bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thiouridine residues in tRNAs are responsible for a synergistic effect of UVA and UVB light in photoinactivation of Escherichia coli
Authors: Probst‐Rüd Sandra , McNeill Kristopher , Ackermann Martin 
Published: April 2016

SummarySince different wavelengths of light impact different cellular targets, microorganisms exposed to natural sunlight experience a combination of multiple stressors. In order to better understand the effects of sunlight on microorganisms we, therefore, need to understand how different wavelength act alone and in combination. Here, we describe a synergistic effect between UVA and UVB irradiation on viability of Escherichia coli bacteria. To investigate the basis of this synergistic effect we analysed mutant strains that were obtained through selection for increased resistance to combined UVA and UVB. By identifying and reconstructing genetic changes in the resistant strains we provide evidence that UVA‐absorbing thiouridine residues in tRNAs are the key to the synergistic effect. Our study provides insights into how naturally occurring combinations of stressors can interact, and points to new ways for controlling microbial populations.
Trials and Tribulations ‐ an RCT comparing manualized family therapy with Treatment as Usual and reflections on key issues that arose in the implementation
Authors: Boston Paula , Cottrell David 
Published: April 2016

SHIFT has been one of the largest RCTs in the field of systemic family therapy in the UK. The study took place over five years, including three major centres with fifteen Trusts and twenty‐five family therapists who worked with a manualized treatment in CAMHS with adolescents who self‐harmed. While the results are not available at the time of this publication, this paper will briefly describe the pre‐ existing factors which were helpful in developing a successful bid, clinical and managerial elements of ‘real world research’ of complex psychological processes and the construction of the manualized systemic family therapy. It also offers examples of some of the unanticipated events in the life of such a large trial.Practitioner Points

Large trials develop from small studies and clinicians are urged to look for opportunities for research partnerships
Investment in time for consideration of difficult issues as they arise is essential for effective trial management
The balance between research rigour and ‘real life’ practice is an inevitable area of tension and requires consideration of both immediate and outcome consequences
Impacts of Geographic Distance on Peritoneal Dialysis Utilization: Refining Models of Treatment Selection
Authors: Wang Virginia , Maciejewski Matthew L. , Coffman Cynthia J. , Sanders Linda L. , Lee Shoou‐Yih Daniel , Hirth Richard , Messana Joseph 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between distance to dialysis provider and patient selection of dialysis modality, informed by the absolute distance from a patient's home and relative distance of alternative modalities.Data SourcesU.S. Renal Data System.Study DesignAbout 70,131 patients initiating chronic dialysis and 4,795 dialysis facilities in 2006. The primary outcome was patient utilization of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Independent variables included absolute distance between patients' home and the nearest hemodialysis (HD) facility, relative distance between patients' home and nearestPDversus nearestHDfacilities, and their interaction. Logistic regression was used to model distance onPDuse, controlling for patient and market characteristics.Principal FindingsNine percent of incident dialysis patients usedPDin 2006. There was a positive, nonlinear relationship between absolute distance toHDservices andPDuse (p < .0001), with the magnitude of the effect increasing at greater distances. In terms of relative distance, odds ofPDuse increased if aPDfacility was closer or the same distance as the nearestHDfacility (p = .006). Interaction of distance measures to dialysis facilities was not significant.ConclusionsAnalyses of patient choice between alternative treatments should model distance to reflect all relevant dimensions of geographic access to treatment options.
Variation in Payment Rates under Medicare's Inpatient Prospective Payment System
Authors: Krinsky Sam , Ryan Andrew M. , Mijanovich Tod , Blustein Jan 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo measure variation in payment rates under Medicare's Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and identify the main payment adjustments that drive variation.Data Sources/Study SettingMedicare cost reports for all Medicare‐certified hospitals, 1987–2013, and Dartmouth Atlas geographic files.Study DesignWe measure the Medicare payment rate as a hospital's total acute inpatient Medicare Part A payment, divided by the standard IPPS payment for its geographic area. We assess variation using several measures, both within local markets and nationally. We perform a factor decomposition to identify the share of variation attributable to specific adjustments. We also describe the characteristics of hospitals receiving different payment rates and evaluate changes in the magnitude of the main adjustments over time.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsData downloaded from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the National Bureau of Economic Research, and the Dartmouth Atlas.Principal FindingsIn 2013, Medicare paid for acute inpatient discharges at a rate 31 percent above the IPPS base. For the top 10 percent of discharges, the mean rate was double the IPPS base. Variations were driven by adjustments for medical education and care to low‐income populations. The magnitude of variation has increased over time.ConclusionsAdjustments are a large and growing share of Medicare hospital payments, and they create significant variation in payment rates.
