bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV Risk Among Men Who Have Sex With Men, Women Who Have Sex With Women, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Populations in South Africa: A Mini-Review
Authors: Evans Meredith G. B. , Cloete Allanise , Zungu Nompumelelo , Simbayi Leickness C.
Published: April 2016

Background:

The HIV epidemic in South Africa is characterized mainly by heterosexual transmission. Recently, the importance of targeting key populations and marginalized groups, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people, has been added to the national agenda.

Objectives:

This mini-review explores the current state of empirical research on HIV risk and MSM, women who have sex with women (WSW), lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations in South Africa in order to assess the current state of research and identify gaps in the literature.

Method:

Peer-reviewed empirical social and behavioral articles on HIV prevalence and risk focusing on MSM, WSW, and LGBT populations published since 2006 were included in this mini-review.

Results:

In total 35 articles were included: 30 on MSM, gay, and/or bisexual male-identified populations, three on WSW, lesbian, and/or bisexual female-identified populations, two on LGB youth, and none on transgender populations.

Conclusion:

Despite South Africa being the country with the largest number of people living with HIV in the world, there is a limited amount of research in South Africa on HIV and non-normative gender identities and sexualities, especially WSW, lesbian, and/or bisexual female-identified populations, transgender populations, and LGB youth. Research with MSM, WSW, and LGBT populations should be prioritized in South Africa in order to appropriately inform HIV prevention strategies that meet the specific needs of these marginalized groups.
Atrial Fibrillation and Risk of ESRD in Adults with CKD
Authors: Bansal Nisha , Xie Dawei , Tao Kelvin , Chen Jing , Deo Rajat , Horwitz Edward , Hsu Chi-yuan , Kallem Radha Krishna , Keane Martin G. , Lora Claudia M. , Raj Dominic , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Strauss Louise , Wolf Myles , Go Alan S. ,   for the CRIC Study
Published: April 2016

Background and objectives

Atrial fibrillation frequently complicates CKD and is associated with adverse outcomes. Progression to ESRD is a major complication of CKD, but the link with atrial fibrillation has not been fully delineated. In this study, we examined the association of incident atrial fibrillation with the risk of ESRD in patients with CKD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We studied participants in the prospective Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study without atrial fibrillation at entry. Incident atrial fibrillation was identified by study visit ECGs, self-report, and hospital discharge diagnostic codes, with confirmation by physician adjudication. ESRD through 2012 was ascertained by participant self-report, medical records, and linkage to the US Renal Data System. Data on potential confounders were obtained from self-report, study visits, and laboratory tests. Marginal structural models were used to study the potential association of incident atrial fibrillation with risk of ESRD after adjustment for time-dependent confounding.

Results

Among 3091 participants, 172 (5.6%) developed incident atrial fibrillation during follow-up. During mean follow-up of 5.9 years, 43 patients had ESRD that occurred after development of incident atrial fibrillation (11.8/100 person-years) compared with 581 patients without incident atrial fibrillation (3.4/100 person-years). In marginal structural models with inverse probability weighting, incident atrial fibrillation was associated with a substantially higher rate of ESRD (hazard ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.9 to 5.2). This association was consistent across important subgroups by age, sex, race, diabetes status, and baseline eGFR.

Conclusions

Incident atrial fibrillation was associated with higher risk of developing ESRD in CKD. Additional study is needed to identify potentially modifiable pathways through which atrial fibrillation was associated with a higher risk of progression to ESRD. More aggressive monitoring and treatment of patients with CKD and atrial fibrillation may improve outcomes in this high-risk population.
Hardening Distortions Related to Segregations in Crown Wheels
Authors: Olofsson A. , Jonsson S. , Brash B.
Published: April 2016

The back-face tilt of press-hardened crown wheels is investigated for continuous and ingot cast material. Two different geometries are studied, one with a flat back-face and one with a step. For two ingots, the original material position is tracked and coupled to back-face tilt, cross section hardness and chemical segregation. The chemical gradients are shifted from top to bottom of the ingot and are strongly coupled to the back-face tilt.
Les effets négatifs de la stratégie politique des organisations sur leur légitimité
Authors: Blanc Antoine , Taupin Benjamin
Published: April 2016

Cet article se fonde sur le concept de légitimité pour une compréhension des effets de la conduite de stratégies politiques des entreprises. L’analyse de la mise en œuvre de la stratégie de lobbying par les majors de l’industrie du disque française, dans le cadre du vote de la loi DADVSI, donne à voir la manière dont ce succès politique a coïncidé avec une perte effective d’audience et de crédibilité pour ces entreprises. La stratégie politique menée a engendré une situation paradoxale dans laquelle le succès politique de ces entreprises a finalement laissé place à une perte d’influence à moyen terme, conduisant à appeler à une meilleure compréhension de la gestion de la légitimité dans les stratégies politiques.
La RSE, nouveau terrain pour de nouvelles formes de stratégies politiques
Authors: Balas Nicolas , Roussey Clara , Palpacuer Florence
Published: April 2016

