bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antennas of organ morphogenesis: the roles of cilia in vertebrate kidney development
Authors: Marra Amanda N. , Li Yue , Wingert Rebecca A.
Published: July 2016

Cilia arose early during eukaryotic evolution, and their structural components are highly conserved from the simplest protists to complex metazoan species. In recent years, the role of cilia in the ontogeny of vertebrate organs has received increasing attention due to a staggering correlation between human disease and dysfunctional cilia. In particular, the presence of cilia in both the developing and mature kidney has become a deep area of research due to ciliopathies common to the kidney, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Interestingly, mutations in genes encoding proteins that localize to the cilia cause similar cystic phenotypes in kidneys of various vertebrates, suggesting an essential role for cilia in kidney organogenesis and homeostasis as well. Importantly, the genes so far identified in kidney disease have conserved functions across species, whose kidneys include both primary and motile cilia. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive description of cilia and their role in kidney development, as well as highlight the usefulness of the zebrafish embryonic kidney as a model to further understand the function of cilia in kidney health.
Specialization among amphipods: the invasive Gammarus tigrinus has narrower niche space compared to native gammarids
Authors: Herkül Kristjan , Lauringson Velda , Kotta Jonne
Published: July 2016

Human‐mediated invasions of nonindigenous species are modifying global biodiversity. Despite significant interest in the topic, niche separation and specialization of invasive and closely related native sympatric species are not well understood. It is expected that combined use of various methods may reveal different aspects of niche space and provide stronger evidence for niche partitioning as compared to a single method. We applied the species marginality index (OMI) and species distribution modeling (SDM) in the northern Baltic Proper to determine (1) if environmental niche spaces at habitat scale differ between taxonomically and functionally closely related invasive and native gammarid species, and (2) whether the observed pattern relates to the species distribution overlap. Both methods agreed in notably narrower and more segregated realized niche of invasive Gammarus tigrinus compared to the studied native gammarids. Among native species, the distribution of G. zaddachi overlapped the most with G. tigrinus. Our results confirm that widespread colonization does not require a wide niche of the colonizer, but may rather be a function of other biological traits and/or the saturation of the recipient ecosystem. The niche divergence and wider environmental niche space of native species are likely to safeguard their existence in habitats less suitable for G. tigrinus.
Managing maize under pest species competition: Is Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) maize the solution?
Authors: Catarino Rui , Ceddia Graziano , Areal Francisco , Parisey Nicolas , Park Julian
Published: July 2016

Transgenic crops that contain Cry genes from Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) have been adopted by farmers over the last 17 yr. Unlike traditional broad‐spectrum chemical insecticides, Bt's toxicity spectrum is relatively narrow and selective, which may indirectly benefit secondary insects that may become important pests. The economic damage caused by the rise of secondary pests could offset some or all of the benefits associated with the use of Bt varieties. We develop a bioeconomic model to analyze the interactions between primary and secondary insect populations and the impact of different management options on insecticide use and economic impact over time. Results indicate that some of the benefits associated with the adoption of genetically engineered insect resistant crops may be eroded when taking into account ecological dynamics. It is suggested that secondary pests could easily become key insect pests requiring additional measures, such as insecticide applications or stacked traits, to keep their populations under the economic threshold.
Gas Switching as a Practical Alternative for Scaleup of Chemical Looping Combustion
Authors: Cloete Schalk , Gallucci Fausto , van Sint Annaland Martin , Amini Shahriar
Published: July 2016

Gas‐fueled chemical looping combustion (CLC) requires high‐pressure operation to achieve competitive electric efficiencies. This work evaluates and compares two reactor concepts specially designed to reduce scaleup challenges under pressurized conditions: packed‐bed chemical looping combustion (PBCLC) and fluidized‐bed gas switching combustion (GSC). These concepts keep the oxygen carrier in a single dynamically operated reactor alternatively fed with air and fuel. Both concepts have been experimentally demonstrated and shown to achieve competitive performance in terms of electrical efficiency and CO2 avoidance. However, the PBCLC concept holds the greatest fundamental promise due to its behavior as a plug flow reactor. Substantial further material development and testing will be required to realize this potential. The GSC concept does not face such material‐related challenges, but requires reactor or plant modifications to achieve a performance that is competitive with the PBCLC concept.
Individual and group psychotherapy with people diagnosed with dementia: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Cheston Richard , Ivanecka Ada
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Psychotherapy provides a means of helping participants to resolve emotional threats and play an active role in their lives. Consequently, psychotherapy is increasingly used within dementia care. This paper reviews the existing evidence base for individual and group psychotherapy with people affected by dementia.

Design

The protocol was registered. We searched electronic databases, relevant websites and reference lists for records of psychotherapy with people affected by Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular dementia, Lewy‐body dementia or a mixed condition between 1997 and 2015. We included studies of therapies which met British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy definitions (e.g. occurs regularly, focuses on talking about life events and facilitates understand of the illness). Art therapy, Cognitive Stimulation and Rehabilitation, Life Review, Reminiscence Therapy and family therapy were excluded. Studies which included people with frontal–temporal dementia and mild cognitive impairment were excluded. Data was extracted using a bespoke form, and risk of bias assessments were carried out independently by both authors. Meta‐analysis was not possible because of the heterogeneity of data.

