bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-care self-efficacy, religious participation and depression as predictors of poststroke self-care among underserved ethnic minorities
Authors: Robertson Suzanne M. , Huddleston Cashuna , Porter Ben , Amspoker Amber B. , Evans-Hudnall Gina L.
Published: November 2015

Underserved ethnic minorities have multiple chronic disease risk factors, including tobacco, alcohol and substance use, which contribute to increased incidence of stroke. Self-efficacy (self-care self-efficacy), religious participation and depression may directly and indirectly influence engagement in post stroke self-care behaviors. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of self-care self-efficacy, religious participation and depression, on tobacco, alcohol and substance use in a sample of largely ethnic minority, underserved stroke survivors (n=52). Participants previously recruited for a culturally tailored secondary stroke prevention self-care intervention were included. The treatment group received three stroke self-care sessions. The usual care group completed assessments only. Both groups were included in these analyses. Main outcome measures included tobacco, alcohol and substance use. Self-care self-efficacy, religious participation and depression were also assessed. Logistic regression analyses, using self-efficacy, religious practice and depression as the referents, were used to predict binary outcomes of tobacco, alcohol and substance use at 4-weeks post-stroke. Higher depression and self-care self-efficacy were associated with reduced odds of smoking and substance use. Greater participation in religious activities was associated with lower odds of alcohol use. We can conclude that incorporating depression treatment and techniques to increase self-care self-efficacy, and encouraging religious participation may help to improve stroke self-care behaviors for underserved and low socioeconomic status individuals. Results are discussed in the context of stroke self-management.
Changes in coping behavior and the relationship to personality, health threat communication and illness perceptions from the diagnosis of diabetes: a 2-year prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Lawson Valerie L. , Bundy Christine , Belcher John , Harvey John N.
Published: November 2015

Coping behavior is of critical importance in diabetes because of its impact upon self-care and hence eventual medical outcome. We examined how coping behavior and its relationship to personality, diabetes health threat communication (DHTC) and illness representations changes after diagnosis of diabetes. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients were assessed after diagnosis and at 6, 12 and 24 months using the DHTC, Illness Perceptions and Coping inventory questionnaires. Personality traits were assessed at baseline. Active coping, planning, positive reinterpretation and growth (PRG), seeking emotional and instrumental (social) support decreased over the 2 years from diagnosis while passive acceptance increased. Openness/intellect and conscientiousness traits were associated with active coping and seeking instrumental support. Openness/intellect also associated with planning and PRG. These relationships did not vary over time. Perceived threat and serious consequences were associated with active coping but the effect diminished over time. Illness coherence (understanding of diabetes), personal and treatment control were associated with active coping, planning and seeking instrumental support and did not change over time. The coping strategies most commonly employed by diabetic patients are adaptive. Coping behavior changes over the 2 years from diagnosis. Promoting better understanding of diabetes, perceptions of personal control and treatment effectiveness are more likely than perception of health threat to sustain adaptive problem focused coping behavior.
Advanced cancer, pain and quality of life
Authors: Theofilou Paraskevi
Published: November 2015

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Blast overpressure induced axonal injury changes in rat brainstem and spinal cord
Authors: Kallakuri Srinivasu , Purkait Heena S. , Dalavayi Satya , VandeVord Pamela , Cavanaugh John M.
Published: November 2015

Introduction: Blast induced neurotrauma has been the signature wound in returning soldiers from the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of importance is understanding the pathomechansim(s) of blast overpressure (OP) induced axonal injury. Although several recent animal models of blast injury indicate the neuronal and axonal injury in various brain regions, animal studies related to axonal injury in the white matter (WM) tracts of cervical spinal cord are limited. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the extent of axonal injury in WM tracts of cervical spinal cord in male Sprague Dawley rats subjected to a single insult of blast OP. Materials and Methods: Sagittal brainstem sections and horizontal cervical spinal cord sections from blast and sham animals were stained by neurofilament light (NF-L) chain and beta amyloid precursor protein immunocytochemistry and observed for axonal injury changes. Results: Observations from this preliminary study demonstrate axonal injury changes in the form of prominent swellings, retraction bulbs, and putative signs of membrane disruptions in the brainstem and cervical spinal cord WM tracts of rats subjected to blast OP. Conclusions: Prominent axonal injury changes following the blast OP exposure in brainstem and cervical spinal WM tracts underscores the need for careful evaluation of blast induced injury changes and associated symptoms. NF-L immunocytochemistry can be considered as an additional tool to assess the blast OP induced axonal injury.
A pure non-gestational ovarian choriocarcinoma with delayed solitary brain metastases: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Rao K.V.L Narasinga , Konar Subhas , Gangadharan Jagathlal , Vikas V. , Sampath S.
Published: November 2015

