bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In‐Situ Observation of Nucleation and Growth of PbSe Magic‐Sized Nanoclusters and Regular Nanocrystals
Authors: Yu Kui , Ouyang Jianying , Leek Donald M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn‐situ observation of the temporal evolution of the absorption of PbSe nanocrystals (NCs) via a low‐temperature noninjection approach is presented. Based on a model reaction of lead oleate (Pb(OA)2) and n‐trioctylphosphine selenide (TOPSe) in 1‐octadecene at 35–80 °C, the use of commercially available TOP (90 or 97%) in affecting the formation of the NCs is explored. TOPSe solutions made from TOP 90% exhibited higher reactivity than those made from TOP 97%. 31P NMR spectroscopy detected no dioctylphosphine selenide (DOPSe) but some DOP in ≈1.0 M TOPSe/TOP solution (made from TOP 90%), as well as no diphenylphosphine selenide (DPPSe) when DPP was added to the ≈1.0 M solution. Hence, it is proposed that, for the formation of PbSe monomers, an indirect pathway dominates with the formation of a Pb–P complex/intermediate, which results from the activation of Pb(OA)2 by a phosphine compound (such as DPP, DOP, or TOP) and in turn reacts with TOPSe. With the use of TOP 90% and the addition of secondary phosphine DPP, the formation of PbSe magic‐sized nanoclusters (MSNCs) and regular NCs (RNCs) is investigated. With proper tuning of the synthesis conditions, the formation of various PbSe MSNCs versus RNCs is monitored in situ with versus without the addition of DPP, or at different reaction temperatures but otherwise identical synthetic formulation and reaction parameters. Accordingly, the degree of supersaturation (DS) of the PbSe monomer affecting the development of these PbSe MSNCs versus RNCs is proposed; the higher the DS, the more the MSNCs are favored. Also, surface‐determined cluster–cluster aggregation is proposed to be the growth mechanism for both the RNCs and MSNCs. For the former, quantized growth is followed by continuous growth. For the latter, the sizes of the magic‐sized families are calculated.
Vaginal micronized progesterone and risk of preterm delivery in high‐risk twin pregnancies: secondary analysis of a placebo‐controlled randomized trial and meta‐analysis
Authors: Klein K. , Rode L. , Nicolaides K. H. , Krampl‐Bettelheim E. , Tabor A. ,   for the PREDICT Group
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectivesProgesterone treatment reduces the risk of preterm delivery in high‐risk singleton pregnancies. Our aim was to evaluate the preventive effect of vaginal progesterone in high‐risk twins.MethodsThis was a subanalysis of a Danish‐Austrian, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial (PREDICT study), in which women with twin pregnancies were randomized to daily treatment with progesterone or placebo pessaries from 20–24 weeks until 34 weeks' gestation. This subpopulation consisted of high‐risk pregnancies, defined by the finding of cervical length ≤ 10th centile at 20–24 weeks' gestation or history of either spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks or miscarriage after 12 weeks. Primary outcome was delivery before 34 weeks. Secondary outcomes were complications for infants including long‐term follow‐up by Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) at 6 and 18 months of age.ResultsIn 72 (10.6%) of the 677 women participating in the PREDICT study, the pregnancy was considered to be high‐risk, including 47 with cervical length ≤ 10th centile, 28 with a history of preterm delivery or late miscarriage and three fulfilling both criteria. Baseline characteristics for progesterone and placebo groups were similar. Mean gestational age at delivery did not differ significantly between the two groups either in patients with a short cervix (34.3 ± 4.1 vs 34.5 ± 3.0 weeks, P = 0.87) or in those with a history of preterm delivery or late miscarriage (34.6 ± 4.2 vs 35.2 ± 2.7 weeks, P = 0.62). Similarly, there were no significant differences between the treatment groups in maternal or neonatal complications and mean ASQ score at 6 and 18 months of age.ConclusionIn high‐risk twin pregnancies, progesterone treatment does not significantly improve outcome. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Viruses and microRNAs: a toolbox for systematic analysis
Authors: Lieber Diana , Haas Jürgen 
Published: July 2011

