bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preferential cytotoxicity of crude drugs used in Japanese Kampo medicines against human pancreatic cancer PANC‐1 and PSN‐1 cells
Authors: Lee Sullim , Dibwe Dya F. , Li Feng , Morita Hiroyuki , Tezuka Yasuhiro
Published: February 2015

Aim

Pancreatic cancer is the most aggressive cancer of all and has an exceptionally high global mortality rate, ranking seventh as the most frequent cause of cancer death. In order to identify an anti‐pancreatic cancer drug, we screened 24 crude drugs used in Kampo medicine for preferential cytotoxicity based on anti‐austerity strategy.

Methods

Preferential cytotoxicity was determined by comparing the cytotoxicities against PANC‐1 and PSN‐1 human pancreatic cancer cells in normal medium (DMEM) and nutrient‐deprived medium. The extracts that showed potent activity were then examined for the mechanism of cell death on ethidium bromide/acridine orange (EB/AO) double staining.

Results

Among the 24 extracts examined, extract of andrographis herba (aerial part of Andrographis paniculata) had the most potent preferential cytotoxicity against both cell lines, with concentration at which 50% of cells died preferentially in NDM (PC50
) of 9.72 µg/mL (PANC‐1) and 9.41 µg/mL (PSN‐1), and extracts of isodonis herba (aerial part of Plectranthus japonicas), phellodendri cortex (bark of Phellodendron amurense), licopodium (spore of Lycopodium clavatum), and panacis japonici rhizoma (radix of Panax japonicas) had mild activity. On EB/AO double‐staining of cells treated by these extracts, isodonis herba, licopodium, and panacis japonici rhizoma induced apoptosis‐like cell death under nutrient starvation, whereas phellodendri cortex and andrographis herba induced necrosis‐like cell death.

Conclusion

The crude drugs used in Japanese Kampo medicines, isodonis herba, phellodendri cortex, licopodium, andrographis herba, and panacis japonici rhizoma, could be used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and/or as sources of anti‐pancreatic cancer drugs.
Property improvement of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) by nano‐TiO2 and poly(methyl methacrylate)–encapsulated nano‐TiO2
Authors: Chuayjuljit Saowaroj , Neeranatmanit Konlasad , Boonmahitthisud Anyaporn
Published: February 2015

To improve the physical properties of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (p‐PVC), the p‐PVC nanocomposites filled with four loading levels (3, 5, 7, and 9 parts per hundred of PVC resin) of either nanosized titanium dioxide (nTiO2) or poly(methyl methacrylate)–encapsulated nTiO2 (PMMA‐nTiO2) were prepared by melt mixing on a two‐roll mill, followed by compression molding. The PMMA‐nTiO2 used in this study was synthesized via in situ differential microemulsion polymerization. The resulting PMMA‐nTiO2 exhibited core‐shell morphology (nTiO2 core and PMMA shell) with an average diameter of 42.6 nm. The effects of nTiO2 and PMMA‐nTiO2 on the tensile properties, hardness, morphology, and thermal stability of the as‐prepared p‐PVC nanocomposites were then investigated and compared. The inclusion of either nTiO2 or PMMA‐nTiO2 nanoparticles increased the tensile strength, Young's modulus, hardness, and thermal stability of the nanocomposites in a dose‐dependent manner and reduced the elongation at break. However, the elongation at break was still higher than that for the neat p‐PVC. Moreover, the PMMA‐nTiO2 nanocomposites had a higher enhancement of the tensile strength, Young's modulus, hardness, and thermal stability than the nTiO2 nanocomposites at a similar loading level. Hence, the PMMA grafted on the nTiO2 surface played an important role in toughening and increasing the thermal stability of the nanocomposites owing to the improved miscibility and interfacial adhesion between the encapsulated nanofiller and PVC matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:433–440, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Brief report: Into the wild? How a film can change adolescents' values
Authors: Döring Anna K. , Hillbrink Alessa
Published: February 2015

In adolescence, behavior and attitudes are constantly rethought and value priorities are established. Still, there is hardly any research addressing how values are shaped throughout this sensitive period. We employed an experimental design, testing whether adolescents' values can be influenced by exposure to a film. In our study, 154 German adolescents (80 females, ages 13–15) were randomly assigned to an experimental group that watched excerpts from the film “Into the wild” or to a control group. Value change was assessed in a pre‐post‐test design with a one‐week interval. As hypothesized, values changed in the direction of those displayed by the film's protagonist: Universalism values increased significantly and conformity values decreased significantly as compared to the control group. Our findings suggest that single exposure to a film may initiate value change, indicating that not only major live events, but also everyday experiences significantly affect adolescents' values.
Propuesta de un modelo para medir activos intangibles en empresas de software a partir de una herramienta multicriterio
Authors: González Patricia
Published: February 2015

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una propuesta de un modelo para medir y categorizar los activos intangibles en empresas pequeñas de software, a partir de los fundamentos teóricos de una herramienta multicriterio como es el Análisis de Procesos por Jerarquías, de tal modo que esto permita identificar la mejor empresa de software. La metodología consistió en aplicar el modelo propuesto para medir intangibles en tres empresas de software ubicadas en el Parque Tecnológico de la Ciudad de Cali (Colombia), en donde el programa expert choice fue usado para fines de cálculo. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, se concluye que los gerentes podrían tomar decisiones relacionadas con procesos de mejora continua, benchmarking e, incluso, aquellas relacionadas con inversión y gestión.
Temperament and character dimensions assessed in general population, in individuals with psychoactive substance dependence and in young male conscripts
Authors: Vitoratou S. , Ntzoufras I. , Theleritis C. , Smyrnis N. , Stefanis N.C.
Published: February 2015

Background:

In this work we consider Cloninger's psychobiological model, which measures two dimensions of personality: character and temperament. Temperament refers to the biological basis of personality and its characteristics, while character refers to an individual's attitudes towards own self, towards humanity and as part of the universe.

