bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social and attention‐to‐detail subclusters of autistic traits differentially predict looking at eyes and face identity recognition ability
Authors: Davis Joshua , McKone Elinor , Zirnsak Marc , Moore Tirin , O'Kearney Richard , Apthorp Deborah , Palermo Romina
Published: March 2016

This study distinguished between different subclusters of autistic traits in the general population and examined the relationships between these subclusters, looking at the eyes of faces, and the ability to recognize facial identity. Using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) measure in a university‐recruited sample, we separate the social aspects of autistic traits (i.e., those related to communication and social interaction; AQ‐Social) from the non‐social aspects, particularly attention‐to‐detail (AQ‐Attention). We provide the first evidence that these social and non‐social aspects are associated differentially with looking at eyes: While AQ‐Social showed the commonly assumed tendency towards reduced looking at eyes, AQ‐Attention was associated with increased looking at eyes. We also report that higher attention‐to‐detail (AQ‐Attention) was then indirectly related to improved face recognition, mediated by increased number of fixations to the eyes during face learning. Higher levels of socially relevant autistic traits (AQ‐Social) trended in the opposite direction towards being related to poorer face recognition (significantly so in females on the Cambridge Face Memory Test). There was no evidence of any mediated relationship between AQ‐Social and face recognition via reduced looking at the eyes. These different effects of AQ‐Attention and AQ‐Social suggest face‐processing studies in Autism Spectrum Disorder might similarly benefit from considering symptom subclusters. Additionally, concerning mechanisms of face recognition, our results support the view that more looking at eyes predicts better face memory.
Enhanced efficacy against cervical carcinomas through polymeric micelles physically incorporating the proteasome inhibitor MG132
Authors: Matsumoto Yoko , Miyamoto Yuichiro , Cabral Horacio , Matsumoto Yu , Nagasaka Kazunori , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Yano Tetsu , Maeda Daichi , Oda Katsutoshi , Kawana Kei , Nishiyama Nobuhiro , Kataoka Kazunori , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: March 2016

Treatment of recurrent or advanced cervical cancer is still limited, and new therapeutic choices are needed for improving prognosis and quality of life of patients. Because human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is critical in cervical carcinogenesis, with the E6 and E7 oncogenes of HPV degrading tumor suppressor proteins through the ubiquitin proteasome system, the inhibition of the ubiquitin proteasome system appears to be an ideal target to suppress the growth of cervical tumors. Herein, we focused on the ubiquitin proteasome inhibitor MG132 (carbobenzoxy‐Leu‐Leu‐leucinal) as an anticancer agent against cervical cancer cells, and physically incorporated it into micellar nanomedicines for achieving selective delivery to solid tumors and improving its in vivo efficacy. These MG132‐loaded polymeric micelles (MG132/m) showed strong tumor inhibitory in vivo effect against HPV‐positive tumors from HeLa and CaSki cells, and even in HPV‐negative tumors from C33A cells. Repeated injection of MG132/m showed no significant toxicity to mice under analysis by weight change or histopathology. Moreover, the tumors treated with MG132/m showed higher levels of tumor suppressing proteins, hScrib and p53, as well as apoptotic degree, than tumors treated with free MG132. This enhanced efficacy of MG132/m was attributed to their prolonged circulation in the bloodstream, which allowed their gradual extravasation and penetration within the tumor tissue, as determined by intravital microscopy. These results support the use of MG132 incorporated into polymeric micelles as a safe and effective therapeutic strategy against cervical tumors.
Preventing childhood obesity in early care and education settings: lessons from two intervention studies
Authors: Benjamin Neelon S. E. , Østbye T. , Hales D. , Vaughn A. , Ward D. S.
Published: March 2016

Background

Obesity prevention in young children is a public health priority. In the USA, nearly 10% of children less than 5 years of age are obese, and most attend some form of out‐of‐home child care. While a number of interventions have been conducted in early care and education settings, few have targeted the youngest children in care or the less formal types of child care like family child care homes. Additionally, only two previous studies provided recommendations to help inform future interventions.

Methods

This paper presents lessons learned from two distinct intervention studies in early care and education settings to help guide researchers and public health professionals interested in implementing and evaluating similar interventions. We highlight two studies: one targeting children ages 4 to 24 months in child care centres and the other intervening in children 18 months to 4 years in family child care homes. We include lessons from our pilot studies and the ongoing larger trials.

Results

To date, our experiences suggest that an intervention should have a firm basis in behaviour change theory; an advisory group should help evaluate intervention materials and plan for delivery; and realistic recruitment goals should recognize economic challenges of the business of child care. A flexible data collection approach and realistic sample size calculations are needed because of high rates of child (and sometimes facility) turnover. An intervention that is relatively easy to implement is more likely to appeal to a wide variety of early care and education providers.