AbstractRNA silencing is emerging as a novel layer of regulation of virus–host interaction. Since individual small RNAs can probably repress dozens if not hundreds of target mRNA molecules, and transcripts, on the other hand, may be recognized by multiple regulatory small RNAs, a dense and complex interaction network of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their targets arises. A comprehensive analysis of miRNA functions thus not only requires systematic approaches employing high‐throughput technologies but also calls for the development of improved experimental technologies and a profound bioinformatic analysis. Integration of complementary approaches will enhance our understanding of the mutual regulation of virus and host. Focusing on herpesviruses, we here describe currently available technologies and summarize present results obtained by high‐throughput approaches. These techniques can be broadly applied to other virus families and pathways employing other classes of small regulatory RNAs and therefore are powerful universal tools for research on virus–host interaction. WIREs RNA 2011 2 787–801 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.92This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > RNAi: Mechanisms of Action
RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico
RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in Cells
Seroprevalence of toxocariasis in hypereosinophilic individuals in Ahwaz, south-western Iran
Authors: Maraghi S. , Rafiei A. , Hajihossein R. , Sadjjadi S. M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractEosinophilia in human peripheral blood is caused by different agents, including toxocariasis. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of toxocariasis in hypereosinophilic individuals in the city of Ahwaz, located in south-western Iran, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot techniques. Serum samples were examined from 100 individuals with peripheral blood eosinophilia and also from another 100 individuals without eosinophilia as the control group. In hypereosinophilic individuals seroprevalence antibodies againstToxocarawere found in 19 (19%), of whom 12 (63.15%) were female and 7 (36.85%) were male. Positive sera were subsequently confirmed by Western blot. All of the observed bands ranged from 24 to 100 kDa. Antibodies againstToxocarawere found in 1% of the control group, but were not confirmed by Western blot. The results showed significant differences between the frequency of infection within age and gender (P < 0.05); the highest prevalence of infection was observed in adults. Differences between the hypereosinophilic and healthy individuals, in terms ofToxocarainfection frequency, also proved significant (P < 0.05).The present study thus confirmed the significant prevalence of toxocariasis as a hygienic problem among hypereosinophilic individuals in this area. It is, therefore, necessary to examine these individuals for toxocariasis.
First-episode psychosis is characterized by failure of deactivation but not by hypo- or hyperfrontality
Authors: Guerrero-Pedraza A. , McKenna P. J. , Gomar J. J. , Sarró S. , Salvador R. , Amann B. , Carrión M. I. , Landin-Romero R. , Blanch J. , Pomarol-Clotet E. 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundIt is not known whether first-episode psychosis is characterized by the same prefrontal cortex functional imaging abnormalities as chronic schizophrenia.MethodThirty patients with a first episode of non-affective functional psychosis and 28 healthy controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during performance of the n-back working memory task. Voxel-based analyses of brain activations and deactivations were carried out and compared between groups. The connectivity of regions of significant difference between the patients and controls was also examined.ResultsThe first-episode patients did not show significant prefrontal hypo- or hyperactivation compared to controls. However, they showed failure of deactivation in the medial frontal cortex. This area showed high levels of connectivity with the posterior cingulate gyrus/precuneus and parts of the parietal cortex bilaterally. Failure of deactivation was significantly greater in first-episode patients who had or went on to acquire a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia than in those who did not, and in those who met RDC criteria for schizophrenia compared to those who did not.ConclusionsFirst-episode psychosis is not characterized by hypo- or hyperfrontality but instead by a failure of deactivation in the medial frontal cortex. The location and connectivity of this area suggest that it is part of the default mode network. The failure of deactivation seems to be particularly marked in first-episode patients who have, or progress to, schizophrenia.