Choriocarcinoma is the most malignant tumour of gestational trophoblastic origin. Most ovarian choriocarcinomas are gestational in origin and usually metastasize to the ovary from uterine or tubal choriocarcinoma. Non gestational choriocarcinoma (NGOC) of the ovary is exceedingly rare and usually seen along with other germ cell tumors. Non gestational choriocarcinoma has been found to be resistant to single-agent chemotherapy and has a worse prognosis than gestational choriocarcinoma. We are reporting long term follow up of published rare case of pure non gestational ovarian choriocarcinoma (NGOC) with concurrent metastases to the spleen and adrenal glands, who developed a delayed solitary brain metastases, two years after completion of primary treatment. Surgery along with triple agent chemotherapy and radiotherapy was found to give good remission in this aggressive disease.
Raisons de jouer, _motions et perceptions relatives au hasard et à l'habilet_ de joueurs pratiquant le poker Texas Hold'em en ligne
Authors: Brochu Priscilla , Sévigny Serge , Giroux Isabelle
Published: November 2015

Although the practice of online poker is associated with high rates of gambling problems, little is yet known about what distinguishes online poker players with different levels of gambling problems. Three groups of Texas Hold'em online poker players (low-risk (n = 7), at-risk (n = 7) and problematic (n = 3)), were compared in terms of their motivations to play, their emotions experienced during play and their perceptions about chance and skill. Thematic analysis from focus groups conducted reveals that the motivations to play and emotions reported in the groups are similar. The at-risk and problematic groups distinguish themselves from the low-risk group in their overestimation of their personal skill. The beliefs gathered through this study will contribute to the development or adaptation of erroneous beliefs' questionnaires used with online poker players.
Validation of the Gambling Perceived Stigma Scale (GPSS) and the Gambling Experienced Stigma Scale (GESS)
Authors: Donaldson Phillip , Langham Erika , Best Talitha , Browne Matthew
Published: November 2015