Results

A total of 1397 papers were screened with 26 papers using randomised, non‐randomised controlled trials or repeated measured designs being included. A broad mix of therapeutic modalities, types, lengths and settings were described, focussing largely on people with mild levels of cognitive impairment living in the community.

Conclusions

This study was limited to only those studies published in English. The strongest evidence supported the use of short‐term group therapy after diagnosis and an intensive, multi‐faceted intervention for Nursing Home residents. Many areas of psychotherapy need further research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trajectories of health‐related quality of life during the natural history of dementia: a six‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Yu Hongmei , Gao Caihong , Zhang Yanbo , He Runlian , Zhou Liye , Liang Ruifeng
Published: July 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore profiles of quality of life (QoL) trajectories during the natural history of dementia and individual variations contributing to QoL trajectories.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal community‐based study of 520 elderly people with mild cognitive impairment and 100 healthy people aged 60 years or over. We conducted six waves of assessment between October 2010 and May 2013 in Taiyuan, mainland China. Cognitively normal, mild cognitive impairment, global impairment, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) were defined as state 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. We assessed health‐related QoL (HRQoL) via the Quality of Life–Alzheimer's Disease (QoL–AD) Chinese version. We used the latent growth curve model (LGCM) to investigate change in HRQoL over time.

Results

Latent growth curve model analysis revealed a mean initial QoL level of 29.865 with substantial variation and a significant mean slope for the whole sample. Multigroup LGCM showed substantial variations across individuals in initial QoL levels for each cognitive state transition group. For the slope factor, we found significant changes and variations for the transition from state 2 to 3 and from state 3 to 4. We estimated mean QoL levels over six assessments based on intercept, slope, and factor loadings for the whole sample and the three cognitive state transition groups.

Conclusions

A decline in subjective QoL is not inevitable during the natural history of dementia in community settings, and there is a degree of individual variation in QoL. Future studies should investigate the factors associated with individual variations in QoL trajectories in AD.
Mutant p53 and mTOR/PKM2 regulation in cancer cells
Authors: Dando Ilaria , Cordani Marco , Donadelli Massimo
Published: July 2016

Mutations of TP53 gene are the most common feature in aggressive malignant cells. In addition to the loss of the tumor suppressive role of wild‐type p53, hotspot mutant p53 isoforms display oncogenic proprieties notoriously referred as gain of functions (GOFs) which result in chemoresistance to therapies, genomic instability, aberrant deregulation of cell cycle progression, invasiveness and enhanced metastatic potential, and finally, in patient poor survival rate. The identification of novel functional oncogenic pathways regulated by mutant p53 represent and intriguing topic for emerging therapies against a broad spectrum of cancer types bearing mutant TP53 gene. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), as well as pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2) are master regulators of cancer growth, metabolism, and cell proliferation. Herein, we report that GOF mutant R175H and R273H p53 proteins trigger PKM2 phosphorylation on Tyr 105 through the involvement of mTOR signaling. Our data, together with the newly discovered connection between mutant p53 and mTOR stimulation, raise important implications for the potential therapeutic use of synthetic drugs inhibiting mTOR/PKM2 axis in cancer cells bearing mutant TP53 gene. We further hypothesize that mTOR/PKM2 pathway stimulation serves to sustain the oncogenic activity of mutant p53 through both the enhancement of chemoresistance and of aerobic glycolysis of cancer cells. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(9):722–726, 2016
More Power to OATP1B1: An Evaluation of Sample Size in Pharmacogenetic Studies Using a Rosuvastatin PBPK Model for Intestinal, Hepatic, and Renal Transporter‐Mediated Clearances
Authors: Emami Riedmaier Ariane , Burt Howard , Abduljalil Khaled , Neuhoff Sibylle
Published: July 2016

Rosuvastatin is a substrate of choice in clinical studies of organic anion‐transporting polypeptide (OATP)1B1‐ and OATP1B3‐associated drug interactions; thus, understanding the effect of OATP1B1 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin is crucial. Here, physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling was coupled with a power calculation algorithm to evaluate the influence of sample size on the ability to detect an effect (80% power) of OATP1B1 phenotype on pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin. Intestinal, hepatic, and renal transporters were mechanistically incorporated into a rosuvastatin PBPK model using permeability‐limited models for intestine, liver, and kidney, respectively, nested within a full PBPK model. Simulated plasma rosuvastatin concentrations in healthy volunteers were in agreement with previously reported clinical data. Power calculations were used to determine the influence of sample size on study power while accounting for OATP1B1 haplotype frequency and abundance in addition to its correlation with OATP1B3 abundance. It was determined that 10 poor‐transporter and 45 intermediate‐transporter individuals are required to achieve 80% power to discriminate the AUC0‐48h of rosuvastatin from that of the extensive‐transporter phenotype. This number was reduced to 7 poor‐transporter and 40 intermediate‐transporter individuals when the reported correlation between OATP1B1 and 1B3 abundance was taken into account. The current study represents the first example in which PBPK modeling in conjunction with power analysis has been used to investigate sample size in clinical studies of OATP1B1 polymorphisms. This approach highlights the influence of interindividual variability and correlation of transporter abundance on study power and should allow more informed decision making in pharmacogenomic study design.
Transporter‐Enzyme Interplay: Deconvoluting Effects of Hepatic Transporters and Enzymes on Drug Disposition Using Static and Dynamic Mechanistic Models
Authors: Varma Manthena V. , El‐Kattan Ayman F.
Published: July 2016

