bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quarternized Short Polyethylenimine Shows Good Activity against Drug‐Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Yew Pek Yin Michelle , Chee Pei Lin , Cally Owh , Zhang Kangyi , Liow Sing Shy , Loh Xian Jun 
Published: June 2017

The rise in resistant bacteria strains worldwide is proving to be a challenge to the healthcare industry. These “superbugs” are emerging faster than the rate of new antibiotic discovery. This has a heavy impact on medical devices as they are susceptible to biofilm production. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) causes infections to be difficult to treat, especially postimplantation of a medical device. To prevent bacterial adhesion on devices, various types are coatings are introduced. By binding antibiotics to polymers, an effective adhesive coating on the surface can be created. However, with AMR on the rise, these polymers are losing their efficacy in the application. Another class of antimicrobial polymers with a different mode of mechanism will be explored in this project. Biocidal polymers are effective antimicrobial agents as they rely on the electrostatic interactions between the polymeric charged groups and the charged microbial membrane. Polyethylenimine (PEI) can be modified to achieve a macromolecule containing various charged cationic groups. Quaternizing low‐molecular‐weight PEI with different alkyl groups of short, long, and aromatic groups will give rise to various structural differences. The structure of the quaternized PEI is characterized, and its antimicrobial activity and compatibility are shown to be remarkably improved.
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Placebo response and its determinants in children with ADHD across multiple observers and settings: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Fageera Weam , Traicu Alexandru , Sengupta Sarojini M. , Fortier Marie‐Eve , Choudhry Zia , Labbe Aurélie , Grizenko Natalie , Joober Ridha 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis study aims to quantify placebo response (PR) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as assessed by parents and teachers and to explore some of its determinants.Five hundred and forty children with ADHD (ages 6–12) were recruited to a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial with methylphenidate. The main outcome variable was Conners' Global Index (CGI), based on assessment of behaviour by parents (CGI‐P) and teacher (CGI‐T). PR was calculated as the difference between CGI‐P/T scores at baseline and placebo week.There was a highly significant PR as assessed by the parents' and teachers' (p < 0.001). The magnitude of PR as assessed by parents was greater (10.57 points) compared to that assessed by teachers (3.93 points). The determinants of PR were different between parents and teachers. For parents, income, marital status, education, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and prior psychostimulant exposure (PPE) showed a significant effect on PR. For teachers, only ethnicity and PPE had an effect. The pattern of PR revealed two distinct profiles that may shed some light on the mechanisms involved in PR.PR in children with ADHD varies depending on the setting of the observations and the evaluator. Several psychosocial factors have been identified as modulators of PR. This is relevant for the design and interpretation of clinical trials and for clinical practice.
Trauma induces overexpression of Cx43 in human fetal membrane defects
Authors: Barrett David W. , Kethees Aumie , Thrasivoulou Christopher , Mata Alvaro , Virasami Alex , Sebire Neil J. , Engels Alex C. , Deprest Jan A. , Becker David L. , David Anna L. , Chowdhury Tina T. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveWe developed an in vitro model to examine whether trauma induces connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and collagen organisation in the amniotic membrane (AM) of fetal membrane (FM) defects.MethodTerm human FM was traumatised in vitro. Cell morphology and Cx43 were examined in the wound edge AM by immunofluorescence (IMF) confocal microscopy and compared to control AM. Collagen microstructure was examined by second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging. Cell viability was assessed with calcein and ethidium staining.ResultsAfter trauma, the AM showed a dense region of cells, which had migrated towards the wound edge. In wound edge AM, Cx43 puncta was preferentially distributed in mesenchymal cells compared to epithelial cells with significant expression in the fibroblast layer than epithelial layer (p < 0.001). In the fibroblast layer, the collagen fibres were highly polarised and aligned in parallel to the axis of the wound edge AM. There was an absence of cell migration across the defect with no healing after 168 h. Cell viability of the FM after trauma was maintained during culture.ConclusionCx43 overexpression in wounded AM drives structural changes in collagen that slows down efficacy of cell migration across the FM defect. © 2017 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traumatic stress in patients with acute leukemia: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Rodin Gary , Deckert Amy , Tong Eryn , Le Lisa W. , Rydall Anne , Schimmer Aaron , Marmar Charles R. , Lo Chris , Zimmermann Camilla 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveAcute leukemia (AL) is associated with an immediate threat to life, an unpredictable clinical course, and substantial physical suffering. Traumatic stress symptoms that may meet criteria for acute stress disorder (ASD) may be common and disabling in this context, but have received little clinical attention. We investigated the incidence over time and risk factors for traumatic stress symptoms and ASD in the 3 months following diagnosis or relapse of AL.MethodsIndividuals with AL were recruited at a tertiary cancer center in Canada within one month of diagnosis or relapse. Participants (N = 230) completed self‐report measures, including the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire, at baseline and monthly over 3 months. The incidence of traumatic stress symptoms over time was examined, and a generalized logistic model was used to identify factors associated with ASD.ResultsParticipants were 60% male, with a mean age of 48.9 ± 15.2 years. Symptoms of ASD were identified on ≥1 assessment over the study period in 24.4% of participants at baseline and in an additional 12.6% at a subsequent follow‐up. Of these, 55.3% reported symptoms on ≥2 assessments. ASD was associated with having young children, being unmarried, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and greater physical symptom burden. Persistent or recurrent ASD was associated with female sex, acute lymphocytic leukemia, greater attachment anxiety, less spiritual well‐being, and less satisfactory patient‐clinician communication.ConclusionsSymptoms of ASD are common and often persist or recur following diagnosis or relapse of AL. Research is urgently needed to determine the impact of interventions to prevent and treat psychological distress in this population.