Australian research shows that stigma is a major barrier to treatment seeking (Rockloff, 2004) and may impede the accurate measurement of problem gambling prevalence. To date, no validated tool is available to assess the stigma associated with gambling. This project investigated both internally experienced and externalised (perceived) stigma associated with gambling, as measured with two new survey instruments were developed for this purpose. We reviewed existing measures of stigma associated with other non-gambling behaviours (e.g., alcohol, drug abuse, smoking, eating disorders) to construct items that were conceptually related to gambling behaviour. The scales were then validated by using a large representative community sample (N = 1366). Internal reliability analysis, factor analysis, and multivariate analysis were used to analyse the results and to explore the measurement of perceived and self-stigma in a community sample, taking into account respondents' gambling experience and relevant socio-demographic information. Results supported a model of perceived stigma along two dimensions (Contempt and Ostracism) and a unidimensional model of experienced stigma. The scales were shown to have strong psychometric properties and to differentiate well between stigmas associated with recreational and problem gambling behaviours. A scale that measures stigma related to gambling behaviour will provide researchers, policymakers, industry bodies, and clinicians with a tool that contributes to a growing understanding of the gambling experiences of individuals and the impacts of gambling on communities.
Effects of aerosols on solar radiation in the ALADIN-HIRLAM NWP system
Authors: Gleeson E. , Toll V. , Nielsen K. P. , Rontu L. , Mašek J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The direct shortwave radiative effect of aerosols in the ALADIN-HIRLAM numerical weather prediction system was investigated using three different shortwave radiation schemes in diagnostic single-column experiments. The aim was to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the model in this regard and to prepare the model for eventual use of real-time aerosol information. Experiments were run using observed, climatologically-averaged and zero aerosols, with particular focus on the August 2010 Russian wildfire case. One of these schemes is a revised version of the HLRADIA scheme with improved treatment of aerosols. Each radiation scheme accurately simulates the direct shortwave effect when observed aerosol optical properties are used rather than climatological-averages or no aerosols which result in large errors, particularly for heavy pollution scenarios. The dependencies of the direct radiative effect of aerosols on relative humidity and the vertical profile of the aerosols on the shortwave heating rates were also investigated and shown to be non-negligible.
Temporal consistency of lidar observables during aerosol transport events in the framework of the ChArMEx/ADRIMED campaign at Menorca Island in June 2013
Authors: Chazette P. , Totems J. , Ancellet G. , Pelon J. , Sicard M.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. We performed synergetic daytime and night-time active and passive remote sensing observations at Menorca (Balearic Island, Spain), over more than 3 weeks during the Chemistry–Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment/Aerosol Direct Radiative Effect in the Mediterranean (ChArMEx/ADRIMED) special observation period (SOP 1a, June–July 2013). We characterized the aerosol optical properties and type in the low and middle troposphere using an automated procedure combining Rayleigh–Mie–Raman lidar (355, 387 and 407 nm) with depolarization (355 nm) and AERONET Cimel® sun-photometer data. Results show a high variability due to varying dynamical forcing. The mean column-averaged lidar backscatter-to-extinction ratio (BER) was close to 0.024 sr-1 (lidar ratio of ∼ 41.7 sr), with a large dispersion of ±33 % over the whole observation period due to changing atmospheric transport regimes and aerosol sources. The ground-based remote sensing measurements, coupled with satellite observations, allowed to document (i) dust particles up to 5 km a.s.l. in altitude originating from Morocco and Algeria from 15 to 18 June with a peak in aerosol optical thickness (AOT) of 0.25 ± 0.05 at 355 nm, (ii) a long-range transport of biomass burning aerosol (AOT = 0.18 ± 0.16) related to North American forest fires detected from 26 to 28 June 2013 by the lidar between 2 and 7 km and (iii) mixture of local sources including marine aerosol particles and pollution from Spain. During the biomass burning event, the high value of the particle depolarization ratio (8–14 %) may imply the presence of dust-like particles mixed with the biomass burning aerosols in the mid troposphere. We show also linearity with SEVIRI retrievals of the aerosol optical thickness within 35 % relative bias, which is discussed as a function of aerosol type.
OMI total column ozone: extending the long-term data record
Authors: McPeters R. D. , Frith S. , Labow G. J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The ozone data record from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) onboard the NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) Aura satellite has proven to be very stable over the 10-plus years of operation. The OMI total column ozone processed through the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) ozone retrieval algorithm (version 8.5) has been compared with ground-based measurements and with ozone from a series of SBUV/2 (Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet) instruments. Comparison with an ensemble of Brewer–Dobson sites shows an absolute offset of about 1.5 % and almost no relative trend. Comparison with a merged ozone data set (MOD) created by combining data from a series of SBUV/2 instruments again shows an offset, of about 1 %, and a relative trend of less than 0.5 % over 10 years. The offset is mostly due to the use of the old Bass–Paur ozone cross sections in the OMI retrievals rather than the Brion–Daumont–Malicet cross sections that are now recommended. The bias in the Southern Hemisphere is smaller than that in the Northern Hemisphere, 0.9 % vs. 1.5 %, for reasons that are not completely understood. When OMI was compared with the European realization of a multi-instrument ozone time series, the GTO (GOME type Total Ozone) data set, there was a small trend of about −0.85 % decade−1. Since all the comparisons of OMI relative to other ozone measuring systems show relative trends that are less than 1 % decade−1, we conclude that the OMI total column ozone data are sufficiently stable that they can be used in studies of ozone trends.
An enhanced procedure for measuring organic acids and methyl esters in PM2.5
Authors: Liu F. , Duan F. K. , He K. B. , Ma Y. L. , Rahn K. A. , Zhang Q.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. A solid-phase extraction (SPE) pretreatment procedure allowing organic acids to be separated from methyl esters in fine aerosol has been developed. The procedure first separates the organic acids from fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and other nonacid organic compounds by aminopropyl-based SPE cartridge and then quantifies them by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The procedure prevents the fatty acids and dimethyl phthalate from being overestimated, and so allows us to accurately quantify the C4–C11 dicarboxylic acids (DCAs) and the C8–C30 monocarboxylic acids (MCAs). Results for the extraction of DCAs, MCAs, and AMAs in eluate and FAMEs in effluate by SAX and NH2 SPE cartridges exhibited that the NH2 SPE cartridge gave higher extraction efficiency than the SAX cartridge. The recoveries of analytes ranged from 67.5 to 111.3 %, and the RSD ranged from 0.7 to 10.9 %. The resulting correlations between the aliphatic acids and FAMEs suggest that the FAMEs had sources similar to those of the carboxylic acids, or were formed by esterifying carboxylic acids, or that aliphatic acids were formed by hydrolyzing FAMEs. Through extraction and cleanup using this procedure, 17 aromatic acids in eluate were identified and quantified by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, including five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH): acids 2-naphthoic, biphenyl-4-carboxylic, 9-oxo-9H-fluorene-1-carboxylic, biphenyl-4,4´-dicarboxylic, and phenanthrene-1-carboxylic acid, plus 1,8-naphthalic anhydride. Correlations between the PAH acids and the dicarboxylic and aromatic acids suggested that the first three acids and 1,8-naphthalic anhydride were secondary atmospheric photochemistry products and the last two mainly primary.
Constraints on the applicability of the organic temperature proxies UK'37, TEX86 and LDI in the subpolar region around Iceland
Authors: Rodrigo-Gámiz M. , Rampen S. W. , de Haas H. , Baas M. , Schouten S. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Subpolar regions are key areas for studying natural climate variability due to their high sensitivity to rapid environmental changes, particularly through sea surface temperature (SST) variations. Here, we have tested three independent organic temperature proxies (UK'37; TEX86; and the long-chain diol index, LDI) regarding their potential applicability for SST reconstruction in the subpolar region around Iceland. UK'37, TEX86 and TEXL86 temperature estimates from suspended particulate matter showed a substantial discrepancy with instrumental data, while long-chain alkyl diols were below the detection limit at most of the stations. In the northern Iceland Basin, sedimenting particles revealed a seasonality in lipid fluxes, i.e., high fluxes of alkenones and glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) were measured during late spring and during summer and high fluxes of long-chain alkyl diols during late summer. The flux-weighted average temperature estimates had a significant negative (ca. 2.3 °C for UK'37) and positive (up to 5 °C for TEX86) offset with satellite-derived SSTs and temperature estimates derived from the underlying surface sediment. UK'37 temperature estimates from surface sediments around Iceland correlate well with summer mean sea surface temperatures, while TEX86-derived temperatures correspond with both annual and winter mean 0–200 m temperatures, suggesting a subsurface temperature signal. Anomalous LDI-SST values in surface sediments and low mass flux of 1,13- and 1,15-diols compared to 1,14-diols suggest that Proboscia diatoms are the major sources of long-chain alkyl diols in this area rather than eustigmatophyte algae, and therefore the LDI cannot be applied in this region.
Embedding engineers in elderly care homes when researching new technologies for care
Authors: Baldewijns Greet , Croonenborghs Tom , Vanrumste Bart
Published: November 2015

