bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of P-wave dispersion with insulin sensitivity in obese adolescents
Authors: Sert Ahmet , Aslan Eyup , Buyukınan Muammer , Pirgon Ozgur 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundP-wave dispersion is a new and simple electrocardiographic marker that has been reported to be associated with inhomogeneous and discontinuous propagation of sinus impulses. In the present study, we evaluated P-wave dispersion in obese adolescents and investigated the relationship between P-wave dispersion, cardiovascular risk factors, and echocardiographic parameters.MethodsWe carried out a case–control study comparing 150 obese adolescents and 50 healthy controls. Maximum and minimum P-wave durations were measured using a 12-lead surface electrocardiogram, and P-wave dispersion was calculated as the difference between these two measures. Echocardiographic examination was also performed for each subject. Multivariate linear regression analysis with stepwise variable selection was used to evaluate parameters associated with increased P-wave dispersion in obese subjects.ResultsMaximum P-wave duration and P-wave dispersion were significantly higher in obese adolescents than control subjects (143±19 ms versus 117±20 ms and 49±15 ms versus 29±9 ms, p<0.0001 for both). P-wave dispersion was positively correlated with body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol, serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin, homoeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance score, left ventricular mass, and left atrial dimension. P-wave dispersion was negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. By multiple stepwise regression analysis, left atrial dimension (β: 0.252, p=0.008) and homoeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (β: 0.205; p=0.009) were independently associated with increased P-wave dispersion in obese adolescents.ConclusionsInsulin resistance is a significant, independent predictor of P-wave dispersion in obese adolescents.
Everolimus-induced near-resolution of giant cardiac rhabdomyomas and large renal angiomyolipoma in a newborn with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Colaneri Massimo , Quarti Andrea , Pozzi Marco 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe report a case of a newborn, affected by tuberous sclerosis complex, with a prenatally diagnosed giant cardiac rhabdomyoma associated with a large renal angiomyolipoma presenting as a duct-depending lesion not treatable by surgery. After receiving everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, we observed a rapid, significant, and durable reduction of both lesions without remarkable side effects.
Single- and Multiple-Dose Pharmacokinetics of an Oral Mixed Amphetamine Salts Extended-Release Formulation in Adults
Authors: Clausen Susan B. , Read Stephanie C. , Tulloch Simon J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectives: Assess the bioavailability of mixed amphetamine salts extended-release (MAS XR) 30-mg capsules and the dose proportionality of pharmacokinetic measures for MAS XR 20,40, and 60 mg.Methods: Study A, an open-label single-period study, and Study B, a randomized, open-label, three threeway crossover study, were conducted in healthy adults in a clinical research unit. In Study A, 20 subjects received a single MAS XR 30-mg capsule by mouth daily for 7 days. In Study B, 12 subjects received single oral doses of MAS XR 20,40, and 60 mg separated by 7-14-day washout periods.Findings: Plasma dextroamphetamine (D-amphetamine) and levoamphetamine (L-amphetamine) concentrations were measured using a validated LC-MS/MS method. In Study A, a 3:1 ratio of D-amphetamine to L-amphetamine was observed for AUC0-∞and Cmax. Tmaxwas 4.2 and 4.3 hours for D-amphetamine to Lamphetamine, respectively. In Study B, for D- and Lamphetamine, statistically significant differences were observed for AUC0-t, AVC0-∞, and Cmaxbetween all doses; there was a linear relationship between pharmacokinetic variables and dose and Tmaxwas similar for each isomer (range: 4.5–5.3 hours) with all given MAS XR doses.Conclusion: The extent of exposure as assessed by mean AUC0-24and Cmaxreflected the 3:1 ratio of D-amphetamine to L-amphetamine in MAS XR 30-mg capsules. The pharmacokinetic profiles of MAS XR 20, 40, and 60 mg are dose proportional for the isomers.