Methods:

The Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised-140 (TCI-R-140) was administered to 3 divergent samples: a general population sample, a sample of male conscripts and a sample of individuals attending a substance abuse rehabilitation programme. Score differences among the three samples were assessed controlling for age and gender and reliability coefficients are reported. The latent structure was studied in all samples, using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis methods (EFA and CFA respectively).

Results:

The proposed structure was partially replicated via EFA. CFA however indicated less than satisfactory fit, as in previously reported results. To improve the fit, the path diagram was augmented to account for multiple factor complexity, as suggested by the EFA results in all samples. While retaining the original seven-factor structure, the augmented model provided adequate fit. The consistency of the inventory was satisfactory in all samples. Evidence for the construct validity was found in relation to aggression.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to conclude in adequate fit, after allowing for the indicators to load on more than one factor within each dimension. While cross-national differences apply, our results were similar (when comparable) with previously reported ones in the literature.
Purification and properties of recombinant Brassica napus diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1
Authors: Caldo Kristian Mark P. , Greer Michael S. , Chen Guanqun , Lemieux M. Joanne , Weselake Randall J.
Published: February 2015

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) catalyzes the final step in the acyl‐CoA‐dependent triacylglycerol biosynthesis. Although the first DGAT1 gene was identified many years ago and the encoded enzyme catalyzes a key step in lipid biosynthesis, no detailed structure–function information is available on the enzyme due to difficulties associated with its purification. This study describes the purification of recombinant Brassica napus DGAT1 (BnaC.DGAT1.a) in active form through solubilization in n‐dodecyl‐β‐d‐maltopyranoside, cobalt affinity chromatography, and size‐exclusion chromatography. Different BnaC.DGAT1.a oligomers in detergent micelles were resolved during the size‐exclusion process. BnaC.DGAT1.a was purified 126‐fold over the solubilized fraction and exhibited a specific activity of 26 nmol TAG/min/mg protein. The purified enzyme exhibited substrate preference for α‐linolenoyl‐CoA >
oleoyl‐CoA = palmitoyl‐CoA >
linoleoyl‐CoA >
stearoyl‐CoA.
The effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy for patients with New York Heart Association class IV non‐ambulatory heart failure
Authors: Yamashita Soichiro , Fukuzawa Koji , Yoshida Akihiro , Itoh Mitsuaki , Imamura Kimitake , Fujiwara Ryudo , Suzuki Atsushi , Nakanishi Tomoyuki , Matsumoto Akinori , Kanda Gaku , Kiuchi Kunihiko , Shimane Akira , Okajima Katsunori , Tanaka Hidekazu , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: February 2015

Background

We reviewed the effectiveness and safety of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV non‐ambulatory heart failure (NAHF).

Methods

From 2006 to 2011, 310 patients underwent CRT at Kobe University Hospital and Himeji Cardiovascular Center because of heart failure. Of these, 29 NAHF patients were retrospectively analyzed. The control group comprised 21 age‐ and ejection fraction‐matched patients with NAHF who did not undergo CRT from the ICU database of Kobe University Hospital. The primary endpoint was all‐cause death and hospitalization for heart failure. Response was defined as a >15% reduction in left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV).

Results

CRT was performed successfully without serious complications in all patients. Twenty‐three patients (79%) were discharged 19±15 days after CRT implantation, while 6 (21%) died during their hospital stay due to progressive heart failure. Compared with the control group, patients in the CRT group showed significant improvements in the primary endpoint (log‐rank p=0.04). Six patients (21%) were defined as responders and the Kaplan–Meier curve showed that responders experienced a better outcome than non‐responders (log‐rank p=0.029). LV dyssynchrony before implantation was significantly related to the occurrence of the primary endpoint (p=0.02).

Conclusions

CRT can be safely used in patients with NAHF and can improve long‐term patient outcomes, especially in treatment responders.
Inappropriate mode switching clarified by using a chest radiograph
Authors: Marino Brian , Jaiswal Abhishek , Goldbarg Seth
Published: February 2015

An 80‐year‐old woman with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and atrioventricular node disease status post‐dual chamber pacemaker placement was noted to have abnormal pacing episodes during a percutaneous coronary intervention. Pacemaker interrogation revealed a high number of short duration mode switching episodes. Representative electrograms demonstrated high frequency nonphysiologic recordings predominantly in the atrial lead. Intrinsic pacemaker malfunction was excluded. A chest radiograph showed excess atrial and ventricular lead slack in the right ventricular inflow. It was suspected that lead–lead interaction resulted in artifacts and oversensing, causing frequent short episodes of inappropriate mode switching.
Disorganised stroma determined on pre‐treatment breast cancer biopsies is associated with poor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Results from the NEOZOTAC trial
Authors: Dekker T.J.A. , Charehbili A. , Smit V.T.H.B.M. , ten Dijke P. , Meershoek-Klein Kranenbarg E. , van de Velde C.J.H. , Nortier J.W.R. , Tollenaar R.A.E.M. , Mesker W.E. , Kroep J.R.
Published: February 2015

Introduction

The tumor‐associated stroma is of importance for tumor progression and is generally accepted to have a significant influence on patient prognosis. However, little is known regarding specific features of tumor‐associated stromal tissues and response to (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy. This study investigated the predictive value of extracellular matrix organization on response to chemotherapy in patients treated in the NEOZOTAC trial.