As the number of people above 65 continuously grows the demand for appropriate support to allow this group of people to live independently increases as well. Consequently, a lot of research effort is focused on the development of new technologies that can provide this support. In contrast, only a limited number of these new developments are successfully launched on the healthcare market. In order to facilitate this penetration of the healthcare market, an intense collaboration strategy between healthcare workers, older adults, informal caregivers and engineers is proposed in this paper.
On Non-Poissonian Voronoi Tessellations
Authors: Ferraro M. , Zaninetti L.
Published: November 2015

The Voronoi tessellation is the partition of space for a given seeds pattern and the result of the partition depends completely on the type of given pattern ”random”, Poisson-Voronoi tessellations (PVT), or ”non-random”, Non Poisson-Voronoi tessellations. In this note we shall consider properties of Voronoi tessellations with centers gener-ated by Sobol quasi random sequences which produce a more ordered disposition of the centers with respect to the PVT case. A probability density function for volumes of these Sobol Voronoi tessellations (SVT) will be proposed and compared with results of numerical simulations. An application will be presented concerning the local struc-ture of gas (CO2) in the liquid-gas coexistence phase. Furthermore a probability distribution will be computed for the length of chords resulting from the intersections of random lines with a three-dimensional SVT. The agreement of the analytical formula with the results from a computer simulation will be also investigated. Finally a new type of Voronoi tessellation based on adjustable positions of seeds has been introduced which generalizes both PVT and SVT cases.
Birthweight Related Factors in Northwestern Iran: Using Quantile Regression Method
Authors: Fallah Ramazan , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan , Zayeri Farid , Shoghli Alireza
Published: November 2015

INTRODUCTION: Birthweight is one of the most important predicting indicators of the health status in adulthood. Having a balanced birthweight is one of the priorities of the health system in most of the industrial and developed countries. This indicator is used to assess the growth and health status of the infants. The aim of this study was to assess the birthweight of the neonates by using quantile regression in Zanjan province.

METHODS: This analytical descriptive study was carried out using pre-registered (March 2010 - March 2012) data of neonates in urban/rural health centers of Zanjan province using multiple-stage cluster sampling. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regressions andquantile regression method and SAS 9.2 statistical software.

RESULTS: From 8456 newborn baby, 4146 (49%) were female. The mean age of the mothers was 27.1±5.4 years. The mean birthweight of the neonates was 3104 ± 431 grams. Five hundred and seventy-three patients (6.8%) of the neonates were less than 2500 grams. In all quantiles, gestational age of neonates (p<0.05), weight and educational level of the mothers (p<0.05) showed a linear significant relationship with the i of the neonates. However, sex and birth rank of the neonates, mothers age, place of residence (urban/rural) and career were not significant in all quantiles (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study revealed the results of multiple linear regression and quantile regression were not identical. We strictly recommend the use of quantile regression when an asymmetric response variable or data with outliers is available.
Leukemia-Related Mortality in Inner Mongolia, 2008–2012
Authors: Hao Zhihui , Chen Yongsheng , Xu Yongjun , Du Maolin , Wang Ying , Zhang Qing , Bai Heixiao , Juan Sun
Published: November 2015

In this study, we aimed to determine the leukemia-related mortality rates and associated sociodemographic characteristics in the Inner Mongolia region of China. We obtained data for the period 2008–2012 from the Death Registry System maintained by the Inner Mongolia Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We computed the percentages of leukemia-related deaths and controls diagnosed by various methods and at different levels of hospitals. The χ2 test was used to examine differences in leukemia-related mortality according to sex. We also calculated potential years of life lost (PYLL) and average years of life lost. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to analyze the effect of sociodemographic characteristics. The sex-adjusted leukemia-related mortality rate was 3.74/100 000. The mortality rate in men (4.27/100 000) was significantly higher than that in women (3.17/100 000), as was the respective PYLL (8040.5 vs. 6000.5 person-years). Mortality increased with increasing age in both men and women. The highest mortality rate was observed in those over 70 years of age for both men (18.36/100 000) and women (7.68/100 000). Men with a higher education level showed an increased risk of leukemia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–2.07, P = 0.04). In men, unemployment was associated with leukemia-related death (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.42–0.95, P = 0.03). The leukemia-related mortality rate in Inner Mongolia was higher than that worldwide and that in China. A higher level of education and unemployment were associated with leukemia-related mortality in Inner Mongolia.
An Evaluation of the Organ Dose Received by Cardiologists Arising From Angiography Examinations in Educational Hospital in Rasht
Authors: Shoshtary Akram , Pirayesh Islamian Jalil , Asadinezhad Mohsen , Sadremomtaz Alireza
Published: November 2015

