bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In defence of partisan justice - an ethical reflection on “the preferential option for the poor”
Authors: Naude PJ
Published: November 2012

Can one defend a form of partisan justice? This question is answered in the affirmative in the light of two broad arguments:  The theological argument arises from the preferential option for the poor from Latin America, and the philosophical argument is derived from John Rawls’  notion of the least  advantaged representative person and assistance due to burdened societies in a global context. In closing, a number of important implications of such a partisan notion of both distributive and cultural justice are explicated. This article is developed in three sections. The first section briefly sketches a profile of the different theological arguments underlying a preferential option for the poor as particularly developed by Latin American liberation theologians, and later accepted in wider ecumenical circles.  In the second section, philosophical arguments for a position of “prioritarianism” which seems to support such “preferential option” are outlined.  This is attempted via a discussion of two influential books by well-known  American political philosopher , John Rawls, namely his A theory of justice (1973), and The law of peoples (1999).  Section three concludes the article by demonstrating the synergy between these theological and philosophical views, and by pointing out – in a provisional manner - the important consequences of such a “preferential” or “partisan” view for guiding ethical reflection on local and global socio-economic relations.
Shaping eschatology within science and theology
Authors: Pretorius M
Published: November 2012

Traditionally, questions about  the reign of God, death and resurrection, God’ s judgment and eternal life, have belonged to eschatology, specifically as presented by Biblical scholars. At times, when eschatology has become a topic of debate, it has unfortunately, resulted in accusations and acrimony among scholars. Yet, the Bible is clear about what the end entails; whether that is towards the believer or non-believer. Furthermore, the relationship of theology and science on eschatology has hardly been a topic of discussion. However, in recent times, there have been serious attempts by modern scholars to find common ground between these two seemingly diverse disciplines when it comes to eschatology.
Echt gebeurd? Verhalen of feiten? Over historische en literaire bijbelkritiek en de zeggenschap van de bijbel
Authors: Vroom HM
Published: November 2012

A serious objection against Christian  faith is that the Bible is not trustworthy because the history it relates does not correspond to the facts of history. In theology this problem is “solved” by some biblical scholars by an acceptance of the research methods that are used for all literature alike while others accept the historical critique by understanding the biblical history  as a faithful but a-historical revelation. Fundamentalists reject  the historical-critical objections and stress the inerrancy of Scripture. In this contribution these three “answers” are rejected: biblical studies shall take the (real) facts serious indeed (pace inerrancy), nor jump into an a-historical revelatory history next to historical criticism (pace strong Barthian views in the “Amsterdam School”), but neither read religious scriptures all in the same way “as all literature” — but apply academic methods as is appropriate for the Hebrew and Greek Bible.
Boekresensies/Book reviews
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: November 2012

Kugel, J L 2006. The ladder of Jacob. Ancient interpretations of the biblical story of Jacob and his children.Peter Spitaler,  Universale Sünde von Juden und Heiden? Eine Untersuchung zu Römer 1,18-3,20Hastings A, 2001.  A History of English ChristianityOllig, Hans-Ludwig (Hg.).  Theo-Anthropologie. Jörg Splett zu Ehren. Echter: Würzburg.Van Huyssteen, J Wentzel 2006.  Alone in World? Human Uniqueness in science and theology.
Lente in die Teologie: ’n opwindende ligstraal van hoop vir die kerk
Authors: M JC
Published: November 2012

Despite popular opinion, current theology is still in the midst of winter. In this article the nature of spring – of it as the in-between season – is taken as a metaphor for theology: between the lines and prior to the middle. It is a theology beyond fundamentalism whilst preceding relativism. It is a theology in-between the equilibrium of orthodoxy and orthodox practices;in-between confidence and anxiety; prior to right and wrong. It is highly contextual and with people! A spring theology reminds  of so many imperative aspects of Practical Theology: people, uncertainty, deconstruction and imagination. This understanding of theology is explained by reference to three relevant issues: (a) gay persons, who have no place in modernistic theology, (b) people with HIV/Aids who have left the church perplexed, ignorant and without large and successful intervention practices and (c) understanding about the creation of the cosmos to those who still accept, adamantly, the Biblical version of creation (of even theorise about it).
Pentecostals’ reading of the Old Testament
Authors: Nel M
Published: November 2012

The question of a valid and viable Pentecostal hermeneutic is discussed leading to the preliminary conclusion that such a hermeneutic would consist of the following elements: the experience of the immanence of God, within the charismatic community, through the work of the Spirit. The hermeneutic leads to a reading of Old (and New) Testament texts, especially narrative texts, as replicable for modern-day believers, because Pentecostals view the Bible as consisting primarily of testimonies of God’ s involvement and intervention in ancient believers’  lives with the aim to duplicate those acts in modern believers’  lives. The narratives of Pentecostals’  preaching and testimony are based upon Biblical tales but they are also accompanied by the same signs and wonders the Bible testifies to. This causes Pentecostals’  success in missions as non-literary societies are not interested in creeds but in oral narratives demonstrated in practice. Signs and wonders, healings and revelations, prophetic words and resurrections demonstrate the immanence of God as described in the Bible in a dramatic way to modern people.
Providence and God’s emergent will through prayer as it relates to determinism and healing
Authors: Pretorius M
Published: November 2012