Methods

Stromal organisation was analyzed via a simple method using image analysis software on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained slides from primary tumor biopsies collected as part of the NEOZOTAC trial. Heidenhain's AZAN trichrome‐stained slides were also analyzed for comparison of collagen evaluation. Sections were stained for phospho‐Smad2 (pS2) in order to determine the relationship of TGF‐β signaling with stromal organization.

Results

A statistically significant relationship was observed between stroma consisting of organised collagen and pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Odds Ratio 0.276, 95%CI 0.124–0.614, P = 0.002). This parameter was also related to ER‐status (P = 0.003), clinical tumor ‐status (P = 0.041), nodal status (P = 0.029) and pS2 status (P = 0.025). Correlation between stromal organisation determined on H&E‐stained and AZAN‐stained tissue sections was high (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.806).

Conclusion

Intratumoral stromal organisation determined using pre‐treatment breast cancer biopsies was related to pathological response to chemotherapy. This parameter might play a role in the management of breast cancer for identifying those patients that are likely to benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Determinants of Effective Caregiver Communication After Adolescent Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Hobart‐Porter Laura , Wade Shari , Minich Nori , Kirkwood Michael , Stancin Terry , Taylor Hudson Gerry
Published: February 2015

Objective

To characterize the effects of caregiver mental health and coping strategies on interactions with an injured adolescent acutely after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Design

Multi‐site, cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Outpatient setting of 3 tertiary pediatric hospitals and 2 tertiary general medical centers.

Participants

Adolescents (N = 125) aged 12‐17 years, 1‐6 months after being hospitalized with complicated mild to severe TBI.

Methods

Data were collected as part of a multi‐site clinical trial of family problem‐solving therapy after TBI. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the relationship of caregiver and environmental characteristics to the dimensions of effective communication, warmth, and negativity during caregiver‐adolescent problem‐solving discussions.

Main Outcomes Measures

Adolescent and caregiver interactions, as measured by the Iowa Family Interaction Rating Scales.

Results

Caregivers who utilized problem‐focused coping strategies were rated as having higher levels of effective communication (P < .01), as were those with higher socioeconomic status (P < .01). Problem‐focused coping style and higher socioeconomic status were also associated lower levels of negative interactions (P < .01 and P < .05, respectively). Female gender of the adolescent and fewer children in the home were associated with increased parental warmth during the interaction (P < .01 and P < .05, respectively). Neither adolescent TBI severity nor caregiver depression significantly influenced caregiver‐teen interactions.

Conclusions

Problem‐focused coping strategies are associated with higher levels of effective communication and lower levels of caregiver negativity during the initial months after adolescent TBI, suggesting that effective caregiver coping may facilitate better caregiver‐adolescent interactions after TBI.
Between institutional political and policy agenda: An analysis of issue congruence in the 2004–2008 election cycle in Slovenia
Authors: Kropivnik Samo , Lipicer Simona Kustec
Published: February 2015

This article draws on the assumption that certain congruence between the parties’ electoral platforms and of the succeeding government’s performance shall exist in democratic systems and shall, as such, be considered as an important research topic for the researchers of democratic policy-making processes and political systems in general. In the article, we analyse whether the contents of parties’ electoral programmes and the contents of key post-electoral governmental policy documents — that is, the coalition agreement, the government sessions’ agenda and governmental weekly press releases —correspond to each other. Slovenia, as one of the younger EU democracies, is used as a case study to test the application of the stated. Original Manifesto Research on Political Representation (MARPOR) methodology for quantifying documents’ content is applied and analysis primarily focuses on governmental period of the first right-centred government from 2004 to 2008. The conclusions confirm the existence of issue congruence in the period of the analysed electoral cycle, and at the same time reveal substantial specifics between the hierarchy of political to policy issue orientations of the government and its constitutive political parties. Consequently, an initiative for constructing a tentative theory of political documents is put forward on the basis of inductive research conclusions.
Spieler- und Jugendschutz in Spielhallen: Ein Praxistest
Authors: Meyer Gerhard , Meduna Marc von , Brosowski Tim
Published: February 2015

