bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From ‘sugar daddies’ to ‘sugar babies’: exploring a pathway among age-disparate sexual relationships, condom use and adolescent pregnancy in South Africa
Authors: Toska Elona , Cluver Lucie D. , Boyes Mark , Pantelic Marija , Kuo Caroline
Published: February 2015

Background Adolescent pregnancy has been linked to adverse outcomes. Most studies proposing risk pathways for adolescent pregnancy in South Africa are qualitative, hypothesising links among age-disparate relationships, reduced condom use and higher pregnancy rates. No known South African studies have quantitatively explored pathways to adolescent pregnancy. Objectives: This study aimed to: (i) identify the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy and (ii) explore a pathway of risk by assessing whether condom use mediated the relationship between age-disparate sexual relationships and adolescent pregnancy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 447 sexually active girls aged 10–19 years was undertaken in six health districts of South Africa. Multivariate logistic regressions controlled for confounders. Mediation tests used bootstrapping. Results: Consistent condom use (β = –2.148, odds ratio (OR) = 8.566, P ≤ 0.001) and school enrolment (β = –1.600, OR = 0.202, P ≤ 0.001) were associated with lower pregnancy rates. Age-disparate sex (β = 1.093, OR = 2.982, P ≤ 0.001) and long-term school absences (β = 1.402, OR = 4.061, P ≤ 0.001) were associated with higher pregnancy rates. The indirect effect of age-disparate sex on adolescent pregnancy through condom use was significant, irrespective of age, age at sexual initiation, poverty and residential environment (B = 0.4466, s.d. = 0.1303, confidence interval: 0.2323–0.7428). Conclusion: This survey supports hypotheses that inability to negotiate condom use in age-disparate sexual relationships may drive adolescent pregnancy. Interventions addressing these relationships, facilitating condom use and increasing access to sexual health services among adolescents might avert unwanted pregnancies.
Syphilis transmission: a review of the current evidence
Authors: Stoltey Juliet E. , Cohen Stephanie E.
Published: February 2015

Syphilis remains widespread worldwide, with increasing rates among men who have sex with men. This paper reviews available evidence regarding syphilis transmission, including data on: sexual transmission (transmission probability per sexual partnership), vertical transmission, transmission via blood products and organ donation, and other rare modes of transmission. In addition, host susceptibility to syphilis infection is discussed. Syphilis screening and treatment, condoms and risk-reduction counselling and how they modify syphilis transmission dynamics are considered.
Website hierarchy and the interaction between content organization, webpage and navigation design: A systemic functional hypermedia discourse analysis perspective
Authors: Djonov Emilia
Published: February 2015

Website hierarchy is a central principle for organizing information in websites with implications for user orientation on the Web. Employing websites for children as case studies, this paper proposes a conceptualization of website hierarchy developed by adapting a tool from systemic functional linguistics to the analysis of websites. This new conceptualization draws on the strengths and reconciles the differences of existing ones in order to reflect the fluidity of websites as hypermedia texts on the WWW and the role that the interaction between content organization, webpage and navigation design plays in revealing a website's hierarchical organization and thereby orienting users within it.
Serum Bile Acid Levels in Children With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Jahnel Jörg , Zöhrer Evelyn , Alisi Anna , Ferrari Federica , Ceccarelli Sara , De Vito Rita , Scharnagl Hubert , Stojakovic Tatjana , Fauler Günter , Trauner Michael , Nobili Valerio
Published: February 2015

Objective:

Because the prevalence of obesity in children is increasing, the frequency of pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is growing. A reliable noninvasive biomarker for monitoring progression of liver fibrosis would be useful. In cirrhotic persons serum bile acid (BA) levels are significantly elevated. We hypothesized that BA levels and composition in pediatric NAFLD vary depending on the stage of fibrosis.

Methods:

Children with NAFLD were compared with controls and classified by stages of fibrosis (NAFLD‐F0, n = 27; NAFLD‐F≥1, n = 65) based on liver‐biopsy findings. Fasted metabolic and cholestasis status was assessed by several blood tests. BA profiles were measured by tandem mass spectrometry and compared with healthy controls (n = 105).

Results:

Compared with controls, all of the NAFLD patients were overweight and showed significantly elevated glucose, insulin, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase levels. Total serum BAs were lower in nonfibrotic NAFLD children than in a control cohort (1.73 vs 3.6 μmol/L) because low glycine‐conjugated BA levels were incompletely compensated by increases in taurine‐conjugated or unconjugated BA. In patients with fibrotic NAFLD, BA levels were lower than in controls (2.45 vs 3.6 μmol/L) but higher than in nonfibrotic patients (2.45 vs 1.73 μmol/L), and the BA pattern resembled that of healthy controls. Fibroblast growth factor 19 levels were significantly lower in both NAFLD groups than in controls (P ≤ 0.001) and were positively correlated with ursodeoxycholic acid levels.