A large body of evidence suggests hepatic uptake transporters, organic anion‐transporting polypeptides (OATPs), are of high clinical relevance in determining the pharmacokinetics of substrate drugs, based on which recent regulatory guidances to industry recommend appropriate assessment of investigational drugs for the potential drug interactions. We recently proposed an extended clearance classification system (ECCS) framework in which the systemic clearance of class 1B and 3B drugs is likely determined by hepatic uptake. The ECCS framework therefore predicts the possibility of drug‐drug interactions (DDIs) involving OATPs and the effects of genetic variants of SLCO1B1 early in the discovery and facilitates decision making in the candidate selection and progression. Although OATP‐mediated uptake is often the rate‐determining process in the hepatic clearance of substrate drugs, metabolic and/or biliary components also contribute to the overall hepatic disposition and, more importantly, to liver exposure. Clinical evidence suggests that alteration in biliary efflux transport or metabolic enzymes associated with genetic polymorphism leads to change in the pharmacodynamic response of statins, for which the pharmacological target resides in the liver. Perpetrator drugs may show inhibitory and/or induction effects on transporters and enzymes simultaneously. It is therefore important to adopt models that frame these multiple processes in a mechanistic sense for quantitative DDI predictions and to deconvolute the effects of individual processes on the plasma and hepatic exposure. In vitro data‐informed mechanistic static and physiologically based pharmacokinetic models are proven useful in rationalizing and predicting transporter‐mediated DDIs and the complex DDIs involving transporter‐enzyme interplay.
Evaluation and Quantitative Prediction of Renal Transporter‐Mediated Drug‐Drug Interactions
Authors: Feng Bo , Varma Manthena V.
Published: July 2016

With numerous drugs cleared renally, inhibition of uptake transporters localized on the basolateral membrane of renal proximal tubule cells, eg, organic anion transporters (OATs) and organic cation transporters (OCTs), may lead to clinically meaningful drug‐drug interactions (DDIs). Additionally, clinical evidence for the possible involvement of efflux transporters, such as P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1/2‐K (MATE1/2‐K), in the renal DDIs is emerging. Herein, we review recent progress regarding mechanistic understanding of transporter‐mediated renal DDIs as well as the quantitative predictability of renal DDIs using static and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. Generally, clinical DDI data suggest that the magnitude of plasma exposure changes attributable to renal DDIs is less than 2‐fold, unlike the DDIs associated with inhibition of cytochrome P‐450s and/or hepatic uptake transporters. It is concluded that although there is a need for risk assessment early in drug development, current available data imply that safety concerns related to the renal DDIs are generally low. Nevertheless, consideration must be given to the therapeutic index of the victim drug and potential risk in a specific patient population (eg, renal impairment). Finally, in vitro transporter data and clinical pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from the first‐in‐human studies have proven useful in support of quantitative prediction of DDIs associated with inhibition of renal secretory transporters, OATs or OCTs.
Causes and Consequences of Variability in Drug Transporter Activity in Pediatric Drug Therapy
Authors: Rodieux Frédérique , Gotta Verena , Pfister Marc , van den Anker Johannes N.
Published: July 2016

Drug transporters play a key role in mediating the uptake of endo‐ and exogenous substances into cells as well as their efflux. Therefore, variability in drug transporter activity can influence pharmaco‐ and toxicokinetics and be a determinant of drug safety and efficacy. In children, particularly in neonates and young infants, the contribution of tissue‐specific drug transporters to drug absorption, distribution, and excretion may differ from that in adults. In this review 5 major factors and their interdependence that may influence drug transporter activity in children are discussed: developmental differences, genetic polymorphisms, pediatric comorbidities, interacting comedication, and environmental factors. Even if data are sparse, altered drug transporter activity due to those factors have been associated with clinically relevant differences in drug disposition, efficacy, and safety in pediatric patients. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in drug transporter‐encoding genes were the most studied source of drug transporter variability in children. However, in the age group where drug transporter activity has been reported to differ from that in adults, namely neonates and young infants, hardly any studies have been performed. Longitudinal studies in this young population are required to investigate the age‐ and disease‐dependent genotype‐phenotype relationships and relevance of drug transporter drug‐drug interactions. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling approaches can integrate drug‐ and patient‐specific parameters, including drug transporter ontogeny, and may further improve in silico predictions of pediatric‐specific pharmacokinetics.
Leaching of carbon and nitrogen from a sandy soil substrate: A comparison between suction plates and ion exchange resins
Authors: Willich Melanie , Buerkert Andreas
Published: July 2016