Der Gesetzgeber hat das Gefährdungspotenzial von Geldspielautomaten in Spielhallen erkannt und im GlüStV sowie in Spielhallengesetzen differenzierte Maßnahmen zum Jugend- und Spielerschutz festgelegt. Zielsetzung: In der vorliegenden Untersuchung wird die Compliance der Mitarbeiter in Bremer Spielhallen überprüft. Methode: Testspieler und Beobachter haben 29 von 111 Spielhallen in Bremen (26 %) aufgesucht, Alterskontrollen erfasst, Merkmale problematischen Spielverhaltens simuliert, Spielsperren eingerichtet, Abgleiche mit der Sperrliste kontrolliert und die Reaktion des Personals in Protokollbögen festgehalten. Ergebnisse: Die Umsetzung der gesetzlich geforderten Maßnahmen fand nur in geringem Ausmaß statt. Ausweiskontrollen der 20 bis 25-jährigen Testspieler erfolgten in 26 % der Besuche. Auf erkennbare Merkmale problematischen Spielverhaltens zeigte das Personal lediglich in 6 von 112 Fällen (5 %) angemessene Reaktionen. Letztendlich konnte in 18 Fällen (62 %) eine Sperre, ein Hausverbot oder eine sperrähnliche Absprache eingerichtet bzw. getroffen werden, wobei teilweise große Hürden, wie das Einreichen zusätzlicher Passfotos, mehrmaliges Erscheinen oder Aufsuchen anderer Standorte, zu überwinden waren. Bei den nachfolgenden 15 Kontrollbesuchen konnten 13 gesperrte Testspieler (87 %) problemlos ihre Einsätze beim Automatenspiel tätigen. Diskussion: Der Staat ist gefordert, die Einhaltung der gesetzlichen Vorgaben stärker zu überwachen, um die Compliance zu erhöhen. Eine Verbesserung des Spielerschutzes ließe sich außerdem durch eine landesweite zentrale Sperrdatei für Bremer Spielhallen – nach dem Vorbild in Hessen – erreichen oder – als empfehlenswerte Alternative – durch eine Vernetzung der Spielsperren mit der Deutschen Sperrdatenbank.
Glücksspielgesetzgebung in Deutschland und Glücksspielverhalten der Bevölkerung
Authors: Hanewinkel Reiner , Clemens Franziska , Walther Birte , Morgenstern Matthis
Published: February 2015

Zielsetzung: Bewirkt die Vergabe von 48 Sportwetten- und Online-Casino-Lizenzen sowie die Lockerung von Werberestriktionen in Schleswig-Holstein (SH) Veränderungen des Glückspielverhaltens der Bevölkerung? Methodik: Wiederholte Querschnittsbefragung repräsentativer Stichproben (≥ 16 Jahre) aus SH vs. dem übrigen Bundesgebiet. Vor (2012) und nach (2013) der Lizenzvergabe wurden jeweils 1.000 Personen in den beiden Untersuchungsregionen interviewt. Ergebnisse: 2012 betrug die 12-Monats-Prävalenz des Glücksspiels in SH 39,3%, in den übrigen Bundesländern 36,9% (p > 0,05). Im Jahr 2013 lag der Unterschied bei 39,0% vs. 33,6% (p < 0,05), vornehmlich aufgrund einer häufigeren Teilnahme an Lotterien in SH. Eine signifikante Interaktion zwischen Befragungsregion und Zeit zeigte sich jedoch nicht. Auf Ebene einzelner Glücksspiele ergaben sich ebenfalls keine unterschiedlichen Entwicklungen über die Zeit, allein der Anteil der Poker-Spielenden hatte in SH einen stärkeren Rückgang als in den anderen Bundesländern (p < 0,05). Keine Unterschiede fanden sich bei der Teilnahme an Glücksspielen im Internet und bei der Prävalenz des pathologischen Spielens. Schlussfolgerungen: Obwohl die 12-Monats-Prävalenz des Glücksspiels 2013 in SH bedeutsam höher lag als im übrigen Bundesgebiet, lässt sich aus den vorliegenden Daten keine spielfördernde Auswirkung der veränderten rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen in SH auf das Glücksspielverhalten der Bevölkerung ableiten.
Können Alkoholabhängige ihre Trinkmengen durch eine Kombination von Medikamenten und Kurzinterventionen dauerhaft reduzieren?
Authors: Mann Karl
Published: February 2015

Hintergrund: Die traditionelle Behandlung von Alkoholabhängigen in Deutschland ist erfolgreich, allerdings nehmen sie nur rund 10 Prozent der Betroffenen wahr. Ein Grund hierfür liegt in der Forderung nach lebenslanger Abstinenz. Fragestellung: Es fragt sich daher, ob eine Erniedrigung dieser sehr hohen Eingangsschwelle zu einer stärkeren Nachfrage führt. Weiter ist zu fragen, ob alternative Angebote zum Beispiel mit dem Therapieziel der Konsumreduktion empirisch hinreichend belegt sind, um auch für den Bereich der Alkoholtherapie einen Schaden minimierenden Ansatz in Deutschland einzuführen. Ergebnisse: Eine amerikanische und eine englische Studie (Project MATCH und UKATT) belegen, dass mittels Psychotherapie eine Trinkmengenreduktion bei Alkoholabhängigen über längere Zeiträume möglich ist. Gleiches gilt für Medikamente wie zum Beispiel den Opioidmodulator Nalmefen. Bei rund 2400 in Europa behandelten Patienten zeigte sich ein stabiler Rückgang des Konsums bereits in der Kontrollgruppe (Kurzintervention plus Plazebo). Dieser Rückgang war signifikant stärker in der Gruppe ‚Nalmefen plus Kurzintervention‘. Die Substanz wurde von der europäischen Zulassungsbehörde (EMA) 2013 zugelassen und wurde 2014 in Deutschland eingeführt. Schlussfolgerungen: Im vorliegenden Positionspapier wird skizziert wie Alkoholabhängigen wesentlich schneller und in größerem Umfang als bisher Hilfen angeboten werden können. Damit ist die Hoffnung verbunden, dass sich Hausärzte zu einem stärkeren Engagement für Alkoholpatienten entschließen und so mehr Patienten für das Hilfesystem gewonnen werden.
Infants Discriminate Voicing and Place of Articulation With Reduced Spectral and Temporal Modulation Cues
Authors: Cabrera Laurianne , Lorenzi Christian , Bertoncini Josiane
Published: February 2015

Purpose

This study assessed the role of spectro-temporal modulation cues in the discrimination of 2 phonetic contrasts (voicing and place) for young infants.