La RSE est-elle une nouvelle manière pour les entreprises d’influencer le jeu politique ? L’analyse comparative de deux cas issus des industries minière et automobile nous permet de nourrir l’idée-force selon laquelle la RSE devient un point de passage obligé non seulement pour la recherche d’opportunités marchandes, mais aussi pour les tenants de l’action publique. C’est à la mise au jour des modalités de traduction de la RSE en un carrefour faisant converger des intérêts économiques et politiques, transformant les intérêts particuliers des entreprises et des acteurs publics étudiés en un universel d’intérêt général, que s’attache cet article.
Naïve scientists and conflict analysis: learning through case studies
Authors: Ayres R. Williams
Published: April 2016

Much of our teaching about conflict relies on theoretical ideas and
models that are delivered as finished products. This article explores
the supposition that what students need is not already-formed theoretical
ideas, but exposure to more real-world cases of conflict from
which to build theory. The article presents an experiment in pedagogy:
teaching a conflict resolution class using only case studies. This
approach was expected to have two benefits: better understanding of
the underlying concepts and a significant contribution to students’
knowledge about the world. The case-only approach appears to be
at least as good as the theory-based version of the class, with some
significant side benefits beyond comprehension of the material.
What does it mean to teach ‘interpretively’?
Authors: Dodge Jennifer , Holtzman Richard , Hulst Merlijn van , Yanow Dvora
Published: April 2016

The ‘interpretive turn’ has gained traction as a research approach in recent decades in the empirical social sciences. While the contributions of interpretive research and interpretive research methods are clear, we wonder: Does an interpretive perspective lend itself to – or even demand – a particular style of teaching? This question was at the heart of a roundtable discussion we organised at the 2014 Interpretive Policy Analysis (IPA) International Conference. This essay reports on the contours of the discussion, with a focus on our reflections upon what it might mean to teach ‘interpretively’. Prior to outlining these, we introduce the defining characteristics of an interpretive perspective and describe our respective experiences and interests in this conversation. In the hope that this essay might constitute the beginning of a wider conversation, we close it with an invitation for others to respond.
Are evoked potentials clinically useful in the study of patients with Chiari malformation Type 1?
Authors: Moncho Dulce , Poca Maria A. , Minoves Teresa , Ferré Alejandro , Cañas Victoria , Sahuquillo Juan
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the authors describe the brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) and somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) alterations found in a large cohort of patients with Chiari malformation Type 1 (CM-1), the relationship between the BAEPs/SSEPs and the clinical findings, the abnormalities in patients with associated syringomyelia, and the clinical and neuroradiological risk factors that are associated with abnormal evoked potentials (EPs).

METHODS

A prospectively collected database containing 545 patients with CM-1 was queried to search for patients satisfying the following criteria: 1) an age of at least 14 years, 2) neuroradiological criteria of CM-1, 3) no prior Chiari-related surgeries, and 4) preoperative EP studies conducted at the authors' institution. The 200 patients included in this cohort were classified into CM-0, CM-1, and CM-1.5 subtypes. Linear, planimetric, and angular measurements of the posterior fossa were conducted, as well as syringomyelia measurements. Two separate multiple logistic regression models were used, one to predict the covariates associated with abnormal BAEPs, and a second model to explore the variables associated with an abnormal SSEP. In these models, the BAEPs and SSEPs were dichotomized as being normal or abnormal.

RESULTS

Headaches were the main symptom in 70.5% of the patients, and Valsalva-induced headaches were most frequent in patients with CM-1 and CM-1.5 compared with patients with CM-0 (p = 0.031). BAEPs were abnormal in 38.5% of patients, and abnormal SSEPs were found in 43.5% of the entire cohort. Syringomyelia was most frequent in patients with CM-0 (64.3%) and CM-1 (51.1%) compared with those with CM-1.5 (34.7%; p = 0.03). Age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.06), the degree of tonsillar herniation (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.16), and lower cranial nerve dysfunction (OR 3.99, 95% CI 1.29–14.01) had a statistically significant correlation with abnormal BAEPs. Only age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.10) and the degree of tonsillar herniation (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04–1.19) had a statistically significant correlation with abnormal SSEPs.

CONCLUSIONS

A high percentage of patients with CM-1 exhibited EP alterations regardless of their clinical or radiological findings. These findings suggest that EPs do not add any clinically relevant information nor are they helpful in establishing which symptomatic patients with CM should undergo surgical treatment. However, BAEP and SSEP studies clearly play an important role in incidentally detected patients with CM and may help to establish objective evidence of subclinical dysfunctions. In addition, neurophysiological studies may help to define subgroups of patients who require further testing and follow-up to personalize strategies for the management of incidental and oligosymptomatic patients.
Factors predicting contralateral hematoma growth after unilateral drainage of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma
Authors: Fujitani Shigeta , Ishikawa Osamu , Miura Keisuke , Takeda Yasuhiro , Goto Haruo , Maeda Keiichiro
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVE

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common form of intracranial hemorrhage with a recurrence rate of 9.2%–26.5% after bur hole surgery. Occasionally patients with bilateral CSDH undergo unilateral surgery because the contralateral hematoma is deemed to be asymptomatic, and in some of these patients the contralateral hematoma may subsequently enlarge, requiring additional surgery. The authors investigated the factors related to the growth of these hematomas.