‘God told me to do it’: sceptical theism and perceiving God
Authors: SEIGAL JOSHUA 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn this article I highlight a tension between Alston's core thesis in his seminal book Perceiving God – that beliefs about God formed on the basis of mystical perception are prima facie justified – and a currently popular method for disarming a certain form of the argument from evil, a method which involves adopting a view known as sceptical theism.
Eliciting expert opinion on the effectiveness and practicality of interventions in the farm and rural environment to reduce human exposure to Escherichia coli O157
Authors: CROSS P. , RIGBY D. , EDWARDS-JONES G. 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYFew hard data are available on emergent diseases. However, the need to mitigate and manage emergent diseases has prompted the use of various expert consultation and opinion elicitation methods. We adapted best-worst scaling (BWS) to elicit experts' assessment of the relative practicality and effectiveness of measures to reduce human exposure to E. coli O157. Cattle vaccination was considered the most effective and hand-washing was considered the most practical measure. BWS proved a powerful tool for expert elicitation as it breaks down a cognitively burdensome process into simple, repeated, tasks. In addition, statistical analysis of the resulting data provides a scaled set of scores for the measures, rather than just a ranking. The use of two criteria (practicality and effectiveness) within the BWS process allows the identification of subsets of measures judged as potentially performing well on both criteria, and conversely those judged to be neither effective nor practical.
Emergence of metallo-β-lactamase IMP-14 and VIM-2 inPseudomonas aeruginosaclinical isolates from a tertiary-level hospital in Thailand
Authors: PIYAKUL C. , TIYAWISUTSRI R. , BOONBUMRUNG K. 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYSeventy-five clinical isolates ofPseudomonas aeruginosacollected in a tertiary teaching hospital in Thailand were investigated for susceptibility to antimicrobials including imipenem. Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) enzymes were detected by E-test MBL assay and PCR; class 1 integron genes were also detected by PCR. Strains positive forblaIMPandblaVIMgenes were further characterized by DNA sequencing and examined for clonality by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. High rates of resistance to anti-pseudomonal agents were found. MBL enzymes were found in 13 (17·3%) strains and 24 (32%) carried class 1 integron genes. Twelve of the latter strains harboured theblaIMP-14gene and one strain theblaVIM-2gene. All of the IMP-14 strains were identical or closely related suggesting clonal dissemination of these genes.
Do Latino and non-Latino grocery stores differ in the availability and affordability of healthy food items in a low-income, metropolitan region?
Authors: Emond Jennifer A , Madanat Hala N , Ayala Guadalupe X 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo compare non-ethnically based supermarkets and Latino grocery stores (tiendas) in a lower-income region with regard to the availability, quality and cost of several healthy v. unhealthy food items.DesignA cross-sectional study conducted by three independent observers to audit twenty-five grocery stores identified as the main source of groceries for 80 % of Latino families enrolled in a childhood obesity study. Stores were classified as supermarkets and tiendas on the basis of key characteristics.SettingSouth San Diego County.SubjectsTen tiendas and fifteen supermarkets.ResultsTiendas were smaller than supermarkets (five v. twelve aisles, P = 0·003). Availability of fresh produce did not differ by store type; quality differed for one fruit item. Price per unit (pound or piece) was lower in tiendas for most fresh produce. The cost of meeting the US Department of Agriculture's recommended weekly servings of produce based on an 8368 kJ (2000 kcal)/d diet was $US 3·00 lower in tiendas compared with supermarkets (P < 0·001). The cost of 1 gallon of skimmed milk was significantly higher in tiendas ($US 3·29 v. $US 2·69; P = 0·005) and lean (7 % fat) ground beef was available in only one tienda (10 %) compared with ten (67 %) supermarkets (P = 0·01).ConclusionsBarriers remain in the ability to purchase healthier dairy and meat options in tiendas; the same is not true for produce. These results highlight the potential that tiendas have in improving access to quality, fresh produce within lower-income communities. However, efforts are needed to increase the access and affordability of healthy dairy and meat products.