The paper has a twofold purpose. The first is to explore: if God has settled His plans and He will do what He is going to do, then does it matter whether one prays or not? This section will also deal with the aspect of healing and prayer, specifically from a scientific perspective. The important question is: How should one treat reports of miraculous healings, and the  belief that prayer can affect healing? Secondly, if prayer has any effect on what happens, then it would seem that God’ s plans are not fixed in the first place, and then the idea of an open-future would seem to be valid. As a result, one could no longer see the world as a mechanistic Newtonian picture. Rather , the picture portrayed would be of a world of flexibility and openness to change. The question would then be: What is the manner and scope of divine action and wherein lies the causal joint? Regarding this, areas related to determinism will be explored as determinism states that all events in the world are the result of some previous event, or events. Bringing  clarity to these questions is important, as is it has a direct bearing on how one will view miracles recorded in the Scriptures, and how far one will go in trusting God to meet one’ s needs through prayer.
Boekresensies/Book reviews
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: November 2012

Arnold, B T & Williamson, H G M (eds) 2005. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books.Nouwen, H 2007.  Die terugkeer van die verlore seun. ‘n  Ware verhaal oor tuiskoms (vertaal deur Pieter de Villiers).Snyman, G F 2007.  Om die Bybel anders te lees. ‘n Etiek van Bybellees.Barnard, M 2006. Liturgie voorbij de liturgische beweging. Zoeter-meerRoberts, C C 2007.  Creation and Covenant. The significance of sexual difference in the moral theology of marriage.Stevenson, Peter K &  Wright, Stephen I 2005.  Preaching the atonement.
Vroulikheid by die Skeppergod? ‘n Liggaamskritiese ontleding van geselekteerde skeppingstekste in die Ou Testament
Authors: Venter P P , Viviers H
Published: November 2012

God constructs represent the ideal symbolic “body” of a community, a regulating ideology that moulds and refines the values and norms of that community. In this study it is shown that values wherein femininity is incorporated, specifically with regards to the construction of a god character, lead to a more just attitude towards Earth. Values that lead to the construction of a god character as exclusively male, or the metaphorization of a god as one-sidedly masculine, lead to an attitude of disregard and destructiveness towards Earth. The findings of a body critical analysis of four well known and authoritative Biblical cosmological texts in this regard confirmed that mutual incorporation of male as well as female values should constitute the god symbols of a society. A society that shares the conviction of eco-justice will deconstruct traditional polarizing gender categories and gender hierarchies and replace them with the notion of gender complementarity, and consequently establish a relationship of empathic absorption, mutual incorporation and reciprocal constitution between the subjects human and earth.
What next in mission? From the end of the earth to Jerusalem
Authors: Masango M
Published: November 2012

This article sketches the impact of technology and globalisation on culture, and the results appear to be devastating. An appeal is made to churches to encourage missionary endeavours that reach out to the world. The challenge that African Churches face is, how they will take mission work, from the ends of the earth back to Jerusalem (Missionary Churches). A plea is made to pay respect to the creation of God, and to restore broken relationships. “Let thy Kingdom come”, is the final prayer.
Binne of buite die blokkie? ‘n Poging om iets oor tyd en ewigheid te sê
Authors: Buitendag J
Published: November 2012

This article deals with the dialogue between theology and science with special reference to eschatology. It takes the relation of time and eternity as the leitmotiv for the exposition, based on the view that the latest insights from physics enrich the theological debate and vice versa. Neither discipline, however, is indispensable to the other. After a short epistemological discourse, a theological and scientific understanding of eschatology are juxtaposed and from this, certain conclusions are drawn. “Outside the box” includes the meaning that time and eternity complement each other and that the focus should rather be on God than on the creation in order to come to grips with time and eternity. Neither a “temporalisation” of eternity nor a “kairologising” of time would therefore be acceptable. Time is the horizon of our thoughts and experiences, though not only as an explicans, but as an explicandum too.
Two Instances of Mundus Inversus in Psalm 113
Authors: Basson A.
Published: November 2012

The psalms often praise Yahweh for his transformative and restorative interventions both in the past and in all times. They portray the deity as the one who offers protection to the weak and defenceless members of society. He uplifts the downtrodden and affords them a place in structure where they gain a new status. In Psalm 113:7-9, Yahweh changes the circumstances of the poor and needy and the childless woman. Social outcasts have their dignity and honour restored. This article explicates these divine acts in terms of the topos of mundus inversus (world-upside down). This cultural phenomenon, which finds expression in artistic, socio-political and religious spheres, accentuates the possibility of another reality by inverting the status quo. Psalm 113 praises Yahweh as the incomparable God who inverts the situation of those condemned to a life of suffering. His incomparability is linked with his power to create a mundus inversus in which the poor and needy have a banquet with nobles and a barren woman takes pleasure in motherhood.
Simulations of Two-Step Maruyama Methods for Nonlinear Stochastic Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Cao Wanrong , Zhang Zhongqiang
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we investigate the numerical performance of a family ofP-stable two-step Maruyama schemes in mean-square sense for stochastic differential equations with time delay proposed in for a certain class of nonlinear stochastic delay differential equations with multiplicative white noises. We also test the convergence of one of the schemes for a time-delayed Burgers’ equation with an additive white noise. Numerical results show that this family of two-step Maruyama methods exhibit similar stability for nonlinear equations as that for linear equations.
Identification of Blastocystis Subtype 1 Variants in the Home for Girls, Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Thathaisong Umaporn , Siripattanapipong Suradej , Mungthin Mathirut , Pipatsatitpong Duangnate , Tan-ariya Peerapan , Naaglor Tawee , Leelayoova Saovanee
Published: November 2012

