bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homeopathic treatments modify inflammation but not behavioral response to influenza antigen challenge in BALB/c mice
Authors: Siqueira Camila Monteiro , Motta Priscila Dias , Cardoso Thayná Neves , de Paula Coelho Cideli , Popi Ana Flavia , Couceiro José Nelson , Bonamin Leoni Villano , Holandino Carla 
Published: May 2016

Background: Influenza affects thousands of people worldwide every year, motivating the development of new therapies. In this work, the effects of two homeopathic preparations (influenza biotherapies and thymulin) were chosen following two different rationales: isotherapy and endo-isotherapy models. The homeopathic effects were evaluated individually considering the inflammatory and behavioral responses against influenza virus antigen were studied in BALB/c mice.Methods: Male adult mice were treated orally and blindly for 21 days with highly diluted influenza virus or with thymulin, and were divided in two sets of experiments. The first series of experiments aimed to describe their behavior, using an open field (OF) device. In the second series, mice were challenged subcutaneously with influenza hemagglutinin antigen (7 μg/200 μl) at day 21. At day 42, behavior and inflammation response were evaluated.Results: No behavioral changes were seen in OF tests at any time point after treatments. Flow cytometry and morphometry revealed significant changes in T and B cell balance after influenza antigen challenge, varying according to treatment.Conclusion: The results show that both homeopathic treatments induced subtle changes in acquired immune anti-viral response regulation. A deeper understanding of the mechanism could elucidate their possible use in influenza epidemiological situations.
Reversal Surgery in Regretful Male-to-Female Transsexuals After Sex Reassignment Surgery
Authors: Djordjevic Miroslav L. , Bizic Marta R. , Duisin Dragana , Bouman Mark-Bram , Buncamper Marlon 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sex reassignment surgery (SRS) has proved an effective intervention for patients with gender identity disorder. However, misdiagnosed patients sometimes regret their decision and request reversal surgery. This review is based on our experience with seven patients who regretted their decision to undergo male-to-female SRS.

Aims
To analyze retrospectively seven patients who underwent reversal surgery after regretting their decision to undergo male-to-female SRS elsewhere.

Methods
From November 2010 through November 2014, seven men 33 to 53 years old with previous male-to-female SRS underwent reversal phalloplasty. Preoperatively, they were examined by three independent psychiatrists. Surgery included three steps: removal of female genitalia with scrotoplasty and urethral lengthening, total phalloplasty with microvascular transfer of a musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap, and neophallus urethroplasty with penile prosthesis implantation.

Main Outcome Measures
Self-reported esthetic and psychosexual status after reversion surgery and International Index of Erectile Function scores for sexual health after phalloplasty and penile prosthesis implantation.

Results
Follow-up was 13 to 61 months (mean = 31 months). Good postoperative results were achieved in all patients. In four patients, all surgical steps were completed; two patients are currently waiting for penile implants; and one patient decided against the penile prosthesis. Complications were related to urethral lengthening: two fistulas and one stricture were observed. All complications were repaired by minor revision. According to patients' self-reports, all patients were pleased with the esthetic appearance of their genitalia and with their significantly improved psychological status.

Conclusion
Reversal surgery in regretful male-to-female transsexuals after SRS represents a complex, multistage procedure with satisfactory outcomes. Further insight into the characteristics of persons who regret their decision postoperatively would facilitate better future selection of applicants eligible for SRS.
MEAN-VARIANCE VERSUS MEAN–EXPECTED SHORTFALL MODELS: AN APPLICATION TO WHEAT VARIETY SELECTION
Authors: SUKCHAROEN KUNLAPATH , LEATHAM DAVID 
Published: May 2016

AbstractOne of the most popular risk management strategies for wheat producers is varietal diversification. Previous studies proposed a mean-variance model as a tool to optimally select wheat varieties. However, this study suggests that the mean–expected shortfall (ES) model (which is based on a downside risk measure) may be a better tool because variance is not a correct risk measure when the distribution of wheat variety yields is multivariate nonnormal. Results based on data from Texas Blacklands confirm our conjecture that the mean-ES framework performs better in term of selecting wheat varieties than the mean-variance method.