Conclusions:

Our data indicate that serum BA levels decrease in early NAFLD and increase during progression to fibrosis. Given that BA levels are increased in cirrhotic adults, we postulate a continuous rise as NAFLD advances. BA may have a value as a noninvasive biomarker in pediatric NAFLD progression.
Gastric Emptying and Curding of Pasteurized Donor Human Milk and Mother's Own Milk in Preterm Infants
Authors: Perrella Sharon L. , Hepworth Anna R. , Gridneva Zoya , Simmer Karen N. , Hartmann Peter E. , Geddes Donna T.
Published: February 2015

We evaluated the effects of fortification and composition on gastric emptying and curding in un/fortified pairs of mother's own milk (MOM, n = 17) and pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM, n = 15) in preterm infants. Retained meal proportions (%) and curding were determined from sonography. Immediate and subsequent postprandial % were higher for PDHM (23%, P = 0.026; 15%, P = 0.006) and fortified meals (31.5%; 8.8%, both P < 0.001), whereas higher casein, whey, and lactose concentrations were associated with lower immediate postprandial % (all P < 0.006). Curding did not affect emptying. Influences of fortification, pasteurization, and differing breast milk compositions are small and unlikely implicated in preterm feeding intolerance.
Crystal structure of 4-methyl-N-[(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)carbamothioyl]benzamide
Authors: Adam Farook , Ameram Nadiah , Eltayeb Naser Eltaher
Published: February 2015

In the title compound, C15H15N3OS, the dihedral angle between the planes of the benzene and pyridine rings is 26.86 (9)°. Intramolecular N—H...O and C—H...S hydrogen bonds both generateS(6) rings. The C=O and C=S bonds lie to opposite sides of the molecule. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N—H...S hydrogen bonds generateR22(8) loops.
Crystal structure of diethyl 2-amino-6-[(thiophen-3-yl)ethynyl]azulene-1,3-dicarboxylate
Authors: Förster Sebastian , Seichter Wilhelm , Weber Edwin
Published: February 2015

The title compound, C22H19NO4S, has an almost planar geometry supported by intramolecular N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The thiophene ring is inclined to the azulene ring by 4.85 (16)°, while the ethoxycarbonyl groups are inclined to the azulene ring by 7.0 (2) and 5.7 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with anR22(12) ring motif. The dimers are linkedviaC—H...π interactions, forming sheets parallel to (10-1).
Crystal structure of the tripeptideN-(benzyloxycarbonyl)glycylglycyl-L-norvaline
Authors: Nicholas Sumesh
Published: February 2015

The title tripeptide, C17H23N3O6, contains a nonproteinogenic C-terminal amino acid residue, norvaline, which is an isomer of the amino acid valine. Norvaline, unlike valine, has an unbranched side chain. The molecule has a Gly–Gly segment which adopts an extended conformation. The norvaline residue also adopts an extended backbone conformation while its side chain has ag+tconformation. In the crystal lattice, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds stabilize the packing. Molecules translated along the crystallographicaaxis associate through an N—H...O hydrogen bond. The remaining three hydrogen bonds are between molecules related by a21screw axis.
Microbiological Changes and Biodiversity of Cultivable Indigenous Bacteria inSanbaoLarger Yellow Croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea), a Chinese Salted and Fermented Seafood
Authors: Zhang He , Li Yan , Xu Kunhua , Wu Jiajia , Dai Zhiyuan
Published: February 2015

Sanbaolarge yellow croaker is a kind of Chinese salted and fermented seafood processed by adding 50% of salt and fermenting at high temperature [around 30 °C] over 20 d. To get a comprehensive understanding of cultivable microorganism's diversity present in its fermentation, the chemical and microbial properties of this product, were detected initially, followed by identification of bacteria recovered from different fermentation periods using PCR‐RFLP and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. In total, 105 indigenous isolates were recovered with 3 different medium and majority of the isolates picked up from both MRS and MSA medium were finally clustered into the genus ofStaphylococcus(S.). Among the 90 Staphylococci,S. xylosus,S. saprophyticus, andS. nepalensiswere the most prevailing cultivable species recovered throughout the whole production process (70 isolates, 77.8%), while 5 other species, namely,S. aureus,S. vitulinus,S. sciuri,S. equorum, andS. succinusformed a minor fraction (20 isolates, 22.2%) of theStaphylococcuscommunities. Lactic acid bacteria,Pseudomonas,Proteus, andBacillusconstituted trivial populations in the initial period of the fermentation and then gave the way to theStaphylococcusimmediately. High salt concentration used during the processing is like to have a pronounced influence on the microbial populations involved. Data obtained in this work could be referred in control and optimization of the fermentation process and selecting suitable strains for aquatic product fermentation.
Evidence that mutation accumulation does not cause aging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kaya Alaattin , Lobanov Alexei V. , Gladyshev Vadim N.
Published: February 2015

The concept that mutations cause aging phenotypes could not be directly tested previously due to inability to identify age‐related mutations in somatic cells and determine their impact on organismal aging. Here, we subjected Saccharomyces cerevisiae to multiple rounds of replicative aging and assessed de novo mutations in daughters of mothers of different age. Mutations did increase with age, but their low numbers, < 1 per lifespan, excluded their causal role in aging. Structural genome changes also had no role. A mutant lacking thiol peroxidases had the mutation rate well above that of wild‐type cells, but this did not correspond to the aging pattern, as old wild‐type cells with few or no mutations were dying, whereas young mutant cells with many more mutations continued dividing. In addition, wild‐type cells lost mitochondrial DNA during aging, whereas shorter‐lived mutant cells preserved it, excluding a causal role of mitochondrial mutations in aging. Thus, DNA mutations do not cause aging in yeast. These findings may apply to other damage types, suggesting a causal role of cumulative damage, as opposed to individual damage types, in organismal aging.
Universal ocular screening of 1021 term infants using wide‐field digital imaging in a single public hospital in India – a pilot study
Authors: Vinekar Anand , Govindaraj Indu , Jayadev Chaitra , Kumar Anupama Kiran , Sharma Praveen , Mangalesh Shwetha , Simaldi Lakshmipathy , Avadhani Kavitha , Shetty Bhujang , Bauer Noel
Published: February 2015

Purpose

Universal eye screening of neonates is currently not standard of care. Early detection of abnormalities could offer prompt management and a reduction in visual morbidity. We report a pilot study using wide‐field digital imaging to screen all infants at birth to explore its feasibility as a tool for universal screening.