A cross-sectional study of Blastocystis infection was conducted to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors, and subtypes of Blastocystis at the Home for Girls, Bangkok, Thailand in November 2008. Of 370 stool samples, 118 (31.9%) were infected with Blastocystis. Genotypic characterization of Blastocystis was performed by polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis of the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Subtype 1 was the most predominant (94.8%), followed by subtype 6 (3.5%) and subtype 2 (1.7%). Sequence analyses revealed nucleotide polymorphisms for Blastocystis subtype 1, which were described as subtype 1/variant 1, subtype 1/variant 2. Blastocystis subtype 1/variant 1 was the most predominant infection occurring in almost every house. The results showed that subtype analysis of Blastocystis was useful for molecular epidemiological study.
The effect of model spatial resolution on Secondary Organic Aerosol predictions: a case study at Whistler, BC, Canada
Authors: Wainwright C. D. , Pierce J. R. , Liggio J. , Strawbridge K. B. , Macdonald A. M. , Leaitch R. W.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. A large fraction of submicron aerosol mass throughout the continental boundary layer consists of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) mass. As such, the ability of chemical transport models to accurately predict continental boundary layer aerosol greatly depends on their ability to predict SOA. Although there has been much recent effort to better describe SOA formation mechanisms in models, little attention has been paid to the effects of model spatial resolution on SOA predictions. The Whistler Aerosol and Cloud Study (WACS 2010), held between 22 June and 28 July 2010 and conducted at Whistler, BC, Canada provides a unique data set for testing simulated SOA predictions. The study consisted of intensive measurements of atmospheric trace gases and particles at several locations strongly influenced by biogenic sources in the region. We test the ability of the global chemical transport model GEOS-Chem to predict the aerosol concentrations during this event and throughout the campaign. Simulations were performed using three different resolutions of the model: 4° × 5° , 2° × 2.5° and 0.5° × 0.667°. Predictions of organic aerosol concentrations at Whistler were greatly dependent on the resolution; the 4° × 5° version of the model significantly under predicts organic aerosol, while the 2° × 2.5° and 0.5° × 0.667° versions are much more closely correlated with measurements. In addition, we performed a comparison between the 3 versions of the model across North America. Comparison simulations were run for both a summer case (July) and Winter case (January). For the summer case, 0.5° × 0.667° simulations predicted on average 19% more SOA than 2° × 2.5° and 32% more than 4° × 5° . For the winter case, the 0.5° × 0.667° simulations predicted 8% more SOA than the 2° × 2.5° and 23% more than the 4° × 5°. This increase in SOA with resolution is largely due to sub-grid variability of organic aerosol (OA) that leads to an increase in the partitioning of secondary organic matter to the aerosol phase at higher resolutions. SOA concentrations were further increased because the shift of secondary organic gases to SOA at higher resolutions increased the lifetime of secondary organic matter (secondary organic gases have a shorter deposition lifetime than SOA in the model). SOA precursor emissions also have smaller, but non-negligible, changes with resolution due to non-linear inputs to the MEGAN biogenic emissions scheme. These results suggest that a portion of the traditional under-prediction of SOA by global models may be due to the effects of coarse grid resolution.
Tracing atmospheric nitrate in groundwater using triple oxygen isotopes: evaluation based on bottled drinking water
Authors: Tsunogai U. , Suzuki A. , Daita S. , Ohyama T. , Komatsu D. D. , Nakagawa F.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The stable isotopic compositions of nitrate dissolved in 49 types of bottled drinking water collected worldwide were determined, to trace the fate of atmospheric nitrate (NO3–atm) that had been deposited into subaerial ecosystems, using the 17O anomalies (Δ17O) of nitrate as tracers. The use of bottled water enables collection of groundwater recharged at natural, background watersheds. The nitrate in groundwater had small Δ17O values ranging from −0.2‰ to +4.5‰ (n = 49). The average Δ17O value and average mixing ratio of atmospheric nitrate to total nitrate in the groundwater samples were estimated to be 0.8‰ and 3.1%, respectively. These findings indicated that the majority of atmospheric nitrate had undergone biological processing before being exported from the surface ecosystem to the groundwater. Moreover, the concentrations of atmospheric nitrate were estimated to range from less than 0.1 μmol l−1 to 8.5 μmol l−1, with higher NO3–atm concentrations being obtained for those recharged in rocky, arid or elevated areas with little vegetation and lower NO3–atm concentrations being obtained for those recharged in forested areas with high levels of vegetation. Additionally, many of the NO3–atm-depleted samples were characterized by elevated δ15N values of more than +10‰. Uptake by plants and/or microbes in forested soils subsequent to deposition and the progress of denitrification within groundwater likely plays a significant role in the removal of NO3–atm.
Reflecting on Namibia’s Position in the European Union (EU)-Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) Negotiations and the Lessons for Africa
Authors: Manyeruke Charity , Mhandara Lawrence
Published: November 2012

Negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between European Union (EU) and the African Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP) have been on the spotlight since 2002. The negotiations seek to replace the Lome Conventions which provided for a one way non-reciprocal trading regime between the EU and the ACP countries. The paper examines the position of Namibia in relation to EPAs and the lessons that Africa can derive from Namibia’s stance. Namibia which is negotiating under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has declined to sign the Interim Partnership Agreements, besides initialing them in 2007, arguing that EPAs are not consistent with the objective of advancing African economies into competitive outfits in the global economy. Some of the sticking issues that need to be addressed concern EU’s demand for trade liberalization and a near elimination of import duty on all EU products to ACP zone. The paper argues that the major lessons for Africa are that EPA negotiations are much a political activity in as much as they involve the advancement of collective national interest by the EU. The paper therefore implores African countries to safeguard both political and economic interest in the process in the same manner as their EU counterparts are doing. Again, the paper exhorts Africa to negotiate from a position of strength and refuse to give in to unfair trade terms given the evident competition that is looming between the West and the East to partner Africa in development matters.
Prevalence and predictors of solid or hematological malignancies in a monocentric cohort of HIV patients from central Italy
Authors: Mazzotta E , Agostinone A , Sozio F , Ursini T , Polilli E , Tontodonati M , Tracanna E , Placido G , Pieri A , Consorte A , Cacciatore P , Di Masi F , Calella G , Falorio S , Leva M , Vizioli M , Angrilli F , Manzoli L , Parruti G
Published: November 2012

Introduction

HIV‐infected patients have a higher risk of developing cancer than the general population. Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), primary CNS lymphoma (PCL) and invasive cervical cancers are considered AIDS‐defining. An increased incidence in recent years, however, has been reported also for other malignancies after the introduction of HAART.

Methods

We performed a case‐control study to characterize all HIV‐infected patients with both AIDS and non‐AIDS‐defining neoplasms observed among all consecutive patients followed at the Infectious Diseases Unit of Pescara General Hospital, since 1991 through 2012. All cases were matched with equinumerous controls without neoplasia homogeneous for age, sex and AIDS diagnosis.

Results

Out of 626 patients consecutively assisted since 1991, 57 cases of malignancy (9.1%) were observed. Of these, 45 (79.0%) occurred in males; mean age was 43.6±9.3 years; 49 (86.0%) patients were diagnosed with AIDS. Tumors observed were: NHL, 17 (29.8%); SK, 13 (22.8%); HCC, 5 (8.8%); CPL, 6 (10.5%); Hodgkin's lymphoma, 4 (7.0%); solid tumors, 12 (21.1%), including 1 AIDS‐defining tumor (anal cancer). Among these, 37 (66.1%) patients died; of them 14 (37.8%) had non‐AIDS cancers. Cases were well matched with the 55 controls for sex (p=0.9), age (p=0.6) and AIDS diagnosis (p=0.6). In comparison with controls, CD4 nadirs were not different (153±151 in controls vs 136±154 cells/mmc), while CD4 at tumor diagnosis were very different between controls (463±283 cells/mmc) and cases (226±209 cells/mmc, p<0.0001). Among patients with malignancies, those who died had a non‐significant reduction in CD4 counts (p=0.14); seemingly irrelevant were smoking status (p=0.9), working ability (p=0.4), HCV coinfection (p=0.4). Surprisingly, in patients co‐infected with HBV, including HBsAg negative, antibody‐positive subjects, tumors were significantly more frequent (60.7% vs. 38.8%, p=0.009).

Conclusion

Factors potentially relevant for carcinogenesis in the prolonged survival patients of the HAART era may include HBV coinfection in spite of the lack of active biochemical activity (HbsAg negative) in the majority of coinfected patients. The potential relevance of this finding deserves prompt assessment in a larger multicentric cohort.
Abacavir and the altered peptide repertoire model: clinical implications
Authors: Mallal S , Phillips E
Published: November 2012

Structural and biochemical studies showing that abacavir binds non‐covalently to the floor of the peptide binding groove of HLA‐B*5701 with exquisite specificity to alter the self‐peptides that load on the molecule to be presented to the immune system have recently been published 1–4. This precise mechanistic explanation of why abacavir binds to HLA‐B*5701 and no other allele accounts for the 100% negative predictive value of HLA‐B*5701 testing for hypersensitivity which underpins its utility as a screening test. The specificity of the interaction between abacavir, peptide and HLA‐B*5701 provides strong evidence that abacavir will not cause any off‐target, HLA restricted immune‐mediated side effects in HLA‐B*5701 negative individuals. The rapid and direct non‐covalent binding of abacavir to HLA‐B*5701 without the requirement for metabolism of the drug explain the clinical symptoms of hypersensitivity including dose‐related escalation of symptoms and rapid offset of symptoms following drug cessation. Importantly, if abacavir were being developed today its propensity to bind HLA‐B*5701, alter the peptide repertoire presented, and the functional consequences of this interaction between HLA‐B*5701 and abacavir could be determined in vitro and before use in man. This provides an important pre‐clinical screening strategy to identify compounds in development that bind HLA and alter peptide presentation which could then be structurally modified to abrogate this property to avert hypersensitivity while retaining on‐target effects.
An investigation into frequency and reasons why patients switch antiretroviral therapy and which antiretrovirals are commonly implicated in toxicity
Authors: Boyle A , Sonecha S , Mandalia S , Nelson M
Published: November 2012

Purpose of the study

Previous investigation into antiretroviral (ARV) therapy switches in our HIV cohort suggested an annual switch rate of 20% in 2006 with 60% of switches being secondary to toxicity [1]. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether this switch rate has changed in recent years, determine reasons why patients change regimens, and identify which ARVs are most likely to be switched for toxicity concerns.

Methods

The electronic patient database was reviewed to identify all patients within our HIV cohort who switched ARV therapy between 1st December 2009 and 31st May 2011. Details of which ARVs were switched and the reasons why were recorded. Any switches due to toxicity were investigated further to identify the actual or perceived adverse effect.

