bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein C‐III as a Potential Modulator of the Association Between HDL‐Cholesterol and Incident Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Jensen Majken K. , Rimm Eric B. , Furtado Jeremy D. , Sacks Frank M. 
Published: April 2012

Background
High‐density lipoproteins (HDL) are structurally and metabolically heterogeneous and subclasses with differential effects on coronary heart disease (CHD) might exist. Apolipoprotein (apo) C‐III, a small proinflammatory protein that resides on the surface of lipoproteins, enhances the atherogenicity of VLDL and LDL particles, but little is known about the role apoC‐III on HDL. We investigated whether the presence or absence of apoC‐III differentiates HDL into subtypes with nonprotective or protective associations with risk of future CHD.

Methods and Results

High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels were measured in plasma separated according to apoC‐III (by immunoaffinity chromatography) in two prospective case‐control studies nested within the Nurses’ Health and the Health Professionals Follow‐Up Studies. Baseline was in 1990 and 1994, and 634 incident CHD cases were documented through 10 to 14 years of follow‐up. The relative risk of CHD per each standard deviation of total HDL‐C was 0.78 (95% confidence intervals, 0.63–0.96). The HDL‐C subtypes were differentially associated with risk of CHD, HDL‐C without apoC‐III inversely and HDL‐C with apoC‐III directly (
P
=0.02 for a difference between the HDL types). The relative risk per standard deviation of HDL‐C without apoC‐III was 0.66 (0.53 to 0.93) and 1.18 (1.03 to 1.34) for HDL‐C with apoC‐III. HDL‐C with apoC‐III comprised ~13% of the total HDL‐C. Adjustment for triglycerides and apoB attenuated the risks; however, the two HDL‐C subgroups remained differentially associated with risk of CHD (
P
=0.05).

Conclusion

Separating HDL‐C according to apoC‐III identified two types of HDL with opposing associations with risk of CHD. The proatherogenic effects of apoC‐III, as a component of VLDL and LDL, may extend to HDL.

(
J Am Heart Assoc
. 2012;1:jah3‐e000232 doi

:
10.1161/JAHA.111.000232
.)
Resource Utilization Reduction for Evaluation of Chest Pain in Pediatrics Using a Novel Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan (SCAMP)
Authors: Verghese George R. , Friedman Kevin G. , Rathod Rahul H. , Meiri Amir , Saleeb Susan F. , Graham Dionne A. , Geggel Robert L. , Fulton David R. 
Published: April 2012

Background
Chest pain is a common reason for referral to pediatric cardiologists. Although pediatric chest pain is rarely attributable to serious cardiac pathology, extensive and costly evaluation is often performed. We have implemented a standardized approach to pediatric chest pain in our pediatric cardiology clinics as part of a broader quality improvement initiative termed Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs). In this study, we evaluate the impact of a SCAMP for chest pain on practice variation and resource utilization.

Methods and Results

We compared demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and cardiac testing in a historical cohort (n=406) of patients presenting to our outpatient division for initial evaluation of chest pain in the most recent pre‐SCAMP calendar year (2009) to patients enrolled in the chest pain SCAMP (n=364). Demographic variables including age at presentation, sex, and clinical characteristics were similar between groups. Adherence to the SCAMP algorithm for echocardiography was 84%. Practice variation decreased significantly after implementation of the SCAMP (
P
<0.001). The number of exercise stress tests obtained was significantly lower in the SCAM
P
‐enrolled patients compared with the historic cohort (~3% of patients versus 29%, respectively;
P
<0.001). Similarly, there was a 66% decrease in utilization of Holter monitors and 75% decrease in the use of long‐term event monitors after implementation of the chest pain SCAMP (
P
=0.003 and
P
<0.001, respectively). The number of echocardiograms obtained was similar between groups.

Conclusions

Implementation of a SCAMP for evaluation of pediatric chest pain has lead to a decrease in practice variation and resource utilization.