Methods

Consecutively enrolled 1021 term infants in a public hospital were imaged within 72 hr of birth using the Retcam shuttle (Clarity MSI, USA). Anterior and dilated posterior segment images were obtained. Infants with abnormal images were examined clinically, and medical or surgical treatment was given when needed, at no cost to the family.

Results

Of the 1021 healthy full‐term newborns, 48 babies had abnormal findings (4.7%). Retinal haemorrhages were the most common (52.1%) abnormality of which 24% were macular. A ‘ridge’ resembling retinopathy of prematurity in both eyes constituted 18.8% of all abnormalities. Nine infants (18.8% of abnormalities and 0.9% overall) had conditions meriting medical or surgical intervention and would have been missed otherwise. Seven of these nine babies (0.7%) needed medical attention with a systemic work‐up for conditions such as posterior uveitis with linear perivasculitis, salt and pepper retinopathy or posterior synechia. Two of nine babies (0.2%) required surgical intervention for unilateral cataract and retinoblastoma.

Conclusion

Universal eye screening of all neonates using wide‐field digital imaging is possible and safe. Extrapolating our results to the national scenario, we estimate that 226 950 infants requiring treatment would go undiagnosed annually. Universal infant eye imaging strategies must receive serious national consideration.
Incidence, treatment and survival of paediatric patients with bone sarcomas in Finland from 1991 to 2005
Authors: Serlo Joni , Tarkkanen Maija , Sampo Mika , Vettenranta Kim , Riikonen Pekka , Helenius Ilkka
Published: February 2015

Aim

Our aims were to establish the 10‐year overall and event‐free survival rates among children and adolescents with bone sarcomas in Finland, estimate their respective incidences, evaluate the treatment given and describe the key prognostic factors.

Methods

We included 88 patients of <18 years of age diagnosed with a bone sarcoma during 1991–2005 in this retrospective, nationwide and population‐based study. Median follow‐up time was 12.2 years (range 5.8–20.3 years) for surviving patients.

Results

The overall incidence among children and adolescents was 5.1 per million: 3.6 for osteosarcoma, 1.2 for Ewing's sarcoma and 0.3 for chondrosarcoma. The 10‐year event‐free and overall survival of those with a localised disease at diagnosis was 69% and 82%, respectively. The overall 10‐year survival of those with a metastatic disease at diagnosis was 47%. Prognostic factors for localised disease included an axial versus peripheral primary tumour site in Ewing's sarcoma (p = 0.022) and age at diagnosis in osteosarcoma (p = 0.027).

Conclusion

The 10‐year overall survival of children and adolescents diagnosed with a bone sarcoma in Finland during 1991 to 2005 was very good, at 82% if the disease was localised at diagnosis and 47% if it was metastatic at diagnosis.
Potentially inappropriate drug use in older people: a nationwide comparison of different explicit criteria for population‐based estimates
Authors: Morin Lucas , Fastbom Johan , Laroche Marie‐Laure , Johnell Kristina
Published: February 2015

Aims

The aim was to investigate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use among older people in Sweden according to five different published sets of explicit criteria from Europe and the US.

Methods

This was a nationwide cross‐sectional, register‐based study across the whole of Sweden in 2008. All individuals aged 65 years and older were included (n = 1 346 709, both community‐dwelling and institutionalized persons). We applied all drug‐specific criteria included in the 2012 Beers Criteria, the Laroche's list, the PRISCUS list, the NORGEP criteria and the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare criteria. The main outcome was the potentially inappropriate drug use according to each set of criteria, separately and combined. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify individual factors associated with the use of potentially inappropriate drugs.

Results

The prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use varied between the explicit criteria from 16% (NORGEP criteria) to 24% (2012 Beers criteria). Overall, 38% of the older people were exposed to potentially inappropriate drug use by at least one of the five sets of criteria. While controlling for other possible covariates, female gender, institutionalization and polypharmacy were systematically associated with inappropriate drug use, regardless of the set of explicit criteria we considered.