Summary of results

Nine hundred and twenty‐three regimens were switched over 18 months affecting 12% (n = 722) of patients on treatment during this time. The most common reason for switching medication was due to toxicity, occurring in 452 (49%) cases. Other reasons included simplification (15%), clinical trials (8%), virological failure (8%) and drug interactions (4%). The remaining 16% switched for various reasons including pregnancy and co‐morbidities. Of 452 switches for toxicity (or perceived toxicity), 122 (27%) were due to CNS side effects (89 out of a total of 122 were related to efavirenz), 64 (14%) gastrointestinal disturbances (38/64 related to protease inhibitors), 54 (12%) actual/perceived cardiovascular risk (21/54 related to abacavir and 21/54 related to saquinavir), 54 (12%) hepatotoxicity (21/54 related to atazanavir and 14/54 related to efavirenz), 42 (9%) metabolic concerns (24/42 related to protease inhibitors) and 38 (8%) renal toxicity (28/38 related to tenofovir). Other toxicities accounted for 78 (18%) switches. An observed toxicity switch rate (OTSR) per 1000 patient years (95% CI) was calculated for each ARV.

NRTIs
OTSR (95% CI)
PIs
OTSR (95% CI)

Zidovudine
43.5 (27.0–66.6)
Saquinavir
96.1 (62.2–141.8)

Abacavir
18.6 (12.3–26.9)
Lopinavir
69.1 (50.6–92.2)

Tenofovir
6.4 (4.7–8.5)
Atazanavir
27.2 (19.8–36.5)

Lamivudine
1.4 (0.3–4.2)
Darunavir
15.0 (9.7–22.2)

Emtricitabine
1.2 (0.5–2.3)

INI

NNRTIs

Raltegravir
15.0 (6.0–30.9)
Efavirenz
27.8 (22.9–33.5)

CCR5

Etravirine
25.7 (15.3–40.7)

Maraviroc
5.2 (0.1–29.2)
Nevirapine
3.1 (0.6–9.1)

Conclusions

12% of patients switched therapy in 18 months, predicting an annual switch rate of 8%. Toxicity remained an important reason for switching. Saquinavir and lopinavir have a significantly higher OTSR than other PIs as does zidovudine compared with other NRTIs. Nevirapine has a significantly lower OTSR than other NNRTIs.
Recovery of eGFR in patients who develop renal complications on tenofovir
Authors: Jose S , Hamzah L , Campbell L , Sabin C , Post F ,   UK CHIC study
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Tenofovir (TDF) use has been linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and rapid decline in kidney function; the potential reversibility of these complications remains poorly studied. We compared changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before, during and after TDF use.

Methods

Patients in the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (CHIC) Study who discontinued a TDF‐containing regimen after>3 months were included. Incident CKD on TDF was defined as an eGFR<60 for>3 months (eGFR units=ml/min/1.73 m2) and rapid eGFR decline as a negative eGFR slope>3 on TDF (eGFR slopes measured in ml/min/1.73 m2/year). Linear piecewise regression was used to estimate each person's eGFR slope before, during and after TDF, excluding the initial 4 weeks on TDF and the first 3 months post‐entry and post‐discontinuation. These slopes were compared in those with/without CKD or rapid eGFR decline using t‐tests. A piecewise linear random effects model compared the average slopes before and during TDF, and during and post TDF. Maximum eGFR after discontinuation was compared with eGFR at TDF start to determine the extent of recovery.

Results

935 subjects were included, of whom 80% were male, 70.5% of white ethnicity, 66.2% MSM. Median age at TDF start was 41. Patients with incident CKD tended to have lower eGFR at TDF start than those without (median 75 and 93 respectively), while baseline eGFR in those with/without rapid eGFR decline were similar (median 90 and 91 respectively). Small eGFR declines pre‐TDF were observed in all patients, with significantly more rapid eGFR decline observed during TDF exposure in those with renal complications (Table).

Table. eGFR slopes before, during and after TDF exposure in those with and without renal complications

eGFR slope
Pre‐TDF
On‐TDF
Post‐TDF
Pre‐TDF vs. on‐TDF
On‐TDF vs. post‐TDF

CKD
−2.7
−7.3
+5.2
p<0.0001
p<0.0001

No CKD
−1.1
−4.4
+2.6
p<0.0001
p<0.0001

p=0.10
p=0.003
0.001

Rapid eGFR decline
−0.5
−10.1
+5.1
p<0.0001
p<0.0001

No rapid eGFR decline
−1.8
+0.2
+1.1
p=0.28
p<0.0001

p=0.07
p<0.0001
p<0.0001

Although eGFR recovery was observed in the majority of patients without renal complications following TDF discontinuation (70.5% of those without CKD, 76.3% of those without rapid eGFR decline), only 43.7% of patients with CKD and 56.4% of those with rapid eGFR decline reached a maximum eGFR that was at least as high as their eGFR at TDF start.

Conclusions

Improvements in eGFR were observed in patients who discontinued TDF. However, incomplete eGFR recovery was frequent in those with renal complications.
ART use, viral suppression, and sexual behaviour among HIV‐diagnosed MSM in the UK: results from the Antiretrovirals, Sexual Transmission Risk and Attitudes (ASTRA) Study
Authors: Lampe F , Speakman A , Phillips A , Sherr L , Gilson R , Johnson M , Fisher M , Wilkins E , Anderson J , Edwards S , McDonnell J , Perry N , Aderogba K , Hart G , Johnson A , Collins S , Elford J , Miners A , Geretti A , Burman B , Rodger A
Published: November 2012

Objective

To assess the associations of ART use, viral load (VL) suppression and transmission risk beliefs with sexual behaviour among HIV‐diagnosed men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK.