Long-term lithium treatment in the prevention of suicidal behavior in bipolar disorder patients
Authors: Tondo Leonardo , Baldessarini Ross J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe reviewed available research findings, including meta-analyses on effects of lithium-treatment associated with rates of suicidal behavior in bipolar disorder or unipolar major depressive disorder patients, and for comparisons of lithium to mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants. Data from meta-analyses consistently indicate marked reductions of suicidal behavior and mortality during long-term treatment with lithium salts in bipolar disorder patients, and possibly also in unipolar, recurrent major depressive, perhaps even more effectively than with anticonvulsants proposed as mood-stabilizers. Suicidal risk is frequently associated with dysphoric-agitated symptoms, anger, aggression, and impulsivity-all of which may respond better to treatment with lithium or other mood-stabilizing medicines than to antidepressants. In these conditions, antidepressant treatment may not provide a beneficial effect on risk of suicidal thoughts and perhaps attempts, particularly in juveniles, whereas, lithium, perhaps even more than anticonvulsants, seems to be remarkably effective in the preventing suicidal behavior. The mechanism of action is not well defined and may be associated with either a prevention of mood recurrences or a more specific “antisuicidal” activity.Declaration of Interest: Dr. Tondo has received research support from Janssen and Eli Lilly Corporations and has served as a consultant to Glaxo-SmithKline and Merck Corporations. Dr. Baldessarini has recently been a consultant or investigator-initiated research collaborator with: AstraZeneca, Auritec, Biotrofix, Janssen, JDS-Noven, Lilly, Luitpold, NeuroHealing, Novartis, Pfizer, and SK-BioPharmaceutical Corporations. Neither author is a member of pharmaceutical speakers’ bureaus, nor do they or any family member hold equity positions in biomedical or pharmaceutical corporations.
An updated review of worldwide levels of docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid in human breast milk by region
Authors: Fu Yuanqing , Liu Xin , Zhou Bing , Jiang Alice C , Chai Lingying 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the DHA and arachidonic acid (AA) levels in human breast milk worldwide by country, region and socio-economic status.DesignDescriptive review conducted on English publications reporting breast-milk DHA and AA levels.SettingWe systematically searched and identified eligible literature in PubMed from January 1980 to July 2015. Data on breast-milk DHA and AA levels from women who had given birth to term infants were included.SubjectsSeventy-eight studies from forty-one countries were included with 4163 breast-milk samples of 3746 individuals.ResultsWorldwide mean levels of DHA and AA in breast milk were 0·37 (sd0·11) % and 0·55 (sd0·14) % of total fatty acids, respectively. The breast-milk DHA levels from women with accessibility to marine foods were significantly higher than those from women without accessibility (0·35 (sd0·20) %v. 0·25 (sd0·14) %,P<0·05). Data from the Asian region showed the highest DHA concentration but much lower AA concentration in breast milk compared with all other regions, independent of accessibility to marine foods. Comparison was made among Canada, Poland and Japan – three typical countries (each with sample size of more than 100 women) from different regions but all with high income and similar accessibility to fish/marine foods.ConclusionsThe current review provides an update on worldwide variation in breast-milk DHA and AA levels and underlines the need for future population- or region-specific investigations.
The Impact of the European Union Current Crisis on Law, Policy and Society
Authors: Chirita Anca D 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis chapter aims to understand the general nature of the current economic crisis from a socio-legal, economic, ideological and political perspective and to analyse the complexity of the multiple causes which have led to this crisis. The impact of the crisis on different areas of law is also considered, especially on banking, securities, contract, competition and corporate law. Furthermore, the article aims to criticise law in action and the management of the crisis through political decision-making (state intrusiveness), that is, the various responses and reactions to the crisis and the effectiveness of the measures implemented by policy-makers and enforcers. In particular, this article questions the constitutional legitimacy of the TBTF (Too-Big-to-Fail) theory as a predominant doctrine and criterion of state intervention in the economy. The chapter carries out a multi-layered analysis that covers aspects of economic, social, and political governance. It also draws insights from microeconomics—looking at how economic agents have affected individuals such as consumers—and from macroeconomics—looking at how state intervention in the economy has impacted upon taxpayers and considering the economic and social costs of the crisis. Finally, it approaches the crisis from the perspective of political economy by looking through the lenses of ideology and policy and by reflecting on the role of neoliberalism today.