To determine boundary effects on leaching, we investigated (1) how filter materials affect the concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrate (NO3‐N) in soil percolates and (2) whether ion exchange resins and suction plates are equally suited to capture NO3‐N. DOC leaching was higher with PE suction plates and plate material did not affect NO3‐N leachate concentrations. Cumulative NO3‐N leaching was similar for glass suction plates and ion exchange resins.
Sonodegradation of cyanidin‐3‐glucosylrutinoside: degradation kinetic analysis and its impact on antioxidant capacity in vitro
Authors: Sun Jianxia , Li Xinghua , Lin Xinyu , Mei Zhouxiong , Li Yitao , Ding Lijun , Bai Weibin
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

As an alternative preservation method for thermal treatment, ultrasound comprises a novel non‐thermal processing technology that can significantly avoid undesirable nutritional changes. However, the recent literature indicates that anthocyanin degradation occurs when ultrasound is applied in juice at high amplitude parameters. Such work has mainly focussed on the effect of ultrasound on stability, the antioxidant capacity of cyanidin‐3‐glucosylrutinoside (Cy‐3‐glc‐rut) and the correlation between anthocyanin degradation and ·OH generation in a simulated system.

RESULTS

The spectral intensities of Cy‐3‐glc‐rut at 518 and 282 nm decreased with increasing ultrasound power and treatment time. The degradation of Cy‐3‐glc‐rut was consistent with first‐order reaction kinetics (r2 > 0.9000) and there was a good linear correlation between anthocyanin degradation and hydroxyl radical formation induced by ultrasound (r2 = 0.9258). Moreover, a decrease in the antioxidant activity of Cy‐3‐glc‐rut after ultrasound evaluated by the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power methods was observed.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the results of the present study show that ultrasound will accelerate the degradation of Cy‐3‐glc‐rut with the growth of power over time. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Qualitative analysis of major constituents from Xue Fu Zhu Yu Decoction using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with hybrid ion trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Fu Chunyan , Xia Zian , Liu Yonghui , Lu Hongmei , Zhang Zhimin , Wang Yang , Fan Xiaqiong
Published: July 2016

Xue Fu Zhu Yu Decoction, a famous formula that has been used for treating many blood stasis‐caused diseases for many centuries, comprises 11 kinds of traditional Chinese medicines. A convenient, efficient, and rapid analytical method was developed to simultaneously determine the major compounds in this decoction. An ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with hybrid ion trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method was used to rapidly separate and detect the major constituents of the decoction. Using this technique, we identified or tentatively identified 34 compounds, including 21 flavonoids, 5 terpenoids, 3 organic acids, 2 lactones, 1 alkaloid, 1 amino acid, and 1 cyanogenic glycoside. The MS analysis of these constituents was described in detail. Findings may contribute to future metabolic and pharmacokinetic studies of this medicine.
Fate of Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen in Crusted and Non‐Crusted Kobresia Grasslands
Authors: Zhang Li , Unteregelsbacher Sebastian , Hafner Silke , Xu Xingliang , Schleuss Per‐Marten , Miehe Georg , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: July 2016

A widespread pattern of the Tibetan plateau is mosaics of grasslands of Cyperaceae and grasses with forbs, interspersed with patches covered by lichen crusts induced by overgrazing. However, the fate of inorganic and organic N in non‐crusted and crusted patches in Kobresia grasslands remains unknown. We reported on a field 15N‐labeling experiment in two contrasting patches to compare retention of organic and inorganic N over a period of 29 days. 15N as KNO3, (NH4)2SO4 or glycine was sprayed onto soil surface. Crusted patches decreased plant and soil N stocks. More 15N from three N forms was recovered in soil than plants in both patches 29 days after the labeling. In non‐crusted patches, 15N recovery by the living roots was about two times higher than in crusted ones, mainly because of higher root biomass. Microorganisms in non‐crusted patches were N‐limited because of more living roots and competed strongly for N with roots. Inorganic N input to non‐crusted patches could alleviate N limitation to plants and microorganisms, and leads to higher total 15N recovery (plant + soil) for inorganic N forms. Compared to non‐crusted patches, microorganisms in crusted patches were more C‐limited because of depletion of available C caused by less root exudation. Added glycine could activate microorganisms, together with the hydrophobicity of glycine and crusts, leading to higher 15N‐glycine than inorganic N. We conclude that overgrazing‐induced crusts in Kobresia grasslands changed the fate of inorganic and organic N, and lead to lower total recovery from inorganic N but higher from organic N. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early‐ and late‐onset essential tremor patients represent clinically distinct subgroups
Authors: Hopfner Franziska , Ahlf Anjuli , Lorenz Delia , Klebe Stephan , Zeuner Kirsten E. , Kuhlenbäumer Gregor , Deuschl Günther
Published: July 2016

Objective

Essential tremor is a very common disease defined by sparse clinical criteria. It is unlikely that essential tremor is an etiologically homogeneous disease. Stratifying broadly defined diseases using clinical characteristics has often aided the etiopathological understanding. Most studies of essential tremor show 2 distinct age at onset peaks: early and late. This study investigates phenotypical differences between early‐ and late‐onset essential tremor patients.

