bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS OF GEOLOGICAL ORIGIN. NEW FOSSIL AROMATIC CAROTENOIDS
Authors: SCHAEFLE J. , LUDWIG B. , ALBRECHT P. , OURISSON G.
Published: April 2016

Aus geologischen Formationen werden die den gesättigten Vertretern (V), (VII) und (XII) entsprechenden Carotinoide mit einer konjugierten aliphatischen Kohlenwasserstoffkette isoliert, die zu den gesättigten Verbindungen hydriert werden.
ChemInform Abstract: SYNTHESIS OF 6,9α‐OXIDO‐11α,15α‐DIHYDROXYPROSTA‐(E)5,(E)13‐DIENOIC ACID, AN ISOMER OF PGI2 (VANE′S PGX)
Authors: COREY E. J. , SZEKELY I. , SHINER C. S.
Published: April 2016

Aus der bekannten Brom‐Verbindung (Ia) entsteht ein Gemisch isomerer Carbinole (Ib), das getrennt und in Form des Methylesters in das Mesylat (Ic) übergeführt wird.
ChemInform Abstract: SYNTHESIS AND GASTRIC ANTISECRETORY PROPERTIES OF 15‐DEOXY‐16‐HYDROXYPROSTAGLANDIN E ANALOGS
Authors: COLLINS P. W. , DAJANI E. Z. , DRISKILL D. R. , BRUHN M. S. , JUNG C. J. , PAPPO R.
Published: April 2016

Die Synthese sowie die Inhibierung der Magensaft‐Sekretion wird für verschiedene modifizierte Prostaglandin‐E‐Analoga beschrieben.
ChemInform Abstract: AMINOGLYCOSIDE ANTIBIOTICS‐ SYNTHESIS OF NEBRAMINE, TOBRAMYCIN AND 4′′‐EPI‐TOBRAMYCIN
Authors: TANABE M. , YASUDA D. M. , DETRE G.
Published: April 2016

Die Herstellung von Nebramin‐ (VI) , Tobramycin‐(IVa) und 4′‐Epi‐tobramycin‐(IVb) Derivaten erfolgt in der angegebenen Weise aus (I).
ChemInform Abstract: C2‐SPIROAZIRIDINO‐CEPHALOSPORINS
Authors: SPRY D. O.
Published: April 2016

Aus den exo‐Methylen‐cephalosporinen (I) erhält man mit Diphenylsulfilimin (II) die kondensierten Aziridine (III), die mit Phosphortrichlorid zu (IV) gespalten werden.
ChemInform Abstract: Berufsbedingte Lungenkarzinome nach Inhalation alkylierender Verbindungen.
Authors: ‐ ‐
Published: April 2016

Nach einem Artikel in der Dtsch.
ChemInform Abstract: New Drugs May Relieve Sexual Disorders.
Authors: ‐ ‐
Published: April 2016

Bromocryptin (I) wird zur Normalisierung des Sexualhaushalts sowohl bei Männern als auch bei Frauen angewendet.
Self‐Efficacy Among Adults in Substance Abuse Treatment: The Role of Religious Coping
Authors: Giordano Amanda L. , Prosek Elizabeth A. , Loseu Sahar , Bevly Cynthia M. , Stamman Julia , Molina Citlali E. , Callahan Molly M. , Calzada Richard‐Michael
Published: April 2016

In substance abuse treatment, general self‐efficacy and religiousness are factors that may support positive outcomes. The authors surveyed clients receiving substance abuse treatment (N = 121) and found that religious coping predicted general self‐efficacy scores. Clinical implications are discussed.
An Examination of the Impact of Racial and Ethnic Identity, Impostor Feelings, and Minority Status Stress on the Mental Health of Black College Students
Authors: McClain Shannon , Beasley Samuel T. , Jones Bianca , Awosogba Olufunke , Jackson Stacey , Cokley Kevin
Published: April 2016

This study examined ethnic identity, racial centrality, minority status stress, and impostor feelings as predictors of mental health in a sample of 218 Black college students. Ethnic identity was found to be a significant positive predictor of mental health, whereas minority status stress and impostor feelings were significant negative predictors. Although ethnic identity was the strongest predictor of mental health, racial centrality represented a nonsignificant, negative predictor. Counseling implications for Black college students are discussed.

Este estudio examinó la identidad étnica, la centralidad racial, el estrés por estatus de minoría y los sentimientos de impostor como indicadores de salud mental en una muestra de 218 estudiantes universitarios negros. Se halló que la identidad étnica es un indicador positivo significativo de salud mental, mientras que el estrés por estatus de minoría y los sentimientos de impostor fueron indicadores negativos significativos. Aunque la identidad étnica fue el indicador más fuerte de salud mental, la centralidad racial representó un indicador negativo no significativo. Se discuten las implicaciones para la consejería de estudiantes universitarios negros.
A Person‐Centered Perspective on Multidimensional Perfectionism in Canadian and Chinese University Students: A Multigroup Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Smith Martin M. , Saklofske Donald H. , Yan Gonggu , Sherry Simon B.
Published: April 2016

This study investigated the generalizability of the tripartite model of perfectionism across Canadian and Chinese university students. Using latent profile analysis and indicators of perfectionistic strivings, perfectionistic concerns, and neuroticism in both groups, the authors derived a 3‐profile solution: adaptive perfectionists, maladaptive perfectionists, and nonperfectionists. Furthermore, multigroup latent profile analysis supported the construct equivalence of the 3‐profile solution across groups. Results further suggested that a greater proportion of Chinese students could be classified as adaptive perfectionists.