Conclusion

Although explicit criteria for inappropriate drug use among older people have been reported to be quite different in their content, they provide similar measures of the prevalence of potentially inappropriate drug use at the population level.
Pharmacology of the ‘gasotransmitters’ NO, CO and H2S: translational opportunities
Authors: Papapetropoulos Andreas , Foresti Roberta , Ferdinandy Péter
Published: February 2015

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of the Gasotransmitters. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐6
Leishmaniasis
Authors: Von Stebut Esther
Published: February 2015

Infektionen mit Leishmanien gehören zu den Top 3 der häufigsten Reisedermatosen. Je nach Reiseland und Immunstatus des Patienten unterscheiden sich die Krankheitsbilder. Die Infektion bildet sich in 90 % der Fälle als kutane Leishmaniasis aus, kann sich aber auch an den inneren Organen manifestieren (viszerale Leishmaniasis). Letztere verläuft unbehandelt nahezu immer tödlich. Dazwischen einzuordnen sind rezidivierende, diffuse oder mukokutane Verläufe. Im Verlauf ulzerierende Plaques oder Knoten an unbedeckten Körperstellen bei entsprechender Reiseanamnese sollten daher auf Leishmaniasis untersucht werden. Die Diagnose wird an Biopsiematerial mittels Histologie, Kultur und PCR gestellt. Die Therapieoptionen reichen von lokalen Verfahren bei einfachen Läsionen bis zur Systemtherapie bei Patienten mit ausgedehntem Befall. In diesem Übersichtsartikel werden die wichtigsten klinischen Merkmale, Details zur Diagnostik sowie die aktuellen Therapieoptionen erläutert.
Traumatic head injuries in patients with maxillofacial fractures: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Zhou Hai‐Hua , Liu Qi , Yang Rong‐Tao , Li Zhi , Li Zu‐Bing
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To analyse and evaluate the correlation between traumatic head injuries (THIs) and maxillofacial fractures (MF). Age, gender and trauma mechanism correlated with THI were also investigated.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a hospital‐based retrospective case–control study at Stomatology College and Hospital, Wuhan University. From January 2000 to December 2009, a total of 1131 patients with MF were enrolled in the statistical study to evaluate the association of THI and other risk factors with MF. Among these patients, 86 presented with THI. We utilized binary logistic regression and risk analysis to investigate the associations among MF and other risk factors with HI.

Results

Head injuries (103 injuries) were sustained by 86 patients (7.6%), with male‐to‐female ratio of 4.1:1.0. Most of the patients (52 patients, 50.5%) also exhibited cranial bone fractures. The age group with most patients was the 30–39 years age group (26 patients, 30.2%), followed by the 19–29 years age group (22 patients, 25.6%). Motor vehicle accident (MVA) was the most common mechanism of injury (49 patients, 74.1%). Patients older than 50 years showed the highest risk for head injury (OR, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–3.7; P = 0.025). MVA had a sixfold risk of head injury (OR, 6.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–26.1; P = 0.013). Head injuries were more prone to occur in patients who had combined fracture of the mid‐face and mandible (OR = 4.6, P < 0.001), and only a 0.3‐fold risk of multimandible fractures (P < 0.001), 0.5‐fold risk of single mandibular fracture (P = 0.017) and 0.3‐fold risk of patients who sustained only single mandibular condylar fracture (P = 0.019).

Conclusions

The occurrence of head injuries is significantly related to age, aetiology and the pattern and position of maxillofacial fractures.
Can semiochemicals attract both western flower thrips and their anthocorid predators?
Authors: Davidson M.M. , Nielsen M.‐C. , Butler R.C. , Castañé C. , Alomar O. , Riudavets J. , Teulon D.A.J.
Published: February 2015

Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) (western flower thrips, WFT) is a key pest in a range of crops worldwide. Anthocorid species (Hemiptera) are important natural enemies of thrips. Several experiments were undertaken to determine whether a thrips lure, methyl isonicotinate (MI), affected the behaviour of WFT and anthocorids found in outdoor crops. Currently, this volatile compound is used in conjunction with sticky traps for monitoring thrips predominantly in greenhouses in Northern Europe. In the present study, in a nectarine [Prunus persica (L.) (Rosaceae)] orchard and an outdoor capsicum [Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae)] crop in Spain, blue sticky and white water traps with MI caught significantly more WFT than traps without MI. The volatile compound also significantly increased both blue sticky and white water trap capture of anthocorids – predominantly Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) – in the capsicum crop. These results indicate that the behaviour of both WFT and O. laevigatus were altered by the presence of the compound and suggest there is potential to develop novel tools based on MI in conjunction with biological control strategies for thrips management.
Transition of new dental graduates into practice: a qualitative study
Authors: Ali K. , Tredwin C. , Kay E. , Slade A.
Published: February 2015

Aims

The aims of this study were to explore the transition of new dental graduates to gain a deeper understanding of the merits and challenges of a mentored year for new graduates in general dental practice settings.

Methods

The study was conducted in the south‐west region of England. Qualitative methods were used to engage a range of stakeholders in dental education including dental students, academics, general dental practitioners, new graduates, specialists and representatives of the postgraduate dental deanery. Purposive sampling was employed, and after ethical approval, participants were contacted through professional channels. All interview transcripts were transcribed verbatim. The data were imported into NVivo 10 (QSR International Pty Ltd) and analysed thematically.

Results

Sixteen participants representing a variety of stakeholder groups were interviewed. The participants shared their perceptions and experiences regarding the transition new dental graduates into dental practice. The challenges and benefits are discussed along with strategies to facilitate a smooth transition.

