bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of natural curcuminoids‐intercalated layered double hydroxide nanohybrid against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis: A bactericidal, antibiofilm, and mechanistic study
Authors: Gayani Buddhika , Dilhari Ayomi , Wijesinghe Gayan Kanchana , Kumarage Sajeewani , Abayaweera Gayani , Samarakoon Sameera R. , Perera Inoka C. , Kottegoda Nilwala , Weerasekera Manjula M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe study aimed to determine the antibacterial/antibiofilm effect and mechanism of interaction of curcuminoids‐intercalated Mg/Al layered double hydroxide (curcuminoids‐LDH) against three different bacteria. Antimicrobial effect of curcuminoids‐LDH nanohybrid was investigated against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and E. faecalis (for both standard strains and clinical isolates), using agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of planktonic bacteria were determined using the broth microdilution method. MIC of biofilms (MBIC50) and killing time for 48 hr matured biofilms were determined by MTT (3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine pre‐ and postexposure architecture of biofilms. The mechanism of the antibiofilm activity of curcuminoids‐LDH was determined using UV‐visible spectroscopy. All tested bacteria had given a zone of inhibition in the presence of curcuminoids‐LDH. The MIC values were 0.200 g/ml for P. aeruginosa, 0.025 g/ml for S. aureus, and 0.100 g/ml for E. faecalis. The 48 hr matured biofilms were reduced by curcuminoids‐LDH with an MBIC50 of 0.100 g/ml. The minimum time to achieve MBIC50 was 3 hr, and the reduction was constant until 48 hr. SEM images showed a significant reduction of biofilm cell density and exopolymer matrics for all biofilms in the presence of curcuminoids‐LDH. UV‐visible studies revealed the antibiofilm activity of curcuminoids‐LDH as due to the auto‐oxidation of curcuminoids. The oxidation products are more limited in both product concentration per unit time and the variety of products, compared to pure curcuminoids, resulting in sharper UV‐visible peaks than in the case of the latter. Curcuminoids‐LDH has a potential antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and E. faecalis. An antibiofilm activity has been achieved within 3 hr of the treatment. Curcuminoids released from the LDH showed the antibacterial activity due to oxidation products interfering with bacterial cell functions, and also encapsulation in the LDH causes curcuminoids to exhibit the activity in a persistent manner compared to pure curcuminoids.
Ambulatory urodynamics monitoring – a video demonstration
Authors: Rantell Angie , Shakir Fevzi , Cardozo Linda 
Published: September 2018

AimsTo present a narrated video designed to demonstrate the steps involved in performing and interpreting ambulatory urodynamics monitoring (AUM).MethodsThis video provides an overview of the role of AUM in clinical practice and describes the process of performing AUM using solid state microtip transducers and the MMS / Laborie Luna ambulatory recorder. Line placement, calibration and the urodynamic protocol are discussed along with descriptions of provocation tests that can be used during AUM. Examples of AUM traces are reviewed demonstrating common findings eg detrusor overactivity, urodynamic stress incontinence and voiding difficulties. Good urodynamic practice in relation to the interpretation of AUM is presented. Its application in clinical practice is often limited due to the cost of equipment (particularly the microtip transducers which range from £1200‐£2500) and appropriate decontamination of the transducers (in this unit an anti‐sporacidal 3 stage wipe system is employed (Tristel) however, many hospital infection control teams do not consider this sufficient so disposable water or air filled lines are used). Other limitations include the requirement for additional training and the time necessary to perform the test.ResultsThis video will educate and inform health care professionals regarding AUM so that they may consider its use in their armamentarium of investigations of lower urinary tract function and be able to counsel patients appropriately should they choose to refer them to an alternative provider for further investigation if they do not have direct access in their service.ConclusionAUM is a second line investigation of lower urinary tract dysfunction used in patients where conventional urodynamics have failed to make a diagnosis or replicate their symptoms. They allow for a more physiological assessment of bladder function. Protocols may vary from 1 h to 24 h but are dependent on re‐creation of patient's symptoms.
