bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of MicroRNAs controlling human ovarian cell steroidogenesis via a genome‐scale screen
Authors: Sirotkin Alexander V. , Ovcharenko Dmitriy , Grossmann Roland , Lauková Marcela , Mlynček Miloš 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe aim of our studies was to identify miRNAs affecting the release of the major ovarian steroid hormones progestagen, androgen and estrogen by human ovarian cells. The effect of transfection of cultured primary ovarian granulosa cells with 80 different gene constructs encoding human pre‐miRNAs on release of progesterone, testosterone and estradiol was evaluated by enzyme immunoassay. In addition, effect of two selected antisense constructs blocking corresponding miRNA on progesterone release was tested. Efficiency of transfection (incorporation transfection reagent) and silencing of marker substances (GAPDH mRNA, GAPDH and CREB‐1) were validated by fluorescent microscopy, real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR analysis and immunocytochemical analysis. Thirty‐six out of 80 tested miRNA constructs resulted in inhibition of progesterone release in granulosa cells, and 10 miRNAs promoted progesterone release. Transfected of cells with antisense constructs to two selected miRNAs blocking progesterone release induced increase in progesterone output. Fifty‐seven miRNAs tested inhibited testosterone release, and only one miRNA enhanced testosterone output. Fifty‐one miRNAs suppressed estradiol release, while none of the miRNAs tested stimulated it. This is the first demonstration that miRNAs can control reproductive functions resulting in enhanced or inhibited release of ovarian progestagen, androgen and estrogen. We hypothesize that such miRNA‐mediated effects could be potentially used for regulation of reproductive processes, including fertility, and for treatment of reproductive and other steroid‐dependent disorders. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 415–420, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of mobilizing agents on mycoremediation and impact on the indigenous microbiota
Authors: Giubilei Maria A , Leonardi Vanessa , Federici Ermanno , Covino Stefano , Šašek Vaclav , Novotny Cenek , Federici Federico , D'Annibale Alessandro , Petruccioli Maurizio 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Mobilizing agents (MAs) have been suggested to improve the fungal degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil. Three different MAs (Tween 20, Tween 80 and soybean oil) were investigated for their ability to stimulate contaminant degradation by either Phlebia sp. DABAC 9 or Allescheriella sp. DABAC1 in a soil spiked with a mixture of PAHs.RESULTS: Phlebia sp. and Allescheriella sp. markedly differed in their growth capabilities under non‐sterile conditions and without MAs (3.0 versus 0.1 µg ergosterol g−1 soil, respectively). However, soybean oil led to a 35‐fold increase of Allescheriella sp. growth. Contaminant degradations by Phlebia sp. DABAC 9 and Allescheriella sp. DABAC 1 were best supported by soybean oil and Tween 20, respectively. Enumeration of cultivable bacteria and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of PCR‐amplified 16S rRNA showed that microbial density and biodiversity were positively affected by the mycoremediation especially with Allescheriella sp., the use of which led to an evident detoxification.CONCLUSIONS: Allescheriella sp. DABAC 1 appears to be a promising strain in the remediation of PAH‐contaminated soils. The different response of the two fungi to MAs addition confirms the stringent need for a preliminary lab‐scale assessment of fungus/MA combinations prior to application. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Insight into thermally induced solid‐state polymorphic transformation of sulfathiazole using simultaneous in situ Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Ali Hassan Refat H. , Edwards Howell G. M. , Scowen Ian J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPharmaceutical solids exposed to thermal stress during manufacturing processes undergo various phase transformations in bulk drug substances or excipients, resulting in altered dosage form performance. Due to its relatively rapid spectral acquisition rate, as well as the possibility of incorporation into in‐line monitoring, Raman spectroscopy is ideally suited to monitoring the transformation between different solid‐state forms. In this study, we demonstrate that the transition temperature for polymorphs can be estimated from the transformation profiles obtained from real‐time, in situ, simultaneous Raman spectroscopic, and differential scanning calorimetric data. Using this method, we have estimated the transition temperature of the solid‐state transformation of the enantiotropically related sulfathiazole polymorphs III and I. These results suggest that this method is a useful approach to determine transition temperatures in systems that are not amenable to accessing other methods. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of bevacizumab (Avastin) treatment on epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Simonds Jana , Miller Frank , Mandel Jess , Davidson Terence M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Determine the effectiveness of treating epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) with potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser cautery combined with submucosal injection of 100 mg of bevacizumab.Study Design:Retrospective pilot study.Methods:Bevacizumab was injected throughout the nasal cavity following KTP laser treatment in 10 patients (bevacizumab/KTP group) and compared to nine patients previously treated with KTP laser alone (KTP group). Epistaxis frequency and severity, blood transfusion requirement, intravenous iron supplementation, emergency department visit frequency, and quality of life within 1 month and 1 year pre‐ and postsurgery were analyzed. Benefit was defined as less than three nosebleeds per week, with less than 10 minutes to stop each nosebleed, and no blood transfusions. The pre‐ and postsurgery data were analyzed within and between the two groups.Results:The groups were comparable in age and gender. Significant benefit was found in frequency of epistaxis (P < .05), number of blood transfusions (P = .04), disability (P = .01), and effect on social life (P = .03) 1 month pre‐ and postsurgery in the bevacizumab/KTP group. Eighty percent of bevacizumab/KTP group patients reported benefit in comparison to 56% in the KTP group.Conclusions:KTP laser combined with bevacizumab in HHT epistaxis is superior to KTP laser treatment alone. It significantly decreases frequency and severity of nosebleeds and blood transfusion requirements, and significantly improves work ability and quality of life.