Unintentional Nonhunting Firearm Deaths in Sweden, 1983–2012
Authors: Junuzovic Mensura , Sjöberg Ameli , Eriksson Anders 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe examined the association between unintentional nonhunting firearm deaths and changes in firearm legislation in Sweden. There were 43 fatalities during the study time frame 1983–2012, representing 46% of all unintentional firearm deaths during the same period. The victims were predominantly young males (mean age 25 years). Slightly more than half of the deaths were caused by another person and were inflicted at close range. The main cause of the incidents was human error. The majority of the involved firearms were legal; however, most victims killed with illegal firearms were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time. The death rate decreased significantly following the introduction of the hunter's examination in 1985. Education and training associated with the hunter's examination was at least partially responsible for the decline in fatalities after 1985. Future prevention should target the availability of illegal firearms.
Best Interest of the Child and Parental Alienation: A Survey of State Statutes
Authors: Baker Amy J.L. , Asayan Mariann , LaCheen‐Baker Alianna 
Published: April 2016

AbstractState statutes regarding the best interests of the child (BIC) in deciding disputed custody were reviewed and independently coded with respect to three issues (i) the child's preference and any limits (ii) parental alienation and (iii) psychological maltreatment. Results revealed that many states allowed for the child's preferences to be considered and none qualified that preference when undue influence has occurred; parental alienation as a term was not found in any state statutes but 70% of the states included at least one BIC factor relevant to its core construct of the parent supporting the child's relationship to the other parent; and many states included a history of domestic violence or child abuse but only three states explicitly mentioned psychological maltreatment. These findings highlight yet another way in which the BICS factors lack specificity in ways that could negatively impact children caught in their parents’ conflict.
Fatal Phenol Toxicity Following Attempted Tattoo Removal
Authors: Li Zhen , Zhang Huang , Li Shu‐Hua , Byard Roger W. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractTattoo removal is increasingly required as the number of, particularly young, people acquiring tattoos is increasing. A 21‐year‐old man is reported who underwent attempted removal of large dragon tattoo utilizing a tattoo machine that injected a phenol‐containing solution. At the end of the 3‐h procedure, he collapsed and died. At autopsy, large areas of white skin discoloration with focal necrosis and sloughing were present overlying areas of previous tattooing. Histological examination showed collections of eosinophilic fluid with a minimal chronic inflammatory infiltrate in better preserved areas, with focal areas of dermal necrosis. Toxicology was positive for phenol in cardiac blood and liver tissue. There were no underlying organic disease or injuries present which could have caused or contributed to death. This idiosyncratic method of tattoo removal involving subcutaneous injection of phenol had resulted in death most likely from cardiotoxicity.
Population structure of the golden snub‐nosed monkey Rhinopithecus roxellana in the Qinling Mountains, central China
Authors: HUANG Kang , GUO Songtao , CUSHMAN Samuel A. , DUNN Derek W. , QI Xiaoguang , HOU Rong , ZHANG Jing , LI Qi , ZHANG Qiang , SHI Zhen , ZHANG Kan , LI Baoguo 
Published: April 2016

AbstractEnvironmental barriers and habitat fragmentation can restrict gene flow, leading to genetic divergence among animal populations. The golden snub‐nosed monkey, Rhinopithecus roxellana, is endemic to China, and ranges across 4 provinces. However, over the past 40 years its populations have become fragmented. We investigated the genetic diversity, demographic history and population structure of R. roxellana in 5 reserves in one of its strongholds, the Qinling Mountain forests of Shaanxi. We collected genetic material from 11 monkey bands (a group of individuals containing multiple 1‐male units) with a total of 428 samples genotyped at 20 microsatellite loci. Allelic richness and heterozygosity suggested a relatively high level of intra‐band genetic diversity. We found no evidence of any genetic bottleneck in these R. roxellana populations. AMOVA and Bayesian cluster analysis revealed that R. roxellana in the 5 reserves are highly structured and form at least 3 distinct subpopulations. These subpopulations concur with major topographical features in the study area, such as mountain ridges, suggesting that dispersal of R. roxellana may be restricted by geographical barriers.