(
J Am Heart Assoc
. 2012;1:jah3‐e000349 doi

:
10.1161/JAHA.111.000349
.)
Bordering on bipolar: The overlap between borderline personality and bipolarity
Authors: Coulston Carissa M , Tanious Michelle , Mulder Roger T , Porter Richard J , Malhi Gin S 
Published: April 2012

Objective: There is much debate over whether borderline personality disorder (BPD) belongs to the bipolar spectrum. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) in BPD patients, and conversely, BPD in BD patients is common, indicating prevalent co-morbidity, as well as potential misdiagnosis in either group. BD and BPD are often indistinguishable given the core characteristics of emotional dysregulation and impulsivity that feature in both. However, it may be argued that the manifestation of these characteristics in the two groups is different, and that the symptoms are driven by distinct aetiological factors. The primary objective of this paper was to examine where potential areas of discrimination lie between BD and BPD. Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and PubMed databases to identify studies that have researched BD and BPD across the recognised domains of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, childhood trauma, and their putative neurobiological substrates. Results: Research comparing BD and BPD patients on self-report measures is limited, and no studies have examined their neurobiological underpinnings in the same design. One possible differentiating variable is childhood trauma which shapes the circumstances in which emotional dysregulation and impulsivity are triggered, the types of behaviours exhibited, and the frequency and duration of mood states. There is growing evidence that childhood trauma not only predisposes individuals to both disorders, but also modulates the clinical expression and course of bipolar illness, particularly rapid cycling BD, a form of bipolarity that resembles the clinical profile of BPD, yet presents quite distinctly from other BD subtypes. Conclusions: This paper provides an overview of BD and BPD with respect to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, childhood factors, and neurobiological substrates. Based on findings predominantly within the independent areas of BD and BPD, it tentatively provides an integrated behavioural, aetiological and neurobiological approach for investigating the question of whether BPD belongs to the bipolar spectrum.
Nonexplicit Change Detection in Complex Dynamic Settings
Authors: Vachon François , Vallières Benoît R. , Jones Dylan M. , Tremblay Sébastien 
Published: April 2012

Objective: We employed a computer-controlled command-and-control (C2) simulation and recorded eye movements to examine the extent and nature of the inability to detect critical changes in dynamic displays when change detection is implicit (i.e., requires no explicit report) to the operator’s task. Background: Change blindness—the failure to notice significant changes to a visual scene—may have dire consequences on performance in C2 and surveillance operations. Method: Participants performed a radar-based risk-assessment task involving multiple subtasks. Although participants were not required to explicitly report critical changes to the operational display, change detection was critical in informing decision making. Participants’ eye movements were used as an index of visual attention across the display. Results: Nonfixated (i.e., unattended) changes were more likely to be missed than were fixated (i.e., attended) changes, supporting the idea that focused attention is necessary for conscious change detection. The finding of significant pupil dilation for changes undetected but fixated suggests that attended changes can nonetheless be missed because of a failure of attentional processes. Conclusion: Change blindness in complex dynamic displays takes the form of failures in establishing task-appropriate patterns of attentional allocation. Application: These findings have implications in the design of change-detection support tools for dynamic displays and work procedure in C2 and surveillance.
Development and preliminary validation of a measure of social inclusion for use in people with mental health problems: The SInQUE
Authors: Mezey Gillian , White Sarah , Thachil Ajoy , Berg Rachel , Kallumparam Sen , Nasiruddin Omar , Wright Christine , Killaspy Helen 
Published: April 2012

Background: Social exclusion can be both a cause and a consequence of mental health problems. Socially inclusive practice by mental health professionals can mitigate against the stigmatizing and excluding effects of severe mental illness. Aim: To develop and test the validity of a measure of social inclusion for individuals with severe mental illness – the Social Inclusion Questionnaire User Experience (SInQUE). Method: The domains of the SInQUE were chosen to reflect the domains of social inclusion identified in the Poverty and Social Exclusion Survey. Patients with severe mental illness were recruited from rehabilitation, general and forensic psychiatric services and were asked to complete the questionnaire in an individual interview with a researcher. Results: Sixty six patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder completed the SInQUE, alongside measures of psychiatric symptoms, needs and quality of life, to assess its acceptability, and concurrent and construct (convergent and discriminant) validity. The SInQUE took 45 minutes to complete and was found to have good concurrent and discriminant validity. Convergent validity was established for two domains: social integration and productivity. Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that the SInQUE may be a useful tool for assessing and monitoring social inclusion in individuals with severe mental illness. It has construct and concurrent validity with measures of unmet need and quality of life in this group. Further testing of the reliability of the SInQUE on a larger population is indicated.
Mindful of the gaps: enhancing psychiatry training through a trainee workshop
Authors: Wand Anne , Maheshwari Rajesh , Holton Matthew 
Published: April 2012