Interventional procedures, cine acquisitions and operation of fluoroscopic equipment in high-dose fluoroscopic modes, involve long fluoroscopic times which can lead to high staff doses. Also, Coronary angiography (CA) procedures require the cardiologist and assisting personnel to remain close to the patient, which is the main source of scattered radiation. Thus, radiation exposure is a significant concern for radiation workers and it is important to measure the radiation doses received by personnel and evaluate the parameters concerning total radiation burden. In this research, we investigated radiation doses to 10 cardiologists performing 120 CA procedures. Using thermo luminescent dosimeters doses to the wrists, thyroid and eyes per procedure were measured. Based on the measured dose values, maximum doses to the Left wrist, Right wrist, thyroid and eyes of cardiologist were measured 241.45 µSv, 203.17 µSv, 78.21 µSv and 44.58 µSv, respectively. The results of this study indicate that distance from the source, use of protective equipment's, procedure complexity, equipment performance, and cardiologist experience are the principal exposure-determining variables. It can be conclude that if adequate radiation protection approaches have been implemented, occupational dose levels to cardiologists would be within the regulated acceptable dose limits.
Rechtseenheid: concepten, motieven, actoren en instrumenten
Authors: Stip M.J.C. , Zijlstra S.E.
Published: November 2015

Rechtseenheid: concepten, motieven, actoren en instrumenten

Rechtseenheid speelt in de juridische dogmatiek en de rechtsvorming een grote rol. Op tal van fronten wordt er onderzoek naar gedaan, beleid over ontwikkeld, en komt rechtseenheidbeogende wetgeving tot stand. Bij nadere bestudering blijkt het daarbij echter niet steeds over hetzelfde te gaan. In dit artikel wordt een typologie van varianten van rechtseenheid ontwikkeld. De auteurs analyseren het debat en trachten het te ontdoen van de begripsmatige verwarring. Vervolgens werken zij een van de varianten uit, namelijk rechtseenheid tussen rechtsnormen die niet logisch tegenstrijdig zijn. Daarna wordt besproken welke actoren en instrumenten een rol spelen bij het bewerkstelligen van die variant van rechtseenheid.
Fields: On the Visibility of Flows in Digital Business
Authors: Krabec Tomáš , Venegas Percy
Published: November 2015

Traditional investment and management tools fail to capture the complexities of a networked, digital business economy: SWOT analysis are static, accounting ratios are unidimensional. More importantly, those artifacts are unfit to deal with intangibles: by definition, the "material" information-based economies transact on. Here we present a Weak Signals technique - Vector Fields Flows - to dynamically profile strengths and opportunities in digital businesses, specially those heavily reliant on web search as source of revenue. We demonstrate how vector fields topology can in fact reveal liquidity changes in online businesses, with immediate applications in finance operations and market prospecting.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Fresh, Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Severe Refractory Gingivostomatitis in Cats
Authors: Arzi Boaz , Mills-Ko Emily , Verstraete Frank J.M. , Kol Amir , Walker Naomi J. , Badgley Megan R. , Fazel Nasim , Murphy William J. , Vapniarsky Natalia , Borjesson Dori L.
Published: November 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising therapy for immune-mediated and inflammatory disorders, because of their potent immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we investigated the use of fresh, autologous, adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) for feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a chronic, debilitating, idiopathic, oral mucosal inflammatory disease. Nine cats with refractory FCGS were enrolled in this pilot study. Each cat received 2 intravenous injections of 20 million autologous ASCs, 1 month apart. Oral biopsies were taken before and at 6 months after the first ASC injection. Blood immune cell subsets, serum protein, and cytokine levels were measured at 0, 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment to assess immunomodulatory effects. Seven of the 9 cats completed the study. Five cats responded to treatment by either complete clinical remission (n = 3) or substantial clinical improvement (n = 2). Two cats were nonresponders. Cats that responded to treatment also exhibited systemic immunomodulation demonstrated by decreased numbers of circulating CD8+ T cells, a normalization of the CD4/CD8 ratio, decreased neutrophil counts, and interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-1β concentration, and a temporary increase in serum IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α concentration. No clinical recurrence has occurred following complete clinical remission (follow-up of 6–24 months). In this study, cats with <15% cytotoxic CD8 T cells with low expression of CD8 (CD8lo) cells were 100% responsive to ASC therapy, whereas cats with >15% CD8lo cells were nonresponders. The relative absence of CD8lo cells may be a biomarker to predict response to ASC therapy, and may shed light on pathogenesis of FCGS and mechanisms by which ASCs decrease oral inflammation and affect T-cell phenotype.

Significance

This study is the first to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of fresh, autologous, adipose-derived stem cell systemic therapy for a naturally occurring, chronic inflammatory disease in cats. The findings demonstrate that this therapy resulted in complete clinical and histological resolution or reduction in clinical disease severity and immune modulation in most cats. This study also identified a potentially useful biomarker that could dictate patient enrollment and shed light on immune modulation mechanism. As a naturally occurring animal model, FCGS also provides a strategic platform for potentially translatable therapy for the treatment of human oral inflammatory disease.
Variation in partner benefits in a shrimp—sea anemone symbiosis
Authors: McKeon C. Seabird , O’Donnell James L.
Published: November 2015