Methods

We studied a sample of 1137 tremor patients. Of these patients, 978 suffered from definite or probable essential tremor. All of the patients underwent the same standardized examination encompassing, among other items, drawing of the Archimedes spiral and assessment of the Fahn‐Tolosa‐Marin scale.

Results

Two subgroups of early‐onset (≤ 24 years of age, n = 317) and late‐onset (≥ 46 years of age, n = 356) patients were selected based on the visual and mathematical analysis of the age‐at‐onset distribution. Tremor severity in both groups was comparable. Tremor progression measured as Archimedes spiral score and the Fahn‐Tolosa‐Marin subscales divided by the disease duration in 10‐year bins was significantly faster in late‐onset patients when compared with early‐onset patients. Early‐onset patients more frequently reported a positive family history and alcohol sensitivity of the tremor.

Conclusions

The age‐at‐onset distribution suggests a distinction between early‐ and late‐onset tremor. Early‐onset and late‐onset essential tremor differ in the progression rates and the frequencies of a positive family history and history of a positive effect of alcohol on tremor. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Ein Ozean voller Biotechprodukte
Authors: Kirchhoff Tobias , Bengs Holger
Published: July 2016

Gute Stimmung auf den Biotechnologietagen, gute Stimmung bei den Unternehmern. Doch die Branche bleibt hinter ihren Möglichkeiten zurück, und die Politik motiviert falsch.
Fakten und Trends: Chemiestudiengänge 2015
Authors: Schmitz Karin
Published: July 2016

Wie jedes Jahr hat die Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker auch 2015 umfangreiche statistische Daten zu den Chemiestudiengängen erhoben. Danach gab es erneut mehr Studienanfänger als im Vorjahr. Bei den Studienabschlüssen waren Master und Promotionen weiter ansteigend, während die Zahl der Bachelorabsolventen auf hohem Niveau blieb. Fast alle Bachelorabsolventen von Universitäten und über 60 Prozent von Fachhochschulen schlossen ein Masterstudium an. Rund 80 Prozent der Masterabsolventen von Universitäten und etwa 10 Prozent der Masterabsolventen von Fachhochschulen begannen eine Promotion. Für promovierte Absolventen blieb der Berufseinstieg schwieriger als für die Absolventen vergangener Jahre.
Current practices of obesity pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery referral and coding for counselling by healthcare professionals
Authors: Petrin Christine , Kahan Scott , Turner M. , Gallagher C. , Dietz W. H.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Rates of obesity pharmacotherapy use, bariatric surgery and intensive behavioural counselling have been extremely low.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to survey healthcare provider beliefs, practice and knowledge regarding obesity management.

Methods

Primary care physicians (PCPs), OB‐GYN physicians and nurse practitioners (NPs) responded to a web‐based survey related to drug therapy practice, bariatric surgery referral and reimbursement coding practice.

Results

Rates of reported use of obesity pharmacotherapy appear to be increasing among PCPs, which is likely related to the approval of four new obesity pharmacotherapy agents since 2012. Rates of pharmacotherapy use among OB‐GYNs and NPs appear much lower. Similarly, few PCPs are averse to recommending bariatric surgery, but aversion among OB‐GYNs and NPs is significantly higher.

Conclusion

Together, these observations suggest that OB‐GYN and NP populations are important targets for education about obesity management. Very few PCPs, OB‐GYNs or NPs use behavioural counselling coding for obesity. Better understanding of why this benefit is not being fully used could inform outreach to improve counselling rates.
Ion channel blockers and glioblastoma risk and outcome: a nested case–control and retrospective cohort studies
Authors: Boursi Ben , Han Harry J , Haynes Kevin , Mamtani Ronac , Yang Yu‐Xiao
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Mutations in ion channels are common among patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and promote cell migration and invasion. We sought to evaluate the association between the use of specific ion channel blockers such as digoxin, amiodarone, diltiazem and verapamil and GBM risk and survival.

Methods

We conducted a nested case–control study in a large primary care database from the UK. Cases were defined as all individuals with incident diagnosis of GBM during follow‐up. For each case, up to four controls were selected using incidence density sampling. The primary exposure of interest was active treatment with each of the four ion channel blockers. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between ion channel blocker use and GBM risk. We then performed a Cox regression analysis among those diagnosed with GBM in order to evaluate the association between use of ion channel blockers and overall survival. Both analyses were adjusted to common confounders.

Results

The study included 1076 cases and 4253 matched controls. There was no statistically significant difference between cases and controls in cardiac and metabolic risk factors. There was no change in GBM risk in active users of ion channel blockers compared with non‐users. Among patients with GBM, active users of amiodarone had worse survival compared with never users with an HR of 4.41 (95%CI 1.95–9.96). There was no statistically significant change in survival among diltiazem, verapamil or digoxin users.