The Area of Freedom, Security and Justice in the Light of the EU Accession to the ECHR—Is the Break-up Inevitable?
Authors: Kornezov Alexander 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Even though the decision to accede to the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) is a fait accompli, the terms under which the accession should take place are still very much open to debate. The present chapter focuses specifically on the possible tensions which may arise in the aftermath of the EU’s accession to the ECHR in four of the core elements of the EU area of freedom, security and justice (AFSJ): recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters, wrongful removal or retention of a child, the Common European Asylum System and the European Arrest Warrant. It then puts forward a number of solutions which could be included either in the accession agreement itself or in the post-accession case law of the ECtHR and which allow not only for the preservation of the coherence and integrity of the AFSJ but also for external judicial control on human rights matters in the AFSJ.
Two-year follow-up of a Chinese sample at clinical high risk for psychosis: timeline of symptoms, help-seeking and conversion
Authors: Zhang T. H. , Li H. J. , Woodberry K. A. , Xu L. H. , Tang Y. Y. , Guo Q. , Cui H. R. , Liu X. H. , Chow A. , Li C. B. , Jiang K. D. , Xiao Z. P. , Seidman L. J. , Wang J. J. 
Published: April 2016

Background.Chinese psychiatrists have gradually started to focus on those who are deemed to be at ‘clinical high-risk (CHR)’ for psychosis; however, it is still unknown how often those individuals identified as CHR from a different country background than previously studied would transition to psychosis. The objectives of this study are to examine baseline characteristics and the timing of symptom onset, help-seeking, or transition to psychosis over a 2-year period in China.Method.The presence of CHR was determined with the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS) at the participants' first visit to the mental health services. A total of 86 (of 117) CHR participants completed the clinical follow-up of at least 2 years (73.5%). Conversion was determined using the criteria of presence of psychotic symptoms (in SIPS). Analyses examined baseline demographic and clinical predictors of psychosis and trajectory of symptoms over time. Survival analysis (Kaplan–Meier) methods along with Log-rank tests were performed to illustrate the relationship of baseline data to either conversion or non-conversion over time. Cox regression was performed to identify baseline predictors of conversion by the 2-year follow-up.Results.In total 25 (29.1%) of 86 completers transitioned to a psychotic disorder over the course of follow-up. Among the CHR sample, the mean time between attenuated symptom onset and professional help-seeking was about 4 months on average, and converters developed fully psychotic symptoms about 12 months after symptom onset. Compared with those CHR participants whose risk syndromes remitted over the course of the study, converters had significantly longer delays (p = 0.029) for their first visit to a professional in search of help. At baseline assessment, the conversion subgroup was younger, had poorer functioning, higher total SIPS positive symptom scores, longer duration of untreated prodromal symptoms, and were more often given psychosis-related diagnoses and subsequently prescribed antipsychotics in the clinic.Conclusions.Chinese CHR identified primarily by a novel clinical screening approach had a 2-year transition rate comparable with those of specialised help-seeking samples world-wide. Early clinical intervention with this functionally deteriorating clinical population who are suffering from attenuated psychotic symptoms, is a next step in applying the CHR construct in China.