Dietary habits and inadequate control of blood pressure in hypertensive adults assisted by a Brazilian Family Doctor Program
Authors: da Silva Nalin de Souza Bárbara , Garcia Rosa Maria Luiza , Lugon Jocemir R , Yokoo Edna Massae , Mesquita Evandro Tinoco , Rodrigues Michele , da Silva Ramos Carolina , Cagy Maurício 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate dietary habits and other factors associated with inadequate blood pressure (BP) control in hypertensive patients adherent to antihypertensive drug treatment assisted by a Brazilian Family Doctor Program (FDP).DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingFDP units, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.SubjectsWe included data from both male and female participants aged ≥20 years. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire containing questions related to demographics, socio-economic factors, comorbidities and lifestyle, as well as a validated FFQ and eleven additional qualitative questions to investigate dietary habits. Food items were divided into sixteen groups. Medical consultations were performed, BP measurements were taken, blood and urine samples were assessed and anthropometric and nutritional status was evaluated.ResultsIndividuals with inadequate BP control presented higher BMI values (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1·027, 95 % CI 1·009, 1·045) and also consumed more meat (PR = 1·091, 95 % CI 1·022, 1·165), which are potentially modifiable variables. Higher levels of serum creatinine (PR = 1·894, 95 % CI 1·241, 2·892) were also associated with inadequate BP control, as were skin colour (white). After inclusion of the Na excretion index, which is an indirect measure of salt intake, a slight decrease was observed in the PR for meat, which resulted in loss of statistical significance.ConclusionsThe results indicate that salt consumption, skin colour, BMI and serum creatinine are associated with inadequate BP control.
Mental health economics: current methodological issues
Authors: McCrone P. 
Published: July 2011

Background:Investment in innovative mental health care services requires the use of scarce resources that could be used in alternative ways. Economic evaluation is essential to ensure that such an investment is appropriately compared with investment elsewhere.Method:A non-systematic review of mental health evaluations identifies key methodological issues pertaining to economic studies.Results:Economic evaluations require the measurement and combination of costs and outcomes, and clarity about how this measurement is undertaken is required. Regarding costs, important considerations relate to the perspective to be taken (e.g., health service or societal), method of measurement (patient self-report or use of databases) and valuation (actual costs, fees or expenditure). Decision makers frequently need to compare evidence both within and between clinical areas and therefore there is a tension between the use of condition specific and generic outcome measures. Quality-adjusted life years are frequently used in economic evaluations, but their appropriateness in mental health care studies is still debated.Conclusions:Economic evaluations in the area of mental health care are increasing in number and it is essential that researchers continue to develop and improve methods used to conduct such studies.
Molecular analysis of globin gene expression in different thalassaemia disorders: individual variation of βE pre‐mRNA splicing determine disease severity
Authors: Tubsuwan Alisa , Munkongdee Thongperm , Jearawiriyapaisarn Natee , Boonchoy Chanikarn , Winichagoon Pranee , Fucharoen Suthat , Svasti Saovaros 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThalassaemia is characterized by the reduced or absent production of globins in the haemoglobin molecule leading to imbalanced α‐globin/non α‐globin chains. HbE, the result of a G to A mutation in codon 26 of the HBB (β‐globin) gene, activates a cryptic 5′ splice site in codon 25 leading to a reduction of correctly spliced βE‐globin (HBB:c.79G>A) mRNA and consequently β+‐thalassaemia. A wide range of clinical severities in bothα‐ and β‐thalassaemia syndromes, from nearly asymptomatic to transfusion‐dependent, has been observed. The correlation between clinical heterogeneity in various genotypes of thalassaemia and the levels of globin gene expression and βE‐globin pre‐mRNA splicing were examined using multiplex quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and allele‐specific RT‐qPCR. The α‐globin/non α‐globin mRNA ratio was demonstrated to be a good indicator for disease severity among different thalassaemia disorders. However, the α‐globin/non α‐globin mRNA ratio ranged widely in β‐thalassaemia/HbE patients, with no significant difference between mild and severe phenotypes. Interestingly, the correctly to aberrantly spliced βE‐globin mRNA ratio in 30% of mild β‐thalassaemia/HbE patients was higher than that of the severe patients. The splicing process of βE‐globin pre‐mRNA differs among β‐thalassaemia/HbE patients and serves as one of the modifying factors for disease severity.