Conclusion

Treatment with specific ion channel blockers was not associated with the risk of GBM but was associated with worse survival in patients with GBM. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical investigation of the structures and spectroscopic properties of (H2O4)n (n = 1–4) clusters
Authors: Kim Hong‐Dal , Seo Hyun‐Il , Song Hui‐Seong , Kim Seung‐Joon
Published: July 2016

Density functional theory and ab initio calculations were performed to elucidate the hydrogen interactions in (H2O4)n (n = 1–4) clusters. The optimized geometries, binding energies, and harmonic vibrational frequencies were predicted at various levels of theory. The trans conformer of the H2O4 monomer was predicted to be the most stable structure at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level of theory. The binding energies per H2O4 monomer increased in absolute value by 9.0, 10.1, and 11.8 kcal/mol from n = 2 to n = 4 at the MP2/cc‐pVTZ level of theory (after the zero‐point vibrational energy and basis set superposition error corrections). This result implies that the intermolecular hydrogen bonds were stronger in the long‐chain clusters, that is, the formation of the longer chain in the (H2O4)n clusters was more energetically favorable.
Exogenous lipoid pneumonia caused by herbicide inhalation
Authors: Hotta Takamasa , Tsubata Yukari , Okimoto Tamio , Hoshino Teppei , Hamaguchi Shun‐ichi , Isobe Takeshi
Published: July 2016

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia is caused by aspiration or inhalation of oily substances. Generally, lipoid pneumonia has non‐specific clinical and radiological presentations and may be misdiagnosed as bacterial pneumonia. Our patient, a 68‐year‐old man who had been diagnosed with pneumonia on three previous occasions, was admitted to our hospital with a fourth similar episode. Computed tomography of the chest revealed extensive consolidations with air bronchograms in lung fields on the right side. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) increased ghost‐like macrophages that stained positive for lipid. Our patient reported that he had sprayed herbicide in large quantities without wearing a mask. We analysed the BALF and herbicide by gas chromatography and diagnosed exogenous lipoid pneumonia caused by inhalation of herbicide. Clinicians should be aware of lipoid pneumonia, which may present as infectious pneumonia.
CP‐ABE with outsourced decryption and directionally hidden policy
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Liu Wenyang
Published: July 2016

Ciphertext‐policy attribute‐based encryption (CP‐ABE) is a novel cryptographic primitive for access controlling. However, the existing CP‐ABE schemes are very inefficient as the decryptions involve many expensive pairing operations. Another drawback is that the access policy itself may disclose some privacies of the users. In certain applications, access structures also should be protected. In this work, we propose a notion of CP‐ABE with outsourced decryption and directionally hidden policy, which allows a semi‐trusted proxy in the cloud to help a user decrypt a ciphertext, but the proxy cannot learn the plaintext and the access policy. We construct a concrete scheme from Waters' CP‐ABE and prove its security, verifiability, and directionally hidden policy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of α‐Fe2O3 porous array film and its crystallization effect on its H2S sensing properties
Authors: Xu Zongke , Duan Guotao , Kong Mingguang , Su Xingsong , Cai Weiping
Published: July 2016

The α‐Fe2O3 porous array film is synthesized based on an alternative and flexible route by transferring a solution‐dipped self‐organized colloidal template onto device substrate and subsequent annealing treatment. The sensing properties of the film to H2S and other interfering gases were studied in detail. It was observed that porous array film annealed at 400 oC showed optimized sensing performance with both higher response and better selectivity to H2S than those annealed at 300 oC, 500 oC and 600 oC. Detailed researches indicated the grain size of the α‐Fe2O3 porous array film was closely related to annealing temperature, in which the sensing properties to H2S was deeply affected by the crystallization effect. A possible gas sensing mechanism was thus proposed. Generally, the higher crystallinity leads to better selectivity while large grain size will decrease response. This work gives an alternative way to realize H2S detection with high response and selectivity.
Natural Sugars Derived Chiral Ionic Liquids for Asymmetric Michael Addition Reaction
Authors: Jayachandra R. , Reddy Sabbasani Rajasekhara , Balakrishna
Published: July 2016

Herein, we report the application of a new class of D‐xylose derived chiral ionic liquids (CILs) as chiral catalysts for the enantioselective Michael addition reaction between chalcone and diethylmalonate. These CILs were successfully employed for the same reaction and Michael adducts were obtained in very good yields with moderate enantioselectivity.
Ion Mobility Separations of Isomers based upon Long Path Length Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations Combined with Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Deng Liulin , Ibrahim Yehia M. , Baker Erin S. , Aly Noor A. , Hamid Ahmed M. , Zhang Xing , Zheng Xueyun , Garimella Sandilya V. B. , Webb Ian K. , Prost Spencer A. , Sandoval Jeremy A. , Norheim Randolph V. , Anderson Gordon A. , Tolmachev Aleksey V. , Smith Richard D.
Published: July 2016

Mass spectrometry (MS)‐based multi‐omic measurements, including proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and glycomics, are increasingly transforming our ability to characterize and understand biological systems. Multi‐omic analyses and the desire for comprehensive measurement coverage presently have limitations due to the chemical diversity and range of abundances of biomolecules in complex samples. Advances addressing these challenges increasingly are based upon the ability to quickly separate, react and otherwise manipulate sample components for analysis by MS. Here we report on a new approach using Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations (SLIM) to enable long serpentine path ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) separations followed by MS analyses. This approach provides previously unachieved resolution for biomolecular species, in conjunction with more effective ion utilization, and a basis for greatly improved characterization of very small sample sizes.
Differentiation of two Kampo formulae, yokukansankachimpihange and chotosan, for treatment of headache using a predictive model derived from a patient‐based questionnaire database
Authors: Kimura Yoko , Tanaka Akira , Sato Hiroshi , Ito Takashi
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify specific indications for treatment with either yokukansankachimpihange or chotosan, Kampo agents commonly used to treat headache refractory to conventional treatments.