Symbiotic interactions, where two species occur in close physical proximity for the majority of the participants’ lifespans, may constrain the fitness of one or both of the participants. Host choice could result in lineage divergence in symbionts if fitness benefits vary across the interaction with hosts. Symbiotic interactions are common in the marine environment, particularly in the most diverse marine ecosystems: coral reefs. However, the variation in symbiotic interactions that may drive diversification is poorly understood in marine systems. We measured the fecundity of the symbiotic shrimpPericlimenes yucatanicuson two anemone hosts on coral reefs in Panama, and found that while fecundity varies among host species, this variation is explained largely by host size, not species. This suggests that shrimp on larger hosts may have higher fitness regardless of host species, which in turn could drive selection for host choice, a proposed driver of diversification in this group.
Rapid drop in the reproduction number during the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Althaus Christian L.
Published: November 2015

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) experienced a confined rural outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) with 69 reported cases from July to October 2014. Understanding the transmission dynamics during the outbreak can provide important information for anticipating and controlling future EVD epidemics. I fitted an EVD transmission model to previously published data of this outbreak and estimated the basic reproduction numberR0= 5.2 (95% CI [4.0–6.7]). The model suggests that the net reproduction numberRtfell below unity 28 days (95% CI [25–34] days) after the onset of symptoms in the index case. This study adds to previous epidemiological descriptions of the 2014 EVD outbreak in DRC, and is consistent with the notion that a rapid implementation of control interventions helped reduce further spread.
Splicing Express: a software suite for alternative splicing analysis using next-generation sequencing data
Authors: Kroll Jose E. , Kim Jihoon , Ohno-Machado Lucila , de Souza Sandro J.
Published: November 2015

Motivation.Alternative splicing events (ASEs) are prevalent in the transcriptome of eukaryotic species and are known to influence many biological phenomena. The identification and quantification of these events are crucial for a better understanding of biological processes. Next-generation DNA sequencing technologies have allowed deep characterization of transcriptomes and made it possible to address these issues. ASEs analysis, however, represents a challenging task especially when many different samples need to be compared. Some popular tools for the analysis of ASEs are known to report thousands of events without annotations and/or graphical representations. A new tool for the identification and visualization of ASEs is here described, which can be used by biologists without a solid bioinformatics background.

Results.A software suite namedSplicing Expresswas created to perform ASEs analysis from transcriptome sequencing data derived from next-generation DNA sequencing platforms. Its major goal is to serve the needs of biomedical researchers who do not have bioinformatics skills.Splicing Expressperforms automatic annotation of transcriptome data (GTF files) using gene coordinates available from the UCSC genome browser and allows the analysis of data from all available species. The identification of ASEs is done by a known algorithm previously implemented in another tool namedSplooce. As a final result,Splicing Expresscreates a set of HTML files composed of graphics and tables designed to describe the expression profile of ASEs among all analyzed samples. By using RNA-Seq data from the Illumina Human Body Map and the Rat Body Map, we show thatSplicing Expressis able to perform all tasks in a straightforward way, identifying well-known specific events.

Availability and Implementation.Splicing Expressis written in Perl and is suitable to run only in UNIX-like systems. More details can be found at:http://www.bioinformatics-brazil.org/splicingexpress.
In‐hospital recurrent stroke in ipsilateral carotid web patients undergoing thrombectomy
Authors: Khan Farhan , Kala Narendra , Chang Kelvin , Shu Liqi , Goldstein Eric D. , Torabi Radmehr , Moldovan Krisztina , Jayaraman Mahesh , Mohammadzadeh Nahid , Furie Karen , Yaghi Shadi
Published: August 2024

Objective

Carotid artery web is a possible cause of ischemic stroke, especially in young patients who lack conventional risk factors. The immediate and long‐term outcomes are not well studied. We aimed to determine the association between an ipsilateral carotid web and in‐hospital stroke recurrence.

Methods

We analyzed data from adult patients admitted with an acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion at a Comprehensive Stroke Center between July 2015 and March 2023. The primary outcome was in‐hospital stroke recurrence and secondary outcome was in‐hospital recurrent LVO. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between ipsilateral carotid web and recurrent ischemic stroke and recurrent LVO.

Results

Of the 1463 patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion, 27 (1.8%) had an ipsilateral carotid artery web. Patients with carotid web were younger (median age (IQR), 60 years (53–67 years) versus 74 years (62–84 years), P < 0.01) and less likely to be Caucasian (60% vs. 80%, p = 0.014). Of the 27 patients with carotid web, 18 (70%) had no identifiable competing stroke mechanism. When compared to patients without ipsilateral carotid web, those with an ipsilateral carotid web had a higher risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (adjusted RR: 4.38, 95% CI: 1.38–13.85) and recurrent ipsilateral large vessel occlusion (adjusted RR: 4.49, 95% CI: 1.41–14.21).