Pharmacokinetic and safety profile oftrans‐resveratrol in a rising multiple‐dose study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Almeida Luis , Vaz‐da‐Silva Manuel , Falcão Amílcar , Soares Eva , Costa Raquel , Loureiro Ana I. , Fernandes‐Lopes Carlos , Rocha José‐Francisco , Nunes Teresa , Wright Lyndon , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis was a double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled study to investigate the pharmacokinetics and safety oftrans‐resveratrol. In four groups of ten healthy adult subjects (five males and five females), two subjects were randomized to receive placebo and eight subjects to receivetrans‐resveratrol 25, 50, 100 or 150 mg, six times/day, for thirteen doses. Peak plasma concentrations oftrans‐resveratrol were reached at 0.8–1.5 h postdose. Following the 13th dose oftrans‐resveratrol 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg, mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was 3.89, 7.39, 23.1 and 63.8 ng/mL and mean area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0‐τ) was 3.1, 11.2, 33.0 and 78.9 ng·h/mL. Interindividual variability was high, with coefficients of variation >40%.Trans‐resveratrol half‐life was 1–3 h following single‐doses and 2–5 h following repeated dosing. Trough (Cmin) concentrations were ⪇1 ng/mL following 25 and 50 mg, 3 ng/mL following 100 mg and < 10 ng/mL following 150 mg.Trans‐resveratrol pharmacokinetics showed circadian variation. Adverse events were mild in severity and similar between all groups. In conclusion, repeated administration was well‐tolerated but produced relatively low plasma concentrations oftrans‐resveratrol, despite the high doses and short dosing interval used. Bioavailability was higher after morning administration.
Computerized ambulatory monitoring in psychiatry: a multi‐site collaborative study of acceptability, compliance, and reactivity
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth I. , Grondin Olivier , Barrault Marion , Faytout Malika , Helbig Sylvia , Husky Mathilde , Granholm Eric L. , Loh Catherine , Nadeau Louise , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich , Swendsen Joel 
Published: February 2009

AbstractComputerized ambulatory monitoring overcomes a number of methodological and conceptual challenges to studying mental disorders, however concerns persist regarding the feasibility of this approach with severe psychiatric samples and the potential of intensive monitoring to influence data quality. This multi‐site investigation evaluates these issues in four independent samples. Patients with schizophrenia (n = 56), substance dependence (n = 85), anxiety disorders (n = 45), and a non‐clinical sample (n = 280) were contacted to participate in investigations using computerized ambulatory monitoring. Micro‐computers were used to administer electronic interviews several times per day for a one‐week period. Ninety‐five percent of contacted individuals agreed to participate in the study, and minimum compliance was achieved by 96% of these participants. Seventy‐eight percent of all programmed assessments were completed overall, and only 1% of micro‐computers were not returned to investigators. There was no evidence that missing data or response time increased over the duration of the study, suggesting that fatigue effects were negligible. The majority of variables investigated did not change in frequency as a function of study duration, however some evidence was found that socially sensitive behaviors changed in a manner consistent with reactivity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative cardiac 31P spectroscopy at 3 Tesla using adiabatic pulses
Authors: El‐Sharkawy AbdEl‐Monem , Schär Michael , Ouwerkerk Ronald , Weiss Robert G. , Bottomley Paul A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractCardiac phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) with surface coils promises better quantification at 3 Tesla (T) from improved signal‐to‐noise ratios and spectral resolution compared with 1.5T. However, Bloch equation and field analyses at 3T show that for efficient quantitative MRS protocols using small‐angle adiabatic (BIR4/BIRP) pulses the excitation‐field is limited by radiofrequency (RF) power requirements and power deposition. When BIR4/BIRP pulse duration is increased to reduce power levels, T2‐decay can introduce flip‐angle dependent errors in the steady‐state magnetization, causing errors in saturation corrections for metabolite quantification and in T1s measured by varying the flip‐angle. A new dual‐repetition‐time (2TR) T1 method using frequency‐sign‐cycled adiabatic‐half‐passage pulses is introduced to alleviate power requirements, and avoid the problem related to T2 relaxation during the RF pulse. The 2TR method is validated against inversion‐recovery in phantoms using a practical transmit/receive coil set designed for phosphorus MRS of the heart at depths of 9–10 cm with 4 kW of pulse power. The T1s of phosphocreatine (PCr) and adenosine triphosphate (γ‐ATP) in the calf‐muscle (n = 9) at 3T are 6.8 ± 0.3 s and 5.4 ± 0.6 s, respectively. For heart (n = 10) the values are 5.8 ± 0.5 s (PCr) and 3.1 ± 0.6 s (γ‐ATP). The 2TR protocol measurements agreed with those obtained by conventional methods to within 10%. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Semi‐analytical analysis for multi‐directional functionally graded plates: 3‐D elasticity solutions