Conclusions

This study provides an insight into experience of a mentored year for new dental graduates in general practice settings. Foundation training provides a structured introduction into general practice and serves as a safety net before new graduates gain further independence in clinical practice.
The Cost of Multiple Large Shareholders
Authors: Cai Charlie X , Hillier David , Wang Jun
Published: February 2015

Previous research argues that large noncontrolling shareholders enhance firm value because they deter expropriation by the controlling shareholder. We propose that the conflicting incentives faced by large shareholders may induce a nonlinear relationship between the relative size of large shareholdings and firm value. Consistent with this prediction, we present evidence that there are costs to having a second (and third) largest shareholder, especially when the largest shareholdings are similar in size. Our results are robust to various relative size proxies, firm performance measures, model specifications, and potential endogeneity issues.
Seasonal potential fishing ground prediction of neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) in the western and central North Pacific
Authors: Alabia Irene D. , Saitoh Sei‐Ichi , Mugo Robinson , Igarashi Hiromichi , Ishikawa Yoichi , Usui Norihisa , Kamachi Masafumi , Awaji Toshiyuki , Seito Masaki
Published: February 2015

We explored the seasonal potential fishing grounds of neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) in the western and central North Pacific using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) models fitted with squid fishery data as response and environmental factors from remotely sensed [sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface height (SSH), eddy kinetic energy (EKE), wind stress curl (WSC) and numerical model‐derived sea surface salinity (SSS)] covariates. The potential squid fishing grounds from January–February (winter) and June–July (summer) 2001–2004 were simulated separately and covered the near‐coast (winter) and offshore (summer) forage areas off the Kuroshio–Oyashio transition and subarctic frontal zones. The oceanographic conditions differed between regions and were regulated by the inherent seasonal variability and prevailing basin dynamics. The seasonal and spatial extents of potential squid fishing grounds were largely explained by SST (7–17°C in the winter and 11–18°C in the summer) and SSS (33.8–34.8 in the winter and 33.7–34.3 in the summer). These ocean properties are water mass tracers and define the boundaries of the North Pacific hydrographic provinces. Mesoscale variability in the upper ocean inferred from SSH and EKE were also influential to squid potential fishing grounds and are presumably linked to the augmented primary productivity from nutrient enhancement and entrainment of passive plankton. WSC, however, has the least model contribution to squid potential fishing habitat relative to the other environmental factors examined. Findings of this work underpin the importance of SST and SSS as robust predictors of the seasonal squid potential fishing grounds in the western and central North Pacific and highlight MaxEnt's potential for operational fishery application.
Downregulation of miR‐146a, cyclooxygenase‐2 and advanced glycation end‐products in simvastatin‐treated older patients with hyperlipidemia
Authors: Yang Zhou Xin , Wang Ya Zhen , Jia Bing Bing , Mao Gen Xiang , Lv Yuan Dong , Wang Guo Fu , Yu Hong
Published: February 2015

Aim

Hyperlipidemia is a disease with abnormally elevated levels of lipids/lipoproteins in the blood, and it is regarded as an important risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Statins have been found to prevent vascular diseases by reducing low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and regulation of immune responses. Here, we aim to study the expression change of immune‐related microRNA and genes in older patients with hyperlipidemia after treatment with simvastatin.

Methods

A total of 25 older male patients with hyperlipidemia were included in the study and received simvastatin treatment (20 mg/day). Clinical characteristics of these patients were examined, including lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, blood routine and biochemical characters. We tested miR‐146a, interleukin‐1‐receptor‐associated kinase 1, tumor necrosis factor‐receptor‐associated factor 6 and cyclooxygenase‐2 level by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and expressions of advanced glycation end‐products, p53 and p21 were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Simvastatin treatment effectively reduced total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, but had little effect on high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein was slightly reduced. Expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and advanced glycation end‐products were significantly reduced. Furthermore, simvastatin effectively reduced the expression of p53 and p21. Significantly downregulated miR‐146a, and an obvious reduction of interleukin‐1‐receptor‐associated kinase 1were also detected, whereas tumor necrosis factor‐receptor‐associated factor 6 remained unchanged. Besides, there was a significant reduction of alanine transaminase, aspertate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase.

Conclusion

Simvastatin treatment could inhibit inflammation and senescence‐associated genes in older patients with hyperlipidemia, suggesting its application in inflammatory and age‐related diseases. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 322–328.
Viral and inflammatory markers in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with HIV‐1‐associated neurocognitive impairment during antiretroviral treatment switch
Authors: Tiraboschi JM , Muñoz‐Moreno JA , Puertas MC , Alonso‐Villaverde C , Prats A , Ferrer E , Rozas N , Maso M , Ouchi D , Martinez‐Picado J , Podzamczer D
Published: February 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate HIV‐1 viral load (VL) and inflammatory markers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neurocognitive performance in patients with neurocognitive impairment (NCI) while they were receiving tenofovir (TDF)/ emtricitabine (FTC)/efavirenz (EFV) and after switching to a regimen with enhanced central nervous system (CNS) penetrability.