Method

A visual-habituation procedure was used to assess the ability of French-learning 6-month-old infants with normal hearing to discriminate voiced versus unvoiced (/aba/-/apa/) and labial versus dental (/aba/-/ada/) stop consonants. The stimuli were processed by tone-excited vocoders to degrade frequency-modulation cues while preserving: (a) amplitude-modulation (AM) cues within 32 analysis frequency bands, (b) slow AM cues only (<16 Hz) within 32 bands, and (c) AM cues within 8 bands.

Results

Infants exhibited discrimination responses for both phonetic contrasts in each processing condition. However, when fast AM cues were degraded, infants required a longer exposure to vocoded stimuli to reach the habituation criterion.

Conclusions

Altogether, these results indicate that the processing of modulation cues conveying phonetic information on voicing and place is “functional” at 6 months. The data also suggest that the perceptual weight of fast AM speech cues may change during development.
Facial Nerve Trauma: Evaluation and Considerations in Management
Authors: Gordin Eli , Lee Thomas S. , Ducic Yadranko , Arnaoutakis Demetri
Published: February 2015

The management of facial paralysis continues to evolve. Understanding the facial nerve anatomy and the different methods of evaluating the degree of facial nerve injury are crucial for successful management. When the facial nerve is transected, direct coaptation leads to the best outcome, followed by interpositional nerve grafting. In cases where motor end plates are still intact but a primary repair or graft is not feasible, a nerve transfer should be employed. When complete muscle atrophy has occurred, regional muscle transfer or free flap reconstruction is an option. When dynamic reanimation cannot be undertaken, static procedures offer some benefit. Adjunctive tools such as botulinum toxin injection and biofeedback can be helpful. Several new treatment modalities lie on the horizon which hold potential to alter the current treatment algorithm.
A Comparison of the Lewis Basicity of Diamidocarbenes and Diaminocarbenes
Authors: Lai Chin-Hung
Published: February 2015

In this study, density functional theory calculations, using the M06-2X functional, were performed to investigate the efficiencies of various carbenes in inducing hydrogen abstraction in BH3 through the formation of a Lewis acid–base pair with BH3. The density functional theory results indicate that diamidocarbenes are more efficient in reducing the B–H bond energy of BH3 than diaminocarbenes. Natural bond orbital and combined charge and bond energy analyses were performed to investigate the Lewis acid–base pair formed by BH3 and the title carbenes.
Dark rooms in Brazilian nightclubs: a matter of concern for STD/HIV policymakers
Authors: Sanchez Zila M. , Carlini Claudia M. A. , Andreoni Solange
Published: February 2015

A mixed methods study in Brazil identified patterns of drug use, violence and sexual behaviours in a representative sample of nightclubs and patrons. Ethnographic observations were performed inside the nightclubs and showed the existence of “dark rooms” – areas reserved for sexual intercourse – in nightclubs targeting men who have sex with men. The letter describes characteristics of the sexual behaviour in these areas.
From lineages to webs: a history of the Australian Society of Herpetologists
Authors: Shea Glenn M.
Published: February 2015

The foundation of the Australian Society of Herpetologists in 1964 occurred at a time of change in Australian herpetology, as university-based herpetological studies began to spread, both within and between institutions, and a new generation of museum researchers was employed. The Society’s foundation can be traced to a single lineage of anuran research at the University of Western Australia, which flowered in the 1950s with the stimulus of new techniques and technology introduced to Australia by John Alexander Moore and then spread to the University of Melbourne and Monash University as former students established new research groups. This stimulus coincided with new zoology staff appointments, particularly of New Zealand herpetologists, at the University of Sydney and the Australian National University, all of whom began to support students working on herpetological topics. The spreading of herpetology across institutions and scientific disciplines necessitated increasing communication, provided by the Society through its newsletters and meetings, and the Society has continued to expand over the half a century of its existence, and in turn encouraged the diversification of Australian herpetological research and the training of new generations of herpetological students.
Balance of cellular and humoral immunity determines the level of protection by HIV vaccines in rhesus macaque models of HIV infection
Authors: Fouts Timothy R. , Bagley Kenneth , Prado Ilia J. , Bobb Kathryn L. , Schwartz Jennifer A. , Xu Rong , Zagursky Robert J. , Egan Michael A. , Eldridge John H. , LaBranche Celia C. , Montefiori David C. , Le Buanec Hélène , Zagury Daniel , Pal Ranajit , Pavlakis George N. , Felber Barbara K. , Franchini Genoveffa , Gordon Shari , Vaccari Monica , Lewis George K. , DeVico Anthony L. , Gallo Robert C.
Published: February 2015