Conclusions

Interventions to prevent obesity in early care and education have the potential to reach large numbers of children. It is important to consider the unique features and similarities of centres and family child care homes and take advantage of lessons learned from current studies in order to develop effective, evidence‐based interventions.
Osteogenic potential of rhBMP9 combined with a bovine‐derived natural bone mineral scaffold compared to rhBMP2
Authors: Fujioka‐Kobayashi Masako , Sawada Kosaku , Kobayashi Eizaburo , Schaller Benoit , Zhang Yufeng , Miron Richard J.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Combination therapies of growth factors and scaffolds for bone tissue engineering are becoming routine for clinical use. BMP9 has previously been characterized as one of the most osteogenic inducers among the BMP superfamily; however, up until recently, BMP9 has only been available through adenovirus transfection experiments (gene therapy). While recombinant human (rh)BMP2 is regarded as the gold standard for bone regeneration with recombinant growth factors, recently the successful development of rhBMP9 brings intriguing new possibilities for future clinical use. The purpose of this pioneering study was to investigate the effects of rhBMP9 in comparison with rhBMP2 on an in vitro cell behavior of bone‐forming osteoblasts when combined with a bone grafting material.

Material and methods

Undifferentiated mouse ST2 stromal bone marrow cells were seeded onto bovine‐derived natural bone mineral (NBM) particles treated with (i) control, (ii) rhBMP2 (10 ng/ml), (iii) rhBMP2 (100 ng/ml), (iv) rhBMP9 (10 ng/ml) and (v) rhBMP9 (100 ng/ml). The effects of rhBMPs were compared for cell adhesion at 8 h, cell proliferation at 1, 3 and 5 days and osteoblast differentiation as assessed by real‐time PCR at 3 and 14 days for genes encoding Runx2, collagen1alpha2 (COL1a2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN). Furthermore, ALP staining and alizarin red staining were used to investigate localization of osteoblast differentiation marker and mineralization on NBM.

Results

Although neither rhBMP2 nor rhBMP9 influenced cell attachment to NBM particles, both were able to stimulate cell proliferation at 3 days. Furthermore, all concentrations of rhBMPs were able to significantly induce mRNA levels of Runx2, COL1a2 and OCN at 3 days. Interestingly, only rhBMP9 was able to significantly upregulate mRNA levels of ALP up to eightfold, and ALP staining up to 25‐fold, when compared to rhBMP2. In addition, only rhBMP9 (100 ng/ml) significantly increased alizarin red staining when compared to control and rhBMP2 (10 ng/ml) samples.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that both rhBMP2 and rhBMP9 have osteopromotive properties on osteoblast differentiation. It was found that rhBMP9 additionally stimulated the osteopromotive potential of osteoblasts when compared to rhBMP2 by demonstrating higher levels of ALP expression and alizarin red staining. Further animal studies comparing both recombinant proteins are necessary to further characterize the osteoinductive potential of BMP9.
Pre‐caruncular approach to the medial orbit and landmarks for anterior ethmoidal artery ligation: a cadaveric study
Authors: Cornelis M.M.K. , Lubbe D.E.
Published: March 2016

Objective

In epistaxis and skull base surgery, the anterior ethmoidal artery sometimes needs to be ligated. We describe a novel, quick and scar‐free surgical technique to ligate this artery with salient landmarks allowing rapid identification.

Patients and methods

Twenty medial orbital walls from 10 randomly selected fresh‐frozen, non‐formalinised cadaver heads were examined. Dissection was performed by a pre‐caruncular external approach to expose the AEA in all cases.

Results

The Horner's muscle and nasion, two salient landmarks, have been identified for use during the pre‐caruncular approach.

Discussion/Conclusion

The pre‐caruncular approach is a novel combined open and endoscopic surgical approach to the anterior ethmoidal artery. It is a simple, quick and scar‐free technique. The identification of the artery is easy when using the two anatomic landmarks we describe in our study, that is Horner's muscle and the nasion.
The implementation of a transanal endoscopic microsurgery programme: initial experience with surgical performance
Authors: Helewa R. M. , Rajaee A. N. , Raiche I. , Williams L. , Paquin‐Gobeil M. , Boushey R. P. , Moloo H.
Published: March 2016

Aim

Despite transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) being used for over 30 years, there has been slow adoption of this modality in many centres. There remains a paucity of research regarding the learning curve and early performance of surgeons who begin to offer TEM. We sought to determine predictors of longer rates of tumour excision and improvements in operative time in a newly established TEM programme.

Method

All patients who underwent TEM at the Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada, between October 2009 and September 2014 were included. Data were abstracted through a retrospective chart review. The average rate of lesion excision (ARE) was calculated to standardize the operation time by size of the pathological specimen (min/cm3), representing a measure of surgical efficiency. Surgical efficiency was plotted using restricted cubic splines. Predictors of higher ARE were determined using multivariable regression.

Results

During the study period 108 patients underwent TEM. ARE was available for 95 patients of mean age 67.2 years. The mean ARE was 18.6 min/cm3. On adjusting for important covariates, the ARE improved with each additional case until 16 cases were completed. Significant predictors of higher ARE on multivariable analysis were age < 50 years, experience of fewer than five cases, and carcinoid/gastrointestinal stromal tumour or scar histology.