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop and pilot a workshop for basic trainees in psychiatry to address perceived gaps in the specialist training program and to foster a culture of mentorship. Methods: A literature review and consultations with clinicians and managers determined interest in the workshop, preferences for content, and feasibility. Six psychiatrists met on several occasions to plan the workshop. Supervisors were surveyed prior to the workshop to ascertain their perceptions of their trainees’ knowledge of particular topics and the content of supervision. Registrar self-evaluations and knowledge were assessed before and after the workshop. Results: Twenty-four registrars attended the first session of the workshop and 22 the second. Following the workshop, self-ratings of knowledge and confidence of trainees in topics including risk assessment and duty of care were significantly better. Registrars rated the program highly for collegiate interactions, format, originality and usefulness. Supervisors identified weaknesses in trainee knowledge corresponding to workshop topics. Conclusions: Trainee self-evaluations of key aspects of clinical psychiatry improved significantly after the workshop. The development process described here for implementing a service-based initiative in psychiatry trainee education tailored to local needs may be transferable to other services.
Patterns of mental health service contact before and after forensic mental health contact in New Zealand
Authors: Cavney James , Skipworth Jeremy , Madell Dominic , McKenna Brian 
Published: April 2012

Objective: To describe patterns of mental health service contact before and after contact with a regional forensic mental health service (FMHS) to assist regional mental health service planning. Method: All new referrals to Auckland Regional FMHS in 2006 were audited for contact with mental health services in the three years before and three years after their contact in 2006. Results: A total of 925 identified individuals were referred to the Auckland Regional FMHS in 2006, predominantly through the court (81%) or prison (17%). In the preceding three years, 30.2% of these service users had no mental health service contact, 41.4% had general adult mental health service (GAMHS) contact alone, 22.6% had both FMHS and GAMHS contact, and 5.8% had FMHS contact alone. In the three years after 2006, 13.4% had no further contact with either FMHS or GAMHS, 20.3% had GAMHS contact alone, 51.2% of the sample had contact with both FMHS and GAMHS, and 15% had only FMHS contact. Conclusions: The service utilization patterns of this population support the establishment of strong links between GAMHS and FMHS in courts and prisons. Further research is needed to determine the specific models most likely to improve clinical outcomes.
HK Fry: an early contributor to Australian psychiatry
Authors: Goldney Robert 
Published: April 2012

Objective: To examine the contribution of HK Fry to early Australian psychiatry. Method: A brief biographical review and an examination of Fry’s published work. Results: Fry provided not only insightful research in to what he described as ‘Aboriginal mentality’, but he also promoted a consideration of psychological factors in general medical therapeutics. Conclusion: HK Fry warrants recognition as a significant contributor in the history of Australian psychiatry.
State monopoly of ‘permitted violation of human rights’: The decision of the Supreme Court of Israel prohibiting the private operation and management of prisons
Authors: Harding Richard 
Published: April 2012