The Necessity for a Business and Human Rights Treaty
Authors: BILCHITZ David 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn June 2014, the Human Rights Council passed a resolution establishing an inter-governmental working group to discuss a legally binding instrument relating to transnational corporations and other business enterprises. In this article, I outline four arguments for why such an instrument is desirable. Identifying the purpose of such a treaty is crucial in outlining a vision of what it should seek to achieve and in determining its content. The arguments indicate that a treaty is necessary to provide legal solutions to cure serious lacunae and ambiguities in the current framework of international law which have a serious negative impact upon the rights of individuals affected by corporate activities. The emphasis throughout is upon why a binding legal instrument is important, as opposed to softer forms of regulation such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The four arguments in turn provide the resources to respond to objections raised against the treaty and to reject an alternative, more restrictive proposal for a treaty that only addresses ‘gross’ human rights violations.
Media Stories on NICU Outbreaks Lead to an Increased Prescription Rate of Third-Line Antibiotics in the Community of Neonatal Care
Authors: Härtel Christoph , Hartz Annika , Bahr Lina , Gille Christian , Gortner Ludwig , Simon Arne , Orlikowsky Thorsten , Müller Andreas , Körner Thorsten , Henneke Philipp , Haase Roland , Zemlin Michael , Viemann Dorothee , Gebauer Corinna , Thome Ulrich , Ziegler Andreas , Rupp Jan , Herting Egbert , Göpel Wolfgang ,   for the German Neonatal Network
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUNDBetween 2010 and 2012, 3 outbreaks of nosocomial infections in German neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) attracted considerable public interest. Headlines on national television channels and in newspapers had important consequences for the involved institutions and a negative impact on the relationship between families and staff in many German NICUs.OBJECTIVETo determine whether NICU outbreaks reported in the media influenced provider behavior in the community of neonatal care and led to more third-line antibiotic prescribing.DESIGNObservational cohort study.METHODSTo investigate secular trends, we evaluated data for very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs, birth weight <1,500 g) enrolled in the German Neonatal Network (GNN) between 2009 and 2014 (N=10,253). For outbreak effects, we specifically analyzed data for VLBWIs discharged 6 months before (n=2,428) and 6 months after outbreaks (n=2,508).RESULTSThe exposure of all VLBWIs to third-line antibiotics increased after outbreaks (19.4% before vs 22.5% after; P=.007). This trend particularly affected male infants (4.6% increase; P=.005) and infants with a birth weight between 1,000 and 1,499 g (3.5% increase; P=.001)In a logistic regression analysis, month of discharge as linear variable of time was associated with increased exposure to third-line antibiotics (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.009–1.014; P<.001), and discharge within the 6-month period after outbreak reports independently contributed to this long-term trend (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.017–1.270; P=.024).CONCLUSIONSMedia reports directly affect medical practice, eg, overuse of third-line antibiotics. Future communication and management strategies must be based on objective dialogues between the scientific community and investigative journalists.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:924–930
Contrasting the modelled sensitivity of the Amundsen Sea Embayment ice streams
Authors: NIAS ISABEL J. , CORNFORD STEPHEN L. , PAYNE ANTONY J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPresent-day mass loss from the West Antarctic ice sheet is centred on the Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE), primarily through ice streams, including Pine Island, Thwaites and Smith glaciers. To understand the differences in response of these ice streams, we ran a perturbed parameter ensemble, using a vertically-integrated ice flow model with adaptive mesh refinement. We generated 71 sets of three physical parameters (basal traction coefficient, ice viscosity stiffening factor and sub-shelf melt rate), which we used to simulate the ASE for 50 years. We also explored the effects of different bed geometries and basal sliding laws. The mean rate of sea-level rise across the ensemble of simulations is comparable with current observed rates for the ASE. We found evidence that grounding line dynamics are sensitive to features in the bed geometry: simulations using BedMap2 geometry resulted in a higher rate of sea-level rise than simulations using a rougher geometry, created using mass conservation. Modelled grounding-line retreat of all the three ice streams was sensitive to viscosity and basal traction, while the melt rate was more important in Pine Island and Smith glaciers, which flow through more confined ice shelves than Thwaites, which has a relatively unconfined shelf.
Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter–Related Infections
Authors: O'Grady Naomi P. , Alexander Mary , Dellinger E. Patchen , Gerberding Julie L. , Heard Stephen O. , Maki Dennis G. , Masur Henry , McCormick Rita D. , Mermel Leonard A. , Pearson Michele L. , Raad Issam I. , Randolph Adrienne , Weinstein Robert A. ,   Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee
Published: May 2016

Background:Although many catheter-related blood-stream infections (CRBSIs) are preventable, measures to reduce these infections are not uniformly implemented.Objective:To update an existing evidenced-based guideline that promotes strategies to prevent CRBSIs.Data Sources:The MEDLINE database, conference proceedings, and bibliographies of review articles and book chapters were searched for relevant articles.Studies Included:Laboratory-based studies, controlled clinical trials, prospective interventional trials, and epidemiologic investigations.Outcome Measures:Reduction in CRBSI, catheter colonization, or catheter-related infection.Synthesis:The recommended preventive strategies with the strongest supportive evidence are education and training of healthcare providers who insert and maintain catheters; maximal sterile barrier precautions during central venous catheter insertion; use of a 2% chlorhexidine preparation for skin antisepsis; no routine replacement of central venous catheters for prevention of infection; and use of antiseptic/antibiotic-impregnated short-term central venous catheters if the rate of infection is high despite adherence to other strategies (ie, education and training, maximal sterile barrier precautions, and 2% chlorhexidine for skin antisepsis).Conclusion:Successful implementation of these evidence-based interventions can reduce the risk for serious catheter-related infection.
Utilization of Long-Acting Antipsychotic Medication in Patient Care
Authors: Kane John M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSchizophrenia is a complex disorder characterized by a broad spectrum of psychopathology. Aggressive efforts to bring the patient into remission should begin immediately after the first episode. Consequences of non-remission include poor prognosis, psychiatric and general medical complications, treatment resistance, and death from medical comorbidities and suicide. Prevention of relapse following remission is critical to the well-being and optimal functioning of patients with schizophrenia.The key to optimizing patients' outcomes is to ensure a patient's long-term continuation on medication. As treatment discontinuation can greatly impact the progression of the illness and the patient's ultimate outcome, selecting a treatment with maximum treatment effectiveness is optimal. Nonadherence to treatment is extremely prevalent among patients with schizophrenia, due to such factors as impaired cognition, lack of insight, and side effects associated with antipsychotic treatment.Atypical antipsychotics have shown some advantages over conventional antipsychotics in terms of reducing positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, preventing relapse, and incidence of tardive dyskinesia. Injectables and long-acting formulations of antipsychotics offer additional benefits in terms of ensuring treatment adherence.
Pro-inflammatory effects of a litchi protein extract in murine RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Hu Xiaorong , Yan Huiqing , Ma Zhaocheng , Deng Xiuxin 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
It has been observed that the consumption of litchi often causes symptoms characterized by itching or sore throat, gum swelling, oral cavity ulcers and even fever and inflammation, which significantly impair the quality of life of a large population. Using the RAW264.7 cell line, a step-by-step strategy was used to screen for the components in litchi fruits that elicited adverse reactions. The adverse reaction fractions were identified by mass spectrometry and analyzed using the SMART program, and a sequence alignment of the homologous proteins was performed. MTT tests were used to determine the cytotoxicity of a litchi protein extract in RAW264.7 macrophages, and real-time PCR was applied to analyze the expression of inflammatory genes in the RAW264.7 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide or the litchi protein extract. The results showed that the litchi water-soluble protein extract could increase the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1β, iNOS and COX-2, and the anti-inflammatory mediator HO-1 in the RAW264.7 cell line. The 14-3-3-like proteins GF14 lambda, GF14 omega and GF14 upsilon were likely the candidate proteins that caused the adverse effects.