Conclusion

Operative efficiency appears to improve as surgeons completed 16 TEM cases. We have identified important factors that result in longer operating time. The study has important implications with regard to surgical training and operative planning for new TEM programmes.
Attitudes towards relocation following Hurricane Sandy: should we stay or should we go?
Authors: Bukvic Anamaria , Owen Graham
Published: March 2016

This study explores the dilemma of whether to rebuild or relocate from the areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Since disasters represent the discernible manifestation of other complex coastal hazards, they offer a window of opportunity to engage residents in the dialogue on relocation as sometimes the most effective risk reduction strategy. The following research evaluates attitudes towards relocation and willingness to consider buyout among 46 surveyed households located in highly‐affected communities five months after Sandy. It also gauges perceptions of coastal risks and recovery concerns as drivers of relocation, the level of support for different adaptation strategies, and preferences related to the relocation process itself on how and where to relocate and with what type of assistance. Responses indicate that, even though residents prefer structural solutions to address coastal hazards, they are not fully opposed to the possibility of relocation mostly for personal health and safety reasons.
Organisational challenges in the United Kingdom's post‐disaster ‘crisis support’ work
Authors: Davis Howard
Published: March 2016

Local authorities in the United Kingdom are required to ‘lead’ multi‐agency humanitarian responses to major disasters. Concerns mounted in the late twentieth century that responses to people bereaved in the immediate aftermath of such events at best failed to meet their needs and at worst compounded their distress. Subsequent reviews and reforms reframed some victim needs as ‘rights’ and established legal, administrative, and practice frameworks to improve matters. Local authority ‘crisis support’, provided in partnership with other actors, lies at the heart of the UK's contemporary emergency response to the bereaved. Drawing on primary research on the development and the deployment of crisis support in a local authority, and while acknowledging both incident‐ and context‐related difficulties, this paper considers the significance of challenges with their origins in organisational factors. Recent developments within and between responders may exacerbate them. This paper argues, therefore, that further research into such developments is necessary.
Treatment of sustained monomorphic narrow‐complex ventricular tachycardia in a 16‐year‐old Arab mare with a constant rate of infusion of lidocaine and oral propranolol
Authors: Bradley V. R. , Whelchel D. D. , Clay S. E. , Johnson P. J. , Leach S. B.
Published: March 2016

A 16‐year‐old Arab mare was referred for treatment of a tachydysrhythmia detected on electrocardiogram by the referring veterinarian. Monomorphic, narrow‐complex ventricular tachycardia (VT) was confirmed by electro‐cardiogram in a normal base‐apex configuration. Subsequent diagnostic testing, including echocardiography and measurement of plasma cardiac troponin concentration, did not reveal a definitive cause for the dysrhythmia. Conversion of VT to ventricular bigeminy occurred following treatment with magnesium sulfate and lidocaine hydrochloride, administered intravenously. Treatment with orally administered propranolol subsequently led to conversion to sinus rhythm with intermittent ventricular premature complexes (VPCs). Oral prednisolone treatment was also initiated to address the possibility that VT resulted from underlying myocarditis. The mare was discharged with oral propranolol, a tapering course of prednisolone, and exercise restriction. Follow‐up cardiac examination 6 weeks later revealed persistent, intermittent VPCs and reversion to VT occurred during exercise. Sinus rhythm with intermittent VPCs was re‐established following the administration of lidocaine. The mare was again discharged with oral propranolol therapy, which was subsequently replaced with oral sotalol. Sudden death occurred 4 weeks later but apost mortemexamination was not performed.
Perception of Parental Bonds and Suicide Intent Among Egyptian Adolescents
Authors: Sharaf Amira Y. , Thompson Elaine A. , El‐Salam Hoda F. Abd
Published: March 2016

PROBLEM

Suicidal adolescents, compared to their nonsuicidal peers, tend to perceive their parents as less “caring” and more “controlling”—which characterizes the “affectionless control” parenting style. Research findings are inconsistent regarding the distinct influence of mother versus father parenting on youth suicide intent; moreover, the influence of parents’ joint parenting styles on suicide intent has not been investigated.

METHODS

Using a cross‐sectional design and large sample (N = 150 youth, 13–21 years old), currently hospitalized in a treatment center in Egypt for a recent suicide attempt, data were collected using the Suicide Intent Scale, Parental Bonding Instrument, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.

FINDINGS

Seventy percent of youth reported high suicide intent. Mother and father parenting styles, assessed independently, were not associated with adolescent suicide intent. The joint effect of both parents’ parenting style, however, was positively associated with suicide intent (Wald χ2 = 8.79, p = .03). Suicide intent was stronger among adolescents who experienced neglectful compared with optimal parenting style (B = 1.93, Wald χ2 = 4.28, p = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings have direct implications for mental health nursing interventions, signaling the critical need to engage both parents in family‐based interventions to address youth suicidal behavior.
Research Review: Environmental exposures, neurodevelopment, and child mental health – new paradigms for the study of brain and behavioral effects
Authors: Rauh Virginia A. , Margolis Amy E.
Published: March 2016

Background

Environmental exposures play a critical role in the genesis of some child mental health problems.