Este estudio investigó la generalizabilidad del modelo tripartito de perfeccionismo entre estudiantes universitarios canadienses y chinos. Usando un análisis de perfil latente e indicadores de esfuerzos perfeccionistas, preocupaciones perfeccionistas y neuroticismo en ambos grupos, los autores desarrollaron una solución de 3 perfiles: perfeccionistas adaptados, perfeccionistas inadaptados y no perfeccionistas. Además, el análisis de perfil latente multigrupo confirmó la equivalencia de constructo de la solución de 3 perfiles en estos grupos. Los resultados sugieren también que una mayor proporción de estudiantes chinos podría clasificarse como perfeccionistas adaptados.
Community College Counseling: Why Are Research Outcomes So Elusive?
Authors: Schwitzer Alan M. , Pribesh Shana , Ellis‐O'Quinn Amanda , Huber Patricia B. , Wilmer Elizabeth C.
Published: April 2016

This article focuses on counseling research in the community college context. The article suggests the need for a robust community college knowledge base, describes some limitations of the current community college literature, and suggests a framework for more effective work in this area. The authors’ own experiences and selected examples of published studies are used as illustrations of the hurdles encountered and solutions available when examining counseling theories, practices, and outcomes in 2‐year settings.
Testing and Pushing the Limits of Super‐Resolution Microscopy
Authors: Schmied Jürgen
Published: April 2016

In recent years, the spatial resolution in fluorescence microscopy has seen a dramatic improvement due to the invention of several super‐resolution techniques which break the diffraction limit. However, validating and testing these new techniques remains challenging due to the lack of reliable test‐structures providing well‐defined mark‐to‐mark distances. Newly developed nanostructures allow to position dye molecules with nanometer precision and can be produced in a highly parallel fashion. These structures can be used to test the achievable spatial resolution of super‐resolution but also of conventional fluorescence microscopes. Furthermore, a new type of ideal fiducial marker will be presented, which helps to push the resolution of localization based microscopes to its limits.
Evaluating different physician's prescribing preference based instrumental variables in two primary care databases: a study of inhaled long‐acting beta2‐agonist use and the risk of myocardial infarction
Authors: Uddin Md. Jamal , Groenwold Rolf H. H. , de Boer Anthonius , Afonso Ana S. M. , Primatesta Paola , Becker Claudia , Belitser Svetlana V. , Hoes Arno W. , Roes Kit C. B. , Klungel Olaf H.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Instrumental variable (IV) analysis with physician's prescribing preference (PPP) as IV is increasingly used in pharmacoepidemiology. However, it is unclear whether this IV performs consistently across databases. We aimed to evaluate the validity of different PPPs in a study of inhaled long‐acting beta2‐agonist (LABA) use and myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

Information on adults with asthma and/or COPD and at least one prescription of beta2‐agonist, or muscarinic antagonist was extracted from the CPRD (UK) and the Mondriaan (Netherlands) databases. LABA exposure was considered time‐fixed or time‐varying. We measured PPPs using previous LABA prescriptions of physicians or proportion of LABA prescriptions per practice. Correlation (r) and standardized difference (SDif) were used to assess assumption of IV analysis.

Results

For time‐fixed LABA, the IV based on 10 previous prescriptions outperformed the other IVs regarding strength of the IV (r ≥ 0.15) and balance of confounders between IV categories (SDif < 0.10). None of the IVs we considered appeared to be valid for time‐varying LABA. In CPRD (n = 490 499), which included approximately 18 times more subjects than Mondriaan (n = 27 459), IVs appeared more valid. LABA was not associated with MI; hazard ratios ranged from 0.86 to 1.18 for conventional analysis, and from 0.61 to 1.24 for the IV analyses with apparent valid IVs.

Conclusions

The validity of physician's prescribing preference as IV strongly depends on how this IV is defined and in which database it is applied. Hence, general recommendations cannot be made, other than to generate several plausible IVs, assess their validity, and report the estimate(s) from apparently valid IVs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of acute liver injury associated with use of antibiotics. Comparative cohort and nested case–control studies using two primary care databases in Europe
Authors: Brauer Ruth , Douglas Ian , Garcia Rodriguez Luis Alberto , Downey Gerald , Huerta Consuelo , de Abajo Francisco , Bate Andrew , Feudjo Tepie Maurille , de Groot Mark C. H. , Schlienger Raymond , Reynolds Robert , Smeeth Liam , Klungel Olaf , Ruigómez Ana
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To assess the impact of varying study designs, exposure and outcome definitions on the risk of acute liver injury (ALI) associated with antibiotic use.

Methods

The source population comprised of patients registered in two primary care databases, in the UK and in Spain. We identified a cohort consisting of new users of antibiotics during the study period (2004–2009) and non‐users during the study period or in the previous year. Cases with ALI were identified within this cohort and classified as definite or probable, based on recorded medical information. The relative risk (RR) of ALI associated with antibiotic use was computed using Poisson regression. For the nested case–control analyses, up to five controls were matched to each case by age, sex, date and practice (in CPRD) and odds ratios (OR) were computed with conditional logistic regression.