The emergence of private sector management of state prisons over the last 30 years has been controversial. It has been strongly argued that the administration of prisons is a core state function that, morally, should not be delegated. Proponents of this view contend that the State should directly manage its prisons even if it could be demonstrated that the privately managed prisons are superior to publicly managed prisons in achieving positive correctional outcomes or having less repressive regimes or being more sensitive to human rights. Hitherto, this strongly argued moral position has not been directly tested by litigation. In the case described in this article, a challenge to the proposed privatization of an Israel prison was challenged in the Israel Supreme Court. The challenge hinged on the meaning of the Basic Law of Israel which, it was argued, created a super-legislative constitutional right for prisoners to serve their sentences under the direct management of the State. The Supreme Court upheld this argument, in effect accepting that imprisonment is a core state function. It stated that all imprisonment per se contravenes Basic Law provisions relating to life, personal liberty and human dignity. To serve a sentence in a privately managed prison would be a further contravention of the Basic Law. Accordingly, the State should have a monopoly of ‘permitted violation of human rights’. The article discusses the implications of this decision both within the domestic context of Israel’s imprisonment standards and from the point of view of whether the decision has wider significance for the growth of private management of prisons in other jurisdictions.
Unraveling the influence of endothelial cell density on VEGF-A signaling
Authors: Napione Lucia , Pavan Simona , Veglio Andrea , Picco Andrea , Boffetta Guido , Celani Antonio , Seano Giorgio , Primo Luca , Gamba Andrea , Bussolino Federico 
Published: April 2012

AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) is the master determinant for the activation of the angiogenic program leading to the formation of new blood vessels to sustain solid tumor growth and metastasis. VEGF specific binding to VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) triggers different signaling pathways, including phospholipase C-γ (PLC-γ) and Akt cascades, crucial for endothelial proliferation, permeability, and survival. By combining biologic experiments, theoretical insights, and mathematical modeling, we found that: (1) cell density influences VEGFR-2 protein level, as receptor number is 2-fold higher in long-confluent than in sparse cells; (2) cell density affects VEGFR-2 activation by reducing its affinity for VEGF in long-confluent cells; (3) despite reduced ligand-receptor affinity, high VEGF concentrations provide long-confluent cells with a larger amount of active receptors; (4) PLC-γ and Akt are not directly sensitive to cell density but simply transduce downstream the upstream difference in VEGFR-2 protein level and activation; and (5) the mathematical model correctly predicts the existence of at least one protein tyrosine phosphatase directly targeting PLC-γ and counteracting the receptor-mediated signal. Our data-based mathematical model quantitatively describes VEGF signaling in quiescent and angiogenic endothelium and is suitable to identify new molecular determinants and therapeutic targets.
Quantitative assessment of sensing and sequestration of spherocytic erythrocytes by the human spleen
Authors: Safeukui Innocent , Buffet Pierre A. , Deplaine Guillaume , Perrot Sylvie , Brousse Valentine , Ndour Alioune , Nguyen Marie , Mercereau-Puijalon Odile , David Peter H. , Milon Geneviève , Mohandas Narla 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSplenic sequestration of RBCs with reduced surface area and cellular deformability has long been recognized as contributing to pathogenesis of several RBC disorders, including hereditary spherocytosis. However, the quantitative relationship between the extent of surface area loss and splenic entrapment remains to be defined. To address this issue, in the present study, we perfused ex vivo normal human spleens with RBCs displaying various degrees of surface area loss and monitored the kinetics of their splenic retention. Treatment with increasing concentrations of lysophosphatidylcholine resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of RBC surface area at constant volume, increased osmotic fragility, and decreased deformability. The degree of splenic retention of treated RBCs increased with increasing surface area loss. RBCs with a > 18% average surface area loss (> 27% reduced surface area-to-volume ratio) were rapidly and completely entrapped in the spleen. Surface-deficient RBCs appeared to undergo volume loss after repeated passages through the spleen and escape from splenic retention. The results of the present study for the first time define the critical extent of surface area loss leading to splenic entrapment and identify an adaptive volume regulation mechanism that allows spherocytic RBCs to prolong their life span in circulation. These results have significant implications for understanding the clinical heterogeneity of RBC membrane disorders.
Relationship between body composition, inflammation and lung function in overweight and obese asthma
Authors: Scott Hayley A , Gibson Peter G , Garg Manohar L , Pretto Jeffrey J , Morgan Philip J , Callister Robin , Wood Lisa G 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
The obese-asthma phenotype is not well defined. The aim of this study was to examine both mechanical and inflammatory influences, by comparing lung function with body composition and airway inflammation in overweight and obese asthma.