Methods

We open with a discussion of children's vulnerability to neurotoxic substances, changes in the distribution of toxic exposures, and cooccurrence of social and physical exposures. We address trends in prevalence of mental health disorders, and approaches to the definition of disorders that are sensitive to the subtle effects of toxic exposures. We suggest broadening outcomes to include dimensional measures of autism spectrum disorders, attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, and child learning capacity, as well as direct assessment of brain function.

Findings

We consider the impact of two important exposures on children's mental health: lead and pesticides. We argue that longitudinal research designs may capture the cascading effects of exposures across biological systems and the full‐range of neuropsychological endpoints. Neuroimaging is a valuable tool for observing brain maturation under varying environmental conditions. A dimensional approach to measurement may be sensitive to subtle subclinical toxic effects, permitting the development of exposure‐related profiles and testing of complex functional relationships between brain and behavior. Questions about the neurotoxic effects of chemicals become more pressing when viewed through the lens of environmental justice.

Conclusions

Reduction in the burden of child mental health disorders will require longitudinal study of neurotoxic exposures, incorporating dimensional approaches to outcome assessment, and measures of brain function. Research that seeks to identify links between toxic exposures and mental health outcomes has enormous public health and societal value.
ON THE (POLITICAL) ORIGIN OF ‘CORPORATE GOVERNANCE’ SPECIES
Authors: Vatiero Massimiliano
Published: March 2016

Although economies, business practices and living standards have converged since WWII, corporate structures continue to differ among the advanced economies of the world. Looking at the diversity of corporate structures of large‐sized firms around the world (and over time) would fascinate Charles Darwin. This work develops a critical review of the literature on political determinants of corporate governance through the Darwinian theory (including some Lamarckian aspects). As Darwin, in his work On the Origin of Species, explicates the diversity of species of tortoises, finches and iguanas of the Galapagos Islands, so Darwinism may contribute in understanding the origin and the persistence of corporate diversity. In particular, this paper takes into account politics‐driven variations, their inheritances, and the subsequent selection of advantageous ‘corporate’ attributes.
The Changing Demography of Grandparenthood
Authors: Margolis Rachel
Published: March 2016

Demographic changes affect the time that individuals spend in different family roles. Mortality decline increases the time an individual can spend as a grandparent, but childlessness decreases the proportion of people who ever become grandparents, and fertility postponement delays when grandparenthood begins. This article examines changes in the length of grandparenthood at the population level and why it has changed in Canada over a 26‐year period. Using the Sullivan method, years spent as a grandparent are estimated by sex for 1985 and 2011. Results show that grandparenthood is coming significantly later to Canadians, in small part due to increased childlessness and in large part to fertility postponement of respondents and their children. The average length of grandparenthood decreased among women from 24.7 to 24.3 years but increased among men from 17.0 to 18.9 years. The changing timing and length of grandparenthood have implications for multigenerational relationships and intergenerational transfers.
Increasing role of the cancer chemotherapeutic doxorubicin in cellular metabolism
Authors: Meredith Ann-Marie , Dass Crispin R
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The use of doxorubicin, a drug utilised for many years to treat a wide variety of cancers, has long been limited due to the significant toxicity that can occur not only during, but also years after treatment. It has multiple mechanisms of action including the intercalation of DNA, inhibition of topoisomerase II and the production of free radicals. We review the literature, with the aim of highlighting the role of drug concentration being an important determinant on the unfolding cell biological events that lead to cell stasis or death.

Methods

The PubMed database was consulted to compile this review.

Key findings

It has been found that the various mechanisms of action at the disposal of doxorubicin culminate in either cell death or cell growth arrest through various cell biological events, such as apoptosis, autophagy, senescence and necrosis. Which of these events is the eventual cause of cell death or growth arrest appears to vary depending on factors such as the patient, cell and cancer type, doxorubicin concentration and the duration of treatment.

Conclusions

Further understanding of doxorubicin's influence on cell biological events could lead to an improvement in the drug's efficacy and reduce toxicity.
Assessing Differences in the Availability of Opioid Addiction Therapy Options: Rural Versus Urban and American Indian Reservation Versus Nonreservation
Authors: Hirchak Katherine A. , Murphy Sean M.
Published: March 2016

Background

Opioid misuse is a large public health problem in the United States. Residents of rural areas and American Indian (AI) reservation/trust lands represent traditionally underserved populations with regard to substance‐use disorder therapy.

Purpose

Assess differences in the number of opioid agonist therapy (OAT) facilities and physicians with Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) waivers for rural versus urban, and AI reservation/trust land versus non‐AI reservation/trust land areas in Washington State.

Methods

The unit of analysis was the ZIP code. The dependent variables were the number of OAT facilities and DATA‐waivered physicians in a region per 10,000 residents aged 18‐64 in a ZIP code. A region was defined as a ZIP code and its contiguous ZIP codes. The independent variables were binary measures of whether a ZIP code was classified as rural versus urban, or AI reservation/trust land versus non‐AI reservation/trust land. Zero‐inflated negative binomial regressions with robust standard errors were estimated.