Interpretation

Carotid webs are an under recognized cause of acute large vessel occlusion and are associated with higher risk of early recurrence. Studies are needed to validate our findings and test early revascularization strategies in patients with symptomatic carotid artery webs.
Adsorption of Typical VOCs Onto Ti2CO2 MXene with Implications in Early‐Stage Lung Cancer Diagnosis: A DFT Study
Authors: Chlikhy Youssef , Mazroui M'hammed
Published: August 2024

In this work, Ti2CO2 MXene is employed as a sensing material to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, the adsorption properties of toluene, isopropanol, formaldehyde, and acetonitrile are calculated and compared. The electronic properties are analyzed to gain insight into the adsorption mechanism. Additionally, the recovery time and sensitivities are studied to evaluate the sensing performance of Ti2CO2 in detecting these VOCs. The results show that the four molecules undergo physisorption. Bader charge analysis shows a small charge transfer from the molecules to the MXene material. The adsorption of these molecules induces changes in the electronic properties of Ti2CO2, particularly in terms of resistance and work function. These changes are used to estimate the sensing response of this material toward these VOCs. Notably, the results highlight that Ti2CO2 exhibits good sensitivity and selectivity, especially in the case of isopropanol. These findings demonstrate the ability of Ti2CO2 as a sensing material for detecting VOCs for the early diagnosis of cancer.
MED12 Loss‐of‐Function Variants as a Cause of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in Females With Hardikar Syndrome and Nonspecific Intellectual Disability
Authors: Kao Eric C. , Mizerik Elizabeth A. , Bacino Carlos A. , Dai Hongzheng , Vossaert Liesbeth , Scott Daryl A.
Published: August 2024

Mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) is required for the assembly of the kinase module of Mediator, a regulatory complex that controls the formation of the RNA polymerase II‐mediated preinitiation complex. MED12‐related disorders display unique gender‐specific genotype–phenotype associations and include X‐linked recessive Opitz–Kaveggia syndrome, Lujan–Fryns syndrome, Ohdo syndrome, and nonspecific intellectual disability in males predominantly carrying missense variants, and X‐linked dominant Hardikar syndrome and nonspecific intellectual disability in females known to predominantly carry de novo nonsense/frameshift and nonsense/missense variants, respectively. MED12 was previously identified as a low‐penetrance candidate gene for non‐isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH+). At the time, however, there was insufficient evidence to confirm this association. In a clinical database search, we identified 18 individuals who were molecularly diagnosed with MED12‐related disorders by exome or genome sequencing, including eight missense, four frameshift, two nonsense, and one splice variant. Nine of these variants have not been previously reported. Two females with nonspecific intellectual disability were found to carry a de novo frameshift variant, indicating that potentially truncating variants causing nonspecific intellectual disability are not limited to nonsense variants. Notably, CDH was reported in three out of seven females with Hardikar syndrome or nonspecific intellectual disability but was not reported in males with MED12‐related disorders. These results suggest that pathogenic MED12 variants are a cause of CDH+ in females with Hardikar syndrome and nonspecific intellectual disability.
DNA Interaction, Molecular Docking, Antimicrobial, Anticancer and Thermal Studies of Ternary Metal Complexes of N‐Methylbenzylamine and Ethylenediamine
Authors: Kore Srinivas , Maddikayala Sravanthi , Bengi Kavitha , Pulimamidi Saritha Reddy
Published: August 2024

N‐Methylbenzylamine and ethylenediamine were utilized as primary and auxiliary ligands, respectively, alongside metal salts to synthesize ternary metal complexes: [FeCl3(Nmba)(en)], [CoCl2(Nmba)(en)(H2O)] and [CuCl2(Nmba)(en)(H2O)]. These complexes were thoroughly characterized using spectral and analytical techniques, revealing an octahedral geometry for all. Coats–Redfern calculations indicated their non‐spontaneous nature yet highlighted their thermal stability. DNA binding studies unveiled a groove binding mode for the complexes, with intrinsic binding constants (Kb) and Stern–Volmer quenching constant (Ksq) supporting their strong binding capabilities. Nuclease activity against pBR322 was assessed through gel electrophoresis. Additionally, docking studies using AutoDock 4.2 software provided insights into their binding affinities. In terms of biological activities, the Cu complex demonstrated superior cytotoxicity and antibacterial and antifungal properties compared to the other ternary metal complexes. This suggests its potential for further exploration in biomedical applications.
Preparation and photocatalytic mechanism of magnetic Ag2S/CoFe1.95Dy0.05O4 Z‐scheme heterojunction
Authors: Qingwang Liu , Mai Xu , Ying Meng
Published: August 2024

The synthesis of high‐efficiency magnetic composite photocatalyst by doping magnetic cobalt ferrite and compounding single semiconductor photocatalyst is a promising strategy to improve the oxidation ability of photocatalytic systems. In this paper, CoFe1.95Dy0.05O4 (CFDO) was prepared by doping Dy element into magnetic CoFe2O4, and Ag2S (AS)/CFDO with high‐efficiency magnetic photocatalyst was synthesized by compounding AS with CFDO as the substrate. The photocatalytic samples were characterized by different advanced characterization methods, and their photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) was studied. The results show that AS/CFDO exhibits higher visible light response, excellent photogenerated charge separation ability and migration efficiency, and excellent catalytic performance in the catalytic degradation system. The photocatalytic activity of AS/CFDO was the highest, and its photocatalytic degradation kinetic constant K was 2.48 and 1.54 times that of AS and CFDO, respectively. In addition, the catalyst contained in the catalytically contaminated solution can be effectively separated by an external magnetic field to achieve multiple cycles of degradation and recycling. The cyclic degradation experiments showed that AS/CFDO exhibited high degradation stability during the photodegradation process. After the fifth reuse, the degradation efficiency was still more than 88.0%. Finally, the possible photocatalytic mechanism of the samples was discussed. Therefore, this work provides an effective solution for the construction of photocatalysts with high efficiency, magnetic recovery, and cyclic degradation stability and avoids the secondary pollution of catalysts to organic wastewater. It is of great significance to create an environmentally friendly catalytic method for efficient cyclic degradation of organic wastewater.
How fast do scholarly papers get read by various user groups? A longitudinal and cross‐disciplinary analysis of the evolution of Mendeley readership
Authors: Fang Zhichao , Ho Chonkit , Han Zekun , Wu Puqing
Published: August 2024