Analytic framework for peptidomics applied to large-scale neuropeptide identification
Authors: Secher Anna , Kelstrup Christian D. , Conde-Frieboes Kilian W. , Pyke Charles , Raun Kirsten , Wulff Birgitte S. , Olsen Jesper V. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractLarge-scale mass spectrometry-based peptidomics for drug discovery is relatively unexplored because of challenges in peptide degradation and identification following tissue extraction. Here we present a streamlined analytical pipeline for large-scale peptidomics. We developed an optimized sample preparation protocol to achieve fast, reproducible and effective extraction of endogenous peptides from sub-dissected organs such as the brain, while diminishing unspecific protease activity. Each peptidome sample was analysed by high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry and the resulting data set was integrated with publically available databases. We developed and applied an algorithm that reduces the peptide complexity for identification of biologically relevant peptides. The developed pipeline was applied to rat hypothalamus and identifies thousands of neuropeptides and their post-translational modifications, which is combined in a resource format for visualization, qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Seawater usable for production and consumption of hydrogen peroxide as a solar fuel
Authors: Mase Kentaro , Yoneda Masaki , Yamada Yusuke , Fukuzumi Shunichi 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in water has been proposed as a promising solar fuel instead of gaseous hydrogen because of advantages on easy storage and high energy density, being used as a fuel of a one-compartment H2O2 fuel cell for producing electricity on demand with emitting only dioxygen (O2) and water. It is highly desired to utilize the most earth-abundant seawater instead of precious pure water for the practical use of H2O2 as a solar fuel. Here we have achieved efficient photocatalytic production of H2O2 from the most earth-abundant seawater instead of precious pure water and O2 in a two-compartment photoelectrochemical cell using WO3 as a photocatalyst for water oxidation and a cobalt complex supported on a glassy-carbon substrate for the selective two-electron reduction of O2. The concentration of H2O2 produced in seawater reached 48 mM, which was high enough to operate an H2O2 fuel cell.
Integrating a dual-silicon photoelectrochemical cell into a redox flow battery for unassisted photocharging
Authors: Liao Shichao , Zong Xu , Seger Brian , Pedersen Thomas , Yao Tingting , Ding Chunmei , Shi Jingying , Chen Jian , Li Can 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSolar rechargeable flow cells (SRFCs) provide an attractive approach for in situ capture and storage of intermittent solar energy via photoelectrochemical regeneration of discharged redox species for electricity generation. However, overall SFRC performance is restricted by inefficient photoelectrochemical reactions. Here we report an efficient SRFC based on a dual-silicon photoelectrochemical cell and a quinone/bromine redox flow battery for in situ solar energy conversion and storage. Using narrow bandgap silicon for efficient photon collection and fast redox couples for rapid interface charge injection, our device shows an optimal solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of ∼5.9% and an overall photon–chemical–electricity energy conversion efficiency of ∼3.2%, which, to our knowledge, outperforms previously reported SRFCs. The proposed SRFC can be self-photocharged to 0.8 V and delivers a discharge capacity of 730 mAh l−1. Our work may guide future designs for highly efficient solar rechargeable devices.