Results

The number of OAT clinics in a region per 10,000 ZIP‐code residents was significantly lower in rural versus urban areas (P = .002). This did not differ significantly between AI reservation/trust land and non‐AI reservation/trust land areas (P = .79). DATA‐waivered physicians in a region per 10,000 ZIP‐code residents was not significantly different between rural and urban (P = .08), or AI reservation/trust land versus non‐AI reservation/trust land areas (P = .21).

Conclusions

It appears that the potential for Washington State residents of rural and AI reservation areas to receive OAT is similar to that of residents outside of those areas; however, difficulties in accessing therapy may remain, highlighting the importance of expanding health care insurance and providing support for DATA‐waivered physicians.
The Dynamics of Exploitation and Class in Accumulation Economies
Authors: Cogliano Jonathan F. , Veneziani Roberto , Yoshihara Naoki
Published: March 2016

This paper analyses the equilibrium dynamics of exploitation and class in accumulation economies with population growth, technical change and bargaining by adopting a novel computational approach. First, the determinants of the emergence and persistence of exploitation and class are investigated, and the role of labor‐saving technical change and, even more importantly, power is highlighted. Second, it is shown that the concept of exploitation provides the foundations for a logically coherent and empirically relevant analysis of inequalities and class relations in advanced capitalist economies. An index that identifies the exploitation level, or intensity of each individual can be defined and its distribution studied using the standard tools developed in the theory of inequality measurement.
The Treasure of St. Thomas’ Theology of the Trinity
Authors: Rikhof Herwi
Published: March 2016

One of the treasures of Thomas’ theology of the Trinity is his attention to the mission of the Spirit, to the gift of the Spirit (and not just to the gifts of the Spirit). In this slightly modified version of the 2016 Aquinas Lecture Oxford, three texts are read that show the richness of his attention to the Spirit and that show, too, that often repeated criticism that Thomas forgets the Spirit is incorrect. First, Thomas’ remark that the knowledge of the divine persons is necessary for a correct understanding of creation and salvation (STh I q. 32, a.1 ad 3m). Second, his commentary on the opening verse of ps 50, (‘the great mercy of God’). Third, two articles on the mission of the Spirit (STh 1, q. 43, a.3 and 5, especially the ad 2m).
Assembly Systems with Sequential Supplier Decisions and Uncertain Demand
Authors: Kyparisis George J. , Koulamas Christos
Published: March 2016

We consider multitier push assembly systems with sequential supplier decisions and a wholesale price contract. We show that both an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)–Contract Manufacturer (CM) assembly and a modular assembly with sequential supplier decisions are mathematically equivalent to the corresponding traditional assembly. We determine that, in most cases, the first mover supplier realizes a higher profit than the second mover supplier but we also identify the sufficient conditions for the reverse to occur. We provide conditions under which the order quantity, the second mover profit, total supplier profits, and the assembler profit are either higher or lower for a multitier system with sequential suppliers compared to simultaneous suppliers. We conclude that the first mover is always better off in a three‐tier sequential system while she can be either better off or worse off in a four‐tier sequential system compared to the corresponding simultaneous systems. We also analyze the impact of information asymmetry on the supplier and assembler profits in a three‐tier sequential system. Finally, we determine the profit threshold for an independent manufacturer in a three‐tier system to become a CM in a four‐tier system and vice versa.
Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir for the treatment of patients with hepatitis C virus re‐infection after liver transplantation
Authors: Ciesek S. , Proske V. , Otto B. , Pischke S. , Costa R. , Lüthgehetmann M. , Polywka S. , Klempnauer J. , Nashan B. , Manns M.P. , von Hahn T. , Lohse A.W. , Wedemeyer H. , Mix H. , Sterneck M.
Published: March 2016

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with a particularly poor outcome after liver transplantation. In December 2014, sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) fixed‐dose combination (FDC) was approved for HCV genotype 1 and 4 in Europe. In orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) recipients, the interferon‐free treatment of HCV re‐infection with novel direct‐acting antivirals has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in clinical trials, but real‐world data are missing. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of SOF/LDV FDC in OLT recipients in the real‐life setting.

Methods

All consecutive OLT patients started on SOF/LDV FDC for 12 or 24 weeks at the University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf and Medical School Hannover between October 2014 and August 2015 were retrospectively analyzed (n = 30). The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virological response (SVR), i.e., absence of viremia 12 weeks after end of treatment (SVR 12). Liver function tests, creatinine, blood count, and HCV RNA (by polymerase chain reaction assay) were determined at each visit.

Results

SVR was achieved in 29/30 patients (96.67%) treated with SOF/LDV ± ribavirin (RBV) for 12 (n = 4) or 24 weeks (n = 25). Twenty‐five patients (86.2%) received RBV. However, in 15 of the 25 patients, RBV administration had to be discontinued because of severe anemia (57.7%). One RBV‐treated patient died of a myocardial infarction during antiviral therapy; this event was most likely not directly related to SOF/LDV. Aside from RBV‐associated anemia, no severe side effects of the antiviral regimen were observed.