Significance

Our candidate HIV vaccine, a single-chain gp120-CD4 chimera, elicits protection against acquisition of simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in rhesus macaques. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity was an inverse correlate of infection risk. However, it is attenuated when antigen-specific T-cell responses exceed a threshold, presumably due to the generation of CD4+ CCR5+ T cells, the preferred cellular targets of SHIV/SIV. Multiple studies strongly suggest that HIV/SIV-specific T-cell responses are a double-edged sword. On one hand, they are required for T-cell help in the protective antibody response. On the other hand, they appear to mitigate protection by creating new targets for viral replication. Determining the balance between protective antibody responses and attenuating T-cell responses is a key challenge confronting HIV vaccine development.
A trimming-and-retrieving alignment scheme for reduced representation bisulfite sequencing
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Yu Xiaoqing , Zhu Wei , McCombie W. Richard , Antoniou Eric , Powers R. Scott , Davidson Nicholas O. , Li Ellen , Williams Jennie
Published: February 2015

Summary: Currently available bisulfite sequencing tools frequently suffer from low mapping rates and low methylation calls, especially for data generated from the Illumina sequencer, NextSeq. Here, we introduce a sequential trimming-and-retrieving alignment approach for investigating DNA methylation patterns, which significantly improves the number of mapped reads and covered CpG sites. The method is implemented in an automated analysis toolkit for processing bisulfite sequencing reads.

Availability and implementation:  http://mysbfiles.stonybrook.edu/~xuefenwang/software.html and https://github.com/xfwang/BStools.

Contact:  xuefeng.wang@stonybrook.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary materials are available at Bioinformatics online.
A cautionary note on using binary calls for analysis of DNA methylation
Authors: Prochenka Agnieszka , Pokarowski Piotr , Gasperowicz Piotr , Kosińska Joanna , Stawiński Piotr , Zbieć-Piekarska Renata , Spólnicka Magdalena , Branicki Wojciech , Płoski Rafał
Published: February 2015

Contact:  a.prochenka@phd.ipipan.waw.pl or rploski@wp.pl
Mobility-based prediction of hydration structures of protein surfaces
Authors: Jeszenői Norbert , Horváth István , Bálint Mónika , van der Spoel David , Hetényi Csaba
Published: February 2015

Motivation: Hydration largely determines solubility, aggregation of proteins and influences interactions between proteins and drug molecules. Despite the importance of hydration, structural determination of hydration structure of protein surfaces is still challenging from both experimental and theoretical viewpoints. The precision of experimental measurements is often affected by fluctuations and mobility of water molecules resulting in uncertain assignment of water positions.

Results: Our method can utilize mobility as an information source for the prediction of hydration structure. The necessary information can be produced by molecular dynamics simulations accounting for all atomic interactions including water–water contacts. The predictions were validated and tested by comparison to more than 1500 crystallographic water positions in 20 hydrated protein molecules including enzymes of biomedical importance such as cyclin-dependent kinase 2. The agreement with experimental water positions was larger than 80% on average. The predictions can be particularly useful in situations where no or limited experimental knowledge is available on hydration structures of molecular surfaces.

Availability and implementation: The method is implemented in a standalone C program MobyWat released under the GNU General Public License, freely accessible with full documentation at http://www.mobywat.com.

Contact:  csabahete@yahoo.com

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Hepatic Fibrosis in HIV-1–Monoinfected Adults With Elevated Aminotransferase Levels on Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Morse Caryn G. , McLaughlin Mary , Matthews Lindsay , Proschan Michael , Thomas Francine , Gharib Ahmed M. , Abu-Asab Mones , Orenstein Abigail , Engle Ronald E. , Hu Xiaojun , Lempicki Richard , Hadigan Colleen , Kleiner David E. , Heller Theo , Kovacs Joseph A.
Published: February 2015

Background.  Persistent aminotransferase elevations are common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART), including those without hepatitis B or C coinfection, but their clinical significance is unknown.

Methods.  HIV-infected adults with aminotransferase levels elevated above the upper limit of normal for ≥6 months while receiving ART, and without chronic viral hepatitis or other known causes of chronic liver disease, underwent a detailed metabolic assessment and liver biopsy.

Results.  Sixty-two HIV-infected subjects completed the study. Forty (65%) had clinically significant liver pathology, including 34 (55%) with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and 11 (18%) with bridging fibrosis, 10 of whom also had NASH. Nonspecific abnormalities alone were seen in 22 (35%) subjects, including mild steatosis, mild to moderate inflammation, and evidence of drug adaptation. Insulin resistance, obesity, and the presence of either of 2 minor alleles in the PNPLA3 gene were significantly associated with increased risk of NASH and fibrosis. NASH and/or fibrosis were not associated with duration of HIV infection or ART, specific antiretroviral drugs, history of opportunistic infection, immune status, or duration of aminotransferase elevation.