Feasibility of the mobile mindfulness‐based stress reduction for breast cancer (mMBSR(BC)) program for symptom improvement among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Lengacher Cecile A. , Reich Richard R. , Ramesar Sophia , Alinat Carissa B. , Moscoso Manolete , Cousin Lakeshia , Marino Victoria R. , Elias Maya N. , Paterson Carly L. , Pleasant Michelle L. , Rodriguez Carmen S. , Wang Hsiao‐Lan , Kip Kevin E. , Meng Hongdao , Park Jong Y. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of delivering the mobile mindfulness‐based stress reduction for breast cancer (mMBSR(BC)) program using an iPad and to evaluate its impact on symptom improvement.MethodsA single group, pre‐posttest design was implemented among female stages 0‐III breast cancer survivors (BCS) who completed treatment. Data were collected at baseline and week 6 on measures of psychological and physical symptoms and quality of life. The mMBSR(BC) program is a standardized, stress‐reducing intervention that combines sitting and walking meditation, body scan, and yoga and is designed to deliver weekly 2‐hour sessions for 6 weeks using an iPad.ResultsThe mean age of the 15 enrolled BCS was 57 years; one participant was non‐Hispanic black, and 14 were non‐Hispanic white. Of the 13 who completed the study, there were significant improvements from baseline to 6 weeks post‐mMBSR(BC) in psychological and physical symptoms of depression, state anxiety, stress, fear of recurrence, sleep quality, fatigue, and quality of life (P's < .05). Effect sizes for improvements of multiple symptoms ranged from medium to large.ConclusionsThese results provide preliminary support that the mMBSR(BC) program may be feasible and acceptable, showing a clinical impact on decreasing psychological and physical symptoms. This mobile‐based program offers a delivery of a standardized MBSR(BC) intervention to BCS that is convenient for their own schedule while decreasing symptom burden in the survivorship phase after treatment for breast cancer.
Mechanisms of callose deposition in rice regulated by exogenous abscisic acid and its involvement in rice resistance to Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Liu Jinglan , Du Haitao , Ding Xu , Zhou Yaodong , Xie Pengfei , Wu Jincai 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDCallose is a plant cell wall polysaccharide controlled by β‐1,3‐glucanase and synthase. Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important plant hormone. Exogenous ABA promotes rice resistance to pests. Whether exogenous ABA could reduce the decline in rice yield after brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål; BPH) feeding is an important question, however, the mechanisms behind rice resistance induced by ABA remain obscure.RESULTSElectronic penetration graph (EPG) recording indicated a significant increase in rice resistance to BPH, and the number of BPH eggs decreased significantly upon application of exogenous ABA. As the concentration of ABA increased, the reduction in rice yield decreased significantly after BPH feeding. Further studies showed that β‐1,3‐glucanase activity was significantly lower, but synthase activity was higher after ABA treatment than in controls.CONCLUSIONSOur results demonstrated that exogenous ABA suppressed β‐1,3‐glucanase and induced synthase activity, and promoted callose deposition. This is an important defense mechanism that prevents BPH from ingesting phloem sap. These studies provide support for an insect‐resistance mechanism after ABA treatment and provide a reference for the integrated management of other piercing–sucking pests. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Increased efficacy and extended shelf life of spinosad formulated in phagostimulant granules against Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Tamez‐Guerra Patricia , Tamayo‐Mejía Fernando , Gomez‐Flores Ricardo , Rodríguez‐Padilla Cristina , Damas Gabriela , Tamez‐Guerra Reyes S , Ek‐Ramos Maria J , Williams Trevor 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDSpinosad is recommended for control of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) larvae; its application with phagostimulants may reduce the quantity of active ingredient required for effective pest control. Spinosad (Tracer®) was formulated in maize flour matrix granules and three field tests compared 10–100 ppm a.i. granules (equivalent to 0.24–2.4 g a.i. ha–1) with Tracer as an aqueous spray (200 ppm a.i.; 60 g a.i. ha–1), and the recommended application rates of Bacillus thuringiensis, a chemical and an untreated controls were performed.RESULTSThe 100 ppm spinosad granules resulted in similar S. frugiperda mortality compared with the chemical treatments in all three field trials, and resulted in a significantly higher maize grain yield compared with unformulated and control treatments (4141 vs. 2857 and 2407 kg ha–1, respectively) that was similar to the chemical treatment (3778 kg ha–1). Bioassays of granules stored at room and cold temperatures showed that after 5 years, ∼ 70% of the original activity remained (OAR) of spinosad when formulated as granules. Nevertheless, after 9 years, efficacy was reduced (26.2% and 48.5% OAR) at both room (25 °C) and refrigerated temperatures (4 °C).CONCLUSIONSpinosad, in the granular phagostimulant formulations evaluated in this study, had advantages measured as high efficacy and long shelf life. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Processes leading to deep convection and sensitivity to sea‐state representation during HyMeX IOP8 heavy precipitation event
Authors: Bouin M.‐N. , Redelsperger J.‐L. , Lebeaupin Brossier C. 
Published: June 2017

