral attacks of pain in the ocular and periocular region accompanied by ipsilateral conjunctival injection and lacrimation. The aetiology is unknown, although there have been reports of cases secondary to structural lesions, and treatment is usually ineffective. Patients and Methods: We present the case of a patient diagnosed with SUNCT refractory to pharmacological treatment; duration of the SUNCT was 20 years. OnabotulinumtoxinA was infiltrated at four points around the orbit. Results: The pain showed a dramatic response to onabotulinumtoxinA infiltration. Efficacy has been maintained for 18 months with 3-monthly infiltrations, with no adverse effects. Conclusions: OnabotulinumtoxinA should be added to the limited therapeutic arsenal available for the treatment of refractory cases of SUNCT.
Recombinant adenovirus Ad-RUNrf2 reduces paraquat-induced A549 injury
Authors: Cai Q , Lu Z , Hong G , Jiang X , Wu Z , Zheng J , Song Q , Chang Z 
Published: June 2012

Objective: An RU486-inducible recombinant adenovirus-Nrf2 construct (Ad-RUNrf2) was constructed and expressed in H460 cells to determine whether Nrf2 gene expression can be regulated and to observe the effect of the adenovirus Ad-RUNrf2 on inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and apoptotic factors that mediate paraquat (PQ)-induced A549 cell injury. Methods: The Nrf2 gene within the RU486 (mifepristone)-inducible system was introduced into an adenovirus vector. A549 cells were transfected with Ad-RUNrf2, and Nrf2 expression was detected using Western blotting and real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RT-PCR, Western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used for observing the effect of RU486-induced Nrf2 expression on the inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), oxidative stress factors (catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA)) and apoptosis factors (caspase-3, caspase-9 and cytochrome C) that mediated PQ-induced A549 cell injury. Results: After infection of H460 cells by Ad-RUNrf2, RT-PCR and Western blot analyses showed that Nrf2 expression increased with additional RU486 doses. IL-6 and TNF-α protein and gene expression levels were significantly reduced, and IL-10 protein levels were significantly increased. Although IL-10 expression increased, it remained significantly lower than that of noninduced adenovirus infection and the simple virus exposure group. RU486 induced a significant reduction in MDA expression and increased CAT protein levels. Caspase-9 and caspase-3 protein and gene expression levels decreased in the RU486 induction group ( p < 0.05). Cytochrome C protein levels were not significantly reduced, but its gene expression was significantly decreased ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Ad-RUNrf2 adenovirus was successfully constructed and can be stably expressed and regulated in cells. Ad-RUNrf2 can reduce PQ-induced inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis in A549 cells.
The impact of infusion reactions associated with monoclonal antibodies in metastatic colorectal cancer: A European perspective
Authors: Chadda Shkun , Larkin Mark , Jones Clare , Sykes David , Barber Beth , Zhao Zhongyun , Gao Sue , Bengttson Nils-Olof 
Published: June 2012

Background and objectives: Published data on the clinical and economic impact of infusion reactions to monoclonal antibodies are limited. This study investigated oncologists’ and oncology nurses’ opinions about resource use associated with infusion reactions and the impact on patient management in Europe. Methods: Eighty oncologists and nurses from Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK currently treating patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were interviewed by telephone using a 27-item questionnaire developed for this study. Results: The mean estimated number of staff (physicians and nurses) involved in managing an infusion reaction was 1.97 for a grade 1, 2.35 for a grade 2, 3.6 for a grade 3 and 5.3 for a grade 4 reaction. In respondents’ experiences, most patients with grade 3 infusion reactions (73.4%) were admitted to hospital for treatment; 82.5% of those with grade 4 infusion reactions were treated in intensive care. The estimated duration of hospital treatment was 13.3 ± 29 h for a grade 3 infusion reaction, increasing to 48.1 ± 43.7 h for a grade 4 infusion reaction. Conclusions: According to respondents, management of infusion reactions led to substantial resource use, which increased with the severity of the reaction. More severe reactions also led to anxiety in patients and distress to staff.
Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS stimulates the expression of LPS-binding protein in human oral keratinocytes in vitro
Authors: Ding Pei-Hui , Wang Cun-Yu , Darveau Richard P , Jin Lijian 
Published: June 2012