Methods

This was a prospective, single‐arm pilot study. HIV‐1‐infected patients with plasma viral suppression and HIV‐associated NCI on a regimen including TDF/FTC/EFV were switched to abacavir (ABC)/lamivudine (3TC)/maraviroc (MVC). The Global Deficit Score (GDS) was used to score cognitive function at baseline and 48 weeks after treatment switch. Both CSF and blood samples were taken at baseline and between weeks 24 and 36 after switching. HIV‐1 RNA in plasma and CSF was determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase−polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Inflammatory biomarkers in CSF were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

A total of 71 patients receiving TDF/FTC/EFV were screened. Twelve of them (17%) had documented NCI, lacked the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*57:01 haplotype and harboured Chemokine Receptor Type‐5 (CCR5)‐tropic virus. Eight patients had detectable HIV‐1 RNA (between 2.7 and 41.6 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL) in CSF at baseline. All participants had elevated levels of neopterin and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 (MCP‐1) in CSF at baseline. Eight out of 12 patients completed their follow‐up assessment after treatment switch. The GDS decreased from 0.55 to 0.4 (P = 0.085). Median HIV‐1 RNA in CSF decreased from 3.49 to 2.20 (P = 0.23). Among the inflammation markers in CSF, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α decreased significantly from median 0.51 to 0.35 pg/mL (P = 0.027), showing a correlation with the changes in neopterin, interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐6.

Conclusions

Most patients with NCI receiving TDF/FTC/EFV had low‐level viraemia and/or increased inflammatory markers in CSF. Treatment switching to an MVC‐containing regimen with better CNS penetration resulted in a trend towards improvement in neurocognitive status and reduced TNF‐α concentrations in CSF.
Childhood Pre‐B acute lymphoblastic leukemia and glutathione S‐transferase omega 1 and 2 polymorphisms
Authors: Rezazadeh D. , Moradi M.‐T. , Kazemi A. , Mansouri K.
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent malignancy among children and makes up 23% of total childhood cancers worldwide. Pre‐B ALL is one of the most common ALLs, comprising about 80% of childhood cases. A variety of genes are involved in metabolizing carcinogens. These gene polymorphisms can result in less efficient or overly‐down metabolic pathways, which may contribute to the susceptibility to develop cancer. Glutathione S‐transferase omega (GSTO) is a new known class among GSTs superfamily. GSTO1 and GSTO2 polymorphisms have been reported to be related to several types of disease. We assessed the association between GSTO1 and GSTO2 polymorphisms and childhood pre‐B ALL risk in Iran.

Methods

This case–control study analyzed GSTO1 A140D (rs. 4925) and GSTO2 N142D (rs. 156697) gene polymorphisms using a polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method, in 100 patients and 120 healthy controls.

Results

The genotype frequencies were not significantly different between patients and healthy controls. Odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) for mutant homozygotes were 1.54 (0.628–3.778) and 0.791 (0.349–1.793) for GSTO1 A140D and GSTO2 N142D, respectively.

Conclusion

This study found no significant association between Pre‐B ALL and GSTO1 A140D and GSTO2 N142D polymorphisms.
Chronic bacterial seminal vesiculitis as a potential disease entity in men with chronic prostatitis
Authors: Park Soo‐Hwan , Ryu Ji‐Kan , Choo Gwoan‐Youb , Chung Yeun‐Goo , Seong Do‐Hwan , Kim Chang‐Ho , Choe Won‐Sik , Ryu Dong‐Soo , Hyun In Young , Suh Jun‐Kyu
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To investigate bacterial infection in the seminal vesicles by bacteriological examination and radionuclide imaging in men with chronic prostatitis.

Methods

The study included 50 patients with chronic prostatitis who showed hot uptake in seminal vesicles on Tc‐99 m ciprofloxacin imaging and eight patients who did not show hot uptake. The evaluation included the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index and four‐glass test. In all participants, transperineal aspiration of seminal vesicle fluid under the guidance of transrectal ultrasonography and bacteriological examination was carried out.

Results

Of the 50 patients who showed hot uptake in the seminal vesicles on the isotope study, microorganisms were isolated from the seminal vesicle fluid in 17 patients (positive predictive value, 34%). The most common causative organisms were Escherichia coli in 13 patients (26%), followed by coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus species in two patients (4%), Enterococcus faecalis in one patient (2%) and Chlamydia trachomatis in one patient (2%). No microorganisms were isolated in the eight patients who did not show hot uptake in the seminal vesicles (negative predictive value, 100%). However, there were no significant differences in National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index total scores and subscores between the study groups.

Conclusions

Chronic bacterial seminal vesiculitis might simultaneously affect a considerable portion of patients with chronic prostatitis, although the clinical implication of the disease remains to be further investigated.
A Conversation with John C. Gower
Authors: Cox David R.
Published: February 2015

Editors' Note: This conversation covers the extensive contributions of John C. Gower to statistical methodology, computing and applications. It also touches on the pioneering development of statistical computing at Rothamsted Experimental Station and the relevant work of Frank Yates, John Nelder and others who were at Rothamsted. See also the accompanying paper by John Gower (1985) on developments in statistical computing at Rothamsted (see Note 1) and the epilogue from Roger Payne.
Evaluation of Cold Tolerance in NERICAs Compared with Japanese Standard Rice Varieties at the Reproductive Stage
Authors: Wainaina C. M. , Inukai Y. , Masinde P. W. , Ateka E. M. , Murage H. , Kano‐Nakata M. , Nakajima Y. , Terashima T. , Mizukami Y. , Nakamura M. , Nonoyama T. , Saka N. , Asanuma S. , Yamauchi A. , Kitano H. , Kimani J. , Makihara D.
Published: February 2015