Results

The age, sex and year adjusted RRs of definite ALI in the current antibiotic use periods was 10.04 (95% CI: 6.97–14.47) in CPRD and 5.76 (95% CI: 3.46–9.59) in BIFAP. In the case–control analyses adjusting for life‐style, comorbidities and use of medications, the OR of ALI for current users of antibiotics was and 5.7 (95% CI: 3.46–9.36) in CPRD and 2.6 (95% CI: 1.26–5.37) in BIFAP.

Conclusion

Guided by a common protocol, both cohort and case–control study designs found an increased risk of ALI associated with the use of antibiotics in both databases, independent of the exposure and case definitions used. However, the magnitude of the risk was higher in CPRD compared to BIFAP. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methodological comparison of marginal structural model, time‐varying Cox regression, and propensity score methods: the example of antidepressant use and the risk of hip fracture
Authors: Ali M. Sanni , Groenwold Rolf H. H. , Belitser Svetlana V. , Souverein Patrick C. , Martín Elisa , Gatto Nicolle M. , Huerta Consuelo , Gardarsdottir Helga , Roes Kit C. B. , Hoes Arno W. , de Boer Antonius , Klungel Olaf H.
Published: April 2016

Background

Observational studies including time‐varying treatments are prone to confounding. We compared time‐varying Cox regression analysis, propensity score (PS) methods, and marginal structural models (MSMs) in a study of antidepressant [selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)] use and the risk of hip fracture.

Methods

A cohort of patients with a first prescription for antidepressants (SSRI or tricyclic antidepressants) was extracted from the Dutch Mondriaan and Spanish Base de datos para la Investigación Farmacoepidemiológica en Atención Primaria (BIFAP) general practice databases for the period 2001–2009. The net (total) effect of SSRI versus no SSRI on the risk of hip fracture was estimated using time‐varying Cox regression, stratification and covariate adjustment using the PS, and MSM. In MSM, censoring was accounted for by inverse probability of censoring weights.

Results

The crude hazard ratio (HR) of SSRI use versus no SSRI use on hip fracture was 1.75 (95%CI: 1.12, 2.72) in Mondriaan and 2.09 (1.89, 2.32) in BIFAP. After confounding adjustment using time‐varying Cox regression, stratification, and covariate adjustment using the PS, HRs increased in Mondriaan [2.59 (1.63, 4.12), 2.64 (1.63, 4.25), and 2.82 (1.63, 4.25), respectively] and decreased in BIFAP [1.56 (1.40, 1.73), 1.54 (1.39, 1.71), and 1.61 (1.45, 1.78), respectively]. MSMs with stabilized weights yielded HR 2.15 (1.30, 3.55) in Mondriaan and 1.63 (1.28, 2.07) in BIFAP when accounting for censoring and 2.13 (1.32, 3.45) in Mondriaan and 1.66 (1.30, 2.12) in BIFAP without accounting for censoring.

Conclusions

In this empirical study, differences between the different methods to control for time‐dependent confounding were small. The observed differences in treatment effect estimates between the databases are likely attributable to different confounding information in the datasets, illustrating that adequate information on (time‐varying) confounding is crucial to prevent bias. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Particulate delivery systems for vaccination against bioterrorism agents and emerging infectious pathogens
Authors: Fan Yuchen , Moon James J.
Published: April 2016

Bioterrorism agents that can be easily transmitted with high mortality rates and cause debilitating diseases pose major threats to national security and public health. The recent Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa and ongoing Zika virus outbreak in Brazil, now spreading throughout Latin America, are case examples of emerging infectious pathogens that have incited widespread fear and economic and social disruption on a global scale. Prophylactic vaccines would provide effective countermeasures against infectious pathogens and biological warfare agents. However, traditional approaches relying on attenuated or inactivated vaccines have been hampered by their unacceptable levels of reactogenicity and safety issues, whereas subunit antigen‐based vaccines suffer from suboptimal immunogenicity and efficacy. In contrast, particulate vaccine delivery systems offer key advantages, including efficient and stable delivery of subunit antigens, co‐delivery of adjuvant molecules to bolster immune responses, low reactogenicity due to the use of biocompatible biomaterials, and robust efficiency to elicit humoral and cellular immunity in systemic and mucosal tissues. Thus, vaccine nanoparticles and microparticles are promising platforms for clinical development of biodefense vaccines. In this review, we summarize the current status of research efforts to develop particulate vaccine delivery systems against bioterrorism agents and emerging infectious pathogens. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1403. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1403

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures
Dysregulated axonal RNA translation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Yasuda Kyota , Mili Stavroula
Published: April 2016

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult‐onset motor neuron disease that has been associated with a diverse array of genetic changes. Prominent among these are mutations in RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) or repeat expansions that give rise to toxic RNA species. RBPs are additionally central components of pathologic aggregates that constitute a disease hallmark, suggesting that dysregulation of RNA metabolism underlies disease progression. In the context of neuronal physiology, transport of RNAs and localized RNA translation in axons are fundamental to neuronal survival and function. Several lines of evidence suggest that axonal RNA translation is a central process perturbed by various pathogenic events associated with ALS. Dysregulated translation of specific RNA groups could underlie feedback effects that connect and reinforce disease manifestations. Among such candidates are RNAs encoding proteins involved in the regulation of microtubule dynamics. Further understanding of axonally dysregulated RNA targets and of the feedback mechanisms they induce could provide useful therapeutic insights. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:589–603. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1352