To provide a dynamic perspective on the evolution of Mendeley readership, this study conducts an 8‐year longitudinal analysis of approximately 3.4 million scholarly papers published in 2015. Mendeley readership data were collected annually from 2016 to 2023 for the sampled papers to analyze the temporal accumulation patterns of readership following publication. The results indicate that Mendeley readership exhibits a speed advantage compared to citations and a prevalence advantage compared to Twitter mentions, demonstrating both initial prevalence and sustained growth on a yearly basis. However, the patterns of accumulation vary across disciplines, with papers in Biomedical and Health Sciences showing the fastest accrual of extensive Mendeley readership data. Leveraging demographic data provided by Mendeley, this study further investigates how different user groups—categorized by academic status, disciplinary affiliation, and geographic location—engage with papers across various disciplines. The findings highlight Mendeley readership as a rapid and substantial altmetric, yet they also emphasize the need to interpret the nature of the attention captured by Mendeley readership with caution, considering its potential biases introduced by the varying engagement levels of different user groups across disciplines.
Production of sweet potato distilled beverage: Economic evaluation via enzymatic and acid hydrolysis
Authors: Carvalho Débora Gonçalves , Trierweiler Luciane Ferreira , Trierweiler Jorge Otávio
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of utilizing sweet potato waste for distilled beverage production in two process scenarios: (i) acid hydrolysis and (ii) enzymatic hydrolysis. Laboratory experiments were conducted using in natura sweet potato waste and the data obtained were used to design a production system capable of producing 1000 L of distillate per day. Net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and discounted payback indicators were used for economic analysis, with a minimum attractiveness rate (MARR) of 15%. The initial investment for the projects was BRL 1 139 610.86 (USD 223 146.80) for enzymatic hydrolysis and BRL 1 314 824.54 (USD 257 455.36) for acid hydrolysis. Packaging costs were identified as the greatest expenses in the process. Assuming a selling price of BRL 14.50 (USD 2.84), the enzymatic hydrolysis process demonstrated an NPV of BRL 4 792 520.77 (USD 938 421.92) and IRR of 83.39%, and the acid hydrolysis process showed an NPV of BRL 2 191 636.78 (USD 429 143.68) and IRR of 42.49%. Consequently, establishing a production plant for distilled beverages proved to be more economically attractive when employing the enzymatic hydrolysis process and fermentation simultaneously, resulting in a return on investment within 1.46 years of operation. Upon scrutinizing the gain matrix, it became apparent that critical factors with the potential to affect the project's feasibility detrimentally, if increased, included the cost of acquiring packaging, the final volumetric fraction of the distilled beverage, and the tax rate. Nevertheless, an upturn in the selling price of the beverage and a process improvement yield both have the potential to underpin the project effectively.
Irreversible Inhibition of DNMT3A by an N‐Mustard Analog of S‐Adenosyl‐L–Methionine
Authors: Sirasunthorn Nichanun , Roseto Isabelle , Pecor Lindsay , Comstock Lindsay R.
Published: August 2024

DNA methylation, an important epigenetic modification, is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases and is essential in the regulation of gene expression. Here, the utility of an N‐mustard analog designed to mimic the native methyl donor, S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM), was explored with the DNA methyltransferase 3A catalytic domain (DNMT3AC). In lieu of the expected analog transfer to DNA, methyltransferase activity was instead inhibited in a concentration dependent manner. Further investigation into the mechanism of analog inhibition did not reveal a typical competitive mechanism. Instead, mass spectrometry analysis provided direct evidence of two cysteine residues in the SAM binding site covalently modified by the SAM analog and confirmed its’ function as an irreversible inhibitor of DNMT3AC.
Imaging Golgi‐Apparatus in Colon Cancer Cells by Small Molecule Hydrazone Fluorophore
Authors: Aditi  , Sanyam  , Ingle Jaypalsing , Das Bibhas , Mondal Anirban , Basu Sudipta
Published: August 2024

Herein, we have designed and synthesised a 2,6‐dihydroxybenzoyl‐hydrazone (compound 3) fluorophore through a concise strategy. Molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical simulations revealed that long range charge transfer (CT) to be the underlying mechanism for the emissive property of compound 3. Confocal microscopy and cell viability assays confirmed that within 3 h, compound 3 homed into the Golgi‐apparatus of colon cancer cells (HCT‐116) selectively compared to the breast (MCF7), lung (A549), cervical (HeLa) cancer cells and non‐cancerous retinal epithelial pigment cells (RPE‐1) with negligible toxicity. This novel fluorophore has potential to image Golgi‐apparatus in a cancer cell specific manner for diagnosis.