Explaining Social Discrimination: Racism in Brazil and Xenophobia in Spain
Authors: Camino Leoncio , Álvaro José Luis , Torres Ana Raquel R. , Garrido Alicia , Morais Thiago , Barbosa Juliana 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe present study investigates the arguments used by university students in order to explain social differences between social minorities and majorities. In Brazil, the issues investigated refer to White and Black people. In Spain, the reference is to native Spaniards and Moroccan immigrants. The participants were 144 Brazilians and 93 Spaniards, who answered a questionnaire composed of socio-demographic variables and one open question about the causes of social inequalities between Black and White people in Brazil and between autochthonous Spaniards and Moroccan Immigrants. A model is proposed to integrate the four discursive classes found using ALCESTE software. In Brazil, the strongest argument is based on the historical roots of the exploitation of Black people. In Spain, cultural differences are the main explanation for social inequalities.
Inhibition of cathepsin B by caspase-3 inhibitors blocks programmed cell death in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ge Y , Cai Y-M , Bonneau L , Rotari V , Danon A , McKenzie E A , McLellan H , Mach L , Gallois P 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Programmed cell death (PCD) is used by plants for development and survival to biotic and abiotic stresses. The role of caspases in PCD is well established in animal cells. Over the past 15 years, the importance of caspase-3-like enzymatic activity for plant PCD completion has been widely documented despite the absence of caspase orthologues. In particular, caspase-3 inhibitors blocked nearly all plant PCD tested. Here, we affinity-purified a plant caspase-3-like activity using a biotin-labelled caspase-3 inhibitor and identified Arabidopsis thaliana cathepsin B3 (AtCathB3) by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Consistent with this, recombinant AtCathB3 was found to have caspase-3-like activity and to be inhibited by caspase-3 inhibitors. AtCathepsin B triple-mutant lines showed reduced caspase-3-like enzymatic activity and reduced labelling with activity-based caspase-3 probes. Importantly, AtCathepsin B triple mutants showed a strong reduction in the PCD induced by ultraviolet (UV), oxidative stress (H2O2, methyl viologen) or endoplasmic reticulum stress. Our observations contribute to explain why caspase-3 inhibitors inhibit plant PCD and provide new tools to further plant PCD research. The fact that cathepsin B does regulate PCD in both animal and plant cells suggests that this protease may be part of an ancestral PCD pathway pre-existing the plant/animal divergence that needs further characterisation.
Long-distance electron transfer by cable bacteria in aquifer sediments
Authors: Müller Hubert , Bosch Julian , Griebler Christian , Damgaard Lars Riis , Nielsen Lars Peter , Lueders Tillmann , Meckenstock Rainer U 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The biodegradation of organic pollutants in aquifers is often restricted to the fringes of contaminant plumes where steep countergradients of electron donors and acceptors are separated by limited dispersive mixing. However, long-distance electron transfer (LDET) by filamentous ‘cable bacteria’ has recently been discovered in marine sediments to couple spatially separated redox half reactions over centimeter scales. Here we provide primary evidence that such sulfur-oxidizing cable bacteria can also be found at oxic–anoxic interfaces in aquifer sediments, where they provide a means for the direct recycling of sulfate by electron transfer over 1–2-cm distance. Sediments were taken from a hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer, amended with iron sulfide and saturated with water, leaving the sediment surface exposed to air. Steep geochemical gradients developed in the upper 3 cm, showing a spatial separation of oxygen and sulfide by 9 mm together with a pH profile characteristic for sulfur oxidation by LDET. Bacterial filaments, which were highly abundant in the suboxic zone, were identified by sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) as cable bacteria belonging to the Desulfobulbaceae. The detection of similar Desulfobulbaceae at the oxic–anoxic interface of fresh sediment cores taken at a contaminated aquifer suggests that LDET may indeed be active at the capillary fringe in situ.