New Rice for Africa (NERICA) is a general name for interspecific rice varieties derived from a cross between the high‐yielding Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.) between locally adapted African rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud.). Eight NERICAs were evaluated for cold tolerance (CT) at the reproductive stage and compared with their O. sativa parents and three Japanese standard rice varieties over 3 years. Cold tolerance was evaluated based on the filled grain ratio (FGR) after cold water irrigation. The FGR was greatly reduced by cold water irrigation. NERICA 1, 2 and 7 had higher FGR (51.9–57.9 %), while NERICA 6, 15 and 16 had lower FGR (6.2–14.5 %). NERICA 1, 2 and 7 were less affected by cold stress, with a 31 % mean reduction in FGR, while NERICA 6, 15 and 16 were greatly affected, with their FGRs being reduced by more than 80 %. NERICA 3 and 4 were moderately affected by cold stress, with about 45 % reduction rate in FGR. FGR significantly influenced the grain weights of the varieties with strong positive correlations (r = 0.83–0.91; P < 0.001), and thus, similar trends in grain weights were observed. Grain weights were reduced by 61.7–96.4 % under cold stress. NERICA 1, 2 and 7 showed significantly better performance than NERICA 3 and 4, while NERICA 6, 15 and 16 performed poorly under cold water irrigation. The Japanese varieties Koshihikari (very tolerant) and Ozora (moderately tolerant) were more affected by cold water irrigation than NERICA 1, 2 and 7. On the basis of the mean reduction rate (%) in FGR under cold stress, the varieties were classified as follows: NERICA 1, 2 and 7 as tolerant; NERICA 3 and 4 as moderately tolerant; and NERICA 6, 15 and 16 as susceptible to cold stress. However, NERICA 7 grain yields were lower under cold stress due to both greatly reduced number of panicles per plant and number of spikelets per panicle. Therefore, NERICA 1 and 2 are suitable candidates for production in the highland regions of East Africa and should be promoted for production.
Identification of TMPRSS6 cleavage sites of hemojuvelin
Authors: Rausa Marco , Ghitti Michela , Pagani Alessia , Nai Antonella , Campanella Alessandro , Musco Giovanna , Camaschella Clara , Silvestri Laura
Published: February 2015

Hemojuvelin (HJV), the coreceptor of the BMP‐SMAD pathway that up‐regulates hepcidin transcription, is a repulsive guidance molecule (RGMc) which undergoes a complex intracellular processing. Following autoproteolysis, it is exported to the cell surface both as a full‐length and a heterodimeric protein. In vitro membrane HJV (m‐HJV) is cleaved by the transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS6 to attenuate signalling and to inhibit hepcidin expression. In this study, we investigated the number and position of HJV cleavage sites by mutagenizing arginine residues (R), potential TMPRSS6 targets, to alanine (A). We analysed translation and membrane expression of HJV R mutants and the pattern of fragments they release in the culture media in the presence of TMPRSS6. Abnormal fragments were observed for mutants at arginine 121, 176, 218, 288 and 326. Considering that all variants, except HJVR121A, lack autoproteolytic activity and some (HJVR176A and HJVR288A) are expressed at reduced levels on cell surface, we identified the fragments originating from either full‐length or heterodimeric proteins and defined the residues 121 and 326 as the TMPRSS6 cleavage sites in both isoforms. Using the N‐terminal FLAG‐tagged HJV, we showed that residue 121 is critical also in the rearrangement of the N‐terminal heterodimeric HJV. Exploiting the recently reported RGMb crystallographic structure, we generated a model of HJV that was used as input structure for all‐atoms molecular dynamics simulation in explicit solvent. As assessed by in silico studies, we concluded that some arginines in the von Willebrand domain appear TMPRSS6 insensitive, likely because of partial protein structure destabilization.
Another functional frame‐shift polymorphism of DEFB126 (rs11467497) associated with male infertility
Authors: Duan Shiwei , Shi Changgeng , Chen Guowu , Zheng Ju‐fen , Wu Bin , Diao Hua , Ji Lindan , Gu Yihua , Xin Aijie , Wu Yancheng , Zhou Weijin , Miao Maohua , Xu Limin , Li Zheng , Yuan Yao , Wang Peng , Shi Huijuan
Published: February 2015

DEFB126 rs140685149 mutation was shown to cause sperm dysfunction and subfertility. Indel rs11467497 is another 4‐nucleotide frame‐shift mutation (151bp upstream of rs140685149) that leads to the premature termination of translation and the expression of peptide truncated at the carboxyl terminus. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive association study to check the contribution of rs140685149 and rs11467497 to male infertility. Our results confirmed the previous findings that there was no association between rs140685149 and sperm motility. In contrast, we found a significant association of another indel rs11467497 with male infertility. Moreover, rs11467497 was shown to be associated with higher number of round cells in the infertile males with low sperm motility. Surprisingly, the two mutations commonly existed in the sperm donors (n = 672), suggesting a potential application of the two indels in the screening for eligible sperm donors. Western blotting assays showed the sperms with rs140685149 2‐nt deletion tended to have unstable DEFB126 protein in contrast of no DEFB126 protein expressed in the sperms with rs11467497 4‐nt deletion, suggesting a more severe consequence caused by rs11467497 mutation. In conclusion, our study presented a significant contribution of another functional frame‐shift polymorphism of DEFB126 (rs11467497) to male infertility.
Efficacy and safety of linagliptin monotherapy in Asian patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus: A multinational, 24‐week, randomized, clinical trial
Authors: Chen Yuhong , Ning Guang , Wang Changjiang , Gong Yan , Patel Sanjay , Zhang Candice , Izumoto Toshiyasu , Woerle Hans‐Juergen , Wang Weiqing
Published: February 2015

Aims/Introduction

Asian patients represent a large portion of the global population with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but are underrepresented in trials of glucose‐lowering therapies. The present randomized, phase III, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, 24‐week study evaluated the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, linagliptin, as monotherapy in Asian patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

Patients who were treatment naïve or had been treated with one oral antidiabetes drug were randomized to either linagliptin 5 mg daily or a placebo after washout. The primary end‐point was a change from baseline in glycated hemoglobin after 24 weeks.