Methods

On multidimensional contingency table analysis using the Kampo database, specific symptoms associated with positive outcome for each agent were identified according to Akaike information criterion, and logit regression was used to predict outcome for both agents in individual patients. This predictive model was validated in another 157 patients (M/F, 12/145; age, 20–84 years). The Kampo treatment with the higher probability of positive outcome in each patient was then used for that patient for 1 month.

Results

Specific symptoms identified as indications for yokukansankachimpihange were stiffness in the back (partial regression coefficient, 2.25), painful sensation in the eyes (3.28), and irritability (0.25). Those for chotosan were morning headache (partial regression coefficient 3.68), vasodilatation of sublingual veins (1.62), and stiff shoulder (1.28). Yokukansankachimpihange may mainly relieve triggering factors of headache. In the validation study, the model predicted greater efficacy for yokukansankachimpihange in 79 patients (M/F, 4/75; age, 20–84 years) and for chotosan in 78 patients (M/F, 8/70; age, 22–78 years). After treatment for 1 month, the predictive accuracy was 76%.

Conclusions

Six symptoms serving as practical indications for selection of either yokukansankachimpihange or chotosan to treat patients with headache, were identified.
Neuroprotective Fatty Acids from the Stem Bark of Sorbus commixta
Authors: Kim Chung Sub , Suh Won Se , Subedi Lalita , Kim Sun Yeou , Choi Sang Un , Lee Kang Ro
Published: July 2016

Phytochemical investigation of the bark from the stems of Sorbus commixta led to the isolation and characterization of a new fatty acid, sorcomic acid (1), along with nine known analogues (2–10). The structure of the new compound (1) was determined through NMR (1H and 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY), MS, and specific optical rotation. The known compounds (2–10) were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those in the literature. The biological activities of all the isolated compounds (1–10) were evaluated: compounds 1, 5, and 7 potently induced NGF secretion from C6 glioma cells (233.40 ± 12.82, 194.40 ± 8.05, and 185.74 ± 10.25 %, respectively) and compound 10 reduced NO levels with an IC50 value of 71.25 μM in murine microglia BV2 cells stimulated by LPS.
Surgical management of anal stenosis: anoplasty with or without sphincterotomy
Authors: Tahamtan Mehdi , Ghahramani Leila , Khazraei Hajar , Tabar Yaser Tolouei , Bananzadeh Alimohammad , Hosseini Seyed Vahid , Izadpanah Ahmad , Hajihosseini Fahime
Published: July 2016

Aim Anal stenosis is an uncommon complication of anorectal surgery, mostly resulting from circumferential hemorrhoidectomy or resection of the skin tag in surgical management of chronic anal fissure. The aim of anoplasty is to restore normal function to the anus by dividing the stricture and widening the anal canal. Internal sphincterotomy may cause gas incontinence and if we manage the stenosis without sphincterotomy it could be failed. Could we use anoplasty without sphincterotomy?

Method The patients with anal stenosis were assigned in to two groups. The first group underwent Y-V anoplasty without partial lateral internal sphinctrotomy and the second one underwent Y-V anoplasty with partial lateral internal sphinctrotomy.

Result A total of 25 patients (10 male and 15 female) underwent anoplasty, 14 without partial lateral internal sphincterotomy and 11 patients with partial lateral internal sphincterotomy. The healing rate of stenosis was 91% and 93% in groups undergoing anoplasty without partial lateral internal sphinctrotomy and anoplasty with partial lateral internal sphictrotomy, respectively (p value 0.69). There was no significant change in both groups for post-operative incontinence complaints.

Conclusion The healing rate of anal stenosis was the same in the patients who underwent Y-V anoplasty with or without partial lateral internal sphinctrotomy. There was no significant change in post-operation incontinence between the two groups. Therefore, Y-V anoplasty would be a safe and simple surgical method in selected patients. Partial lateral internal sphinctrotomy procedure has been noticed in individual cases.
Measurements of passive scalar diffusion downstream of regular and fractal grids
Authors: Nedić J. , Tavoularis S.
Published: July 2016