Conclusion

Antiviral treatment with SOF/LDV is highly effective, safe, and well tolerated in OLT recipients. The addition of RBV often results in severe anemia, requiring dose reduction or discontinuation.
Glia, sympathetic activity and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Marina Nephtali , Teschemacher Anja G. , Kasparov Sergey , Gourine Alexander V.
Published: March 2016

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

In this review, we discuss recent findings that provide a novel insight into the mechanisms that link glial cell function with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, including systemic arterial hypertension and chronic heart failure.

What advances does it highlight?

We discuss how glial cells may influence central presympathetic circuits, leading to maladaptive and detrimental increases in sympathetic activity and contributing to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.

Increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and may contribute to its progression. Vasomotor and cardiac sympathetic activities are generated by the neuronal circuits located in the hypothalamus and the brainstem. These neuronal networks receive multiple inputs from the periphery and other parts of the CNS and, at a local level, may be influenced by their non‐neuronal neighbours, in particular glial cells. In this review, we discuss recent experimental evidence suggesting that astrocytes and microglial cells are able to modulate the activity of sympathoexcitatory neural networks in disparate physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We focus on the chemosensory properties of astrocytes residing in the rostral ventrolateral medulla oblongata and discuss signalling mechanisms leading to glial activation during brain hypoxia and inflammation. Alterations in these mechanisms may lead to heightened activity of sympathoexcitatory CNS circuits and contribute to maladaptive and detrimental increases in sympathetic tone associated with systemic arterial hypertension and chronic heart failure.
Efforts to link climate change to severe weather gain ground
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: March 2016

U.S. academies find researchers getting better at attributing heat waves, cold snaps, and other events to climate trends.
Blogging for beginners
Science Blogging The Essential Guide
Christie Wilcox, Bethany Brookshire, and Jason G. Goldman, Eds.
Yale University Press, 2016. 286 pp.
Authors: Thaler Andrew David
Published: March 2016

A new handbook offers approachable advice for aspiring science writers of all stripes
Draft Genome Sequences of Two
Pseudoalteromonas porphyrae
Strains Isolated from Seagrass Sediment
Authors: Lee Ruth D. , Jospin Guillaume , Lang Jenna M. , Eisen Jonathan A. , Coil David A.
Published: March 2016

Here, we present the draft genome sequences of
Pseudoalteromonas porphyrae
UCD-SED9 and UCD-SED14 (phylum
Proteobacteria
). These strains were isolated from sediment surrounding the roots of the seagrass,
Zostera marina
, collected near the UC, Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory (Bodega Bay, California). The assemblies contain 4,847,456 bp and 4,817,752 bp, respectively.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of Urease-Producing
Sporosarcina koreensis
Authors: Abdul Majid Sara , Graw Michael F. , Nguyen Hanh , Hay Anthony G.
Published: March 2016

Urease-producing microbes are of significance due to their potential application in biocement production.
Sporosarcina koreensis
Q1 is a urease-producing bacterium belonging to the phylum
Firmicutes
. Here, we present the draft whole-genome sequence of
S. koreensis
Q1, isolated from a barchan sand dune in Qatar.
Whole-Genome Sequences of
Staphylococcus haemolyticus
Isolated from Infected Eyes and Healthy Conjunctiva in Bhubaneswar, India
Authors: Panda Sasmita , Singh Durg V.
Published: March 2016

Staphylococcus haemolyticus
, an opportunistic pathogen, is known to exhibit multidrug resistance and produce biofilm. We sequenced the genome of four multidrug resistant, biofilm forming isolates from infected eyes and asymptomatic healthy conjunctiva.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Burkholderia ambifaria
RZ2MS16, a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium Isolated from Guarana, a Tropical Plant
Authors: Batista Bruna Durante , Taniguti Lucas Mitsuo , Monteiro-Vitorello Claudia Barros , Azevedo João Lúcio , Quecine Maria Carolina
Published: March 2016

Burkholderia ambifaria
strain RZ2MS16 was isolated from the rhizosphere of Amazon guarana in Brazil. This bacterium exhibits a remarkable capacity to promote the growth of corn and soybean. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of RZ2MS16 and some genes related to multiple traits involved in plant growth promotion.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Bradyrhizobium
sp. Strain CCGE-LA001, Isolated from Field Nodules of the Enigmatic Wild Bean
Phaseolus microcarpus
Authors: Servín-Garcidueñas Luis E. , Rogel Marco A. , Ormeño-Orrillo Ernesto , Zayas-del Moral Alejandra , Sánchez Federico , Martínez-Romero Esperanza
Published: March 2016

We present the complete genome sequence of
Bradyrhizobium
sp. strain CCGE-LA001, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium isolated from nodules of
Phaseolus microcarpus.
Strain CCGE-LA001 represents the first sequenced bradyrhizobial strain obtained from a wild
Phaseolus
sp. Its genome revealed a large and novel symbiotic island.
Complete Genome Sequence of
emm
4
Streptococcus pyogenes
MEW427, a Throat Isolate from a Child Meeting Clinical Criteria for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS)
Authors: Jacob Kristin M. , Spilker Theodore , LiPuma John J. , Dawid Suzanne R. , Watson Michael E.
Published: March 2016