During the first observation period of the HyMeX programme, the Mediterranean coasts of Spain were impacted by several heavy precipitating events (HPEs). The most damaging one occurred during IOP 8 resulting in cumulative rainfall amounts over 180 mm in the area of Murcia–Valencia. Numerical simulations using a high‐resolution atmospheric model provide a very realistic representation of the mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) at the origin of this HPE and of the associated low‐level conditions, consisting in two cold sectors surrounding a warm sector. This study provides a detailed analysis of the mechanisms of deep convection initiation and maintenance between 1200 UTC 28 September and 0000 UTC 29 September 2012. On the coastal mountainous area, the conditionally unstable inflow feeding the MCS is uplifted by the relief whereas at sea, a strong low‐level convergence plays the same role. At the coast, cold pools are generated and strengthened by a strong low‐level jet (LLJ) carrying cold dense air parcels from the Gulf of Lion and by evaporation and cooling under the precipitating systems. These cold pools play a key role in triggering the deep convection, either by directly uplifting the air masses or by deflecting the inflow horizontally. They largely control the localisation and distribution of the heavy precipitation at sea near Valencia. A weak barrier wind over the cold pools and a secondary cyclonic circulation result in a bending of the convergence line at sea, in agreement with radar observations.A sensitivity study to a more realistic representation of the sea state in the air–sea exchanges shows that the LLJ is decelerated by the increased sea‐surface roughness, resulting in cold pools extending further at sea and shifting the precipitation patterns 50 km offshore.
Sediment‐associated organic matter sources and sediment oxygen demand in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC): A case study of the River Axe, UK
Authors: Collins A. L. , Zhang Y. , McMillan S. , Dixon E. R. , Stringfellow A. , Bateman S. , Sear D. A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractOxygen demand in river substrates providing important habitats for the early life stages of aquatic ecology, including lithophilous fish, can arise due to the oxidation of sediment‐associated organic matter. Oxygen depletion associated with this component of river biogeochemical cycling, will, in part, depend on the sources of such material. A reconnaissance survey was therefore undertaken to assess the relative contributions from bed sediment‐associated organic matter sources potentially impacting on the River Axe Special Area of Conservation (SAC), in SW England. Source fingerprinting, including Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis, suggested that the relative frequency‐weighted average median source contributions ranged between 19% (uncertainty range 0–82%) and 64% (uncertainty range 0–99%) for farmyard manures or slurries, 4% (uncertainty range 0–49%) and 35% (uncertainty range 0–100%) for damaged road verges, 2% (uncertainty range 0–100%) and 68% (uncertainty range 0–100%) for decaying instream vegetation, and 2% (full uncertainty range 0–15%) and 6% (uncertainty range 0–48%) for human septic waste. A reconnaissance survey of sediment oxygen demand (SOD) along the channel designated as a SAC yielded a mean SOD5 of 4 mg O2 g−1 dry sediment and a corresponding SOD20 of 7 mg O2 g−1 dry sediment, compared with respective ranges of 1–15 and 2–30 mg O2 g−1 dry sediment, measured by the authors for a range of river types across the UK. The findings of the reconnaissance survey were used in an agency (SW region) catchment appraisal exercise for informing targeted management to help protect the SAC.
Differential Treatment Response to Insulin Intensification Therapy: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Trial Comparing Premixed and Basal-Bolus Insulin Regimens
Authors: Shi Li Xin , Li Peng Fei , Hou Jia Ning 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Introduction
Identification of subgroups of patients that may benefit most from certain treatment is important because individual treatment response varies due to multiple contributing factors. The present study used the subgroup identification based on the differential effect search (SIDES) algorithm to identify subgroups with different treatment responses to insulin intensification therapies.