Evaluation of the ability of neurobiological, neurodevelopmental and socio‐economic variables to predict cognitive outcome in premature infants
Authors: Wickremasinghe A. C. , Hartman T. K. , Voigt R. G. , Katusic S. K. , Weaver A. L. , Colby C. E. , Barbaresi W. J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground  When developed in the 1990s, the Neurobiologic Risk Score (NBRS) and Neurodevelopmental Risk Exam (NRE) correlated well with developmental outcomes in premature infants. Given recent advances in neonatology, we assessed their present ability to predict cognitive outcome, alone and combined with socio‐economic factors.Methods  One hundred and twenty‐nine neonates <32 weeks gestational age were assessed at 6, 12 and/or 24 months corrected age with the Cognitive Adaptive Test/Clinical Linguistic and Auditory Milestone Scale (CAT/CLAMS). Indices of socio‐economic status included maternal education and marital status.Results  At 24 months corrected age (n= 67), the NBRS (r=−0.5), maternal education (r= 0.46) and marital status (r= 0.37) correlated with the CAT/CLAMS. These correlations increased when NBRS and maternal education were combined (r= 0.63) and when specific NBRS components (intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, seizures) and maternal education were combined (r= 0.66).Conclusions  In the contemporary neonatal intensive care unit, measures used to predict cognitive outcome should incorporate both neurobiological risk factors and socio‐economic variables.
External validation of exhaled breath profiling using an electronic nose in the discrimination of asthma with fixed airways obstruction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Fens N. , Roldaan A. C. , van der Schee M. P. , Boksem R. J. , Zwinderman A. H. , Bel E. H. , Sterk P. J. 
Published: July 2011

Summary
Background Fixed airflow limitation can be found both in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), posing a day‐to‐day diagnostic challenge.
Objective We aimed to determine the external validity of metabolomic analysis of exhaled air by electronic nose for distinguishing asthma and COPD in patients with fixed airways obstruction.
Methods One hundred patients were included in a cross‐sectional design: 60 asthma patients: 21 with fixed airways obstruction (fixed asthma), 39 with reversible airways obstruction (classic asthma) and 40 COPD patients (GOLD stages II–III). Standardized sampling of exhaled breath was performed and volatile organic compounds were captured using an electronic nose resulting in breathprints. External validity in newly recruited patients (validation sets) was tested using a previous and independent training set. Breathprints were analysed by principal component and canonical discriminant analysis and area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curves.
Results External validity of breathprints showed 88% accuracy for distinguishing fixed asthma from COPD (AUC 0.95, 95% CI 0.84–1.00, sensitivity 85%, specificity 90%) and 83% for classic asthma (AUC 0.93, 95% CI 0.87–1.00, sensitivity 91%, specificity 90%) (both P<0.001). Discriminative accuracy was not confounded by current smoking.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance External validation of exhaled breath molecular profiling shows high accuracy in distinguishing asthma and COPD in newly recruited patients with fixed airways obstruction. Exhaled air analysis may therefore reduce misdiagnosis in obstructive airways diseases, potentially leading to more appropriate management.
Cite this as: N. Fens, A. C. Roldaan, M. P. van der Schee, R. J. Boksem, A. H. Zwinderman, E. H. Bel and P. J. Sterk, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1371–1378.