We report the complete genome assembly of the
Streptococcus pyogenes
type
emm
4 strain MEW427 (also referred to as strain UM001 in the Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome [PANS] Research Consortium), a throat isolate from a child with acute-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms meeting clinical criteria for PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus). The genome length is 1,814,455 bp with 38.51% G+C%.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant
Campylobacter coli
Strain COL B1-266, Isolated from the Colombian Poultry Chain
Authors: Bernal Johan F. , Donado-Godoy Pilar , Arévalo Alejandra , Duarte Carolina , Realpe María E. , Díaz Paula L. , Gómez Yolanda , Rodríguez Fernando , Agarwala Richa , Landsman David , Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo
Published: March 2016

Campylobacter coli
is considered one of the main causes of food-borne illness worldwide. We report here the whole-genome sequence of multidrug-resistant
Campylobacter coli
strain COL B1-266, isolated from the Colombian poultry chain. The genome sequences encode genes for a variety of antimicrobial resistance genes, including aminoglycosides, β-lactams, lincosamides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines.
Complete Genome and Methylome Sequences of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
Serovar Panama (ATCC 7378) and
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
Serovar Sloterdijk (ATCC 15791)
Authors: Yao Kuan , Muruvanda Tim , Roberts Richard J. , Payne Justin , Allard Marc W. , Hoffmann Maria
Published: March 2016

Salmonella enterica
spp. are pathogenic bacteria commonly associated with food-borne outbreaks in human and animals.
Salmonella enterica
spp. are characterized into more than 2,500 different serotypes, which makes epidemiological surveillance and outbreak control more difficult. In this report, we announce the first complete genome and methylome sequences from two
Salmonella
type strains associated with food-borne outbreaks,
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Panama (ATCC 7378) and
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Sloterdijk (ATCC 15791).
Draft Genome Sequence of
Mycobacterium wolinskyi
, a Rapid-Growing Species of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Authors: de Man Tom J. B. , Perry K. Allison , Lawsin Adrian , Coulliette Angela D. , Jensen Bette , Toney Nadege C. , Limbago Brandi M. , Noble-Wang Judith
Published: March 2016

Mycobacterium wolinskyi
is a nonpigmented, rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium species that is associated with bacteremia, peritonitis, infections associated with implants/prostheses, and skin and soft tissue infections often following surgical procedures in humans. Here, we report the first functionally annotated draft genome sequence of
M. wolinskyi
CDC_01.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Variant Pseudorabies Virus Strain Isolated in Central China
Authors: Xiang Shuangshuang , Zhou Zhi , Hu Xule , Li Yingying , Zhang Chaolin , Wang Juan , Li Xiangdong , Tan Feifei , Tian Kegong
Published: March 2016

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) variants have been prevalent in China since 2011 and have caused huge economic losses to the Chinese pig industry. Here, we report the genome sequence of a PRV variant HN1201 that was isolated from diseased animals in central China in 2011.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Photorhabdus luminescens
subsp.
laumondii
HP88, an Entomopathogenic Bacterium Isolated from Nematodes
Authors: Ghazal Shimaa , Oshone Rediet , Simpson Stephen , Morris Krystalynne , Abebe-Akele Feseha , Thomas W. Kelley , Khalil Kamal M. , Tisa Louis S.
Published: March 2016

Photorhabdus luminescens
subsp.
laumondii
HP88 is an entomopathogenic bacterium that forms a symbiotic association with
Heterorhabditis
nematodes. We report here a 5.27-Mbp draft genome sequence for
P. luminescens
subsp.
laumondii
HP88, with a G+C content of 42.4% and containing 4,243 candidate protein-coding genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of an NDM-5-Producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Sequence Type 14 Strain of Serotype K2
Authors: Liu Pan-pan , Liu Yang , Wang Lian-hui , Wei Dan-dan , Wan La-Gen
Published: March 2016

We report here the draft genome sequence of uropathogenic
Klebsiella pneumoniae
sequence type 14 strain of serotype K2 possessing
bla
NDM-5
, isolated from a 65-year-old male in China without a history of travel abroad.
Draft Genome Sequence of “
Acidibacillus ferrooxidans
” ITV01, a Novel Acidophilic Firmicute Isolated from a Chalcopyrite Mine Drainage Site in Brazil
Authors: Dall'Agnol Hivana , Ñancucheo Ivan , Johnson D. Barrie , Oliveira Renato , Leite Laura , Pylro Victor S. , Holanda Roseanne , Grail Barry , Carvalho Nelson , Nunes Gisele Lopes , Tzotzos George , Fernandes Gabriel Rocha , Dutra Julliane , Orellana Sara Cuadros , Oliveira Guilherme
Published: March 2016

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of “
Acidibacillus ferrooxidans
” strain ITV01, a ferrous iron- and sulfide-mineral-oxidizing, obligate heterotrophic, and acidophilic bacterium affiliated with the phylum
Firmicutes
. Strain ITV01 was isolated from neutral drainage from a low-grade chalcopyrite from a mine in northern Brazil.
Lithium toxicity after Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery
Authors: Musfeldt Deanna , Levinson Andrew , Nykiel Jennifer , Carino Gerardo
Published: March 2016