Methods
This was a post hoc analysis of a 24-week, multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel study comparing prandial premixed therapy (PPT) to basal-bolus therapy (BBT). Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized to PPT (insulin lispro mix 50/50 thrice daily with meals) or BBT (glargine at bedtime plus mealtime insulin lispro) insulin intensification therapies. The SIDES algorithm was used to identify the subgroups from at-goal patients [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <7.0% (53.0 mmol/mol) at the end of 24 weeks; n = 182] who could have benefitted from insulin intensification therapies.

Results
Baseline characteristics of overall at-goal patients were comparable between PPT and BBT groups. The SIDES algorithm identified patients with race other than Caucasian (i.e., African–American, Asian, and Hispanic) and baseline fasting blood glucose (FBG) <8.89 mmol/L as a subgroup that could respond better to PPT relative to BBT than the overall at-goal patient population. In this identified subgroup population, the HbA1c mean (standard deviation) changes from baseline to endpoint in PPT and BBT groups were −2.27 (0.88)% versus −2.05 (0.75)%; p = 0.40, respectively; while in the overall at-goal patients, the HbA1c changes were −2.17 (0.79)% versus −2.34 (1.00)%; p = 0.19, respectively.

Conclusions
The preliminary results showed that the subgroup of patients with race other than Caucasian and FBG <8.89 mmol/L may respond better to premixed intensification therapy. This result provides some preliminary information for further investigation in prospective studies.

Funding
Eli Lilly and Company.