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
The ‘I’ in extreme responding
Authors: Cabooter Elke , Millet Kobe , Weijters Bert , Pandelaere Mario
Published: April 2016

We investigate the impact of self‐construal on extreme responding in six studies. The results show that people with an independent self‐construal generally answer more extremely to survey items than those with an interdependent self‐construal, especially when the items are self‐relevant (Studies 1a and 1b) and when these items are fluently processed (Study 3). Using an experimental causal chain design, this research also demonstrates that self‐concept clarity drives the effect of self‐construal on extreme responding. In particular, people with an independent self‐construal have a higher level of self‐concept clarity (Study 2a), and self‐clarity leads to an extreme response style (Study 2b). In Study 4, we demonstrate that the difference in extreme responding can partly explain a well‐established self‐construal effect, and we offer a solution to control for the bias in extreme responding in self‐construal research.
Improving fascin inhibitors to block tumor cell migration and metastasis
Authors: Han Shaoqin , Huang Jianyun , Liu Bingqian , Xing Bowen , Bordeleau Francois , Reinhart-King Cynthia A. , Li Wenxin , Zhang J. Jillian , Huang Xin-Yun
Published: April 2016

Tumor metastasis is the major cause of mortality of cancer patients, being responsible for ∼90% of all cancer deaths. One of the key steps during tumor metastasis is tumor cell migration which requires actin cytoskeletal reorganization. Among the critical actin cytoskeletal protrusion structures are antenna‐like filopodia. Fascin protein is the main actin‐bundling protein in filopodia. Here we report the development of fascin‐specific small‐molecules that inhibit the interaction between fascin and actin. These inhibitors block the in vitro actin‐binding and actin‐bundling activities of fascin, tumor cell migration and tumor metastasis in mouse models. Mechanistically, these inhibitors likely occupy one of the actin‐binding sites, reduce the binding of actin filaments, and thus lead to the inhibition of the bundling activity of fascin. At the cellular level, these inhibitors impair actin cytoskeletal reorganization. Our data indicate that target‐specific anti‐fascin agents will have great potential for treating metastatic tumors.
Assessing reliability of short and tick box forms of the ANU‐ADRI: Convenient alternatives of a self‐report Alzheimer's disease risk assessment
Authors: Kim Sarang , Cherbuin Nicolas , Anstey Kaarin J.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

To assess the reliability of short versions of the Australian National University Alzheimer's Disease Risk Index (ANU‐ADRI).

Methods

A short form of the ANU‐ADRI (ANU‐ADRI‐SF) was developed by assessing risk and protective factors with single questions where possible and with short forms of sub‐questionnaires where available. The tick box form of the ANU‐ADRI (ANU‐ADRI‐TB) was developed with unique questions for each risk and protective factor for Alzheimer's disease. The short versions were evaluated in an independent community sample of 504 participants with a mean age of 45.01 (SD = 14.85, range = 18–81).

Results

The short versions demonstrated high reliabilities when compared with the ANU‐ADRI. However, the proportion of misclassification was high for some risk factors and particularly for the ANU‐ADRI‐TB.

Discussion

The ANU‐ADRI‐SF may be considered if less reliable questions from the ANU‐ADRI‐SF can be replaced with more reliable questions from the ANU‐ADRI for risk/protective factors with high misclassification.
A Highly Selective Chemosensor for Naked-Eye Detection of Fluoride and Aluminium(III) Ions Based on a New Schiff Base Derivative
Authors: Orojloo Masoumeh , Amani Saeid
Published: April 2016

A new chromogenic receptor, 4-((2,4-dichlorophenyl)diazenyl)-2-(3-hydroxypropylimino)methyl)phenol, has been designed and synthesized for quantitative and low-cost detection of various biological anions and cations. The dye was characterized by elemental analyses, infrared, UV-visible spectroscopy, and NMR spectroscopy. The chemosensor showed visual changes towards anions, such as F– and H2PO4–, in DMSO and towards cations, such as Al3+, Cu2+, Fe3+, and Cr3+, in DMSO/water (9 : 1). The anion recognition property of the receptor via proton transfer was monitored by UV-visible titration and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The binding constant (Ka) and stoichiometry of the host–guest complexes formed were determined by the Benesi–Hildebrand (B–H) plot and Job's method, respectively.
Probabilistic estimation of short sequence expression using RNA-Seq data and the “positional bootstrap”
Authors: Xiong Hui Y. , Lee Leo J. , Bretschneider Hannes , Gao Jiexin , Jojic Nebojsa , Frey Brendan J.
Published: April 2016

When estimating expression of a transcript or part of a transcript using RNA-seq data, it is commonly assumed that reads are generated uniformly from positions within the transcript. While this assumption is acceptable for long transcript sequences where reads from many positions are averaged, it frequently leads to large errors for short sequences,e.g., less than 100 bp. Analysis of short sequences, such as when studying splice junctions and microRNAs, is increasingly important and necessitates addressing errors in short-sequence expression estimation. Indeed, when we examined RNA-seq data from diverse studies, we found that large errors are introduced by variations in RNA-seq coverage due to sequence content, experimental conditions and sample preparation.