METHODS

Ninety-three patients with bilateral CSDH who underwent unilateral bur hole surgery at Aizu Chuo Hospital were included in a retrospective analysis. Findings on preoperative MRI, preoperative thickness of the drained hematoma, and the influence of antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs were considered and evaluated in univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The overall growth rate was 19% (18 of 93 hematomas), and a significantly greater percentage of the hematomas that were iso- or hypointense on preoperative T1-weighted imaging showed growth compared with other hematomas (35.4% vs 2.3%, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that findings on preoperative T1-weighted MRI were the sole significant predictor of hematoma growth, and other factors such as antiplatelet or anticoagulant drug use, patient age, patient sex, thickness of the treated hematoma, and T2-weighted MRI findings were not significantly related to hematoma growth. The adjusted odds ratio for hematoma growth in the T1 isointense/hypointense group relative to the T1 hyperintense group was 25.12 (95% CI 3.89–51.58, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of preoperative MRI, namely T1-weighted sequences, may be useful in predicting the growth of hematomas that did not undergo bur hole surgery in patients with bilateral CSDH.
Selectivity of physiotherapist programs in the United States does not differ by institutional funding source or research activity level
Authors: Riley Sean P. , Covington Kyle , Landry Michel D. , McCallum Christine , Engelhard Chalee , Cook Chad E.
Published: April 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to compare selectivity characteristics among institution characteristics to determine differences by institutional funding source (public vs. private) or research activity level (research vs. non-research). Methods: This study included information provided by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Data were extracted from all students who graduated in 2011 from accredited physical therapy programs in the United States. The public and private designations of the institutions were extracted directly from the classifications from the ‘CAPTE annual accreditation report,’ and high and low research activity was determined based on Carnegie classifications. The institutions were classified into four groups: public/research intensive, public/non-research intensive, private/research intensive, and private/non-research intensive. Descriptive and comparison analyses with post hoc testing were performed to determine whether there were statistically significant differences among the four groups. Results: Although there were statistically significant baseline grade point average differences among the four categorized groups, there were no significant differences in licensure pass rates or for any of the selectivity variables of interest. Conclusion: Selectivity characteristics did not differ by institutional funding source (public vs. private) or research activity level (research vs. non-research). This suggests that the concerns about reduced selectivity among physiotherapy programs, specifically the types that are experiencing the largest proliferation, appear less warranted.
Ethanol and Drugs Found in Civil Aviation Accident Pilot Fatalities, 1989–2013
Authors: Chaturvedi Arvind K. , Craft Kristi J. , Hickerson Jeffery S. , Rogers Paul B. , Canfield Dennis V.
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND: Biological specimens from pilots fatally injured in civil aviation accidents are analyzed for ethanol and drugs at the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI). Prevalence of these substances in the pilots has been evaluated at 5-yr intervals since 1989. In continuation,
a fifth 5-yr study (2009–2013) was conducted.METHODS: The CAMI toxicology/medical certification and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) aviation accident databases were searched.RESULTS: During 2009–2013, samples from 1169 pilots were analyzed. Aircraft
involved in the accidents were primarily operating under general aviation. Most airmen were private pilots and held third-class medical certificates. In relation to the first 5-yr (1989–1993) period, the pilot fatality cases decreased by 37% and the presence of ethanol and/or drugs in
the pilots increased by 239% in the fifth 5-yr period. The ethanol usage was unchanged, but increases were 267% and 583% with illicit and prescription drugs, respectively. The use of ethanol and/or drugs by aviators, along with underlying medical conditions, was determined by the NTSB to be
cause/factors in 5% of the accidents.CONCLUSION: The observed decrease in the fatality cases does not necessarily suggest the decrease in aviation accidents, as active airmen numbers also declined. The increase in the drug positive cases is primarily attributed to the continuous
rise in the use of prescription drugs. Although prevalence of ethanol and drugs has been evaluated in fatally injured aviators, such evaluation has not been performed in active pilots not involved in accidents. This type of comparative study would be crucial in assessing aviation safety.Chaturvedi
AK, Craft KJ, Hickerson JS, Rogers PB, Canfield DV. Ethanol and drugs found in civil aviation accident pilot fatalities, 1989–2013. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(5):470–476.
Near-Infrared Spectra in Buccal Tissue as a Marker for Detection of Hypoxia
Authors: Amini Maryam , Hisdal Jonny , Gjøvaag Terje , Kapetanovic Nihad , Strand Trond-Eirik , Owe Jan Ove , Hørthe John Ragnar , Mirtaheri Peyman
Published: April 2016