LPS-binding protein (LBP) functions as a crucial molecule in innate immune responses to bacterial challenge. Our study has shown the expression of LBP in human gingiva and its significant association with periodontal health and disease. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key pathogen of periodontal disease. P. gingivalis LPS as a main virulence factor is strongly involved in periodontal pathogenesis and it displays a significant lipid A structural heterogeneity. Currently, it remains unknown whether, and to what extent, the lipid A structural heterogeneity of P. gingivalis LPS affects LBP expression. The present study investigated the expression profile of LBP in human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) stimulated by two isoforms of P. gingivalis LPS [tetra- (LPS1435/1449) and penta-acylated (LPS1690)] and Escherichia coli LPS, and the involvement of TLRs in LBP expression. The results showed that the expression of LBP mRNA and peptide was significantly up-regulated by P. gingivalis LPS1690 and E. coli LPS, while P. gingivalis LPS1435/1449 did not affect LBP expression. Blocking assay and siRNA gene silencing revealed that P. gingivalis LPS1690-induced LBP expression was through both TLR2 and TLR4. This in vitro study demonstrates that P. gingivalis LPS with a lipid A structural heterogeneity differentially modulates LBP expression in HOKs.
The consistency for estimator of nonparametric regression model based on NOD errors
Authors: Yang Wenzhi , Wang Xuejun , Wang Xinghui , Hu Shuhe 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBy using some inequalities for NOD random variables, we give its application to investigate the nonparametric regression model based on these errors. Some consistency results for the estimator ofg(x) are presented, including the mean convergence, uniform convergence, almost sure convergence and convergence rate. We generalize some related results and as an example of designed assumptions for weight functions, we give the nearest neighbor weights.AMS Mathematical Subject Classification 2000: 62G05; 62G08.
Phosphoinositide-3-kinase/akt - dependent signaling is required for maintenance of [Ca2+]i,ICa, and Ca2+ transients in HL-1 cardiomyocytes
Authors: Graves Bridget M , Simerly Thomas , Li Chuanfu , Williams David L , Wondergem Robert 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K/Akt) dependent signaling pathway plays an important role in cardiac function, specifically cardiac contractility. We have reported that sepsis decreases myocardial Akt activation, which correlates with cardiac dysfunction in sepsis. We also reported that preventing sepsis induced changes in myocardial Akt activation ameliorates cardiovascular dysfunction. In this study we investigated the role of PI3K/Akt on cardiomyocyte function by examining the role of PI3K/Akt-dependent signaling on [Ca2+]i, Ca2+ transients and membrane Ca2+ current, I
Ca, in cultured murine HL-1 cardiomyocytes. LY294002 (1–20 μM), a specific PI3K inhibitor, dramatically decreased HL-1 [Ca2+]i, Ca2+ transients and I
Ca. We also examined the effect of PI3K isoform specific inhibitors, i.e. α (PI3-kinase α inhibitor 2; 2–8 nM); β (TGX-221; 100 nM) and γ (AS-252424; 100 nM), to determine the contribution of specific isoforms to HL-1 [Ca2+]i regulation. Pharmacologic inhibition of each of the individual PI3K isoforms significantly decreased [Ca2+]i, and inhibited Ca2+ transients. Triciribine (1–20 μM), which inhibits AKT downstream of the PI3K pathway, also inhibited [Ca2+]i, and Ca2+ transients and I
Ca. We conclude that the PI3K/Akt pathway is required for normal maintenance of [Ca2+]i in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. Thus, myocardial PI3K/Akt-PKB signaling sustains [Ca2+]i required for excitation-contraction coupling in cardiomyoctyes.
Natural diterpenes from coffee, cafestol and kahweol induce apoptosis through regulation of specificity protein 1 expression in human malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Lee Kyung-Ae , Chae Jung-Il , Shim Jung-Hyun 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive cancer with a very poor prognosis. Several clinical studies such as immunotherapy, gene therapy and molecular targeting agents have been tried for treatment of malignant mesothelioma, however, there is no application for effective clinical treatment. Coffee has various biological functions such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic activities. The therapeutic activities of the bioactive compounds in coffee was sugested to influence intracellular signaling of MPM. Regarding to the cancer-related functions, In this study, suppression of Sp1 protein level followed by induction of MSTO-211H cell apoptosis by cafestol and kahweol were investigated in oreder to determine Sp1's potential as a significant target for human MPM therapy as well.