Authors: Lü C. F. , Lim C. W. , Chen W. Q. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSemi‐analytical 3‐D elasticity solutions are presented for orthotropic multi‐directional functionally graded plates using the differential quadrature method (DQM) based on the state‐space formalism. Material properties are assumed to vary not only through the thickness but also in the in‐plane directions following an exponential law. The graded in‐plane domain is solved numerically via the DQM, while exact solutions are sought for the thickness domain using the state‐space method. Convergence studies are performed, and the present hybrid semi‐analytical method is validated by comparing numerical results with the exact solutions for a conventional unidirectional functionally graded plate. Finally, effects of material gradient indices on the displacement and stress fields of the plates are investigated and discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The revival of electron beam irradiation curing of epoxy resin—materials characterization and supportive cure studies
Authors: Sui Gang , Zhong Wei‐Hong , Yang Xiao‐Ping 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPolymeric composite manufacturing is a large, rapidly growing and energy consuming industry, where there is an obvious and compelling need for innovative curing technologies conforming to energy efficiency and environmental protection trends. This has led to many research efforts to consider, or in some cases re‐consider, irradiation curing of polymer composites. However, there is still a stifling lack of knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms to obtain homogeneity in the irradiation curing of composites. The key issue of the irradiation curing process, i.e. homogeneous curing affected by electron beam dose and initiator concentration for an epoxy resin is the focus of this paper. The temperature profiles, microstructure, curing degree gradient, and thermomechanical properties of electron beam‐ irradiated epoxy resin were profiled and analyzed, and the results indicated that curing degree in the epoxy resin showed a relatively steady region and an accelerated decrease along the depth direction. It is revealed that there existed an optimal range of concentration of the initiator for irradiation curing of an epoxy resin system. The inhomogeneity in the irradiation‐induced crosslinking structure could be abated by adopting the properly applied irradiation energy and the matching between the irradiation dose and the concentration of the initiator. It can be deduced that for most of the composite products with large thickness, layer upon layer irradiation or irradiation from two sides could be more efficient to obtain a homogeneous crosslinking structure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and properties of organo‐modifier free PET/MMT nanocomposites via monomer intercalation and in situ polymerization
Authors: Chen Zhaojun , Luo Ping , Fu Qiang 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn order to prevent the properties, especially transparency, color and health security, of PET/clay nanocomposites from being deteriorated due to the thermal degradation of clay organo‐modifer, we had directly modified sodium montmorillonite (Na+‐MMT) with PET's monomer, bis (hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) which had a degradation temperature higher than 400°C, and successfully prepared the hybrids via in situ polymerization. Nanodispersion of clay and the intercalated morphology were determined, and compared with PET/Na+‐MMT hybirds in which Na+‐MMT was directly added without any treatment. Improved mechanical properties and Tg were observed for the prepared PET/ BHET‐modified clay composites. More importantly, the film produced from the composites had the same transparency as that of pure PET even when 2 wt% of clay was added. Non‐isothermal and isothermal crystallization experiments showed a very good neculation capability of the nano‐dispersed clay, particularly at higher crystallization temperatures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of attachment dimensions and perceived social support in predicting adjustment to cancer
Authors: Cicero Viviana , Lo Coco Gianluca , Gullo Salvatore , Lo Verso Girolamo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective: Several studies carried out over the last years show that patients' adjustment is very important to the past experiences of people with cancer. In our study of 96 subjects with cancer, we examined whether patient's working model of attachment anxiety/avoidance and perceptions of social support predicts adjustment to cancer.Methods: All participants filled in a demographic questionnaire, the Relationship Scale Questionnaire (RSQ), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC).Results: Anxious attachment predicted psychological adjustment: patients with high levels of anxious attachment showed high levels of helplessness/hopelessness and anxious preoccupation (p<0.01, and p<0.05, respectively). With regard to the function of perceived social support, the patient's perception of social support from friends was predictive of both fighting spirit and stoic acceptance (p=0.01, and p<0.001, respectively). Conversely, the patient's perception of support from family members was not predictive of adjustment to cancer. Patients in the advanced stages of the illness showed higher levels of helplessness/hopelessness (p<0.05).Conclusions: Anxious attachment and perceived social support predicted different domains of psychological adjustment to cancer. Perceived support from friends may predict the patient's tendency to consider cancer as a challenge and to take an active role in therapy and recovery, whereas social support from family was not predictive of various states of adjustment to cancer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Narrowing the gap: the effects of an expressive writing intervention on perceptions of actual and ideal emotional support in women who have completed treatment for early stage breast cancer