Methods

ASTRA is a multicentre UK study of >3000 HIV outpatients in 2011/12. A self‐completed questionnaire defined ‘unprotected sex with an HIV‐discordant partner’ (USD) as anal or vaginal sex without a condom in the past 3 months with a partner of negative or unknown HIV status. Transmission risk belief score (TRBS) was classified as 0–2 [2: agree ‘when VL is undetectable, a condom is not needed to prevent HIV transmission’; 1: agree ‘undetectable VL makes someone less infectious to a sexual partner’ 0: do not agree with either statement]. Associations of USD with TRBS, self‐reported ART and VL status, and other factors were assessed using Chi‐squared tests and logistic regression.

Results

Data are available for 2086 MSM [88% white; mean age: 45 years]. 1767 (84.7%) were on ART; of whom 1470 (83.2%) reported VL≤50 c/mL, 148 (8.4%) reported VL>50 c/mL and 149 (8.4%) did not know VL status. TRBS was 0, 1 and 2 for 48.0%, 47.7% and 4.3% of MSM. Prevalence of USD was 14.8% (n=308) overall; 123 of 308 reported receptive anal sex only. USD prevalence increased with higher TRBS [8.2%, 19.4%, 35.2% for TRBS 0,1,2 respectively; p<0.001]. ART use and VL status were also associated with USD. USD prevalence was lower among MSM taking ART compared to those not on ART [13.8% vs 20.1%; p=0.004]. However, among MSM on ART, USD prevalence was higher among those reporting VL≤50 c/mL compared to reporting VL>50 c/mL/unknown (14.7% vs 9.4%; p=0.016). This pattern of association between ART/VL status and USD was similar after adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and HIV‐related factors: compared to MSM on ART with VL<50 c/mL, adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) were: 0.58 (0.38, 0.89) for MSM on ART with VL>50 c/mL/unknown, and 1.25 (0.87, 1.79) for MSM not on ART, global p=0.006. Absence of an HIV‐positive stable partner, more recent HIV diagnosis and recreational drug use were also independently associated with USD (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

Approximately 15% of HIV‐diagnosed MSM report recent USD. Among MSM on ART, self‐reported undetectable VL is associated with USD, suggesting that perceived VL status may influence sexual behaviour and condom use. However, prevalence of USD is also high among MSM not taking ART. These findings have implications for prevention strategies among MSM in the UK.
Progress in HIV vaccine research: an outsider's view
Authors: Kuritzkes D
Published: November 2012

Despite the potential for pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment as prevention (TasP) to have a significant impact on HIV transmission, there is broad agreement that a safe and effective preventive vaccine remains an essential tool for ending the AIDS epidemic. To date, progress towards a vaccine has been painstaking. Nevertheless, recent progress has opened up promising new leads. Results of the STEP and RV‐144 trials provide novel insights that may lead to improved design of candidate vaccines. In addition, the identification of highly potent, broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies from some infected patients suggests novel approaches to generating protective immunity. Refinements in our understanding of the gp120 structure and its interaction with CD4 also provide opportunities for improving immunogen design. Although the challenges remain daunting, these advances have instilled a renewed sense of optimism into the field.
Using phosphazide in regimes of ART in patients co‐infected with HIV and HCV receiving treatment of hepatitis
Authors: Kravchenko A , Kanestri V , Kuimova U , Gankina N , Serebrovskaya L
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Comparing of the efficacy and safety of treatment of chronic hepatitis C PegIFN and RBV in HIV‐infected patients receiving HAART with phosphazide (PhAZT) or abacavir (ABC).

Methods

81 co‐infected with HIV/HCV patients with ART>3 months, treated by PegIFN and RBV (1000–1200 mg/day by weight) during 24–48 weeks. 50 patients (group 1) received PhAZT+3TC+EFV or PIs, and 31 patients (group 2) ‐ABC+3TC+EFV or PIs. Patients in both groups did not differ by sex, age, stage of HIV infection, body mass index, HCV genotype, HCV RNA levels, the degree of hepatic fibrosis.

Results

Virologic response EOT in 1st group was 74% (genotype 1–56%, genotype 3–92%), in 2nd group‐75.9% (genotype 1–61.5%; genotype 3–87.5%). Sustained virological response (SVR) in 1st group was 62% (genotype 1–44%, genotype 3–80%), and in 2nd group −53.3% (genotype 1–46.7%, genotype 3–60%). Relapse of HCV replication within 24 wks after therapy was observed in 12% of pts with 1st group and 22.6%‐2nd group (p<0.05). The frequency of relapse in pts with G1 was 12% and 14.8%, with G3‐12% and 27.5% (in 1st and 2nd groups, p<0.05). If the duration of HCV therapy was <48 wks, SVR rates in pts of both groups was 50% and 41.1%, and if 48 wks and more−73.1% and 71.4%, respectively (p<0.05). When using PIs‐SVR was 52% and 57% in 1st and 2nd groups. In appointing EFV SVR in 1st group − 76.2% (genotype 1–70%, genotype 3–81.8%), in 2nd group−50% (genotype 1–44.4%, genotype 3–57.1%), p<0.05. Inclusion in the regime of HAART PhAZT had no significant effect on the performance of peripheral blood. Decreased hemoglobin, neutrophil and platelet counts were similar in both groups and no more than 1–2 degrees of toxicity. Reducing the CD4+count during HCV treatment has been less pronounced when using PhAZT (compared with ABC) in combination with EFV, and with PI.