We developed a technique that we call the positional bootstrap, which quantifies the level of uncertainty in expression induced by non-uniform coverage. Unlike methods that attempt to correct for biases in coverage, but do so by making strong assumptions about the form of those biases, the positional bootstrap can quantify the noise induced by all types of bias, including unknown ones. Results obtained using independently generated RNA-seq datasets show that the positional bootstrap increases the accuracy of estimates of alternative splicing levels, tissue-differential alternative splicing and tissue differential expression, by a factor of up to 10.

A Python implementation of the algorithm to quantify splicing levels is freely available from github.com/PSI-Lab/BENTO-Seq.
The CARD-CC/Bcl10/paracaspase signaling complex is functionally conserved since the last common ancestor of Planulozoa
Authors: Staal Jens , Driege Yasmine , Borghi Alice , Hulpiau Paco , Lievens Laurens , Gul Ismail Sahin , Sundararaman Srividhya , Gonçalves Amanda , Dhondt Ineke , Braeckman Bart P. , Technau Ulrich , Saeys Yvan , van Roy Frans , Beyaert Rudi
Published: April 2016

Type 1 paracaspases originated in the Ediacaran geological period before the last common ancestor of bilaterians and cnidarians (Planulozoa). Cnidarians have several paralog type 1 paracaspases, type 2 paracaspases, and a homolog of Bcl10. Notably in bilaterians, lineages like nematodes and insects lack Bcl10 whereas other lineages such as vertebrates, hemichordates, annelids and mollusks have a Bcl10 homolog. A survey of invertebrate CARD-coiled-coil (CC) domain homologs of CARMA/CARD9 revealed such homologs only in species with Bcl10, indicating an ancient co-evolution of the entire CARD-CC/Bcl10/MALT1-like paracaspase (CBM) complex. Furthermore, vertebrate-like Syk/Zap70 tyrosine kinase homologs with the ITAM-binding SH2 domain were found in invertebrate organisms with CARD-CC/Bcl10, indicating that this pathway might be the original user of the CBM complex. We also established that the downstream signaling proteins TRAF2 and TRAF6 are functionally conserved in Cnidaria. There also seems to be a correlation where invertebrates with CARD-CC and Bcl10 have type 1 paracaspases which are more similar to the paracaspases found in vertebrates. A proposed evolutionary scenario includes at least two ancestral type 1 paracaspase paralogs in the planulozoan last common ancestor, where at least one paralog usually is dependent on CARD-CC/Bcl10 for its function. Functional analyses of invertebrate type 1 paracaspases and Bcl10 homologs support this scenario and indicate an ancient origin of the CARD-CC/Bcl10/paracaspase signaling complex. Results from cnidarians, nematodes and mice also suggest an ancient neuronal role for the type 1 paracaspases.
Peculiar hybrid genomes of devastating plant pests promote plasticity in the absence of sex and meiosis
Authors: Blanc-Mathieu Romain , Perfus-Barbeoch Laetitia , Aury Jean-Marc , Da Rocha Martine , Gouzy Jérôme , Sallet Erika , Martin-Jimenez Cristina , Castagnone-Sereno Philippe , Flot Jean-François , Kozlowski Djampa K , Cazareth Julie , Couloux Arnaud , Da Silva Corinne , Guy Julie , Rancurel Corinne , Schiex Thomas , Abad Pierre , Wincker Patrick , Danchin Etienne G.J.
Published: April 2016

Root-knot nematodes (genusMeloidogyne) show an intriguing diversity of reproductive modes ranging from obligatory sexual to fully asexual reproduction. Intriguingly, the most damaging species to the world agriculture are those that reproduce without meiosis and without sex. To understand this parasitic success despite the absence of sex and genetic exchanges, we have sequenced and assembled the genomes of 3 obligatory ameiotic asexualMeloidogynespecies and have compared them to those of meiotic relatives with facultative or obligatory asexual reproduction. Our comparative genomic analysis shows that obligatory asexual root-knot nematodes have a higher abundance of transposable elements (TE) compared to the facultative sexual and contain duplicated regions with a high within-species average nucleotide divergence of 8%. Phylogenomic analysis of the genes present in these duplicated regions suggests that they originated from multiple hybridization events. The average nucleotide divergence in the coding portions between duplicated regions is ~5-6 % and we detected diversifying selection between the corresponding gene copies. Genes under diversifying selection covered a wide spectrum of predicted functional categories which suggests a high impact of the genome structure at the functional level. Contrasting with high within-species nuclear genome divergence, mitochondrial genome divergence between the three ameiotic asexuals was very low, suggesting that these putative hybrids share a recent common maternal donor lineage. The intriguing parasitic success of mitotic root-knot nematodes in the absence of sex may be partly explained by TE-rich composite genomes resulting from multiple allo-polyploidization events and promoting plasticity in the absence of sex.
Being ‘there’: At the front line of the ‘European refugee crisis’ ‐ part 1
Authors: Papataxiarchis Evthymios
Published: April 2016

In the course of 2015, Skala Sykamnias, a fishing village and tourist idyll on the northern coast of Lesbos, by accident of its geographical location, has turned into the informal gate into Europe for more than 200.000 refugees. In this article the author analyses the massive flows of people and things that transverse his fieldwork site from different directions: the great diversity of actors enacting what are often dissonant ideals and strategies, the several theatres of operation and reception ‘structures’, both frontline and back stage, and the debates that revolve around humanitarian action in the region. The local community is falling apart whilst to the incoming it represents the gateway to freedom. It is becoming a mini theatre of conflicts that echoes wider debates on the political future of Europe.
The post‐2015 landscape: vested interests, corporate social responsibility and public health advocacy
Authors: Herrick Clare
Published: April 2016

This paper explores the tensions between UN calls for private sector engagement in the post‐2015 landscape and public health opposition to those ‘harm industries’ that are ‘corporate vectors of disease’ for the mounting global non‐communicable disease burden. The UN's support for public‐private partnership has provided industries with ‘vested interests’ in the propagation of unhealthy behaviours with new opportunities for the strategic alignment of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) endeavours with the post‐2015 sustainable development agenda. This has galvanised public health advocates to place pressure on the World Health Organisation to formalise their ambiguous stance towards private sector involvement in public policy formation and the resultant ‘conflicts of interest’. This paper critically examines the ‘gathering storm’ between this ‘anti‐corporate movement’ and the alcohol industry in the increasingly politicised domain of CSR. Drawing on the example of SABMiller's Tavern Intervention Program, the paper argues that CSR represents a profound threat to the sanctity and moral authority of the public health worldview. Questions therefore need to be asked about whether the public health‐led path of industry non‐association will necessarily result in health improvements or just a further retrenchment of the ideological faultlines explored in the paper.
Drinking Patterns Across Spring, Summer, and Fall in 462 University Students
Authors: Schuckit Marc A. , Smith Tom L. , Clausen Peyton , Skidmore Jessica , Shafir Alexandra , Kalmijn Jelger
Published: April 2016

Background

Student heavy drinking and associated problems are common at most universities and fluctuate throughout the calendar year, with marked increases during celebrations. Most studies of student drinking are limited to the academic year itself, and relatively few focus specifically on special heavy drinking events. Even fewer studies include drinking during summer break and subsequent school return.

Methods

In the context of an experimental protocol, beginning in January 2014, alcohol‐related characteristics were evaluated 8 times over 55 weeks for 462 college freshmen, including periods that incorporated a campus festival, summer, and school return. Baseline predictors of drinking quantities over time included demography, substance use patterns, as well as environmental and attitudinal characteristics. Product–moment correlations evaluated relationships between baseline characteristics and subsequent quantities, and simultaneous entry regression analyses evaluated which characteristics most robustly predicted usual and maximum drinks over time.

Results

Maximum drinks per occasion increased 18% from the early spring (4/8/14 to 5/6/14) to the campus festival period (5/7/14 to 6/3/14), decreased 29% in the summer (7/8/14 to 8/5/14), and increased 31% on school return (10/7/14 to 11/4/14). The most robust predictors of higher quantities in regression analyses included items from each of the 3 major domains with the most consistent results seen for most baseline alcohol‐related items and descriptive drinking norms (R2 = 0.20 to 0.31).

Conclusions

These data demonstrate important changes in students’ drinking during the calendar year, including expected large increases during the month of a 1‐day festival, large decreases over the summer, and resumption of relatively high quantities upon return to school.
Employment Status, Depression, Drinking, and Alcohol Use Disorder in Puerto Rico
Authors: Caetano Raul , Vaeth Patrice A. C. , Mills Britain , Canino Glorisa
Published: April 2016

Background

Our aim was to examine the association between employment status, depression, drinking, binge drinking, and DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder in Puerto Rico.

Methods

Data are from a 2013 to 2014 household random sample of individuals 18 to 64 years of age in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Results

Bivariate analyses showed that depression was 5 times higher among unemployed males than among those employed full time (21% vs. 4%) and 2 times higher among unemployed females compared to those employed part time or full time (18% vs. 7% and 9%). Employment status was not associated with weekly volume of drinking, but nonparticipation in the workforce was protective against drinking (odds ratio [OR] = 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03 to 4.57; p < 0.05) and binge drinking (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.39 to 0.97; p < 0.05). This association could be due to the fact that those not in the work force may not be working due to sickness or disability. Male gender was a factor of risk for being a current drinker (OR = 2; 95% CI = 1.53 to 2.6; p < 0.001) and binge drinking (OR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.29 to 2.2; p < 0.001). Male gender was protective against depression (OR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.73; p < 0.01), but males employed only part time were almost 5 times more likely than females employed full time to be depressed (OR = 4.66; 95% CI = 1.25 to 17.38; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Employment status in Puerto Rico is associated with depression and with current drinking, but not with other alcohol‐related outcomes. Perhaps Puerto Rico is a “wet” environment, where drinking is already at a relatively high level that is not affected by employment status. Perhaps the chronic high rate of unemployment in the island has also created familial (e.g., support) and personal level accommodations (e.g., participation in the informal economy) that do not include increased drinking.
Marine protected areas increase resilience among coral reef communities
Authors: Mellin Camille , Aaron MacNeil M. , Cheal Alistair J. , Emslie Michael J. , Julian Caley M.
Published: April 2016

With marine biodiversity declining globally at accelerating rates, maximising the effectiveness of conservation has become a key goal for local, national and international regulators. Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been widely advocated for conserving and managing marine biodiversity yet, despite extensive research, their benefits for conserving non‐target species and wider ecosystem functions remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate thatMPAs can increase the resilience of coral reef communities to natural disturbances, including coral bleaching, coral diseases,Acanthaster plancioutbreaks and storms. Using a 20‐year time series from Australia's Great Barrier Reef, we show that withinMPAs, (1) reef community composition was 21–38% more stable; (2) the magnitude of disturbance impacts was 30% lower and (3) subsequent recovery was 20% faster that in adjacent unprotected habitats. Our results demonstrate thatMPAs can increase the resilience of marine communities to natural disturbance possibly through herbivory, trophic cascades and portfolio effects.
HIV Infection and the Esophagus
Authors: Rabeneck Linda
Published: April 2016

The esophagus can be involved in human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection. Esophageal ulcers can occur as part of an acute (primary) HIV infection syndrome. ln addition. the esophagus can be involved with the neoplasms associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) – both Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Opportunistic infections may also involve the esophagus, most commonly candida and cytomegalovirus infection. It is important for gastroenterologists to be aware of the clinical features of these lesions and to be ready to carry out endoscopy to diagnose these lesions correctly.
Histopathology of Infectious Colitis
Authors: Surawicz Christina M.
Published: April 2016

Histopathology can play an important role in diagnosing infictious colitis for several reasons. First, colonic mucosal biopsy can often reliably differentiate acute self limited colitis (ASLC). or infectious type colitis, from idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In ASLC, crypt architecture is normal and the inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria predominantly acute, ie, polymorphonuclear cells. In IBD, in contrast, crypt architecture is often abnormal nd the inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria in both acute and chronic, ie, polymorphonuclear cells, plasma cells ,and lymphocyte are present in increased numbers. Second, biopsy may give a clue to the specific infection. Biopsy may reveal the presence of specific parasites such asEntamoeba histolytica, cryptosporidia or schistosomiasis. Viral inclusions are seen when cytomegalovirus or herpes simplex type II virus infect the colon. Granulomas usually indicate Crohn's disease but can he seen with infections due toChlamydia trachomatis,Treponema pallidumandMycobacterium tuberculosis. Both chlamydial and syphilitic proctitis are rare and usually seen in homosexually active men. Finally, pseudomembranes, when present, suggest pseudomembranous colitis due to an overgrowth of toxigenicClostridium difficile. In summary, mucosal biopsy is helpful in differentiating ASLC from IBD in most cases. Sometimes, it provides a clue to the specific infection.
Malignant Lymphoma Presenting as Fulminant Hepatic Failure
Authors: Nizalik Elizabeth , Zayed Ekrem , Foyle Annette
Published: April 2016

A patient with fulminant hepatic failure who had a T8 malignant lymphona is described. A review of the literature yields 11 other cases with hematologic malignancies with similar presentation. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first case in which cell marker analysis was performed. Pitfalls in morpholog1c diagnosis are discussed.
Exacerbation of Ulcerative Colitis following Administration of 5‐ASA Enemas
Authors: Young Barbara A. , McLeod Robin S. , Cohen Zane
Published: April 2016

A 33‐year‐old female with a 15 year history of ulcerative colitis
presented with worsening diarrhea following colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis
six months previously. Following administration of 5‐ASA enemas (Salofalk).
the patient developed abdominal cramps. nausea and vomiting. and severe diarrhea
resulting in hypotension. Symptoms abated quickly when the 5‐ASA enemas,
were discontinued. Although diarrhea and abdominal cramps have been
described previously as side effects of oral sulfasalazine. oral 5‐ASA and sulfasalazine
enemas, this is the first report of these symptoms occurring following administration
of 5‐ASA enemas.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy
Authors: Bridges Ronald J. , Sutherland Lloyd R. , Bass Sydney , Price Lorne M.
Published: April 2016

Sixty-five patients who had endoscopic placement of a feeding tube between April 1984 and November 1987, were reviewed. Mean follow-up was 245 days (range one to 1391 days). The most common indication for gastrostomy insertion was a neurologic disorder (83%) Prophylactic antibiotic (cefoxitin) was given to 55% of patients (86% from one hospital). Minor complications (superficial wound infection, tube malfunction, ileus or localized abdominal pain) were seen in 55% of patients. Superficial wound infection, defined as local erythema and/or purulent discharge. was the most common complication ( 33%). No significant difference was found in the incidence of superficial wound infection between the group receiving prophylactic antibiotic and those who did not Major complications (gastric bleeding, aspiration, respiratory depression or abdominal abscess) occurred in 14% of patients The overall 30 day mortality was 23%. In 60% the cause of death was secondary to the underlying illness. No deaths occurred due to prolonged use of the feeding tube. Five patients (8%) regained the ability to eat resulting in tube removal. The authors’ experience suggests that percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). perhaps because of the patient population b associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Prophylactic antibiotics did not alter the incidence of wound infection associated with PEG However. this may be related to the use of a prophylactic antibiotic (cefoxttin) that has relatively poor coverage forStaphylococcus aureus, the most common organism cultured. Careful consideration must be given to patient selection prior to undertaking the procedure.
Acute Colitis due to Methyldopa
Authors: Troster Michael , Sullivan Stephen N.
Published: April 2016

A case of acute colitis due to antihypertensive therapy with methyldopa is reported . The colonic biopsies showed heavy infiltrates of eosinophils with crypt abscesses, cryptitis and vascular cuffing. Cessation of methyldopa therapy relieved the colitis with recurrence after restarting methyldopa on two separate occasions.
A Quarter Century of Liver Transplantation: Learning from Livers
Authors: Adams Paul C.
Published: April 2016