Obesity causes PGC‐1α deficiency in the pancreas leading to marked IL‐6 upregulation via NF‐κB in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Pérez Salvador , Rius‐Pérez Sergio , Finamor Isabela , Martí‐Andrés Pablo , Prieto Ignacio , García Raquel , Monsalve María , Sastre Juan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObesity is associated with local and systemic complications in acute pancreatitis. PPARγ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) is a transcriptional coactivator and master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis that exhibits dysregulation in obese subjects. Our aims were: (1) to study PGC‐1α levels in pancreas from lean or obese rats and mice with acute pancreatitis; and (2) to determine the role of PGC‐1α in the inflammatory response during acute pancreatitis elucidating the signaling pathways regulated by PGC‐1α. Lean and obese Zucker rats and lean and obese C57BL6 mice were used first; subsequently, wild‐type and PGC‐1α knockout (KO) mice with cerulein‐induced pancreatitis were used to assess the inflammatory response and expression of target genes. Ppargc1a mRNA and protein levels were markedly downregulated in pancreas of obese rats and mice versus lean animals. PGC‐1α protein levels increased in pancreas of lean mice with acute pancreatitis, but not in obese mice with pancreatitis. Interleukin‐6 (Il6) mRNA levels were dramatically upregulated in pancreas of PGC‐1α KO mice after cerulein‐induced pancreatitis in comparison with wild‐type mice with pancreatitis. Edema and the inflammatory infiltrate were more intense in pancreas from PGC‐1α KO mice than in wild‐type mice. The lack of PGC‐1α markedly enhanced nuclear translocation of phospho‐p65 and recruitment of p65 to Il6 promoter. PGC‐1α bound phospho‐p65 in pancreas during pancreatitis in wild‐type mice. Glutathione depletion in cerulein‐induced pancreatitis was more severe in KO mice than in wild‐type mice. PGC‐1α KO mice with pancreatitis, but not wild‐type mice, exhibited increased myeloperoxidase activity in the lungs, together with alveolar wall thickening and collapse, which were abrogated by blockade of the IL‐6 receptor glycoprotein 130 with LMT‐28. In conclusion, obese rodents exhibit PGC‐1α deficiency in the pancreas. PGC‐1α acts as selective repressor of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) towards IL‐6 in pancreas. PGC‐1α deficiency markedly enhanced NF‐κB‐mediated upregulation of Il6 in pancreas in pancreatitis, leading to a severe inflammatory response. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of Bayesian analyses to doubly randomized delayed start, matched control designs to demonstrate disease modification
Authors: Turkoz Ibrahim , Sobel Marc , Alphs Larry 
Published: September 2018

Disease modification is a primary therapeutic aim when developing treatments for most chronic progressive diseases. The best treatments do not simply affect disease symptoms but fundamentally improve disease course by slowing, halting, or reversing disease progression. One of many challenges for establishing disease modification relates to the identification of adequate analytic tools to show differences in a disease course following intervention. Traditional approaches rely on the comparisons of slopes or noninferiority margins. However, it has proven difficult to conclusively demonstrate disease modification using such approaches.To address these challenges, we propose a novel adaptation of the delayed start study design that incorporates posterior probabilities identified by hierarchical Bayesian inference approaches to establish evidence for disease modification. Our models compare the size of treatment differences at the end of the delayed start period with those at the end of the early start period. Simulations that compare several models are provided. These include general linear models, repeated measures models, spline models, and model averaging. Our work supports the superiority of model averaging for accurately characterizing complex data that arise in real world applications.This novel approach has been applied to the design of an ongoing, doubly randomized, matched control study that aims to show disease modification in young persons with schizophrenia (the Disease Recovery Evaluation and Modification (DREaM) study). The application of this Bayesian methodology to the DREaM study highlights the value of this approach and demonstrates many practical challenges that must be addressed when implementing this methodology in a real world trial.