Conclusions

PegIFN and RBV therapy in pts with HIV/HCV co‐infection receiving HAART, is effective in 44–47% (genotype 1) and 60–80% (genotype 3). Application of the regime PhAZT+3TC+EFV was safe and allowed to reach the maximum frequency of SVR−76.2%.
Natural Flexible Dermal Armor
Authors: Yang Wen , Chen Irene H. , Gludovatz Bernd , Zimmermann Elizabeth A. , Ritchie Robert O. , Meyers Marc A.
Published: November 2012

Fish, reptiles, and mammals can possess flexible dermal armor for protection. Here we seek to find the means by which Nature derives its protection by examining the scales from several fish (Atractosteus spatula, Arapaima gigas, Polypterus senegalus, Morone saxatilis, Cyprinius carpio), and osteoderms from armadillos, alligators, and leatherback turtles. Dermal armor has clearly been developed by convergent evolution in these different species. In general, it has a hierarchical structure with collagen fibers joining more rigid units (scales or osteoderms), thereby increasing flexibility without significantly sacrificing strength, in contrast to rigid monolithic mineral composites. These dermal structures are also multifunctional, with hydrodynamic drag (in fish), coloration for camouflage or intraspecies recognition, temperature and fluid regulation being other important functions. The understanding of such flexible dermal armor is important as it may provide a basis for new synthetic, yet bioinspired, armor materials.
Synthesis, spectral characterization and biological studies of transition metal(II) complexes with triazole Schiff bases
Authors: Hanif Muhammad , Chohan Zahid H.
Published: November 2012

New metal based triazoles (1–12) have been synthesized by the interaction of novel Schiff base ligands (L1–L3) with the Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal ions. The Schiff base ligands and their all metal(II) complexes have been thoroughly characterized using various physical, analytical and spectroscopic techniques. In vitro bacterial and fungal inhibition studies were carried out to examine the antibacterial and antifungal profile of the Schiff bases in comparison to their metal(II) complexes against two Gram‐positive, four Gram‐negative and six fungal strains. The bioactivity data showed the metal(II) complexes to have more potent antibacterial and antifungal activity than their uncomplexed parent Schiff bases against one or more bacterial and fungal species. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progressive Bundling of Fibrillin Microfibrils into Oxytalan Fibers in the Chick Presumptive Dermis
Authors: Shinozuka Keizo , Yamazaki Yosuke , Yuguchi Maki , Toriumi Taku , Suzuki Rie , Tsuruga Eichi , Isokawa Keitaro
Published: November 2012

Dorsoventral fibers in the presumptive dermis of the chick limb bud reported first by Hurle's group in 1989 are now revealed as bundles of fibrillin microfibrils (Isokawa et al., 2004). The bundles, which could be called oxytalan fibers at the light microscopic level, are aligned perpendicularly to the overlying ectoderm and form a unique fiber array, originating directly from the basal lamina. This well‐oriented organization is beneficial in examining the process of in vivo bundling of microfibrils into oxytalan fibers. In this study, sections through the presumptive limb dermis were preferentially prepared from chick embryos at Days 4–6 (ED4‐6). Immunohistochemically, fibrillin‐positive dots representing cross‐sectioned surfaces of individual fibers, increased in size from ED4 to 6, but their number per unit area remained constant. Ultrastructurally, a single oxytalan fiber at ED4 consisted of ∼15 microfibrils; the latter number increased fourfold from ED4 to 5 and threefold from ED5 to 6. Oxytalan fibers were all closely associated with mesenchymal cell; notably, the fibers at ED5 and 6 were held in a shallow ditch on the cell body or by lamellipodial cytoplasmic protrusion. In the sites of cell–fiber adhesion, microfibrils in the periphery of an oxytalan fiber appeared to adhere directly or by means of short flocculent strands to a nearby cell membrane; the latter showed a thickening of plasmalemma and its undercoat, indicating the presence of adhesive membrane specification. These findings suggest that the bundling of microfibrils is a progressive and closely cell‐associated process. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Looping in on Ndc80 – How does a protein loop at the kinetochore control chromosome segregation?
Authors: Nilsson Jakob
Published: November 2012

Segregation of chromosomes during mitosis requires the interaction of dynamic microtubules with the kinetochore, a large protein structure established on the centromere region of sister chromatids. The core microtubule‐binding activity of the kinetochore resides in the KMN network, an outer kinetochore complex. As part of the KMN network, the Ndc80 complex, which is composed of Ndc80, Nuf2, Spc24, and Spc25, is able to bind directly to microtubules and has the ability to track with depolymerizing microtubules to produce chromosome movement. The Ndc80 complex binds directly to microtubules through a calponin homology domain and an unstructured tail in the N terminus of the Ndc80 protein. A recent flurry of papers has highlighted the importance of an internal loop region in Ndc80 in establishing end‐on attachment to microtubules. Here I discuss these recent findings that suggest that the Ndc80 internal loop functions as a binding site for proteins required for kinetochore‐microtubule interactions.
Hybrid analogues of SFTI‐1 modified in P1 position by β‐ and γ‐amino acids and N‐substituted β‐alanines
Authors: Debowski D. , Łukajtis R. , Filipowicz M. , Strzelecka P. , Wysocka M. , Łęgowska A. , Lesner A. , Rolka K.
Published: November 2012