Authors: Gellaitry Grace , Peters Keri , Bloomfield David , Horne Rob 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective: To assess the effects of an expressive writing (EW) intervention on perceptions of emotional support in women completing treatment for early stage breast cancer.Methods: Women were recruited to the study during their final week of treatment. Of 260 eligible patients, 104 (40%) agreed to participate, and 93 were randomised. Women in the writing group wrote for 20 min on four consecutive days. The control group received normal care. Women's perceptions of emotional support, quality of life (QOL), mood, and healthcare utilisation were assessed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Interviews were conducted to explore women's experience of writing.Results: Eighty participants completed all follow‐ups. There was a significant effect of group on women's perceptions of social support with those in the intervention group being more satisfied with the emotional support they received (p<0.05). Satisfaction with emotional support was negatively correlated with depression/dejection (p<0.05) and anger/hostility (p<0.05) and positively correlated with social and family well‐being (p<0.001) 6 months post intervention. There were no significant effects of the intervention on mood, QOL or healthcare utilisation. Most participants found writing valuable and did not report any long‐term negative effects.Conclusion: EW was associated with a higher level of satisfaction with emotional support compared with controls. Given the existing evidence supporting the importance of social support in adjustment to breast cancer, it seems feasible to suggest that EW may be a cost effective accessible treatment that could be incorporated into the ongoing care of women. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation and Determination of PETN and TNT by HPTLC
Authors: Chaloosi Marzieh , Nejad‐Darzi Seyed Karim Hassani , Ghoulipour Vanik 
Published: February 2009

AbstractHigh‐performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) has been used for the separation and quantification of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). The compounds were separated on silica gel 60 F254 with a double development system of trichloroethylene–acetone 4 : 1 and petroleum ether–acetone 5.7 : 1. For obtaining chromatograms of these materials, UV detection was performed at 215 and 250 nm for PETN and TNT, respectively. The linear dynamic range was 0.835–83.50 μg per spot for PETN and 0.045–1.44 μg per spot for TNT.
Fear‐avoidance beliefs and pain as predictors for low physical activity in patients with leg ulcer
Authors: Roaldsen Kirsti Skavberg , Elfving Britt , Stanghelle Johan Kvalvik , Talme Toomas , Mattsson Eva 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and Purpose. Previous studies have shown that patients with chronic venous insufficiency are deconditioned and physically inactive. The present study aimed to examine the occurrence of fear‐avoidance beliefs in patients with chronic venous insufficiency, and to investigate the role of fear‐avoidance beliefs and pain severity in predicting the low level of physical activity in these patients. Method. Data were collected by a postal questionnaire sent to 146 patients with chronic venous insufficiency and current or previous venous leg ulcer. Complete data were collected from 98 patients aged 60–85 years — 63% women — giving a response rate of 67%. Fear‐avoidance beliefs were assessed by the Fear‐Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, physical activity subscale. Pain and physical activity were assessed by the Six‐point Verbal Rating Scale of Pain Assessment and the Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. Results. Fear‐avoidance beliefs were present in 81 (83%) of the patients with chronic venous insufficiency (range 0–24, median 12). Forty patients (41%) had strong fear‐avoidance beliefs. One‐third of the patients with healed ulcers had strong fear‐avoidance beliefs. Patients with low physical activity had significantly stronger fear‐avoidance beliefs and more severe pain than patients with high physical activity. Multiple logistic regression showed that the odds ratio (OR) for low physical activity were about three times higher for patients with strong fear‐avoidance beliefs (OR 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1–8.3; p = 0.027) than for patients with weak fear‐avoidance beliefs. Conclusions. Fear‐avoidance beliefs were present in most patients with chronic venous insufficiency and were associated with low physical activity. Clinical implications ought to include a better recognition of fear‐avoidance beliefs, early information about the negative consequences of such beliefs, and the importance of physical activity to counteract poor mobility. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alitretinoin (Toctino): new oral retinoid for chronic hand eczema
Authors: English John 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAlitretinoin (Toctino) is a new oral retinoid to treat severe chronic hand eczema that has failed to respond to topical steroids. In this New products review Dr John English discusses the clinical trial evidence for its efficacy and describes its place in treatment. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd