bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging correlations between measures of population well-being, suicide and homicide: a look at global and Australian data
Authors: Lee Adrian YS , Pridmore Saxby
Published: November 2013

Objective:

Our aim was (1) to examine global and Australian data with a view to determining the presence of an inverse relationship between suicide and homicide rates, and (2) to examine global Human Development Index (HDI) values and suicide and homicide rates, with a view to determining any statistical relationship.

Method:

Suicide and homicide rates and HDI values were available for 102 countries, and suicide and homicide rates were available for the states and territories of Australia. The three data sets had non-normal distributions, and the non-parametric Spearman’s ρ was used for correlation statistics with α = 0.05.

Results:

We found a weak, statistically significant inverse relationship between the suicide and homicide rates of 102 countries ( ρ = −0.244, p = 0.014). No relationship was established for the Australian values, however. As anticipated, we found a significant negative correlation between homicide and HDI values. We unexpectedly demonstrated a positive correlation between suicide rates and HDI values.

Conclusion:

The notion that suicide and homicide have an inverse relationship now has some scientific support; but additional research is warranted to characterise and explain this relationship. The unexpected finding of a positive correlation between suicide rates and HDI values requires further examination.
Effects of Self-Care on Quality of Life in Adults With Heart Failure and Their Spousal Caregivers
Authors: Vellone Ercole , Chung Misook L. , Cocchieri Antonello , Rocco Gennaro , Alvaro Rosaria , Riegel Barbara
Published: November 2013

Emotions are contagious in couples. The purpose of this study was to analyze the manner in which adults with chronic heart failure (HF) and their informal caregivers influence each other’s self-care behavior and quality of life (QOL). A sample of 138 HF patients and spouses was enrolled from ambulatory centers across Italy. The Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) was used to analyze dyadic data obtained with the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI), the Caregivers Contribution to the SCHFI, and the Short Form 12. Both actor and partner effects were found. Higher self-care was related to lower physical QOL in patients and caregivers. Higher self-care maintenance in patients was associated with better mental QOL in caregivers. In caregivers, confidence in the ability to support patients in self-care was associated with improved caregivers’ mental QOL, but worsened physical QOL in patients. Interventions that build the caregivers’ confidence are needed.
Disulfide Oil Hazard Assessment Using Categorical Analysis and a Mode of Action Determination
Authors: Morgott David , Lewis Christopher , Bootman James , Banton Marcy
Published: November 2013

Diethyl and diphenyl disulfides, naphtha sweetening (Chemical Abstracts Service [CAS] # 68955-96-4), are primarily composed of low-molecular-weight dialkyl disulfides extracted from C4 to C5 light hydrocarbon streams during the refining of crude oil. The substance, commonly known as disulfide oil (DSO), can be composed of up to 17 different disulfides and trisulfides with monoalkyl chain lengths no greater than C4. The disulfides in DSO constitute a homologous series of chemical constituents that are perfectly suited for a hazard evaluation using a read-across/worst-case approach. The DSO constituents exhibit a common mode of action that is operable at all trophic levels. The observed oxidative stress response is mediated by reactive oxygen species and free radical intermediates generated after disulfide bond cleavage and subsequent redox cycling of the resulting mercaptan. Evidence indicates that the lowest series member, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), can operate as a worst-case surrogate for other members of the series, since it displays the highest toxicity. Increasing the alkyl chain length or degree of substitution has been shown to serially reduce disulfide toxicity through resonance stabilization of the radical intermediate or steric inhibition of the initial enzymatic step. The following case study examines the mode of action for dialkyl disulfide toxicity and documents the use of read-across information from DMDS to assess the hazards of DSO. The results indicate that DSO possesses high aquatic toxicity, moderate environmental persistence, low to moderate acute toxicity, high repeated dose toxicity, and a low potential for genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive/developmental effects.
Blogging through the music student teaching experience: Developing virtual communities of practice
Authors: Fitzpatrick Kate R.
Published: November 2013

Within educational settings, well-developed web-based social networking technologies such as interactive weblogs (blogs) can serve to effectively facilitate and mediate interactions among members of a “community of practice” (Chong, 2008; Wenger, White, & Smith, 2009). The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of an interactive class blog with a group of undergraduate students ( N = 9) enrolled in an American music education student teaching seminar. Specific research questions concerned the alignment of the class blog posts with the three characteristics of the communities of practice model (Wenger, 1998). Analysis of the blog posts, comments, descriptive surveys, and a researcher journal demonstrate that the virtual community did indeed align with the community of practice model in terms of a shared focus on varied aspects of the student teaching experience, a pattern of virtual interactions that demonstrates the formation of a community, and a shared repertoire of resources.
Aggressive behaviour and its prevalence within five typologies
Authors: Crotty Gerard , Doody Owen , Lyons Rosemary
Published: November 2013

Crucial to understanding an individual, presenting with intellectual disability and the management of their challenging behaviours, is the knowledge of the types of those specific behaviours. The term aggressive behaviour is a universal term that embraces many aspects of behaviour that vary in terms of severity, frequency and seriousness for the individual and those around them. Hence, greater consideration regarding intervention, management, person-centred strategies and prevalence and frequency rates are required in service provision for individuals with intellectual disability and aggressive behaviour. This review presents the context of aggressive behaviour and its prevalence within the five typologies of aggressive behaviour: verbal aggression, aggression against others, sexually inappropriate behaviour, self-injurious behaviour and aggression against property, as identified by Crocker et al. (2007). The focus of this review is to report on the prevalence of aggressive behaviour reported for individuals with intellectual disability and consider the ambiguity in defining aggressive behaviour.
636,120 Ways to Have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Galatzer-Levy Isaac R. , Bryant Richard A.
Published: November 2013

In an attempt to capture the variety of symptoms that emerge following traumatic stress, the revision of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM–5) has expanded to include additional symptom presentations. One consequence of this expansion is that it increases the amorphous nature of the classification. Using a binomial equation to elucidate possible symptom combinations, we demonstrate that the DSM–IV criteria listed for PTSD have a high level of symptom profile heterogeneity (79,794 combinations); the changes result in an eightfold expansion in the DSM–5, to 636,120 combinations. In this article, we use the example of PTSD to discuss the limitations of DSM-based diagnostic entities for classification in research by elucidating inherent flaws that are either specific artifacts from the history of the DSM or intrinsic to the underlying logic of the DSM’s method of classification. We discuss new directions in research that can provide better information regarding both clinical and nonclinical behavioral heterogeneity in response to potentially traumatic and common stressful life events. These empirical alternatives to an a priori classification system hold promise for answering questions about why diversity occurs in response to stressors.
Shedding Light on the Mechanisms Underlying Health Disparities Through Community Participatory Methods
Authors: Dunkel Schetter Christine , Schafer Peter , Lanzi Robin Gaines , Clark-Kauffman Elizabeth , Raju Tonse N. K. , Hillemeier Marianne M. ,   The Community Child Health Network
Published: November 2013

Health disparities are large and persistent gaps in the rates of disease and death between racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status subgroups in the population. Stress is a major pathway hypothesized to explain such disparities. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development formed a community/research collaborative—the Community Child Health Network—to investigate disparities in maternal and child health in five high-risk communities. Using community participation methods, we enrolled a large cohort of African American/Black, Latino/Hispanic, and non-Hispanic/White mothers and fathers of newborns at the time of birth and followed them over 2 years. A majority had household incomes near or below the federal poverty level. Home interviews yielded detailed information regarding multiple types of stress such as major life events and many forms of chronic stress including racism. Several forms of stress varied markedly by racial/ethnic group and income, with decreasing stress as income increased among Caucasians but not among African Americans; other forms of stress varied by race/ethnicity or poverty alone. We conclude that greater sophistication in studying the many forms of stress and community partnership is necessary to uncover the mechanisms underlying health disparities in poor and ethnic-minority families and to implement community health interventions.
Health Disparities
Authors: Adler Nancy E.
Published: November 2013

The existence of significant health disparities beyond those associated with race/ethnicity, poverty, and lack of health care has drawn the attention of researchers to the “challenge of the gradient.” Studies progressed from describing cross-sectional associations between disease risk and a single aspect of social disadvantage to identifying mechanisms by which these associations occur, encompassed objective and subjective measures of social status and stress processes, and used multilevel, dynamic models over the life course. The next stage is developing effective interventions targeting both the bases of disadvantage and the mediating pathways to reduce persistent disparities.
Social Neuroscience
Authors: Cacioppo John T. , Cacioppo Stephanie
Published: November 2013

Social species are so characterized because they form organizations that extend beyond the individual; such structures evolved hand in hand with psychological, neural, hormonal, cellular, and genetic mechanisms. The goal of social neuroscience is to identify these biological mechanisms and to specify the influences between social and neural structures and processes. Such an endeavor is challenging because it necessitates the integration of theory and data across levels of analysis. Social neuroscience has nevertheless grown dramatically as an interdisciplinary science and has expanded to include the relationship among social factors, genes, and gene expression.
Behaviour of ferrite in high manganese steel at high strain rates
Authors: Wang HZ. , Yang P. , Mao WM. , Sun XR.
Published: November 2013

The behaviour of ferrite in high manganese steel at high strain rates was investigated. The results show that the hard ferrite exhibited excellent plasticity and did not affect the steel's performance at high strain rates. Depending on the isolated ferrite grains, the microstructural and microtextural evolutions during adiabatic shear band (ASB) formation were reflected intuitively. In terms of microstructure, the subgrains and dynamically recrystallised grains formed in turn; the misorientation increased, while the orientation gradient initially increased and subsequently decreased. The microtexture within ASBs formed gradually, and the initial orientation significantly influenced its formation.
Effect of Port Orford cedar cone extracts on mould and decay fungi
Authors: Sivrikaya H. , Scouse A. , Freitag C. , Morrell J. J.
Published: November 2013

Steam distilled essential oil extracts from Port Orford cedar ( Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) cones were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus niger and a Trichoderma spp. as well as for their ability to inhibit fungal degradation of wood by Gloeophyllum trabeum, Postia placenta or Trametes versicolor. The extract limited growth by A. niger at the highest dilution level tested (5%) but failed to limit fungal degradation. The results suggest that cone extracts from this species have limited potential for producing bioactive compounds.
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibition restores neutrophil accuracy in the elderly: toward targeted treatments for immunosenescence
Authors: Sapey Elizabeth , Greenwood Hannah , Walton Georgia , Mann Elizabeth , Love Alexander , Aaronson Natasha , Insall Robert H. , Stockley Robert A. , Lord Janet M.
Published: November 2013

Key Points

Constitutive PI3K activity is associated with less accurate neutrophil migration in healthy aged adults. This is associated with increased primary granule release and neutrophil elastase activity and may contribute to inflammation and infection.
Identification and characterization of microRNAs involved in growth of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) by Solexa sequencing
Authors: Yi Shaokui , Gao Ze-Xia , Zhao Honghao , Zeng Cong , Luo Wei , Chen Boxiang , Wang Wei-Min
Published: November 2013

Background

Blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) is an economically important fish species in the Chinese freshwater polyculture system for its delicacy and high economic value. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulation of almost all biological processes in eukaryotes. Although previous studies have identified thousands of miRNAs from many species, little information is known for miRNAs of M. amblycephala. To investigate functions of miRNAs associated with growth of M. amblycephala, we adopted the Solexa sequencing technology to sequence two small RNA libraries prepared from four growth related tissues (brain, pituitary, liver and muscle) of M. amblycephala using individuals with relatively high and low growth rates.

Results

In this study, we have identified 347 conserved miRNAs (belonging to 123 families) and 22 novel miRNAs in M. amblycephala. Moreover, we observed sequence variants and seed edits of the miRNAs. Of the 5,166 single nucleotide substitutions observed in two libraries, the most abundant were G-to-U (15.9%), followed by U-to-C (12.1%), G-to-A (11.2%), and A to G (11.2%). Subsequently, we compared the expression patterns of miRNAs in the two libraries (big-size group with high growth rate versus small-size group with low growth rate). Results indicated that 27 miRNAs displayed significant differential expressions between the two libraries (p < 0.05). Of these, 16 were significantly up-regulated and 11 were significantly down-regulated in the big-size group compared to the small-size group. Furthermore, stem-loop RT-PCR was applied to validate and profile the expression of the differentially expressed miRNAs in ten tissues, and the result revealed that the conserved miRNAs expressed at higher levels than the novel miRNAs, especially in brain, liver and muscle. Also, targets prediction of differentially expressed miRNAs and KEGG pathway analysis suggested that differentially expressed miRNAs are involved in growth and metabolism, signal transduction, cell cycle, neural development and functions.

Conclusions

The present study provides the first large-scale characterization of miRNAs in M. amblycephala and miRNA profile related to different growth performances. The discovery of miRNA resource from this study is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the miRNAs roles playing in regulating the growth biological processes and the study of miRNA function and phenotype-associated miRNA identification in fish.
Characterisation of CD154+ T cells following ex vivo allergen stimulation illustrates distinct T cell responses to seasonal and perennial allergens in allergic and non-allergic individuals
Authors: Smith Karen A , Gray Nicola J , Saleh Femi , Cheek Elizabeth , Frew Anthony J , Kern Florian , Tarzi Michael D
Published: November 2013

Background

Allergic sensitisation has been ascribed to a dysregulated relationship between allergen-specific Th1, Th2 and regulatory T cells. We sought to utilise our short-term CD154 detection method to further analyse the relationship between these T cell subsets and investigate differences between seasonal and perennial allergens. Using peripheral blood samples from grass-allergic, cat-allergic and healthy non-atopic subjects, we compared the frequencies and phenotype of CD154-positive T helper cells following stimulation with seasonal (grass) and perennial (cat dander) allergens.

Results

We identified a higher frequency of CD154+ T cells in grass-allergic individuals compared to healthy controls; this difference was not evident following stimulation with cat allergen. Activated Th1, Th2 and Tr1-like cells, that co-express IFNγ, IL4 and IL10, respectively, were identified in varying proportions in grass-allergic, cat-allergic and non-allergic individuals. We confirmed a close correlation between Th1, Th2 and Tr1-like cell frequency in non-allergic volunteers, such that the three parameters increased together to maintain a low Th2: Th1 ratio. This relationship was dysregulated in grass-allergic individuals with no correlation between the T cell subsets and a higher Th2: Th1 ratio. We confirmed previous reports of a late-differentiated T cell phenotype in response to seasonal allergens compared to early-differentiated T cell responses to perennial allergens.

Conclusions

The findings confirm our existing work illustrating an important balance between Th1, Th2 and Tr1-like responses to allergens in health, where Th2 responses are frequently observed, but balanced by Th1 and regulatory responses. We confirm previous tetramer-based reports of phenotypic differences in T cells responding to seasonal and perennial allergens.
Recovery from heat, salt and osmotic stress in Physcomitrella patens requires a functional small heat shock protein PpHsp16.4
Authors: Ruibal Cecilia , Castro Alexandra , Carballo Valentina , Szabados László , Vidal Sabina
Published: November 2013

Background

Plant small heat shock proteins (sHsps) accumulate in response to various environmental stresses, including heat, drought, salt and oxidative stress. Numerous studies suggest a role for these proteins in stress tolerance by preventing stress-induced protein aggregation as well as by facilitating protein refolding by other chaperones. However,in vivoevidence for the involvement of sHsps in tolerance to different stress factors is still missing, mainly due to the lack of appropriate mutants in specificsHspgenes.

Results

In this study we characterized the function of a sHsp in abiotic stress tolerance in the mossPhyscomitrella patens, a model for primitive land plants.Using suppression subtractive hybridization, we isolated an abscisic acid-upregulated gene fromP. patensencoding a 16.4 kDa cytosolic class II sHsp.PpHsp16.4was also induced by salicylic acid, dithiothreitol (DTT) and by exposure to various stimuli, including osmotic and salt stress, but not by oxidative stress-inducing compounds. Expression of the gene was maintained upon stress relief, suggesting a role for this protein in the recovery stage. PpHsp16.4 is encoded by two identical genes arranged in tandem in the genome. Targeted disruption of both genes resulted in the inability of plants to recover from heat, salt and osmotic stress.In vivolocalization studies revealed that PpHsp16.4 localized in cytosolic granules in the vicinity of chloroplasts under non stress conditions, suggesting possible distinct roles for this protein under stress and optimal growth.

Conclusions

We identified a member of the class II sHsp family that showed hormonal and abiotic stress gene regulation. Induction of the gene by DTT treatment suggests that damaged proteins may act as signals for the stress-induction ofPpHsp16.4. The product of this gene was shown to localize in cytosolic granules near the chloroplasts, suggesting a role for the protein in association with these organelles. Our study provides the first direct genetic evidence for a role of a sHsp in osmotic and salt stress tolerance, and supports a function for this protein particularly during the stress recovery stage ofP. patens.
Screening of Y chromosome microdeletions in 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis and in patients with a 45,X/46,XY karyotype or its variants
Authors: dos Santos Ana Paula , Ribeiro Andrade Juliana Gabriel , Piveta Cristiane Santos Cruz , de Paulo Juliana , Guerra-Junior Gil , de Mello Maricilda Palandi , Maciel-Guerra Andréa Trevas
Published: November 2013

Background

Partial and mixed gonadal dysgenesis (PGD and MGD) are characterized by genital ambiguity and the finding of either a streak gonad and a dysgenetic testis or two dysgenetic testes. The karyotype in PGD is 46,XY, whereas a 45,X/46,XY mosaicism or its variants (more than two lineages and/or structural abnormalities of the Y chromosome) is generally found in MGD. Such mosaics are also compatible with female phenotype and Turner syndrome, ovotesticular disorder of sex development, and infertility in men with normal external genitalia. During the last few years, evidences of a linkage between Y microdeletions and 45,X mosaicism have been reported. There are also indications that the instability caused by such deletions might be more significant in germ cells. The aim of this work was to investigate the presence of Y chromosome microdeletions in individuals with PGD and in those with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism or its variants and variable phenotypes.

Methods

Our sample comprised 13 individuals with PGD and 15 with mosaicism, most of them with a MGD phenotype (n = 11). Thirty-six sequence tagged sites (STS) spanning the male specific region (MSY) on the Y chromosome (Yp, centromere and Yq) were analyzed by multiplex PCR and some individual reactions.

Results

All STS showed positive amplifications in the PGD group. Conversely, in the group with mosaicism, six individuals with MGD had been identified with Yq microdeletions, two of them without structural abnormalities of the Y chromosome by routine cytogenetic analysis. The deleted STSs were located within AZFb and AZFc (Azoospermia Factor) regions, which harbor several genes responsible for spermatogenesis.

Conclusions

Absence of deletions in individuals with PGD does not confirm the hypothesis that instability of the Y chromosome in the gonads could be one of the causes of such condition. However, deletions identified in the second group indicate that mosaicism may be associated with Y chromosome abnormalities detectable only at the molecular level. If patients with mosaicism and Y microdeletions reared as males decide to undergo in vitro fertilization, Y chromosomes which tend to be unstable during cell division may be transmitted to offspring.
Plaque morphology detected with Duplex ultrasound before carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) is not a predictor of carotid artery in-stent restenosis, a case control study
Authors: Wasser Katrin , Karch André , Gröschel Sonja , Witzenhausen Janin , Gröschel Klaus , Bähr Mathias , Liman Jan
Published: November 2013

Background

In-stent restenosis (ISR) is an important factor endangering the long-term safety and efficacy of carotid artery angioplasty and stenting (CAS). It is plausible that soft vulnerable plaques are more likely to be injured during CAS procedure and are therefore more likely to initiate the cascade finally leading to ISR. The aim of this study was to investigate if plaque morphology detected by a simple applicable Duplex ultrasound score before CAS can be used as a predictor for ISR.

Methods

Within a prospectively collected single-centre CAS database of 281 patients (comprising 300 arteries) with high-grade carotid artery stenosis, who underwent CAS between May 2003 and January 2013, we conducted a nested case–control study. Plaque morphology before CAS was analysed by a blinded investigator and each parameter of the Total Plaque Risk Score (TPRS) as well as the whole score was evaluated with regard to its diagnostic validity for ISR.

Results

We analysed the data of 10 patients with ISR and 50 patients without ISR. There were no significant differences with respect to baseline characteristics, vascular risk factors, and degree of stenosis between patients with and without ISR. The duration of follow-up was longer in patients with ISR (p = 0.024) and these patients were more likely to show increased PSV (p = 0.012) immediately after CAS than patients without ISR. Neither individual parameters of the TPRS score nor the score as a whole were suitable as a diagnostic test for ISR development.

Conclusions

In the present study we could demonstrate that the non-contrast enhanced DUS of the pre-interventional plaque formation cannot be used as a predictor for the development of ISR. Evaluating a more sophisticated, but not routinely available approach e.g. by ultrasound based plaque perfusion imaging or CT based plaque analysis could be helpful in the future in order to assess the role of plaque morphology in the context of ISR development.
Impact of HbA1c criterion on the definition of glycemic component of the metabolic syndrome: the China health and nutrition survey 2009
Authors: Sun Xingxing , Du Tingting , Huo Rui , Yu Xuefeng , Xu Lixian
Published: November 2013

Background

In 2009, a unified definition of metabolic syndrome (MetS) was proposed, of which, the glycemic component is defined on the basis of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level. Recently, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommended the use of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as an alternative to FPG to define prediabetes. Hence, we aim to compare the performance of HbA1c and FPG in the definition of glycemic component of the MetS among Chinese adults.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 7641 Chinese participants aged ≥18 years using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2009. MetS was defined according to the consensus criteria in 2009. We compared the use of HbA1c versus FPG in the definition of the glycemic component of MetS. Increased HbA1c value was defined following the criterion of HbA1c cut-off point of ≥5.7% recommended by the ADA.

Results

Overall, 1136 (14.9%) had MetS according to FPG ≥ 5.6 mmol/l, and 1640 (21.5%) had MetS according to HbA1c ≥ 5.7%. Compared with individuals with FPG-based diagnosis of MetS, individuals with HbA1c-based diagnosis of MetS were older, had higher levels of LDL-C, magnesium, and transferrin, and lower levels of uric acid. Of those found to have MetS according to either FPG or HbA1c (n = 2008), overlap between HbA1c- and FPG-based diagnosis of MetS was limited (n = 768, 38.2%). The overlap index regarding MetS diagnosed by FPG or HbA1c persisted low in each evaluated subgroup (≤ 50.0%).

Conclusions

We note limited overlap and poor agreement between FPG- and HbA1c-based diagnosis of MetS. Screening MetS through introduction of HbA1c in addition to FPG could contribute to identification of more people with MetS.
Diets containing traditional and novel green leafy vegetables improve liver fatty acid profiles of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Johnson Melissa , Pace Ralphenia D , Dawkins Norma L , Willian Kyle R
Published: November 2013

Background

The consumption of green leafy vegetables (GLVs) has been demonstrated to reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular and other diseases. However, no literature exists that examines the influence of traditional and novel GLVs on the liver fatty acid profile of an animal model genetically predisposed to developing hypertension. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of diets containing 4% collard greens, purslane or sweet potato greens on the liver fatty acid profiles of four-week old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs, N = 44). Following four weeks consumption of the diets, liver fatty acid profiles were determined by gas–liquid chromatography of transesterified fatty acid methyl esters.

Results

SHRs consuming the control diet had greater percentages of liver saturated fatty acid and less omega-3 fatty acid percentages. SHRs consuming the diets containing vegetables had significantly greater liver concentrations of γ- linolenic, docosahexaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, as well as lower levels of lauric, palmitic and arachidonic acids. SHRs consuming the control diet had significantly greater percentages (p < 0.05) of oleic; significantly less γ-linolenic and docosahexaenoic acids.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the ability of GLVs to modulate liver fatty acid composition, thus providing protection against elevations in atherogenic fatty acids, which may be involved in CVD pathogenesis. Consequently, dietary recommendations for the prevention of CVD should consider the possible cardioprotective benefits and the subsequent alterations in fatty acid profiles afforded by diets containing collard greens, purslane and sweet potato greens.
Dominant-negative activity of the STAT3-Y705F mutant depends on the N-terminal domain
Authors: Mohr Anne , Fahrenkamp Dirk , Rinis Natalie , Müller-Newen Gerhard
Published: November 2013

Background

STAT3 is a transcription factor of central importance in chronic inflammation and cancer. In response to cytokine stimulation STAT3 is phosphorylated on a single tyrosine residue at position 705, dimerizes and accumulates in the nucleus to induce target gene expression. The substitution of tyrosine 705 to phenylalanine leads to a dominant-negative STAT3 mutant (STAT3-YF) which influences the activation of WT-STAT3 in stimulated cells through a mechanism that is not completely understood. In this study we analyzed the molecular mechanism of STAT3-YF dominant-negative activity in IL-6-induced STAT3 signaling and the relevance of the N-terminal domain.

Results

Expression of STAT3-YF-YFP impairs tyrosine phosphorylation, nuclear translocation and the transcriptional activity of WT-STAT3 in IL-6-stimulated cells. The fluorescently labelled STAT3-YF mutant binds to a phosphorylated gp130 receptor-peptide comparable to WT-STAT3-YFP. STAT3-YF-YFP forms homodimers as well as heterodimers with WT-STAT3 in the presence and absence of IL-6. The preformed heterodimers in unstimulated cells are detectable by colocalization of STAT3-CFP with STAT3-YF-YFP fused to a nuclear localization signal. STAT3/STAT3-YF heterodimers are not able to bind to DNA in stimulated cells, but the presence of the mutant reduces DNA-binding of WT-STAT3 homodimers. STAT3-YF-ΔN-YFP lacking the N-terminal domain forms no dimers and only marginally affects the activity of WT-STAT3.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that dominant-negative STAT3-YF affects the activation of WT-STAT3 at multiple levels. Unexpectedly, the N-terminal domain of STAT3-YF plays an important role for the dominant-negative effect. We show that (i) STAT3-YF competes with WT-STAT3 in binding to activated gp130-receptors, (ii) the formation of WT-STAT3/STAT3-YF heterodimers in IL-6-stimulated cells results in inactive, semiphosphorylated dimers which do not bind to DNA and thus fail to induce target gene expression, (iii) the N-terminal domain-mediated formation of preformed STAT3/STAT3-YF heterodimers in unstimulated cells which affects the IL-6-induced homodimerization of WT-STAT3 contributes to the dominant-negative effect of STAT3-YF. These findings will contribute to our understanding of naturally occuring dominant-negative STAT3 mutants that cause the hyper-IgE syndrome.
Controlled fabrication of Sn/TiO2 nanorods for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Sun Bo , Shi Tielin , Peng Zhengchun , Sheng Wenjun , Jiang Ting , Liao Guanglan
Published: November 2013

In this work, we investigate the controlled fabrication of Sn-doped TiO2 nanorods (Sn/TiO2 NRs) for photoelectrochemical water splitting. Sn is incorporated into the rutile TiO2 nanorods with Sn/Ti molar ratios ranging from 0% to 3% by a simple solvothermal synthesis method. The obtained Sn/TiO2 NRs are single crystalline with a rutile structure. The concentration of Sn in the final nanorods can be well controlled by adjusting the molar ratio of the precursors. Photoelectrochemical experiments are conducted to explore the photocatalytic activity of Sn/TiO2 NRs with different doping levels. Under the illumination of solar simulator with the light intensity of 100 mW/cm2, our measurements reveal that the photocurrent increases with increasing doping level and reaches the maximum value of 1.01 mA/cm2 at −0.4 V versus Ag/AgCl, which corresponds to up to about 50% enhancement compared with the pristine TiO2 NRs. The Mott-Schottky plots indicate that incorporation of Sn into TiO2 nanorod can significantly increase the charge carrier density, leading to enhanced conductivity of the nanorod. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Sn/TiO2 NRs can be a promising candidate for photoanode in photoelectrochemical water splitting because of their excellent chemical stability.
Development of a pan-Simbu real-time reverse transcriptase PCR for the detection of Simbu serogroup viruses and comparison with SBV diagnostic PCR systems
Authors: Fischer Melina , Schirrmeier Horst , Wernike Kerstin , Wegelt Anne , Beer Martin , Hoffmann Bernd
Published: November 2013

Background

Schmallenberg virus (SBV), a novel orthobunyavirus of the Simbu serogroup, was first identified in October 2011 in dairy cattle in Germany, where it caused fever, diarrhea and a drop in milk yield. Since then, SBV additionally has been detected in adult sheep and goats. Although symptoms of acute infection were not observed, infection during a vulnerable phase of pregnancy caused congenital malformations and stillbirths. In view of the current situation and the possible emergence of further Simbu serogroup members, a pan-Simbu real-time reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR system for the reliable detection of Simbu serogroup viruses should be developed.

Methods

In this study a pan-Simbu real-time RT-PCR system was established and compared to several SBV real-time RT-PCR assays. All PCR-systems were tested using a panel of different Simbu serogroup viruses as well as several field samples from diseased cattle, sheep and goats originating from all over Germany. Several pan-Simbu real-time RT-PCR products were sequenced via Sanger sequencing. Furthermore, in silico analyses were performed to investigate suitability for the detection of further orthobunyaviruses.

Results

All tested members of the Simbu serogroup (n = 14) as well as most of the field samples were successfully detected by the pan-Simbu real-time RT-PCR system. The comparison of this intercalating dye assay with different TaqMan probe-based assays developed for SBV diagnostics confirmed the functionality of the pan-Simbu assay for screening purposes. However, the SBV-TaqMan-assay SBV-S3 delivered the highest analytical sensitivity of less than ten copies per reaction for duplex systems including an internal control. In addition, for confirmation of SBV-genome detection the highly specific SBV-M1 assay was established.

Conclusion

The pan-Simbu real-time RT-PCR system was able to detect all tested members of the Simbu serogroup, most of the SBV field samples as well as three tested Bunyamwera serogroup viruses with a suitable sensitivity. According to in silico analyses, this system seems to be able to detect a broad orthobunyavirus spectrum. As an additional feature of the pan-Simbu real-time RT-PCR system, subsequent species classification via sequencing is feasible. Regarding SBV diagnostics, the performance of the S-segment targeting SBV-S3 assay was superior with respect to the analytical sensitivity.
DrugMint: a webserver for predicting and designing of drug-like molecules
Authors: Dhanda Sandeep Kumar , Singla Deepak , Mondal Alok K , Raghava Gajendra PS
Published: November 2013

Background

Identification of drug-like molecules is one of the major challenges in the field of drug discovery. Existing approach like Lipinski rule of 5 (Ro5), Operea have their own limitations. Thus, there is a need to develop computational method that can predict drug-likeness of a molecule with precision. In addition, there is a need to develop algorithm for screening chemical library for their drug-like properties.

Results

In this study, we have used 1347 approved and 3206 experimental drugs for developing a knowledge-based computational model for predicting drug-likeness of a molecule. We have used freely available PaDEL software for computing molecular fingerprints/descriptors of the molecules for developing prediction models. Weka software has been used for feature selection in order to identify the best fingerprints. We have developed various classification models using different types of fingerprints like Estate, PubChem, Extended, FingerPrinter, MACCS keys, GraphsOnlyFP, SubstructureFP, Substructure FPCount, Klekota-RothFP, Klekota-Roth FPCount. It was observed that the models developed using MACCS keys based fingerprints, discriminated approved and experimental drugs with higher precision. Our model based on one hundred fifty nine MACCS keys predicted drug-likeness of the molecules with 89.96% accuracy along with 0.77 MCC. Our analysis indicated that MACCS keys (ISIS keys) 112, 122, 144, and 150 were highly prevalent in the approved drugs. The screening of ZINC (drug-like) and ChEMBL databases showed that around 78.33% and 72.43% of the compounds present in these databases had drug-like potential.

Conclusion

It was apparent from above study that the binary fingerprints could be used to discriminate approved and experimental drugs with high accuracy. In order to facilitate researchers working in the field of drug discovery, we have developed a webserver for predicting, designing, and screening novel drug-like molecules (http://crdd.osdd.net/oscadd/drugmint/).

Reviewers

This article was reviewed by Robert Murphy, Difei Wang (nominated by Yuriy Gusev), and Ahmet Bakan (nominated by James Faeder).
Policy implementation of methadone maintenance treatment and HIV infection: evidence from Hubei province, China
Authors: Dai Jifang , Zhao Lianyi , Liang Yuan
Published: November 2013

To view methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) globally, it is necessary to accumulate data on MMT policy implementation under different health service systems. The aim of the current study is to provide empirical evidence about policy implementation of MMT and HIV infection control, as well as recommendations for improvement of MMT in the future. Based on China’s national policy framework of MMT, policy implementation of MMT in Hubei province has two objectives: 1) to create linkages between health and public security, and 2) to provide integrated services for management of drug abusers. From 2007 to 2011, following the establishment of MMT clinics that provide methadone as well as HIV prevention services, the proportion of HIV infection among drug abusers decreased relatively quickly (12.12% → 5.77% → 5.19% → 2.39% → 2.04%). However, high drop-out rate and poor information management have been identified as particular problems which now need to be addressed. Furthermore, client drop-out from MMT programs may reflect social issues the clients encounter, and consequently, sustainable MMT development requires incorporation of social measures that help MMT clients return to society without discrimination, especially through family cooperation and employment opportunities.
Immediate versus sustained effects: interrupted time series analysis of a tailored intervention
Authors: Hanbury Andria , Farley Katherine , Thompson Carl , Wilson Paul M. , Chambers Duncan , Holmes Heather
Published: November 2013

Background

Detailed intervention descriptions and robust evaluations that test intervention impact—and explore reasons for impact—are an essential part of progressing implementation science. Time series designs enable the impact and sustainability of intervention effects to be tested. When combined with time series designs, qualitative methods can provide insight into intervention effectiveness and help identify areas for improvement for future interventions. This paper describes the development, delivery, and evaluation of a tailored intervention designed to increase primary health care professionals’ adoption of a national recommendation that women with mild to moderate postnatal depression (PND) are referred for psychological therapy as a first stage treatment.

Methods

Three factors influencing referral for psychological treatment were targeted using three related intervention components: a tailored educational meeting, a tailored educational leaflet, and changes to an electronic system data template used by health professionals during consultations for PND. Evaluation comprised time series analysis of monthly audit data on percentage referral rates and monthly first prescription rates for anti-depressants. Interviews were conducted with a sample of health professionals to explore their perceptions of the intervention components and to identify possible factors influencing intervention effectiveness.

Results

The intervention was associated with a significant, immediate, positive effect upon percentage referral rates for psychological treatments. This effect was not sustained over the ten month follow-on period. Monthly rates of anti-depressant prescriptions remained consistently high after the intervention. Qualitative interview findings suggest key messages received from the intervention concerned what appropriate antidepressant prescribing is, suggesting this to underlie the lack of impact upon prescribing rates. However, an understanding that psychological treatment can have long-term benefits was also cited. Barriers to referral identified before intervention were cited again after the intervention, suggesting the intervention had not successfully tackled the barriers targeted.

Conclusion

A time series design allowed the initial and sustained impact of our intervention to be tested. Combined with qualitative interviews, this provided insight into intervention effectiveness. Future research should test factors influencing intervention sustainability, and promote adoption of the targeted behavior and dis-adoption of competing behaviors where appropriate.
Comparative analysis among three Taiwan-specific Gentiana species and Chinese medicinal plant Gentiana scabra
Authors: Huang Shih-Hung , Chen Emily hin-Fun , Wu Chin-Tung , Kuo Chao-Lin , Tsay Hsin-Sheng
Published: November 2013

Background

The root ofGentiana scabrais commonly known as Longdan in Chinese herbal medicines and has been used in the treatment of inflammation, anorexia, indigestion and gastric infections for over 2000 years. High market demand had madeG. scabra(GS) plants not to be the only source of Longdan in China, otherGentianaspp.,G. triflora, G. manshuricaandG. rigescens, were also recognized as Longdan in China now.

Results

In this study, we identified three Taiwan-specificGentianaspp.,G. davidii var. formosana(GDF) andG. arisanensis(GA) andG. scabrida var. punctulata(GSP) that are phylogenetically different from GS (main source of Longdan). However, the active compounds of Longdan, gentiopicroside and swertiamari, were found in GSP and GDF showed higher antioxidant ability and free radical scavenging activities than Chinese Longdan. This discovery might explore the medicinal potential of GDF. Meanwhile, another Taiwan-specificGentianaspp., GSP, was found to have the strongest antioxidant ability and free radical scavenging activities which might suggest a possible use of GSP as a source of natural antioxidant agents for industrial purpose.

Conclusions

The finding of this study indicated that ITS analysis can be used to identify Taiwan-specificGentianaspp. Also the Taiwan-specificGentianaspp. which has strongest antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities among others could be a better choice for industrial purpose.
Bone microarchitecture in ankylosing spondylitis and the association with bone mineral density, fractures, and syndesmophytes
Authors: Klingberg Eva , Lorentzon Mattias , Göthlin Jan , Mellström Dan , Geijer Mats , Ohlsson Claes , Atkinson Elizabeth J , Khosla Sundeep , Carlsten Hans , Forsblad-d’Elia Helena
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Osteoporosis of the axial skeleton is a known complication of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but bone loss affecting the peripheral skeleton is less studied. This study on volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone microarchitecture in AS was conducted to compare peripheral vBMD in AS patients with that in healthy controls, to study vBMD in axial compared with peripheral bone, and to explore the relation between vertebral fractures, spinal osteoproliferation, and peripheral bone microarchitecture and density.

Methods

High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) of ultradistal radius and tibia and QCT and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of lumbar spine were performed in 69 male AS patients (NY criteria). Spinal radiographs were assessed for vertebral fractures and syndesmophyte formation (mSASSS). The HRpQCT measurements were compared with the measurements of healthy controls.

Results

The AS patients had lower cortical vBMD in radius (P = 0.004) and lower trabecular vBMD in tibia (P = 0.033), than did the controls. Strong correlations were found between trabecular vBMD in lumbar spine, radius (rS = 0.762; P < 0.001), and tibia (rS = 0.712; P < 0.001).

When compared with age-matched AS controls, patients with vertebral fractures had lower lumbar cortical vBMD (-22%; P = 0.019), lower cortical cross-sectional area in radius (-28.3%; P = 0.001) and tibia (-24.0%; P = 0.013), and thinner cortical bone in radius (-28.3%; P = 0.001) and tibia (-26.9%; P = 0.016).

mSASSS correlated negatively with trabecular vBMD in lumbar spine (rS = -0.620; P < 0.001), radius (rS = -0.400; p = 0.001) and tibia (rS = -0.475; p < 0.001) and also with trabecular thickness in radius (rS = -0.528; P < 0.001) and tibia (rS = -0.488; P < 0.001).

Adjusted for age, syndesmophytes were significantly associated with decreasing trabecular vBMD, but increasing cortical vBMD in lumbar spine, but not with increasing cortical thickness or density in peripheral bone. Estimated lumbar vBMD by DXA correlated with trabecular vBMD measured by QCT (rS = 0.636; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Lumbar osteoporosis, syndesmophytes, and vertebral fractures were associated with both lower vBMD and deteriorated microarchitecture in peripheral bone. The results indicate that trabecular bone loss is general, whereas osteoproliferation is local in AS.