Methods
Overweight and obese (BMI 28-40 kg/m2) adults with asthma (n = 44) completed lung function assessment and underwent full-body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Venous blood samples and induced sputum were analysed for inflammatory markers.

Results
In females, android and thoracic fat tissue and total body lean tissue were inversely correlated with expiratory reserve volume (ERV). Conversely in males, fat tissue was not correlated with lung function, however there was a positive association between android and thoracic lean tissue and ERV. Lower body (gynoid and leg) lean tissue was positively associated with sputum %neutrophils in females, while leptin was positively associated with android and thoracic fat tissue in males.

Conclusions
This study suggests that both body composition and inflammation independently affect lung function, with distinct differences between males and females. Lean tissue exacerbates the obese-asthma phenotype in females and the mechanism responsible for this finding warrants further investigation.
A quadruple mutant of Arabidopsis reveals a β-carotene hydroxylation activity for LUT1/CYP97C1 and a regulatory role of xanthophylls on determination of the PSI/PSII ratio
Authors: Fiore Alessia , Dall'Osto Luca , Cazzaniga Stefano , Diretto Gianfranco , Giuliano Giovanni , Bassi Roberto 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Xanthophylls are oxygenated carotenoids playing an essential role as structural components of the photosynthetic apparatus. Xanthophylls contribute to the assembly and stability of light-harvesting complex, to light absorbance and to photoprotection. The first step in xanthophyll biosynthesis from α- and β-carotene is the hydroxylation of ε- and β-rings, performed by both non-heme iron oxygenases (CHY1, CHY2) and P450 cytochromes (LUT1/CYP97C1, LUT5/CYP97A3). The Arabidopsis triple chy1chy2lut5 mutant is almost completely depleted in β-xanthophylls.

Results
Here we report on the quadruple chy1chy2lut2lut5 mutant, additionally carrying the lut2 mutation (affecting lycopene ε-cyclase). This genotype lacks lutein and yet it shows a compensatory increase in β-xanthophylls with respect to chy1chy2lut5 mutant. Mutant plants show an even stronger photosensitivity than chy1chy2lut5, a complete lack of qE, the rapidly reversible component of non-photochemical quenching, and a peculiar organization of the pigment binding complexes into thylakoids. Biochemical analysis reveals that the chy1chy2lut2lut5 mutant is depleted in Lhcb subunits and is specifically affected in Photosystem I function, showing a deficiency in PSI-LHCI supercomplexes. Moreover, by analyzing a series of single, double, triple and quadruple Arabidopsis mutants in xanthophyll biosynthesis, we show a hitherto undescribed correlation between xanthophyll levels and the PSI-PSII ratio. The decrease in the xanthophyll/carotenoid ratio causes a proportional decrease in the LHCII and PSI core levels with respect to PSII.

Conclusions
The physiological and biochemical phenotype of the chy1chy2lut2lut5 mutant shows that (i) LUT1/CYP97C1 protein reveals a major β-carotene hydroxylase activity in vivo when depleted in its preferred substrate α-carotene; (ii) xanthophylls are needed for normal level of Photosystem I and LHCII accumulation.
A composition and size controllable approach for Au-Ag alloy nanoparticles
Authors: Sun Li , Luan Weiling , Shan Yue Jin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA capillary micro-reaction was established for the synthesis of Au-Ag alloy nanoparticles (NPs) with a flexible and controllable composition and grain size by tuning the synthesis temperature, the residence time, or the mole ratio of Au3+:Ag+. By extending the residence time from 5 to 900 s, enhancing the temperature from 120°C to 160°C, or decreasing the mole ratio of Au3+:Ag+from 1:1 to 1:20, the composition of samples was changed continuously from Au-rich to Ag-rich. The particles became large with the increase of the residence time; however, synthesis temperatures showed less effect on the particle size change. The particle size of the Au-Ag alloy NPs with various composition could be kept by adjusting the mole ratio of Au3+:Ag+. TEM observation displayed that the as-obtained NPs were sphere-like with the smallest average size of 4.0 nm, which is half of those obtained by the traditional flask method.