Conclusions.  HIV-infected adults with chronic aminotransferase elevations while receiving ART have a high rate of liver disease. Noninvasive testing can help identify liver disease in such patients, but liver biopsy is necessary to definitively identify those at risk for liver disease progression and complications. Longitudinal follow-up of this cohort will better characterize the natural history of aminotransferase elevations in this population and identify noninvasive biomarkers of liver disease progression.
Summary statistics from training images as prior information in probabilistic inversion
Authors: Lochbühler Tobias , Vrugt Jasper A. , Sadegh Mojtaba , Linde Niklas
Published: February 2015

A strategy is presented to incorporate prior information from conceptual geological models in probabilistic inversion of geophysical data. The conceptual geological models are represented by multiple-point statistics training images (TIs) featuring the expected lithological units and structural patterns. Information from an ensemble of TI realizations is used in two different ways. First, dominant modes are identified by analysis of the frequency content in the realizations, which drastically reduces the model parameter space in the frequency-amplitude domain. Second, the distributions of global, summary metrics (e.g. model roughness) are used to formulate a prior probability density function. The inverse problem is formulated in a Bayesian framework and the posterior pdf is sampled using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation. The usefulness and applicability of this method is demonstrated on two case studies in which synthetic crosshole ground-penetrating radar traveltime data are inverted to recover 2-D porosity fields. The use of prior information from TIs significantly enhances the reliability of the posterior models by removing inversion artefacts and improving individual parameter estimates. The proposed methodology reduces the ambiguity inherent in the inversion of high-dimensional parameter spaces, accommodates a wide range of summary statistics and geophysical forward problems.
Natural antimicrobial peptides against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Abedinzadeh Maria , Gaeini Mahdieh , Sardari Soroush
Published: February 2015

TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is one the leading infectious diseases worldwide. There is an urgent need to discover new drugs with unique structures and uncommon mechanisms of action to treat M. tuberculosis and combat antimycobacterial resistance. Naturally occurring compounds contain a wide diversity of chemical structures, displaying a wide range of in vitro potency towards M. tuberculosis. A number of recent studies have shown that natural antimycobacterial peptides can disrupt the function of the mycobacterial cell wall through different modes of action and thereafter interact with intracellular targets, including nucleic acids, enzymes and even organelles. More importantly, the probability of antimycobacterial resistance is low. This review presents several natural antimicrobial peptides isolated from different organism sources, including bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. In addition, the molecular features of these molecules are the subject of much attention. Such peptides have common traits among their chemical features, which may be correlated with their biological activities; hence, different parts of the molecular structures can be modified in order to increase penetration into the target cells. This review also summarizes the available information on the properties of antimycobacterial peptides associated with their biological activities.
Colonization with Enterobacteriaceae producing ESBLs in children attending pre-school childcare facilities in the Lao People's Democratic Republic
Authors: Stoesser Nicole , Xayaheuang Sivilay , Vongsouvath Manivanh , Phommasone Koukeo , Elliott Ivo , del Ojo Elias Carlos , Crook Derrick W. , Newton Paul N. , Buisson Yves , Lee Sue J. , Dance David A. B.
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Intestinal carriage constitutes an important reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, with some of the highest rates reported from Asia. Antibiotic resistance has been little studied in Laos, where some antibiotics are available without restriction, but others such as carbapenems are not available.

Patients and methods

We collected stools from 397 healthy children in 12 randomly selected pre-school childcare facilities in and around Vientiane. Colonization with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBLE) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) was detected using a disc diffusion screening test and ESBLE were characterized using WGS. Risk factor data were collected by questionnaire.

Results

Ninety-two children (23%) were colonized with ESBLE, mainly Escherichia coli carrying blaCTX-M and Klebsiella pneumoniae carrying blaSHV or blaCTX-M, which were frequently resistant to multiple antibiotic classes. Although residence in Vientiane Capital, foreign travel, higher maternal level of education, antibiotic use in the preceding 3 months and attending a childcare facility with a ‘good’ level of hygiene were all associated with ESBLE colonization on univariable analysis, a significant association remained only for antibiotic use when a stepwise approach was used with a multivariate random-effects model. WGS analysis suggested transmission in both childcare facilities and community settings.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of paediatric colonization with ESBLE in Laos, one of the highest reported in Asia, is probably the result of inappropriate antibiotic use. Paediatric colonization with CPE was not identified in this study, but it is important to continue to monitor the spread of antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Laos.
Metrics and tools for consistent cohort discovery and financial analyses post-transition to ICD-10-CM
Authors: Boyd Andrew D , ‘John’ Li Jianrong , Kenost Colleen , Joese Binoy , Min Yang Young , Kalagidis Olympia A , Zenku Ilir , Saner Donald , Bahroos Neil , Lussier Yves A
Published: February 2015

In the United States, International Classification of Disease Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM, the ninth revision) diagnosis codes are commonly used to identify patient cohorts and to conduct financial analyses related to disease. In October 2015, the healthcare system of the United States will transition to ICD-10-CM (the tenth revision) diagnosis codes. One challenge posed to clinical researchers and other analysts is conducting diagnosis-related queries across datasets containing both coding schemes. Further, healthcare administrators will manage growth, trends, and strategic planning with these dually-coded datasets. The majority of the ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM translations are complex and nonreciprocal, creating convoluted representations and meanings. Similarly, mapping back from ICD-10-CM to ICD-9-CM is equally complex, yet different from mapping forward, as relationships are likewise nonreciprocal. Indeed, 10 of the 21 top clinical categories are complex as 78% of their diagnosis codes are labeled as “convoluted” by our analyses. Analysis and research related to external causes of morbidity, injury, and poisoning will face the greatest challenges due to 41 745 (90%) convolutions and a decrease in the number of codes. We created a web portal tool and translation tables to list all ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes related to the specific input of ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes and their level of complexity: “identity” (reciprocal), “class-to-subclass,” “subclass-to-class,” “convoluted,” or “no mapping.” These tools provide guidance on ambiguous and complex translations to reveal where reports or analyses may be challenging to impossible.