Results

A total of 300 Asian (87% Chinese) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized to linagliptin or placebo at a 2:1 ratio. After 24 weeks of treatment, adjusted mean (standard error) glycated hemoglobin decreased by a placebo‐corrected −0.50 ± 0.11 (P < 0.0001). In patients with baseline glycated hemoglobin ≥8.5%, the placebo‐corrected decrease in glycated hemoglobin was −0.91 ± 0.20% (P < 0.0001). Adverse events occurred in 28.0 and 28.3% of linagliptin and placebo patients, respectively, but few were drug‐related (3.0 and 2.0%, respectively). Hypoglycemia was reported by one linagliptin patient and no placebo patients. Treatment with linagliptin was weight neutral.

Conclusions

In Asian patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, linagliptin 5 mg as monotherapy was efficacious and well tolerated over 24 weeks.
Parallels between two geographically and ecologically disparate cave invasions by the same species,Asellus aquaticus(Isopoda,Crustacea)
Authors: Konec M. , Prevorčnik S. , Sarbu S. M. , Verovnik R. , Trontelj P.
Published: February 2015

Caves are long‐known examples of evolutionary replications where similar morphologies (troglomorphies) evolve independently as the result of strong natural selection of the extreme environment. Recently, this paradigm has been challenged based on observations that troglomorphies are inconsistent across taxa and different subterranean habitats. We investigated the degree of replicated phenotypic change in two independent cave invasions by the freshwater isopodAsellus aquaticus; the first in a sulphidic aquifer in Romania, the second in a sinking river in the Dinaric Karst in Slovenia. Both ancestral surface populations still live alongside the subterranean ones. Phylogenetic analyses show independence of the two colonization events, and microsatellite analysis shows no evidence of ongoing genetic exchange between surface and subterranean ecomorphs. The overall morphology has changed dramatically at both sites (50 of 62 morphometric traits). The amount of phenotypic change did not reflect differences in genetic diversity between the two ancestral populations. Multivariate analyses revealed divergent evolution in caves, not parallel or convergent as predicted by the current paradigm. Still, 18 traits changed in a parallel fashion, including eye and pigment loss and antennal elongation. These changes might be a consequence of darkness as the only common ecological feature, because Romanian caves are chemoautotrophic and rich in food, whereas Slovenian caves are not. Overall, these results show that morphologically alike surface populations can diverge after invading different subterranean habitats, and that only about one‐third of all changing traits behave as troglomorphies in the traditional sense.
Photobiomodulation in oral medicine: a review
Authors: Pandeshwar Padma , Roa Mahesh Datta , Das Reshma , Shastry Shilpa P. , Kaul Rachna , Srinivasreddy Mahesh B.
Published: February 2015

Photobiomodulation (PBM) or low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) in dentistry is an evolving science, with an increasing number of controlled clinical studies exploring its potential as a treatment modality. The present study provides an outline of the biologic mechanism of PBM and summarizes the findings of clinical studies of PBM for specific applications in oral medicine. Controversies and drawbacks associated with PBM, which require further research, are also identified. Current literature reports the potential of PBM in various applications in oral medicine. Furthermore, well‐documented research confirms its efficacy in certain conditions, such as oral mucositis, recurrent herpes simplex infection, and burning mouth syndrome. The absence of any reported adverse effects is an advantage over conventional therapeutic modalities. While PBM has proved to be effective for some specific applications, it is not a panacea. The paucity in standardized studies, coupled with ambiguity over the laser parameters, has limited its credibility as a therapeutic modality.
Sex Differences in Judgments of Social Desirability
Authors: Paunonen Sampo V.
Published: February 2015

This study evaluates sex differences in the perceived desirability of personality behaviors and beliefs. Men and women (N = 149, Mage = 18.7) judged the social desirability scale values (SDSVs) of 150 personality statements as applied either to a male target or a female target. For comparison, some estimated SDSVs with no target sex specified. A separate sample of 537 respondents endorsed the 150 items via self‐report. Raters showed a high consensus in their SDSV judgments within conditions (α = .86 to .90) and no sex‐of‐rater effects across conditions. Substantial sex‐of‐target effects (p < .001), however, revealed many behaviors that were viewed as desirable for one sex but not for the other. The behaviors seen as more (less) desirable when applied to men rather than to women were endorsed more (less) by men than by women in the respondent sample. Similar results were found when no target sex was specified for the SDSV ratings, presumably because judges evaluated the behaviors as applied to a target of their own sex. The present results have important implications for the measurement and reporting of SDSVs, the evaluation of substance versus style in self‐reports, and the construction of desirability‐reduced personality inventories.