Seventy‐five years of masting and rodent population peaks in Norway: Why do wood mice not follow the rules?
Authors: SELÅS Vidar 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) populations are expected to show a peak in autumn in the year after a mast year of sessile oak (Quercus petraea), because stored acorns increase winter survival. In Aust‐Agder, South Norway, only 16 of 34 mast years from 1939–2014 were followed by a year with a peak in the wood mouse population. For many of the remaining instances, there rather was a minor peak 2 or 3 years after the mast. In multiple logistic regression models, the probability of a wood mouse population peak after a mast year of sessile oak was positively related to a snow‐corrected temperature index of the previous winter and negatively to a small rodent population index of the previous autumn. The present study thus supports the hypothesis that longer periods with snow‐free ground and subzero temperatures negatively affect wood mouse winter survival. Because it may be difficult for wood mice to survive on a diet consisting of acorns alone, the negative relationship with the rodent population index of the previous year is most likely caused by an over‐exploitation of necessary alternative food resources, such as other plant seeds and arthropods. Stored acorns not utilized during one winter are assumed to benefit wood mice in a succeeding winter, giving a delayed population peak relative to the mast year.
Using Liquid Smoke to Improve Mechanical and Water Resistance Properties of Gelatin Films
Authors: Wang Wenwang , Li Cong , Zhang Hongjie , Ni Yonghao 
Published: April 2016

AbstractImprovement of mechanical and water barrier properties is critical for gelatin films when applied to edible food packaging. A liquid smoke (LS) obtained from hawthorn nucleus was used to improve the performance of gelatin film based on its abundant compounds. Through SPME‐GC‐MS analysis, 86 volatile and semi‐volatile chemical compounds was detected in LS, in which the total carbonyl compounds were 27.60%, with the main aldehyde as 2‐furaldehyde (9.83%). For gelatin films, an observable influence of LS on film transparency was observed in gelatin films, but not for its thickness and microstructure. Desirably, adding LS into gelatin solution increased the tensile strength of the films, with a better value of 16.38 MPa as 3 wt% LS added, compared with the control (10.30 MPa). Accordingly, film elongation decreased with a LS dependent manner. Furthermore, the water resistance properties of gelatin film were improved by the LS addition, which was supported by the results of water contact angle, water vapor permeability. Moreover, the addition of LS also led to a higher insolubility for gelatin films. Also, thermal stability of the LS treated gelatin films was slightly enhanced with the DSC analysis. According to the FTIR spectra and crosslinking degree detection results, all the above enhancing of gelatin film should be attributed to the crosslinking between carbonyl groups in LS and amide functionalities in gelatin based on nucleophilic reaction.
Initial Droplet Size Impacts pH‐Induced Structural Changes in Phase‐Separated Polymer Dispersions
Authors: Thongkaew Chutima , Zeeb Benjamin , Gibis Monika , Hinrichs Jörg , Weiss Jochen 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe effect of pH change on the morphology of whey protein isolate (WPI)–pectin dispersions obtained from phase‐separated systems after mild shear was studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of mixing speed on the initial particle size of biopolymer complexes and their structure morphology after sequentially changing the pH. Therefore, solutions of WPI and pectin were combined at pH 6.1, allowed to phase separate and were then mildly homogenized at 50, 100, and 150 rpm, respectively, to form a dispersion containing differently sized WPI droplets in a surrounding pectin‐rich phase. Each dispersion was then subjected to a pH change, such as 6.1 to 5.2 and 3.2, by slowly adding hydrochloric acid. The systems morphology, size, appearance, rheology, and storage stability was then characterized by optical microscopy, static light scattering, visual inspections, and steady shear rheometry to gain insights into the structural rearrangements. Results indicated substantial changes in the structure of the dispersion when the pH was changed. Formation of core‐shell structures from the WPI droplets was observed at an intermediate pH. There, initial droplet size was found to affect structures formed, that is, core‐shell type particles would only form if droplets were large (>1.5 μm) prior to pH change. Insights gained may be of importance to food manufacturers intending to create new structures from mixtures of proteins and carbohydrates.