A 61-year-old woman with medical history significant for morbid obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and bipolar disorder, had been stable on lithium carbonate therapy for several years. She had undergone a Roux-en-Y bypass surgery and, at the time of her surgery, her lithium level was found to be 0.61 mEq/L on a maintenance dose of 600 mg orally twice per day. She was discharged 8 days postoperatively on the same lithium dose, but presented to the emergency department 12 days postoperatively with signs of lithium toxicity. Her lithium level was elevated to 1.51 mEq/L and she was treated for lithium toxicity with supportive care and, ultimately, reduction of her lithium dose. Clinicians should be aware that dramatic and poorly understood changes in drug absorption may occur after bariatric surgery.
Spontaneous rupture of an intrahepatic aneurysm of the right hepatic artery caused by segmental arterial mediolysis
Authors: Beerle Corinne , Soll Christopher , Breitenstein Stefan , Grieder Felix
Published: March 2016

Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a non-arteriosclerotic, non-inflammatory arteriopathy characterised by dissecting aneurysms and most commonly found in abdominal arteries. A rupture of a visceral artery aneurysm is generally associated with high mortality. We present the case of a 57-year-old woman with a rupture of an intrahepatic aneurysm that led to intra-abdominal haemorrhage. The patient was surgically treated by evacuating the abdominal haematoma and ligature of the right hepatic artery. Histology of the right hepatic artery revealed the diagnosis of SAM. Six months postoperatively, the patient was in excellent physical condition with normal liver function and arterial blood flow of the right hepatic sections over collateral circulation.
Anterior spinal fixation for recollapse of cemented vertebrae after percutaneous vertebroplasty
Authors: Nagoshi Narihito , Fukuda Kentaro , Shioda Masanobu , Machida Masafumi
Published: March 2016

Although recollapse after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) is a serious complication that needs salvage surgery, there is no consensus regarding the best operative treatment for this failure. We present cases of 3 patients, diagnosed as having thoracic osteoporotic vertebral fractures, who had undergone PV at other institutes. Within less than half a year, recollapse occurred at the cemented vertebrae in all 3 patients, and we conducted anterior spinal fixation (ASF) on them. In all cases, ASF relieved the patient's severe low back pain, and there was no recurrence of symptoms during the follow-up period of 6 years, on average. ASF is the optimal salvage procedure, since it allows for the direct decompression of nerve tissue with reconstruction of the collapsed spinal column, and preservation of the ligaments and muscles that stabilise the posterior spine. Surgeons who perform PV need to be able to assess this failure early and to perform spinal fixation.
Intraocular metallic foreign body causing branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Bypareddy Ravi , Sagar Pradeep , Chawla Rohan , Temkar Shreyas
Published: March 2016

We report a case of a 40-year-old man with post-traumatic cataract and an intraocular metallic foreign body (IOFB) lying on the retinal surface causing a superotemporal branch retinal vein occlusion. The case was managed using lens aspiration with pars plana vitrectomy and IOFB removal. We only found two previous reports of such a foreign body causing a vascular occlusion. The possibility of a vascular occlusion occurring due to a foreign body within or close to the optic disc is highlighted.
On the Computational Complexity of Finite Operations
Authors: Shtrakov Slavcho , Damyanov Ivo
Published: March 2016

The essential variables in a finite function f are defined as variables which occur in f and weigh with the values of that function. The number of essential variables is an important measure of complexity for discrete functions. When replacing some variables in a function with constants the resulting functions are called subfunctions, and when replacing all essential variables in a function with constants we obtain an implementation of this function. Such an implementation corresponds with a path in an ordered decision diagram (ODD) of the function which connects the root with a leaf of the diagram. The sets of essential variables in subfunctions of f are called separable in f. In this paper we study several properties of separable sets of variables in functions which directly affect the number of implementations and subfunctions in these functions.

We define equivalence relations which classify the functions of k-valued logic into classes with the same number of: (i) implementations; (ii) subfunctions; and (iii) separable sets. These relations induce three transformation groups which are compared with the lattice of all subgroups of restricted affine group (RAG). This allows us to solve several important computational and combinatorial problems.
LEARNING AND PORTFOLIO DECISIONS FOR CRRA INVESTORS
Authors: LONGO MICHELE , MAININI ALESSANDRA
Published: March 2016

We maximize the expected utility from terminal wealth for a Constant Relative Risk Aversion (CRRA) investor when the market price of risk is an unobservable random variable and explore the effects of learning by comparing the optimal portfolio under partial observation with the corresponding myopic policy. In particular, we show that, for a market price of risk constant in sign, the ratio between the portfolio under partial observation and its myopic counterpart increases with respect to risk tolerance. As a consequence, the absolute value of the partial observation case is larger (smaller) than the myopic one if the investor is more (less) risk tolerant than the logarithmic investor. Moreover, our explicit computations enable to study in detail the so called hedging demand induced by parameter uncertainty.