A series of compounds containing either non‐proteinogenic β‐/γ‐amino acids or N‐substituted β‐alanine residues (β‐peptoid units) in P1 specificity position were synthesized based on the structure of sunflower trypsin inhibitor 1 (SFTI‐1). The compounds were synthesized on a solid support; the N‐substituted β‐alanines (βNhlys and βNhphe) were introduced into a peptidomimetic chain via a two‐step approach using acryloyl chloride and an appropriate primary amine. The inhibitory activities were characterized in vitro against bovine α‐chymotrypsin or bovine β‐trypsin. Three analogues displayed activity comparable to fully proteinogenic counterparts—monocyclic SFTI‐1 and [Phe5]SFTI‐1. Moreover, all active peptidomimetics were resistant toward proteolytic degradation, even after 24‐h incubation at room temperature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 100: 154–159, 2013.
PhaseLift: Exact and Stable Signal Recovery from Magnitude Measurements via Convex Programming
Authors: Candès Emmanuel J. , Strohmer Thomas , Voroninski Vladislav
Published: November 2012

Suppose we wish to recover a signal
\input amssym $\font\abc=cmmib10\def\bi#1{\hbox{\abc#1}} {\bi x} \in {\Bbb C}^n$
from m intensity measurements of the form $\font\abc=cmmib10\def\bi#1{\hbox{\abc#1}} |\langle \bi x,\bi z_i \rangle|^2$, $i = 1, 2, \ldots, m$; that is, from data in which phase information is missing. We prove that if the vectors $\font\abc=cmmib10\def\bi#1{\hbox{\abc#1}}{\bi z}_i$
are sampled independently and uniformly at random on the unit sphere, then the signal x can be recovered exactly (up to a global phase factor) by solving a convenient semidefinite program–‐a trace‐norm minimization problem; this holds with large probability provided that m is on the order of $n {\log n}$, and without any assumption about the signal whatsoever. This novel result demonstrates that in some instances, the combinatorial phase retrieval problem can be solved by convex programming techniques. Finally, we also prove that our methodology is robust vis‐à‐vis additive noise. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Templating Effect and Photochemistry of Viologens in Halometalate Hybrid Crystals
Authors: Mercier Nicolas
Published: November 2012

Although the chemistry of viologens in solution has been thoroughly investigated, their intriguing functions in the crystalline state have been the subject of less attention. Recently, many hybrid structures incorporating viologen cations have been published, and a considerable number of them possess interesting properties in the solid state. Elaborate examination of these structures has indicated that peculiar interactions between the viologen dication and anions, including side contacts and face contacts, are very often encountered. This suggests that the viologen dications have a great influence on their surroundings at the atomic level. This remarkable templating effect is well demonstrated by a series of hybrids, in which the rare MX5 (M = BiIII, SbIII; X = Cl, Br, I) inorganic chain of trans‐connected octahedra is stabilised by a methylviologen dication; this leads to a new fascinating family of ferroelectrics. In contrast, owing to their unique structural features, viologen dications exhibit prominent photochemistry. Upon irradiation, viologen dications (V2+), with good electron‐accepting abilities, are able to accept one electron from an electron donor, either an anion or a molecule, to afford stable separated charge state systems with photochromic properties resulting from the coloured V·+ radicals. This process takes place in the crystalline solid state and offers great opportunities to understand their structure–property relationships. The relationships discovered in the current system will guide subsequent rational syntheses to optimise the properties of the materials.
Synthesis of Symmetrical Dinitro‐ and Diamino‐Substituted Tröger's Base Analogues
Authors: Šturala Jiří , Cibulka Radek
Published: November 2012

This report describes a new synthetic approach to symmetrical diamino‐substituted Tröger's base analogues, allowing the synthesis of 1,7‐, and 4,10‐diamino derivatives with no additional substituents and of 3,9‐diamino derivative with methyl groups in the 1‐, 4‐, 7‐ and 10‐positions. The synthesis uses regioselective nitration of dihalo‐substituted‐ or tetrahalo‐substituted Tröger's bases followed either by hydrogenation of the nitro functions accompanied by removal of halogen atoms or alternatively by chemoselective reduction of nitro groups to obtain the dihalo‐diamino‐substituted Tröger's base analogues. The 2,8‐diamino derivatives, not accessible by this approach, can be prepared by Buchwald–Hartwig amination of the 2,8‐dibromo‐substituted Tröger's bases.
Iron‐Catalyzed Diastereoselective Synthesis of α‐(Methoxycarbonyl)allylsilanes
Authors: Chai Guobi , Zeng Rong , Fu Chunling , Ma Shengming
Published: November 2012

Stereodefined polysubstituted α‐(methoxycarbonyl)allylsilanes were synthesized through iron‐catalyzed conjugate additions between 1‐(trimethylsilyl)allene‐1‐carboxylates and Grignard reagents in good to excellent yields. The use of Et2O as solvent for Grignard reagents was found to be very important for the diastereoselectivity of the reaction. Applications of the prepared allylic silanes for the stereocontrolled synthesis of α,β‐alkenoates, a β,γ‐alkenoate, and an allylic fluoride have been demonstrated.