The SPAR Ontologies
Authors: Peroni Silvio , Shotton David 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Over the past eight years, we have been involved in the development of a set of complementary and orthogonal ontologies that can be used for the description of the main areas of the scholarly publishing domain, known as the SPAR (Semantic Publishing and Referencing) Ontologies. In this paper, we introduce this suite of ontologies, discuss the basic principles we have followed for their development, and describe their uptake and usage within the academic, institutional and publishing communities.
Towards Solving the Impossible Problems
Authors: Raami Asta 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHow can we make better decisions to solve complex problems? How can we reach for unseen ideas and inventions? A sustainable and coherent future is embedded in coherent decision making, successful problem solving and radical innovating. Solving the seemingly impossible and creating something outside of our current imagination cannot be reached just with novel combinations of existing components. We must exceed the known. Often, we do not realize that current problem scoping narrows down possible future solutions. We ignore the potentials we consider impossible. However, there is a vast untapped potential of the human mind. Studies made with creative and highly intuitive individuals show that the boundaries of the mind can be surpassed for example through intentional intuiting. Intentional intuiting opens new ways to acquire information, recognize meaningful outliers and enhance creativity. People who can leverage intuiting and resilient thinking create a head start compared with analytical thinkers. These types of skills are trainable and can work as drivers for the sustainable wellbeing of future societies.
Ramsey and Joyce on deliberation and prediction
Authors: Liu Yang , Price Huw 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCan an agent deliberating about an actionAhold a meaningful credence that she will doA? ‘No’, say some authors, for ‘deliberation crowds out prediction’ (DCOP). Others disagree, but we argue here that such disagreements are often terminological. We explain why DCOP holds in a Ramseyian operationalist model of credence, but show that it is trivial to extend this model so that DCOP fails. We then discuss a model due to Joyce, and show that Joyce’s rejection of DCOP rests on terminological choices about terms such as ‘intention’, ‘prediction’, and ‘belief’. Once these choices are in view, they reveal underlying agreement between Joyce and the DCOP-favouring tradition that descends from Ramsey. Joyce’s Evidential Autonomy Thesis is effectively DCOP, in different terminological clothing. Both principles rest on the so-called ‘transparency’ of first-person present-tensed reflection on one’s own mental states.
In vivo coupling of tau pathology and cortical thinning in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mak Elijah , Bethlehem Richard A.I. , Romero‐Garcia Rafael , Cervenka Simon , Rittman Timothy , Gabel Silvy , Surendranathan Ajenthan , Bevan‐Jones Richard W. , Passamonti Luca , Vázquez Rodríguez Patricia , Su Li , Arnold Robert , Williams Guy B. , Hong Young T. , Fryer Tim D. , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , Rowe James B. , O'Brien John T. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe deposition of neurofibrillary tangles in neurodegenerative disorders is associated with neuronal loss on autopsy; however, their in vivo associations with atrophy across the continuum of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain unclear.MethodsWe estimated cortical thickness, tau ([18F]‐AV‐1451), and amyloid β (Aβ) status ([11C]‐PiB) in 47 subjects who were stratified into Aβ− (14 healthy controls and six mild cognitive impairment–Aβ−) and Aβ+ (14 mild cognitive impairment–Aβ+ and 13 AD) groups.ResultsCompared with the Aβ− group, tau was increased in widespread regions whereas cortical thinning was restricted to the temporal cortices. Increased tau binding was associated with cortical thinning in each Aβ group. Locally, regional tau was associated with temporoparietal atrophy.DiscussionThese findings position tau as a promising therapeutic target. Further studies are needed to elucidate the casual relationships between tau pathology and trajectories of atrophy in AD.