Web portal: http://www.lussierlab.org/transition-to-ICD9CM/

Tables annotated with levels of translation complexity: http://www.lussierlab.org/publications/ICD10to9
Selection biases in the gamma-ray burst Eiso – Lopt, X correlation
Authors: Coward D. M. , Howell E. J. , Wan L. , Macpherson D.
Published: February 2015

Gamma-ray burst (GRB) optical and X-ray afterglow luminosity is expected to correlate with the GRB isotropic equivalent kinetic energy of the outflow in the standard synchrotron model for GRB afterglows. Previous studies, using prompt GRB isotropic equivalent energy (Eiso) as a proxy for isotropic equivalent kinetic energy, have generally confirmed a correlation between X-ray and optical afterglow luminosities. Assuming that GRB afterglow luminosity does not evolve strongly with redshift, we identify a strong Malmquist bias in GRB optical and X-ray afterglow luminosity data. We show that selection effects dominate the observed Eiso–Lopt, X correlations, and have likely been underestimated in other studies. The bias is strongest for a subset of optically faint bursts m > 24 at 24 h with z > 2. After removing this optical selection bias, the Eiso–Lopt, X correlation for long GRBs is not statistically significant, but combining both long and short GRB luminosity data the correlation is significant. Using the median of the Eiso and Lopt, X distributions, we apply the synchrotron model assuming the same power-law index for short and long GRBs, but different microphysical parameter distributions. Comparing the ratio of optical and X-ray luminosities, we find tentative evidence that the fraction of post-shock energy in magnetic fields, ϵB, could be systematically higher in short GRBs compared to long GRBs.
Liaison psychiatry in a central nervous system tumor service
Authors: Holmes Alex C.N. , Adams Sophia J. , Hall Scott , Rosenthal Mark A. , Drummond Katharine J.
Published: February 2015

Background

Tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) have physical and psychological effects that commonly interact and change over time. Although well suited to addressing problems at the interface between physical and psychological medicine, the role of the consultation-liaison psychiatrist has not been previously described in the management of these patients. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the experience of psychiatry liaison attachment within a CNS tumor service and to reflect on its utility within a complex multidisciplinary environment.

Methods

A retrospective file review was performed on all cases seen by a psychiatrist in a CNS tumor service over the previous 5 years. A simple thematic inductive analysis was conducted of the common problems experienced by patients and their management by the psychiatrist and within the team.

Results

Five common themes were identified: (i) facilitating adaptation to diagnosis; (ii) supporting living with lower-grade tumors; (iii) managing mental disorders; (iv) neuropsychiatric symptoms of tumor progression; and (v) grief and uncertainty in the advanced stages of illness. The capacity of the psychiatrist to understand and integrate the clinical, pathological, radiological, and treatment information, in communication with colleagues, helped address these challenges.

Conclusions

Psychological challenges in CNS tumor patients have both psychological and neurological underpinnings. In our experience, the addition of a liaison psychiatrist to a CNS tumor service was efficient and effective in improving patient management and led to enhanced communication and decision-making within the team.
Clinical Efficacy of Percutaneous Kyphoplasty at the Hyperextension Position for the Treatment of Osteoporotic Kümmell Disease
Authors: Huang Yijiang , Peng Maoxiu , He Shaoqi , Tang Xiaojun , Dai Minghai , Tang Chengxuan
Published: February 2015

Summary of Background Data:

Percutaneous kyphoplasty might be effective for osteoporotic Kümmell disease.

Objective:

To investigate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous kyphoplasty in hyperextension for osteoporotic Kümmell disease.

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was carried out on data from downstream balloon kyphoplasty treatments in hyperextension for 18 patients with osteoporotic Kümmell disease. All cases were single-segment disease affecting T5 (1 case), T7 (1 case), T8 (2 cases), T11 (6 cases), T12 (4 cases), L1 (2 cases), L2 (1 case), or L4 (1 case). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry bone mineral density values ranged from −2.8 to −5.8 SD. The sagittal Cobb angle of the involved segment was measured before and after the operation and the final follow-up also included a visual analog pain score (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) after comprehensive efficacy assessment.

Results:

All patients were followed up for 12–36 months, with an average of 15.8 months. Patients showed lower back pain relief and improvement in daily life activities. The kyphosis Cobb angle improved from 32.60±3.82 degrees before surgery to 7.60±1.68 degrees after surgery, and VAS and ODI scores significantly improved from 8.7±0.96 points and 88.6±3.76% to 2.6±0.32 points and 28.6±2.67%, respectively. The last follow-up for the kyphosis Cobb angle yielded a value of 9.60±2.06 degrees, and VAS and ODI averaged 2.2±0.26 points and 26.4±2.46%, respectively. Compared with 2 days postoperatively, the differences were not statistically significant. Intervertebral cement leakage occurred in 1 case, but no symptom was observed and no treatment was performed.

Conclusion:

Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty in the hyperextension position is an effective method for osteoporosis in Kümmell disease.