Effects of Hyriopsis cumingii Polysaccharides on Mice Immunologic Receptor, Transcription Factor, and Cytokine
Authors: Qiao Deliang , He Xiaomei , Wei Chuanbao , Xia Lunbin , Bao Lingling 
Published: April 2016

AbstractTo discuss the molecular mechanism of immunoenhancing activities of Hyriopsis cumingii polysaccharides (HCPS), effects of HCPS on mice immunologic receptors (toll‐like receptors‐4 [TLR‐4] and mannose receptor‐1 [MR‐1]), transcription factor (nuclear factor kappa‐B [NF‐κB]), and cytokines (interleukin‐6 [IL‐6] and tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α]) were evaluated by cell model in vitro and cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppression animal model in vivo. Results showed that HCPS could promote the mRNA synthesis of TLR‐4, MR‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in spleen, and the gene expression of TLR‐4, MR‐1, NF‐κB, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in spleen and serum in a dose‐dependent manner. Crude HCPS and its purified fractions (HCPS‐1, HCPS‐2, and HCPS‐3) could strengthen peritoneal macrophage expressing MR‐1 and NF‐κB in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, HCPS‐3 showed stronger promotions on MR‐1 and NF‐κB than crude HCPS, HCPS‐1, and HCPS‐2. It suggested that HCPS‐stimulated immunostrengthening was mediated, at least in part, by TLR‐4/NF‐κB/IL‐6 and TLR‐4/NF‐κB/ TNF‐α signaling pathways. MR‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α might be 3 of the immune regulators mediating immunity and homeostasis when HCPS performed immunoenhancing activities.
Outpatient measurement of arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity
Authors: Mohammedi Kamel , Compaoré Aminata , Potier Louis , Belhatem Narimène , Feron Marilyne , Matallah Nadia , Travert Florence , Hansel Boris , Velho Gilberto , Roussel Ronan , Hallab Magid , Marre Michel 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundPulse wave velocity (PWV) is a marker of arterial stiffness. The aim of the present study was to compare PWV in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or obesity and healthy subjects in an outpatient setting.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in patients with obesity without T2DM (n = 37), T2DM without obesity (n = 40), T2DM plus obesity (n = 43), and healthy controls (n = 114). Outpatient measurements of the finger–toe PWV (ftPWV) were made.ResultsMean (± SD) ftPWV was higher in men than in women (10.57 ± 5.02 vs 9.14 ± 3.68 m/s, respectively P = 0.006) and was positively correlated with age (r2 = 0.31, P < 0.0001), body mass index (r2 = 0.03, P = 0.01), systolic blood pressure (SBP; r2 = 0.06, P < 0.0001), and right (r2 = 0.03, P = 0.01) and left (r2 = 0.03, P = 0.01) ankle–brachial index (ABI). Age, SBP and ABI remained significantly correlated with ftPWV in the stepwise regression analysis. Mean ftPWV in controls and in patients with obesity, T2DM, and T2DM plus obesity was 8.32 ± 2.68, 9.50 ± 3.38, 11.29 ± 4.34, and 12.36 ± 6.67 m/s, respectively (P < 0.0001). These differences remained significant after adjustments for sex, age, SBP, and ABI (P = 0.008). Although ftPWV was higher in patients with than without macrovascular complications (13.11 ± 6.25 vs 10.40 ± 4.54 m/s, respectively; P = 0.006) in univariate analysis, this was not so in the multivariate‐adjusted model.ConclusionsOutpatient‐measured ftPWV was correlated with age, SBP, and ABI. It was higher in patients with T2DM and obesity compared with healthy controls. The highest ftPWV was observed in patients with both T2DM and obesity.