A novel C‐terminal truncated mutation in hCDKL5 protein causing a severe West syndrome: Comparison with previous truncated mutations and genotype/phenotype correlation
Authors: Jdila Marwa Ben , Triki Chahnez , Rhouma Bochra Ben , Jomaa Rihab Ben , Issa Abir Ben , Ammar‐Keskes Leila , Kamoun Fatma , Fakhfakh Faiza 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionWest Syndrome is a severe epileptic encephalopathy characterized by epileptic spasms, hypsarrhythmia, and regression of psychomotor acquisitions beginning in the first year of life.ARXandCDKL5genes were identified as linked to the most frequent genetic causes of West Syndrome.MethodsThe present study reports the clinical, molecular and bioinformatic investigation of the patient with severe West syndrome.ResultsMolecular analysis of the two candidate genes, i.e.ARXandCDKL5showed the presence of a novel insertion c.2788insG in exon 19 ofCDKL5gene. This mutation causes changes in cis regulation elements of exon 19 splicing and in secondary pre‐mRNA structure leading probably to inclusion of alternative exon 19 in hCDKL5_5 isoform for which foetal brain expression was recently confirmed.This insertion led also to a frameshift mutation and generated a premature stop codon (p.E930Gfs9X) in the C‐ terminal domain and causing the lack of a part of the signal recognized by proteasome as well as the lack of peptidase I serine active site. Moreover, we review previously described, truncated mutations occurring in different regions of the C‐ terminal domain, and we compared the subcellular mutated protein localization and their resulting patients’ phenotypes.ConclusionsThe impairment of alternative splicing of exon 19 and the lack of a part of the proteasome signal due to c.2788insG mutation could disrupt the dynamic regulation of isoform levels especially hCDKL5_5 and hCDKL5_1 during pre and postnatal neurodevelopment and then could cause pathogenic phenotype. Signal peptidase I serine active site seems to modulate hCDKL5_5 movements between nucleus and cytoplasm. We noticed that the resulting phenotypes from truncated mutations among the C‐terminal domain of hCDKL5 are almost similar and are always severe.
The Constitutional Practice of Ethno-Religious Violence in Sri Lanka
Authors: GUNATILLEKE Gehan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEthno-religious violence in Sri Lanka is a chronic problem, and it can be sustained even without the active support of a particular government. This understanding of violence prompts further reflection – both on the factors that drive such violence and the complex relationship between ethnicity, religion, and the Sri Lankan constitution. This article delves into the post-war context in Sri Lanka and examines how and why ethno-religious violence has persisted regardless of the government in power. It is presented in three sections. The first analyzes the current state of ethno-religious violence in Sri Lanka. The second offers a hypothesis on why such violence has persisted despite the democratic transition of January 2015. It argues that democratic transitions alone cannot prevent chronic ethno-religious violence due to certain factors that serve to entrench violence within the country’s constitutional practice. The final section discusses the relationship between ethno-religious relations, the nature of the Sri Lankan constitution, and the space for meaningful constitutional reform. It concludes that the Sri Lankan state – informed by Sri Lanka’s ‘political constitution’ – embodies a certain structural dispensation towards ethno-religious violence. Until this fundamental dispensation is in some way transformed, meaningful religious freedom and power sharing will remain elusive aims.