Clinical Trial Registration
Clinicaltrials.gov ID number: NCT00110370.
The interplay of parental monitoring and socioeconomic status in predicting minor delinquency between and within adolescents
Authors: Rekker Roderik , Keijsers Loes , Branje Susan , Koot Hans , Meeus Wim 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThis six‐wave multi‐informant longitudinal study on Dutch adolescents (N = 824; age 12–18) examined the interplay of socioeconomic status with parental monitoring in predicting minor delinquency. Fixed‐effects negative binomial regression analyses revealed that this interplay is different within adolescents across time than between adolescents. Between individuals, parental solicitation and control were not significantly associated with delinquency after controlling for SES: Adolescents whose parents exercised more monitoring did not offend less than others. Within individuals, higher levels of parental control were unexpectedly associated with more delinquency, but this relation was dependent on SES: Low‐SES adolescents, but not high‐SES adolescents, offended more during periods in which their parents exercised more control than during other periods with less control. In contrast to earlier work, this finding suggests that monitoring could be least effective when needed most. Low‐SES parents might not use monitoring effectively and become overcontrolling when their child goes astray.
The Cost of Non-treatment
Authors: Knapp M. 
Published: June 2017

There are large treatment gaps in relation to schizophrenia across all European countries, either because the illness is not recognised or because the response from treatment and care services is inadequate - not evidence-based. This could be because of resource or other constraints. The consequence can be very damaging indeed for individuals with schizophrenia, their families and for the wider society. In this talk I will set out the economic consequences of not identifying or responding appropriately to schizophrenia. Evidence will be drawn from a number of studies, but will be channelled to show new findings in relation to both England and Czech Republic. These figures add to the argument for earlier and better treatment, to benefit everybody including public and private budgets.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Guidelines for Managing ADHD and Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Matthys F. 
Published: June 2017

Guideline for managing ADHD and substance use disorders (SUD)Frieda Matthys, MD, PhD.BackgroundDespite the high prevalence of ADHD in adults with SUD and the availability of an approved guideline, under diagnosis and inadequate treatment still persist. This comorbidity associates with reduced treatment effectiveness, making successful treatment in adults with ADHD and SUD a challenge.MethodsThe guideline of 2010 for recognizing and treating adult ADHD in patients with SUD is updated in 2016, in cooperation with caregivers, of the addiction centers in Belgium and based on research literature and clinical experience. The english translation is discussed by an international group of clinicians and experts to result in a consensus statement via ICASA (International Collaboration on ADHD and Substance Abuse).ResultsThis consensus presents a useful guide for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and SUD. Due to the lack of scientific evidence on some of the topics, the guide is a combination of evidence based and practice based recommendations.ConclusionThe management of ADHD in patients with SUD remains a challenge. Diagnosis is complicated by SUD symptoms and by the skepticism associated with the recognition of ADHD in adults. The treatment is hampered by high relapse rates and reduced effectiveness of the currently available pharmacotherapies. Combining psycho-and pharmacotherapy in an integrated treatment that covers both ADHD and SUD, may help to keep these patients in treatment.A Dutch manual for the integrated treatment of ADHD and SUD is being developed.Disclosure of interestHonorarium Lilly.Advisory board Johnson&Johnson.
Permutations and Computational Power: A Molecular Cascade Analysis to Approach Big Data in Psychiatry
Authors: Drago A. 
Published: June 2017

In the last few years, we conducted a number of molecular pathway analyses on the genetic samples provided by the NIMH. The molecular pathway approach accounts for the polygenic nature of the most part of psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, the limits of this approach including the limited knowledge about the function of the genes, the fact that longer genes have higher probability to harbour variations significantly associated with the phenotype under analysis and the false positive associations for single variations, demand statistical control and bio-statistical knowledge. Permutations are a methodology to control for false positive associations, but their implementation requires that a number of criteria are taken into account: 1) the same number of genes and the same number of variations of the index pathway must be simulated in order to limit the bias of selecting significantly longer or shorter genes; 2) a sufficient number of permutated pathways is created (10E5 to 10E6 depending on computational resources) which demands higher computational power; 3) the correct statistical thresholds are identified and discussed; 4) some pathways might be over-represented and the source of information must be constantly updated. The tools for running a molecular pathway analysis (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, 2013) when interacting with a supercluster PC and the international bioinformatic datasets (Embase, NIMH and others), together with the critical steps of bioinformatics scripting (bash language) are described and discussed.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.