INTRODUCTION: Hypoxia caused by high altitude exposure can impair cerebral and mental functions. Blood flow and oxygenation of the buccal tissue can be reliable markers to detect hypoxia. In this study, near infrared spectroscopy was used in combination with a novel optical probe
to evaluate the applicability of the novel probe in measuring hypoxia markers in buccal tissue under a hypoxic condition.METHODS: Six healthy participants were tested at altitudes from 2000 to 16,000 ft inside a hypobaric chamber. The buccal reference measurements of blood flow
and oxygen saturation were synchronized with the spectral measurements of the novel near infrared probe and the relationship between the reference measurements and spectral data were evaluated by multivariate partial least square method. In addition, finger oxygen saturation was measured during
the experiment and the recordings were compared with buccal oxygen saturation.RESULTS: The spectral analysis illustrated that the spectral data from the near infrared probe correlated strongly with the absorption features of both buccal flow and oxygenation measured by the reflectance
sensors (average R2 = 0.89). The results showed probably overestimated values for buccal oxygen saturation recorded by the reference pulse oximeter in comparison with finger oxygen saturation, with the mean difference increasing from 1.8% at 2000 ft to 11.4% at 16,000 ft.CONCLUSION:
The novel near infrared probe showed promising results for simultaneous measurement of blood flow and oxygen saturation in the buccal tissue. The suggested method can be used as a new technique for early indication of hypoxia in future clinical applications.Amini M, Hisdal J, Gjøvaag
T, Kapetanovic N, Strand T-E, Owe JO, Hørthe JR, Mirtaheri P. Near-infrared spectra in buccal tissue as a marker for detection of hypoxia. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(5):498–504.
The perils and dangers of these knights (and undead peasants): Interpreting English and Scottish Extent Rolls of 1297–1305
Authors: Donnelly J.
Published: April 2016

Medieval Scottish economic and social history has held little interest for a unionist establishment but, just when a recovery of historic independence begins to seem possible, this paper tackles a (perhaps the) key pre-1424 source. It is compared with a Rutland text, in a context of foreign history, both English and continental. The Berwickshire text is not, as was suggested in 2014, a ‘compte rendu’ but rather an ‘extent’, intended to cross-check such accounts. Read alongside the Rutland roll, it is not even a single ‘compte’ but rather a palimpsest of different sources and times: a possibility beyond earlier editorial imaginings. With content falling (largely) within the time-frame of the PoMS project (although not actually included), when the economic history of Scotland in Europe is properly explored, the sources discussed here will be key and will offer an interesting challenge to interpretation. And some surprises about their nature and date.
Multi-Organ Alcohol-Related Damage: Mechanisms and Treatment
Authors: Osna Natalia , Kharbanda Kusum
Published: April 2016

Alcohol consumption causes damage to various organs and systems.[...]
Building a Structural Model: Parameterization and Structurality
Authors: Mouchart Michel , Orsi Renzo
Published: April 2016

A specific concept of structural model is used as a background for discussing the structurality of its parameterization. Conditions for a structural model to be also causal are examined. Difficulties and pitfalls arising from the parameterization are analyzed. In particular, pitfalls when considering alternative parameterizations of a same model are shown to have lead to ungrounded conclusions in the literature. Discussions of observationally equivalent models related to different economic mechanisms are used to make clear the connection between an economically meaningful parameterization and an economically meaningful decomposition of a complex model. The design of economic policy is used for drawing some practical implications of the proposed analysis.
Study on the Performance of the “Pendulor” Wave Energy Converter in an Array Configuration
Authors: Gunawardane Sudath , Kankanamge Chathura , Watabe Tomiji
Published: April 2016

For over three decades the “Pendulor” wave energy device has had a significant influence in this field, triggering several research endeavours. It includes a top-hinged flap propelled by the standing waves produced in a caisson with a back wall on the leeward side. However, one of the main disadvantages which impedes its progress is the enormous expense involved in the construction of the custom made typical caisson structure, about a little more than one-quarter of the wave length. In this study, the influence of such design parameters on the performance of the device is investigated, via numerical modelling for a device arranged in an array configuration, for irregular waves. The potential wave theory is applied to derive the frequency-dependent hydrodynamic parameters by making a distinction in the fluid domain into a separate sea side and lee side. The Cummins equation was utilised for the development of the time domain equation of motion while the transfer function estimation methods were used to solve the convolution integrals. Finally, the device was tested numerically for irregular wave conditions for a 50 kW class unit. It was observed that in irregular wave operating conditions, the caisson chamber length could be reduced by 40% of the value estimated for the regular waves. Besides, the device demonstrated around 80% capture efficiency for irregular waves thus allowing provision for avoiding the employment of any active control.
Modeling the Viscosity of Concentrated Nanoemulsions and Nanosuspensions
Authors: Pal Rajinder
Published: April 2016