Genomic insights into members of the candidate phylum Hyd24-12 common in mesophilic anaerobic digesters
Authors: Kirkegaard Rasmus Hansen , Dueholm Morten Simonsen , McIlroy Simon Jon , Nierychlo Marta , Karst Søren Michael , Albertsen Mads , Nielsen Per Halkjær 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Members of the candidate phylum Hyd24-12 are globally distributed, but no genomic information or knowledge about their morphology, physiology or ecology is available. In this study, members of the Hyd24-12 lineage were shown to be present and abundant in full-scale mesophilic anaerobic digesters at Danish wastewater treatment facilities. In some samples, a member of the Hyd24-12 lineage was one of the most abundant genus-level bacterial taxa, accounting for up to 8% of the bacterial biomass. Three closely related and near-complete genomes were retrieved using metagenome sequencing of full-scale anaerobic digesters. Genome annotation and metabolic reconstruction showed that they are Gram-negative bacteria likely involved in acidogenesis, producing acetate and hydrogen from fermentation of sugars, and may play a role in the cycling of sulphur in the digesters. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed single rod-shaped cells dispersed within the flocs. The genomic information forms a foundation for a more detailed understanding of their role in anaerobic digestion and provides the first insight into a hitherto undescribed branch in the tree of life.
Is chloroplastic class IIA aldolase a marine enzyme?
Authors: Miyasaka Hitoshi , Ogata Takeru , Tanaka Satoshi , Ohama Takeshi , Kano Sanae , Kazuhiro Fujiwara , Hayashi Shuhei , Yamamoto Shinjiro , Takahashi Hiro , Matsuura Hideyuki , Hirata Kazumasa 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Expressed sequence tag analyses revealed that two marine Chlorophyceae green algae, Chlamydomonas sp. W80 and Chlamydomonas sp. HS5, contain genes coding for chloroplastic class IIA aldolase (fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate aldolase: FBA). These genes show robust monophyly with those of the marine Prasinophyceae algae genera Micromonas, Ostreococcus and Bathycoccus, indicating that the acquisition of this gene through horizontal gene transfer by an ancestor of the green algal lineage occurred prior to the divergence of the core chlorophytes (Chlorophyceae and Trebouxiophyceae) and the prasinophytes. The absence of this gene in some freshwater chlorophytes, such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Volvox carteri, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella variabilis and Coccomyxa subellipsoidea, can therefore be explained by the loss of this gene somewhere in the evolutionary process. Our survey on the distribution of this gene in genomic and transcriptome databases suggests that this gene occurs almost exclusively in marine algae, with a few exceptions, and as such, we propose that chloroplastic class IIA FBA is a marine environment-adapted enzyme. This hypothesis was also experimentally tested using Chlamydomonas W80, for which we found that the transcript levels of this gene to be significantly lower under low-salt (that is, simulated terrestrial) conditions. Expression analyses of transcriptome data for two algae, Prymnesium parvum and Emiliania huxleyi, taken from the Sequence Read Archive database also indicated that the expression of this gene under terrestrial conditions (low NaCl and low sulfate) is significantly downregulated. Thus, these experimental and transcriptome data provide support for our hypothesis.
Strongly enhanced light trapping in a two-dimensional silicon nanowire random fractal array
Authors: Fazio Barbara , Artoni Pietro , Antonia Iatì Maria , D'Andrea Cristiano , Lo Faro Maria Josè , Del Sorbo Salvatore , Pirotta Stefano , Giuseppe Gucciardi Pietro , Musumeci Paolo , Salvatore Vasi Cirino , Saija Rosalba , Galli Matteo , Priolo Francesco , Irrera Alessia 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe report on the unconventional optical properties exhibited by a two-dimensional array of thin Si nanowires arranged in a random fractal geometry and fabricated using an inexpensive, fast and maskless process compatible with Si technology. The structure allows for a high light-trapping efficiency across the entire visible range, attaining total reflectance values as low as 0.1% when the wavelength in the medium matches the length scale of maximum heterogeneity in the system. We show that the random fractal structure of our nanowire array is responsible for a strong in-plane multiple scattering, which is related to the material refractive index fluctuations and leads to a greatly enhanced Raman scattering and a bright photoluminescence. These strong emissions are correlated on all length scales according to the refractive index fluctuations. The relevance and the perspectives of the reported results are discussed as promising for Si-based photovoltaic and photonic applications.