Genetic influences on eight psychiatric disorders based on family data of 4 408 646 full and half-siblings, and genetic data of 333 748 cases and controls
Authors: Pettersson E. , Lichtenstein P. , Larsson H. , Song J. ,   Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Working Group of the iPSYCH-Broad-PGC Consortium, Autism Spectrum Disorder Working Group of the iPSYCH-Broad-PGC Consortium, Bipolar Disorder Working Group of the PGC, Eating Disorder Working Group of the PGC, Major Depressive Disorder Working Group of the PGC, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and Tourette Syndrome Working Group of the PGC, Schizophrenia CLOZUK, Substance Use Disorder Working Group of the PGC, Agrawal A. , Børglum A. D. , Bulik C. M. , Daly M. J. , Davis L. K. , Demontis D. , Edenberg H. J. , Grove J. , Gelernter J. , Neale B. M. , Pardiñas A. F. , Stahl E. , Walters J. T. R. , Walters R. , Sullivan P. F. , Posthuma D. , Polderman T. J. C. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundMost studies underline the contribution of heritable factors for psychiatric disorders. However, heritability estimates depend on the population under study, diagnostic instruments, and study designs that each has its inherent assumptions, strengths, and biases. We aim to test the homogeneity in heritability estimates between two powerful, and state of the art study designs for eight psychiatric disorders.MethodsWe assessed heritability based on data of Swedish siblings (N = 4 408 646 full and maternal half-siblings), and based on summary data of eight samples with measured genotypes (N = 125 533 cases and 208 215 controls). All data were based on standard diagnostic criteria. Eight psychiatric disorders were studied: (1) alcohol dependence (AD), (2) anorexia nervosa, (3) attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), (4) autism spectrum disorder, (5) bipolar disorder, (6) major depressive disorder, (7) obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and (8) schizophrenia.ResultsHeritability estimates from sibling data varied from 0.30 for Major Depression to 0.80 for ADHD. The estimates based on the measured genotypes were lower, ranging from 0.10 for AD to 0.28 for OCD, but were significant, and correlated positively (0.19) with national sibling-based estimates. When removing OCD from the data the correlation increased to 0.50.ConclusionsGiven the unique character of each study design, the convergent findings for these eight psychiatric conditions suggest that heritability estimates are robust across different methods. The findings also highlight large differences in genetic and environmental influences between psychiatric disorders, providing future directions for etiological psychiatric research.
The Revolution in Cuba
Authors: Finn James 
Published: September 2018

The exchange of criticism that swept back and forth between Cuba and the United States early this year caught many people in both countries largely by surprise. The victorious rebel leaders and the Cuban people were disconcerted when even Americans who welcomed the overthrow of General Fulgencio Batista criticized harshly the rapid trials and executions of those who had been imprisoned as war criminals. And Americans were taken aback at the resentment with which their criticism was met, and often slightly bewildered to find that the resentment has been building up for years.This mutual criticism, it becomes increasingly clear, marks a watershed between two views of Cuba: the definite but distorted picture presented to the United States when Batista was dictator, and the shape of present Cuba which is only gradually emerging Out of the successful revolution and which is yet to be sharply defined.
Africa in Transition
Authors: Persen William 
Published: September 2018

In the past decade Africa has exploded. Where the next explosion will occur no one knows. It might be riots in Nyasaland or Dahomey, demonstrations in Brazzaville or Khartoum, assassination in Constantine. The dead African past of tribal discipline and subsistence-ignorance has been challenged by a civilization immeasurably more productive in satisfying the material and esthetic wants of its populace. The answer to the challenge is diffuse and uncontrolled. Like the expanding galaxies, the ideas that result from the bomb that the West has triggered in Africa are moving with tremendous speed in every direction.Ten years ago, it appeared that Africa, except perhaps for its northern Arab tier, was still deeply immersed in its ancient ways, that it would be many years before the African peoples reacted to Western nationalism with their own nationalism.
Religion and Responsibility
Authors: Miller William Lee 
Published: September 2018

We Americans, collectively, have suddenly been burdened with a world responsibility for which neither our past experience nor our present values equip us very well. Less than two centuries after our, country was but a collection of remote colonies it has become a superpower upon whom all the old colonial powers depend. Less than twenty years after perhaps a majority of Americans supported the isolationist position against involvement in World War II, the United States is the center of history's most far-reaching peacetime alliance.This alliance which America leads includes both colonial powers and recently-freed colonies, bitter enemies and close allies from the last war, dictatorships and democracies. It comprises nations upon whose loyalty we know we can depend and others about whose intentions we feel nervous. And since the alliance itself is both complex and ambiguous, America's role in it must be complex and ambiguous too.
Containment–and After
Authors: Pfaff William 
Published: September 2018

We Americans of all people have been most aware of ourselves, most alive to our special character, our revolutionary tradition, our hospitality to human aspiration, our creation of a constitution and a manner of political life which, if it was not without precedent, is nonetheless unique in scope and in ambition. What we did in 1778 changed human affairs, and that will not be forgotten.But let us consider what we have become. Powerful, to be sure. But important? That is something else. To be important—important not for the moment but important to human history—is not an inevitable result of power or size.