The diffusion of heat injected from a line source into turbulence generated by regular and fractal grids with the same solidity and inlet velocity was investigated experimentally with particular interest in the effects of grid geometry and relative location of the source on the width of the thermal plume and the mixing efficiency. These grids included one fractal square grid (FSG) and three regular square grids with mesh sizes that were comparable to the first (RG160), second (RG80) and fourth (RG18) iterations of the fractal grid. The heated line source was inserted on the centre plane of the grids, spanning the entire width of the wind tunnel at either of two downstream locations, an upstream location or a location nearly coincident with a grid. It was found that, in all cases examined, RG160 produced the strongest diffusion of the thermal plume and the highest level of scalar mixing. These observations were consistent with the evolution of the corresponding turbulent diffusivities, which, according to Taylor’s theory of diffusion, are the product of the transverse turbulence intensity and the integral length scale. We argue that to maximise scalar diffusion and mixing of a scalar released from a concentrated source inside a duct, one should prefer a regular grid over a fractal square grid; we also recommend the use of a grid with a mesh size roughly equal to half the height of the duct and placed at approximately one duct height upstream of the source.
Reading Assessment in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Paynter Jessica , Westerveld Marleen F. , Trembath David
Published: July 2016

The social-communication and behavioural difficulties experienced by children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are well documented in the research literature; however, relatively little attention has been paid to their commonly experienced reading difficulties. In this article, we synthesise the findings of the research to date and provide practical recommendations for school psychologists and counsellors tasked with assessing and supporting children with ASD who experience reading difficulties. Central to these recommendations is the need for comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment tailored to each child's needs, at all times avoiding common assumptions regarding literacy and learning in children with ASD.
‘WHOEVER LEAVES THEIR TRADITIONS IS A SLAVE’: CONTEMPORARY NOTIONS OF SERVITUDE IN AN EAST AFRICAN TOWN
Authors: Hillewaert Sarah
Published: July 2016

This article examines contemporary discourses on and conceptions ofutumwaor ‘slavery’ on the Indian Ocean island of Lamu. It discusses how residents of this Swahili town use historical understandings of servitude as moral rather than mere physical subjugation to formulate judgements on current processes of change within the town. Central to the discussion are ideologies ofuungwana(civilization) andheshima(respectability) that historically shaped social stratification in Lamu, and particularly the enduring views that an embodiment ofheshimaand its visible mediation within material practices facilitate a distinction between nobleman and slave. By examining how these norms are currently incorporated within everyday assessments of young people's public behaviour, I argue that the moral ideologies that shaped social structure during the era of slavery meaningfully influence ascriptions of social standing within contemporary Lamu. Specifically, the article explores how discourses aboututumwaare grafted onto contemporary moral assessments of ‘beach boys’ or Lamu youth working in the local tourism industry. I suggest that the ideologies ofutumwa, and the moral values that accompany it, motivate and facilitate the discursive constructions of beach boys’ work as idleness rather than gainful employment.
‘THE NIGHT WAR OF NAMPULA’: VULNERABLE CHILDREN, SOCIAL CHANGE AND SPIRITUAL INSECURITY IN NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE
Authors: Trentini Daria
Published: July 2016

People living in the neighbourhoods of Nampula city, northern Mozambique, often speak of a war that is being waged at night, during which sick infants and small children figure more and more frequently as the preferred prey of malevolent ancestors, witches and new malign spirits that come at night, and who abduct and enslave them in order to harm their families. The purpose of this article is to explore what this ‘war of the night’ reveals, to understand why it is that mothers are afraid their babies and children will be stolen from the compound and, finally, to analyse the ways in which families handle their fears and apprehensions about a child's sickness. I begin this analysis of the ‘war of the night’, and the accompanying anxieties surrounding infants and children, by examining it in relation to large-scale changes that have occurred both at the micro-level of the household and in the community more generally. Specifically, the article looks at the ways in which ongoing economic and social transformations are reconfiguring gender and generational relationships, which, in turn, generates more insecurity within the household and intensifies a sense of existential threat from external forces. The article then examines the cultural logic of rumours and beliefs involving children, as a consideration of local interpretations and experiences of infancy and childhood helps shed light on local concepts of (children's) vulnerability. With the aid of three case studies, the article charts how families manage children's diseases. It shows how the uncertainty surrounding an illness is not always ameliorated by divinations or by the healing provided by women working on behalf of ancestral power. Instead, women healers often crystallize and intensify mothers’ fears, also because their medical and ritual interventions are not always effective. The article concludes by examining the reasons why these women healers are increasingly struggling to manage the evil forces haunting infants and children and to make their medical interventions effective, and the effect of this on their local authority.
Party Policy Diffusion
Authors: BÖHMELT TOBIAS , EZROW LAWRENCE , LEHRER RONI , WARD HUGH
Published: July 2016

Do parties learn from or emulate parties in other political systems? This research develops the argument that parties are more likely to employ the heuristic of learning from and emulatingforeign successful (incumbent) parties. Spatial-econometric analyses of parties’ election policies from several established democracies robustly confirm that political parties respond to left-right policy positions of foreign political parties that have recently governed. By showing that parties respond to theseforeign incumbent parties, this work has significant implications for our understanding of party competition. Furthermore, we contribute to the literature on public policy diffusion, as we suggest that political parties are important vehiclesthroughwhich public policies diffuse.