Influence of APOE Gene Polymorphism on Interindividual and Interethnic Warfarin Dosage Requirement: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yu Wan‐ying , Sun Xue , Wadelius Mia , Huang Lihua , Peng Chen , Ma Wan‐le , Yang Guo‐Ping 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundWarfarin is the most extensively used coumarin anticoagulant. It has been shown that the anticoagulant effect of warfarin is associated with genetic variation. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a possible candidate to influence the maintenance dose of warfarin. ApoE affects the vitamin K cycle by mediating the uptake of vitamin K into the liver. The vitamin K cycle is the drug target of warfarin. However, the association between genetic variants of the APOE gene and warfarin dose requirement is still controversial.MethodsRevman 5.3 software was used to analyze the relationship between APOE genotypes and warfarin dose requirements.ResultsIn our meta‐analysis, the E2/E2 genotype was significantly associated with warfarin dose. E2/E2 patients required 12% (P = 0.0002) lower mean daily warfarin dose than E3/E3 carriers. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that Asians with the E4/E4 genotype tended to need lower warfarin maintenance doses, while the African American E4/E4 carriers needed slightly higher doses than E3/E3 carriers; however, these subgroups were very small.ConclusionThis is the first meta‐analysis of the association between APOE genotypes and warfarin dose. APOE E2/E2 might be one of the factors affecting warfarin dose requirements. The effect of APOE may vary between ethnicities.
Religiosity as a protective factor against suicidal behaviour
Authors: Burshtein S. , Dohrenwend B. P. , Levav I. , Werbeloff N. , Davidson M. , Weiser M. 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveData suggest that adherence to religious beliefs is associated with lower rates of suicide. A number of mediating factors have been hypothesized to explain this association, including enhanced social support, less substance abuse, and lower rates of psychopathology.MethodWe utilized data from a two‐phase population‐based, epidemiological study of mental disorders among young Jewish Israel born in a 10‐year birth‐cohort conducted in the 1980s. This study included data on religiosity and suicidal behaviour. Twenty‐five years thereafter, mortality data were obtained from a national vital statistics registry.ResultsRates of suicidal ideation were similar among secular, partially observant, and religious subjects (9.4%, 6.7%, and 6.2%, respectively; adjusted OR for linear trend: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.58–1.09). Rates of suicide attempts were significantly lower among religious subjects (2.4%, 2.5%, and 0.4% for secular, partially observant, and religious, respectively; adjusted OR for linear trend: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43–0.88). Of the 4914 subjects, eight died by suicide: Seven of them were secular and one was partially observant (χ2 = 2.52, P = 0.09). There were no differences in social functioning or rates of psychopathology among the study groups.ConclusionReligiosity has a protective effect against suicide attempts, which is independent of social functioning, psychopathology, and substance use.
Androgen deprivation therapy did not increase the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Chung S. D. , Lin H. C. , Tsai M. C. , Kao L. T. , Huang C. Y. , Chen K. C. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been the standard treatment for advanced prostate cancer for many decades. Although potential adverse effects of ADT have been reported, there are no empirical studies investigating the association between ADT and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, this retrospective cohort study explored the relationship between the use of ADT and the subsequent risk of Alzheimer's disease in men with prostate cancer using a population‐based database. We retrieved data from the “Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000.” The study included 1335 patients with prostate cancer and 4005 age‐matched comparison patients without prostate malignancy. We then individually tracked each patient (n = 5340) for a 5‐year period to discriminate those who subsequently received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The Cox proportional hazard regression showed that the hazard ratio (HR) for Alzheimer's disease during the 5‐year follow‐up period for prostate cancer patients was 1.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.90~3.25) over that of comparison patients. We further analyzed the hazard ratio for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease between prostate cancer patients who did and those who did not receive ADT, but we failed to observe a significant difference in the hazard ratio for both diseases during the 5‐year follow‐up period (adjusted HR = 1.76, 95% CI = 0.55~5.62, and HR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.58~2.20, respectively). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the use of androgen deprivation therapy in patients with prostate cancer was not associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease during the follow‐up period.