Liver transplantation has emerged as a powerful tool to increase the understanding of physiological and pathophysiological processes in the liver. Transplantation for metabolic diseases with resolution of the disease process has been the ultimate proof of the hepatic source of the defect. Recurrence of the primary disease in the liver following transplantation has furthered understanding of the pathogenesis of hepatitis and the cell biology of hepatobiliary tumours. The role of genetics and immune factors in the pathogenesis of alcoholic I iver disease may be clarified with the increasing numbers of patients transplanted for alcoholic cirrhosis. Normal gallbladder motility in the denervated transplanted liver questions the role of neuronal influences on gallbladder function. Finally, experimental liver transplantation in animals has been used as a tool to study metabolic problems.
Cobalamin Malabsorption due to a Dysfunctional Intrinsic Factor
Authors: Drouin Jeanne , Mikhael Nadia
Published: April 2016

An 18-year-old French Canadian student presenting with a severe normocytic anemia, had undetectable serum cobalamin but normal gastric acidity and no evidence of generalized malabsorption. The gastric juice contained a normal quantity of intrinsic factor. Serum anti-intrinsic factor blocking antibodies were not present. Absorption of radiolabelled cobalamin given orally in the Schilling test was decreased but this was corrected by using hog intrinsic factor. Patient gastric juice bound cobalamin normally but did not promote uptake of this vitamin by homogenates of guinea pig intestinal mucosa. A family study showed normal cobalamin absorption for all tested subjects, as well as two α-hemoglobin gene deletions in the father and a single α-gene deletion in the patient. The cobalamin malabsorption is likely due to a defect of the patient's intrinsic factor at the ilea! receptor sire.
Colorectal Cancer: A Total Provincial Experience with Survival Analysis
Authors: Weinerman B.H. , Orr K.B.
Published: April 2016

A review of 1212 cases of colorectal cancer from the Manitoba Tumour Registry from 1974 through 1976 was done in order to establish survival rates for a total population, to examine the role of tumour differentiation and stage of disease on survival. and to examine the incidence of disease in the rural and urban populations. Stage was the most important factor in determining survival although the difference between stages C1and C2disease was not significant. However, a continuing relapse rate was seen in all patients with any type of infiltrating disease (B1and B2There appeared to be continuing relapse patterns in all those groups to at least 96 months. Histology was also an independent predictor of survival even when controlling for stage of disease. Some patients with well differentiated colorectal cancers with stage D disease (over 10%) were alive at 42 months. Age was not found to be a significant factor in survival except for those individuals over 71-years-old and sex was not an important factor. There was increased incidence of co lo rectal cancer in urban as opposed to rural populations, suggesting that possible differences in lifestyle may play a role in causation.
Drug Related Esophagitis
Authors: Beaudry René , Colizza Franco
Published: April 2016

Esophageal injury after ingestion of various drugs often goes unrecognized. Two cases of tetracycline induced esophagitis are reported. The main presenting symptoms were odynophagia and dysphagia for both solids and liquids following the first two or three doses. Esophageal endoscopy revealed the presence of acute esophageal ulcers in both cases. Symptomatic relief was achieved by discontinuation of the drug and the use of viscous lidocaine and antacids. Recovery was complete within a few days. Recognition of this entity will help in its diagnosis and treatment, and should prevent further complications.
Role of Myeloperoxidase in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kisic Bojana , Miric Dijana , Dragojevic Ilija , Rasic Julijana , Popovic Ljiljana
Published: April 2016

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. Patients with CKD have a number of disorders in the organism, and the presence of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation in these patients is the subject of numerous studies. Chronic inflammation joined with oxidative stress contributes to the development of numerous complications: accelerated atherosclerosis process and cardiovascular disease, emergence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, development of malnutrition, anaemia, hyperparathyroidism, and so forth, affecting the prognosis and quality of life of patients with CKD. In this review we presented the potential role of the myeloperoxidase enzyme in the production of reactive/chlorinating intermediates and their role in oxidative damage to biomolecules in the body of patients with chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease. In addition, we discussed the role of modified lipoprotein particles under the influence of prooxidant MPO intermediates in the development of endothelial changes and cardiovascular complications in renal failure.
Molecular Characterization ofLeptospiraspp. in Environmental Samples from North-Eastern Malaysia Revealed a Pathogenic Strain,Leptospira alstonii
Authors: Azali Muhammad Azharuddin , Yean Yean Chan , Harun Azian , Aminuddin Baki Nurul Najian , Ismail Nabilah
Published: April 2016

The presence of pathogenicLeptospiraspp. in the environment poses threats to human health. The aim of this study was to detect and characterizeLeptospiraspp. from environmental samples. A total of 144 samples comprised of 72 soil and 72 water samples were collected from markets and recreational areas in a north-eastern state in Malaysia. Samples were cultured on Ellinghausen and McCullough modified by Johnson and Harris media. Leptospires were positive in 22.9% (n=33) of the isolates. Based on partial sequences of 16S rRNA, a pathogenic leptospire,Leptospira alstonii(n=1/33), was identified in 3% of the isolates followed by intermediate leptospire (L. wolffii,n=1/33, andL. licerasiae,n=7/33) and nonpathogenic leptospire,L. meyeri(n=22/33) in 24.2% and 66.7%, respectively. This study demonstrates the presence of a clinically significant pathogenicL. alstoniiin the environments which could pose health risks to the occupants and visitors.