The modeling of the viscous behavior of nanoemulsions and nanosuspensions is discussed. The influences of the viscosity ratio, solvation and aggregation of nanodroplets and nanoparticles on the relative viscosity of nanofluids are considered. The relative viscosity of a nanofluid is strongly affected by solvation of nanoparticles. The scaling of the relative viscosity of nanoemulsions is successfully carried out using the volume fraction of the solvated nanodroplets. Four sets of experimental relative viscosity data of nanoemulsions consisting of different diameter nanodroplets (27.5 nm–205 nm) all collapse on a single unique curve when the data are scaled on the basis of the volume fraction of the solvated nanodroplets. A similar scaling is achieved using six sets of experimental relative viscosity data on nanosuspensions consisting of different diameter nanoparticles (29 nm–146 nm). A new modified version of the Oldroyd model is proposed to describe and predict the viscosity of nanofluids. The model takes into consideration the influences of the viscosity ratio, solvation and aggregation of nanoparticles/nanodroplets. The same model is applicable to both nanoemulsions and nanosuspensions as it includes the effect of the viscosity ratio (ratio of droplet viscosity to matrix viscosity) on the relative viscosity of nanofluids. More experimental work is needed on nanoemulsions to explore the effect of the viscosity ratio, especially at low values of the viscosity ratio.
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine versus Proton Pump Inhibitors Usage in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kruszelnicka Olga , Świerszcz Jolanta , Bednarek Jacek , Chyrchel Bernadeta , Surdacki Andrzej , Nessler Jadwiga
Published: April 2016

A recent experimental study suggested that proton pump inhibitors (PPI), widely used to prevent gastroduodenal complications of dual antiplatelet therapy, may increase the accumulation of the endogenous nitric oxide synthesis antagonist asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an adverse outcome predictor. Our aim was to assess the effect of PPI usage on circulating ADMA in coronary artery disease (CAD). Plasma ADMA levels were compared according to PPI use for ≥1 month prior to admission in 128 previously described non-diabetic men with stable CAD who were free of heart failure or other coexistent diseases. Patients on PPI tended to be older and with insignificantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR). PPI use was not associated with any effect on plasma ADMA (0.51 ± 0.11 (SD) vs. 0.50 ± 0.10 µmol/L for those with PPI (n = 53) and without PPI (n = 75), respectively; p = 0.7). Additionally, plasma ADMA did not differ between PPI users and non-users stratified by a history of current smoking, CAD severity or extent. The adjustment for patients’ age and GFR did not substantially change the results. Thus, PPI usage does not appear to affect circulating ADMA in non-diabetic men with stable CAD. Whether novel mechanisms of adverse PPI effects on the vasculature can be translated into clinical conditions, requires further studies.
Redox Proteomic Profiling of Specifically Carbonylated Proteins in the Serum of Triple Transgenic Alzheimer’s Disease Mice
Authors: Shen Liming , Chen Youjiao , Yang Aochu , Chen Cheng , Liao Liping , Li Shuiming , Ying Ming , Tian Jing , Liu Qiong , Ni Jiazuan
Published: April 2016

Oxidative stress is a key event in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To investigate the role of oxidative stress in AD and to search for potential biomarkers in peripheral blood, serums were collected in this study from the 3-, 6-, and 12-month-old triple transgenic AD mice (3×Tg-AD mice) and the age- and sex-matched non-transgenic (non-Tg) littermates. The serum oxidized proteins were quantified by slot-blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to investigate the total levels of serum protein carbonyl groups. Western blotting, in conjunction with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-Oxyblot), was employed to identify and quantify the specifically-carbonylated proteins in the serum of 3×Tg-AD mice. The results showed that the levels of serum protein carbonyls were increased in the three month old 3×Tg-AD mice compared with the non-Tg control mice, whereas no significant differences were observed in the six and 12 months old AD mice, suggesting that oxidative stress is an early event in AD progression. With the application of 2D-Oxyblot analysis, (immunoglobin) Ig gamma-2B chain C region (IGH-3), Ig lambda-2 chain C region (IGLC2), Ig kappa chain C region (IGKC), and Ig kappa chain V-V region HP R16.7 were identified as significantly oxidized proteins compared with the control. Among them IGH-3 and IGKC were validated via immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis. Identification of oxidized proteins in the serums of 3×Tg-AD mice can not only reveal potential roles of those proteins in the pathogenesis of AD but also provide potential biomarkers of AD at the early stage.
The Long Intron 1 of Growth Hormone Gene from Reeves’ Turtle (Chinemys reevesii) Correlates with Negatively Regulated GH Expression in Four Cell Lines
Authors: Liu Wen-Sheng , Ma Jing-E , Li Wei-Xia , Zhang Jin-Ge , Wang Juan , Nie Qing-Hua , Qiu Feng-Fang , Fang Mei-Xia , Zeng Fang , Wang Xing , Lin Xi-Ran , Zhang Li , Chen Shao-Hao , Zhang Xi-Quan
Published: April 2016