Methods
Cells were treated separately with final concentration of cafestol and kahweol and the results were analyzed by MTS assay, DAPI staining, PI staining, luciferase assay, RT-PCR, and immunoblotting.

Results
Viability of MSTO-211H and H28 cells were decreased, and apoptotic cell death was increased in MSTO-211H as a result of cafestol and kahweol treatment. Cafestol and kahweol increased Sub-G1 population and nuclear condensation in MSTO-211H cells. Roles of Sp1 in cell proliferation and apoptosis of the MSTO-211H cells by the Sp1 inhibitor of Mithramycin A were previously confirmed. Cafestol and kahweol significantly suppressed Sp1 protein levels. Kahweol slightly attenuated Sp1 mRNA, while Cafestol did not affect in MSTO-211H cells. Cafestol and kahweol modulated the promoter activity and protein expression level of the Sp1 regulatory genes including Cyclin D1, Mcl-1, and Survivin in mesothelioma cells. Apoptosis signaling cascade was activated by cleavages of Bid, Caspase-3, and PARP with cafestol and by upregulation of Bax, and downregulation of Bcl-xl by kahweol.

Conclusions
Sp1 can be a novel molecular target of cafestol and kahweol in human MPM.
Sufficient virus-neutralizing antibody in the central nerve system improves the survival of rabid rats
Authors: Liao Pi-Hung , Yang Hui-Hua , Chou Ping-Tse , Wang Ming-Hseng , Chu Po-Chun , Liu Hao-Li , Chen Li-Kuang 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Rabies is known to be lethal in human. Treatment with passive immunity for the rabies is effective only when the patients have not shown the central nerve system (CNS) signs. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a complex functional barrier that may compromise the therapeutic development in neurological diseases. The goal of this study is to determine the change of BBB integrity and to assess the therapeutic possibility of enhancing BBB permeability combined with passive immunity in the late stage of rabies virus infection.

Methods
The integrity of BBB permeability in rats was measured by quantitative ELISA for total IgG and albumin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and by exogenously applying Evans blue as a tracer. Western blotting of occludin and ZO-1, two tight junction proteins, was used to assess the molecular change of BBB structure.
The breakdown of BBB with hypertonic arabinose, recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rTNF-γ), and focused ultrasound (FUS) were used to compare the extent of BBB disruption with rabies virus infection. Specific humoral immunity was analyzed by immunofluorescent assay and rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test. Virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) 8-10E was administered to rats with hypertonic breakdown of BBB as a passive immunotherapy to prevent the death from rabies.

Results
The BBB permeability was altered on day 7 post-infection. Increased BBB permeability induced by rabies virus infection was observed primarily in the cerebellum and spinal cord. Occludin was significantly decreased in both the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. The rabies virus-specific antibody was not strongly elicited even in the presence of clinical signs. Disruption of BBB had no direct association with the lethal outcome of rabies. Passive immunotherapy with virus-neutralizing mAb 8-10E with the hypertonic breakdown of BBB prolonged the survival of rabies virus-infected rats.

Conclusions
We demonstrated that the BBB permeability was altered in a rat model with rabies virus inoculation. Delivery of neutralizing mAb to the infected site in brain combined with effective breakdown of BBB could be an aggressive but feasible therapeutic mode in rabies when the CNS infection has been established.