Structure and transformation of tactoids in cellulose nanocrystal suspensions
Authors: Wang Pei-Xi , Hamad Wadood Y. , MacLachlan Mark J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCellulose nanocrystals obtained from natural sources are of great interest for many applications. In water, cellulose nanocrystals form a liquid crystalline phase whose hierarchical structure is retained in solid films after drying. Although tactoids, one of the most primitive components of liquid crystals, are thought to have a significant role in the evolution of this phase, they have evaded structural study of their internal organization. Here we report the capture of cellulose nanocrystal tactoids in a polymer matrix. This method allows us to visualize, for the first time, the arrangement of cellulose nanocrystals within individual tactoids by electron microscopy. Furthermore, we can follow the structural evolution of the liquid crystalline phase from tactoids to iridescent-layered films. Our insights into the early nucleation events of cellulose nanocrystals give important information about the growth of cholesteric liquid crystalline phases, especially for cellulose nanocrystals, and are crucial for preparing photonics-quality films.
Converging prefrontal pathways support associative and perceptual features of conditioned stimuli
Authors: Howard James D. , Kahnt Thorsten , Gottfried Jay A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPerceptually similar stimuli often predict vastly different outcomes, requiring the brain to maintain specific associations in the face of potential ambiguity. This could be achieved either through local changes in stimulus representations, or through modulation of functional connections between stimulus-coding and outcome-coding regions. Here we test these competing hypotheses using classical conditioning of perceptually similar odours in the context of human fMRI. Pattern-based analyses of odour-evoked fMRI activity reveal that odour category, identity and value are coded in piriform (PC), orbitofrontal (OFC) and ventromedial prefrontal (vmPFC) cortices, respectively. However, we observe no learning-related reorganization of category or identity representations. Instead, changes in connectivity between vmPFC and OFC are correlated with learning-related changes in value, whereas connectivity changes between vmPFC and PC predict changes in perceived odour similarity. These results demonstrate that dissociable neural pathways support associative and perceptual representations of sensory stimuli.
Development of Quantitative Real-time PCR Assays for Different Clades of “Candidatus Accumulibacter”
Authors: Zhang An Ni , Mao Yanping , Zhang Tong 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe designed novel quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) primers for the polyphosphate kinase 1 (ppk1) gene, targeting eight individual “Candidatus Accumulibacter” (referred to as Accumulibacter) clades. An evaluation of primer sets was conducted regarding the coverage, specificity, and PCR efficiency. (i) All primer sets were designed to cover all available sequences of the target clade. (ii) The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences retrieved from the qPCR products by each primer set demonstrated a high level of specificity. (iii) All calibration curves presented high PCR efficiencies in the range of 85–112% (R2 = 0.962–0.998). In addition, the possible interference of non-target amplicons was individually examined using the qPCR assay for 13 Accumulibacter clades, which were either undetected or showed negligible detection. With the primers designed by other research groups, a highly selective and sensitive qPCR-based method was developed to quantify all Accumulibacter clades, with the exception of Clade IE, in one assay, which enables more comprehensive insights into the community dynamics. The applicability to environmental samples was demonstrated by profiling the Accumulibacter clades in activated sludge samples of nine full-scale wastewater treatment plants.
Disrupted progression of the intestinal microbiota with age in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Nielsen Shaun , Needham Bronwen , Leach Steven T. , Day Andrew S. , Jaffe Adam , Thomas Torsten , Ooi Chee Y. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that leads to formation of thick epithelial secretions in affected organs. Chronic microbial infections associated with thick mucus secretions are the hallmarks of lung disease in CF. Despite similar conditions existing in the gastrointestinal tract, it is much less studied. We therefore examined the microbial communities within the gastrointestinal tract of children with and without CF (either pancreatic sufficient or insufficient) across a range of childhood ages (0.87–17 years). We observed a substantial reduction in the richness and diversity of gut bacteria associated with CF from early childhood (2 years) until late adolescence (17 years). A number of bacteria that establish themselves in the gut of healthy children were unable to do so in children with CF. In contrast, a few bacteria dominated the gut microbiota in children with CF and are unlikely to be beneficial for the metabolic function of the gut. A functioning pancreas (pancreatic sufficient) under a CF lifestyle showed little effect on microbial communities. Our results argue that any attempts to rectify the loss of bacterial diversity and provide normal bacterial function in the gut of CF patients should be conducted no later than early childhood.