Turtles grow slowly and have a long lifespan. Ultrastructural studies of the pituitary gland in Reeves’ turtle (Chinemys reevesii) have revealed that the species possesses a higher nucleoplasmic ratio and fewer secretory granules in growth hormone (GH) cells than other animal species in summer and winter. C. reevesii GH gene was cloned and species-specific similarities and differences were investigated. The full GH gene sequence in C. reevesii contains 8517 base pairs (bp), comprising five exons and four introns. Intron 1 was found to be much longer in C. reevesii than in other species. The coding sequence (CDS) of the turtle’s GH gene, with and without the inclusion of intron 1, was transfected into four cell lines, including DF-1 chicken embryo fibroblasts, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, human embryonic kidney 293FT cells, and GH4C1 rat pituitary cells; the turtle growth hormone (tGH) gene mRNA and protein expression levels decreased significantly in the intron-containing CDS in these cell lines, compared with that of the corresponding intronless CDS. Thus, the long intron 1 of GH gene in Reeves’ turtle might correlate with downregulated gene expression.
Prognostic Value of MicroRNAs in Preoperative Treated Rectal Cancer
Authors: Azizian Azadeh , Epping Ingo , Kramer Frank , Jo Peter , Bernhardt Markus , Kitz Julia , Salinas Gabriela , Wolff Hendrik , Grade Marian , Beißbarth Tim , Ghadimi B. , Gaedcke Jochen
Published: April 2016

Background: Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer are treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection. Despite similar clinical parameters (uT2-3, uN+) and standard therapy, patients’ prognoses differ widely. A possible prediction of prognosis through microRNAs as biomarkers out of treatment-naïve biopsies would allow individualized therapy options. Methods: Microarray analysis of 45 microdissected preoperative biopsies from patients with rectal cancer was performed to identify potential microRNAs to predict overall survival, disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival, distant-metastasis-free survival, tumor regression grade, or nodal stage. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed on an independent set of 147 rectal cancer patients to validate relevant miRNAs. Results: In the microarray screen, 14 microRNAs were significantly correlated to overall survival. Five microRNAs were included from previous work. Finally, 19 miRNAs were evaluated by qPCR. miR-515-5p, miR-573, miR-579 and miR-802 demonstrated significant correlation with overall survival and cancer-specific survival (p < 0.05). miR-573 was also significantly correlated with the tumor regression grade after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. miR-133b showed a significant correlation with distant-metastasis-free survival. miR-146b expression levels showed a significant correlation with nodal stage. Conclusion: Specific microRNAs can be used as biomarkers to predict prognosis of patients with rectal cancer and possibly stratify patients’ therapy if validated in a prospective study.
Postnatal Cardiac Autonomic Nervous Control in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Nederend Ineke , Jongbloed Monique , De Geus Eco , Blom Nico , Ten Harkel Arend
Published: April 2016

Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital defect. During childhood, survival is generally good but, in adulthood, late complications are not uncommon. Abnormal autonomic control in children with congenital heart disease may contribute considerably to the pathophysiology of these long term sequelae. This narrative review of 34 studies aims to summarize current knowledge on function of the autonomic nervous system in children with a congenital heart defect. Large scale studies that measure both branches of the nervous system for prolonged periods of time in well-defined patient cohorts in various phases of childhood and adolescence are currently lacking. Pending such studies, there is not yet a good grasp on the extent and direction of sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic function in pediatric congenital heart disease. Longitudinal studies in homogenous patient groups linking autonomic nervous system function and clinical outcome are warranted.
Tailored Exercise with an Innovative Mechanical Device: Effects on Cervical-Dorsal Rachis
Authors: Messa Luca , Biffi Alessandro , Fernando Fredrick , Ginanneschi Federica , Rossi Alessandro
Published: April 2016

Trapezius muscle has a fundamental role in cervico-dorsal pain and posture. Often, in movements involving trapezius, the predominant activity is carried out by the upper trapezius, and many times this may be a risk factor for the integrity of the cervico-dorsal structures. To investigate the effects of physical exercise with the new device called the “Angel’s Wings” on a sample of different professionals. We enrolled 15 volunteers for electromyography (EMG) data, which was collected during the physical performance; 3 volunteers for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, collected before and after a training period; and 73 workers of Ferrari S.p.A. and the Scuderia Ferrari racing team division for a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, collected before and after one session of training. EMG shows a decoupling of upper and lower trapezius activity; MRI shows a realignment of cervical-dorsal rachis after one month of training; VAS pain score significantly decreased after the physical exercise with the “Angel’s Wings”. Results show that the use of the “Angel’s Wings” is applicable to counteract and decrease the neck pain by a decontraction of the upper trapezius and correct postural defects of the cervico-dorsal column.
Hybrid Compounds Strategy in the Synthesis of Oleanolic Acid Skeleton-NSAID Derivatives
Authors: Pawełczyk Anna , Olender Dorota , Sowa-Kasprzak Katarzyna , Zaprutko Lucjusz
Published: April 2016

The current study focuses on the synthesis of several hybrid individuals combining a natural oleanolic acid skeleton and synthetic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug moieties (NSAIDs). It studied structural modifications of the oleanolic acid structure by use of the direct reactivity of hydroxyl or hydroxyimino groups at position C-3 of the triterpenoid skeleton with the carboxylic function of anti-inflammatory drugs leading to new perspective compounds with high potential pharmacological activities. Novel ester- and iminoester-type derivatives of oleanolic unit with the different NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and ketoprofen, were obtained and characterized. Moreover, preliminary research of compounds obtaining structure stability under acidic conditions was examined and the PASS method of prediction of activity spectra for substances was used to estimate the potential biological activity of these compounds.
Highly Efficient Synthesis of an Emerging Lipophilic Antioxidant: 2-Ethylhexyl Ferulate
Authors: Huang Kuo-Chuan , Li Ying , Kuo Chia-Hung , Twu Yawo-Kuo , Shieh Chwen-Jen
Published: April 2016

Ferulic acid in ester form has shown a stronger ability in ameliorating certain pathological conditions and inhibiting lipid oxidation. In present study, a solvent-free and reduced pressure evaporation system was developed for lipase-catalyzed synthesis of 2-ethylhexyl ferulate (2-EF) from ferulic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. A Box-Behnken design with response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) was selected to model and optimize the process. Based on the yields of 2-EF, reaction temperature was shown to be the most important process factor on the molar conversion among all variables. The residual values and the coefficient of determination (R2) calculated from the design data indicated that ANN was better than RSM in data fitting. Overall, the present lipase-catalyzed approach for 2-EF synthesis at low reaction temperature in a reduced pressure evaporation system shows high 2-EF production efficiency. Notably, this approach can reduce the enzyme denaturation and ferulic acid oxidation that usually occur during long-term biosynthetic operations at high temperature.
Phenolic Constituents of Medicinal Plants with Activity against Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Sun Ya , No Joo , Lee Ga , Li Wei , Yang Seo , Yang Gyongseon , Schmidt Thomas , Kang Jong , Kim Young
Published: April 2016

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over one billion people all over the world. These diseases are classified as neglected because they impact populations in areas with poor financial conditions and hence do not attract sufficient research investment. Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT or sleeping sickness), caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei, is one of the NTDs. The current therapeutic interventions for T. brucei infections often have toxic side effects or require hospitalization so that they are not available in the rural environments where HAT occurs. Furthermore, parasite resistance is increasing, so that there is an urgent need to identify novel lead compounds against this infection. Recognizing the wide structural diversity of natural products, we desired to explore and identify novel antitrypanosomal chemotypes from a collection of natural products obtained from plants. In this study, 440 pure compounds from various medicinal plants were tested against T. brucei by in a screening using whole cell in vitro assays. As the result, twenty-two phenolic compounds exhibited potent activity against cultures of T. brucei. Among them, eight compounds—4, 7, 11, 14, 15, 18, 20, and 21—showed inhibitory activity against T. brucei, with IC50 values below 5 µM, ranging from 0.52 to 4.70 μM. Based on these results, we attempt to establish some general trends with respect to structure-activity relationships, which indicate that further investigation and optimization of these derivatives might enable the preparation of potentially useful compounds for treating HAT.
Overview of Antagonists Used for Determining the Mechanisms of Action Employed by Potential Vasodilators with Their Suggested Signaling Pathways
Authors: Loh Yean , Tan Chu , Ch’ng Yung , Ahmad Mariam , Asmawi Mohd , Yam Mun
Published: April 2016

This paper is a review on the types of antagonists and the signaling mechanism pathways that have been used to determine the mechanisms of action employed for vasodilation by test compounds. Thus, we exhaustively reviewed and analyzed reports related to this topic published in PubMed between the years of 2010 till 2015. The aim of this paperis to suggest the most appropriate type of antagonists that correspond to receptors that would be involved during the mechanistic studies, as well as the latest signaling pathways trends that are being studied in order to determine the route(s) that atest compound employs for inducing vasodilation. The methods to perform the mechanism studies were included. Fundamentally, the affinity, specificity and selectivity of the antagonists to their receptors or enzymes were clearly elaborated as well as the solubility and reversibility. All the signaling pathways on the mechanisms of action involved in the vascular tone regulation have been well described in previous review articles. However, the most appropriate antagonists that should be utilized have never been suggested and elaborated before, hence the reason for this review.
Pharmacogenomics of Scopoletin in Tumor Cells
Authors: Seo Ean-Jeong , Saeed Mohamed , Law Betty , Wu An , Kadioglu Onat , Greten Henry , Efferth Thomas
Published: April 2016

Drug resistance and the severe side effects of chemotherapy necessitate the development of novel anticancer drugs. Natural products are a valuable source for drug development. Scopoletin is a coumarin compound, which can be found in several Artemisia species and other plant genera. Microarray-based RNA expression profiling of the NCI cell line panel showed that cellular response of scopoletin did not correlate to the expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters as classical drug resistance mechanisms (ABCB1, ABCB5, ABCC1, ABCG2). This was also true for the expression of the oncogene EGFR and the mutational status of the tumor suppressor gene, TP53. However, mutations in the RAS oncogenes and the slow proliferative activity in terms of cell doubling times significantly correlated with scopoletin resistance. COMPARE and hierarchical cluster analyses of transcriptome-wide mRNA expression resulted in a set of 40 genes, which all harbored binding motifs in their promoter sequences for the transcription factor, NF-κB, which is known to be associated with drug resistance. RAS mutations, slow proliferative activity, and NF-κB may hamper its effectiveness. By in silico molecular docking studies, we found that scopoletin bound to NF-κB and its regulator IκB. Scopoletin activated NF-κB in a SEAP-driven NF-κB reporter cell line, indicating that NF-κB might be a resistance factor for scopoletin. In conclusion, scopoletin might serve as lead compound for drug development because of its favorable activity against tumor cells with ABC-transporter expression, although NF-κB activation may be considered as resistance factor for this compound. Further investigations are warranted to explore the full therapeutic potential of this natural product.
Effect of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Adsorption on the Behavior of Water inside Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Dissipative Particle Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Vo Minh , Papavassiliou Dimitrios
Published: April 2016

Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations were utilized to investigate the ability of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to adsorb inside a single-walled, arm-chair carbon nanotube (SWCNT), as well as the effect of surfactant on the properties of water inside the SWCNT. The diameter of the SWCNT varied from 1 to 5 nm. The radial and axial density profiles of water inside the SWCNTs were computed and compared with published molecular dynamics results. The average residence time and diffusivity were also calculated to show the size effect on mobility of water inside the SWCNT. It was found that nanotubes with diameter smaller than 3 nm do not allow SDS molecules to enter the SWCNT space. For larger SWCNT diameter, SDS adsorbed inside and outside the nanotube. When SDS was adsorbed in the hollow part of the SWCNT, the behavior of water inside the nanotube was found to be significantly changed. Both radial and axial density profiles of water inside the SWCNT fluctuated strongly and were different from those in bulk phase. In addition, SDS molecules increased the retention of water beads inside SWCNT (d ≥ 3nm) while water diffusivity was decreased.
Comparison of Small Baseline Interferometric SAR Processors for Estimating Ground Deformation
Authors: Gong Wenyu , Thiele Antje , Hinz Stefan , Meyer Franz , Hooper Andrew , Agram Piyush
Published: April 2016

The small Baseline Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Interferometry (SBI) technique has been widely and successfully applied in various ground deformation monitoring applications. Over the last decade, a variety of SBI algorithms have been developed based on the same fundamental concepts. Recently developed SBI toolboxes provide an open environment for researchers to apply different SBI methods for various purposes. However, there has been no thorough discussion that compares the particular characteristics of different SBI methods and their corresponding performance in ground deformation reconstruction. Thus, two SBI toolboxes that implement a total of four SBI algorithms were selected for comparison. This study discusses and summarizes the main differences, pros and cons of these four SBI implementations, which could help users to choose a suitable SBI method for their specific application. The study focuses on exploring the suitability of each SBI module under various data set conditions, including small/large number of interferograms, the presence or absence of larger time gaps, urban/vegetation ground coverage, and temporally regular/irregular ground displacement with multiple spatial scales. Within this paper we discuss the corresponding theoretical background of each SBI method. We present a performance analysis of these SBI modules based on two real data sets characterized by different environmental and surface deformation conditions. The study shows that all four SBI processors are capable of generating similar ground deformation results when the data set has sufficient temporal sampling and a stable ground backscatter mechanism like urban area. Strengths and limitations of different SBI processors were analyzed based on data set configuration and environmental conditions and are summarized in this paper to guide future users of SBI techniques.
A Systemic and Systematic Approach to the Development of a Policy Mix for Material Resource Efficiency
Authors: Ekvall Tomas , Hirschnitz-Garbers Martin , Eboli Fabio , Śniegocki Aleksander
Published: April 2016

Increasing material use efficiency is important to mitigate future supply risks and minimize environmental impacts associated with the production of the materials. The policy mix presented in this paper aims to contribute to reducing the use of virgin metals in the EU by 80% by 2050 without significant shifting of burdens to other material resources, environmental impacts, or parts of the world. We used a heuristic framework and a systems perspective for designing the policy mix that combines primary instruments designed to increase material efficiency, recycling and substitution of materials (a materials tax, the extended producer responsibility, technical regulations, and environmental taxes) and supportive instruments aimed to reduce barriers to implementing the primary instruments and to contribute towards the policy objectives (e.g., research and development support, and advanced recycling centers). Furthermore, instruments were designed so as to increase political feasibility: e.g., taxes were gradually increased as part of a green fiscal reform, and border-tax adjustments were introduced to reduce impacts on competitiveness. However, even in such a policy mix design ongoing ex-ante assessments indicate that the policy mix will be politically difficult to implement—and also fall short of achieving the 80% reduction target. Nonetheless, we suggest combining primary and supportive instruments into coherent and dynamic policy mixes as a promising step towards system reconfigurations for sustainability.