bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Hepatitis B Virus DNA, RNA, and HBsAg: Which Correlated Better with Intrahepatic Covalently Closed Circular DNA before and after Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Treatment?
Authors: Gao Yuhua , Li Yutang , Meng Qinghua , Zhang Zhanqing , Zhao Ping , Shang Qinghua , Li Yue , Su Mingze , Li Tong , Liu Xueen , Zhuang Hui 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

The study was designed to investigate whether serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA is a strong surrogate marker for intrahepatic HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) compared with serum HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Serum HBV RNA, HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, and intrahepatic cccDNA were quantitatively detected at baseline (
n
= 82) and 96 weeks (
n
= 62) after treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. The correlations among serum HBV RNA, HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, and intrahepatic cccDNA levels were then statistically analyzed. The results showed that pretreatment intrahepatic cccDNA levels correlated better with serum HBV DNA levels (
r
= 0.36,
P
< 0.01) than with serum HBV RNA levels (
r
= 0.25,
P
= 0.02), whereas no correlations were found between pretreatment intrahepatic cccDNA levels and HBsAg (
r
= 0.15,
P
= 0.17) or HBeAg (
r
= 0.07,
P
= 0.56) levels. At 96 weeks after NUC treatment, intrahepatic cccDNA levels correlated well with HBsAg levels (
r
= 0.39,
P
< 0.01) but not with serum HBV RNA, HBV DNA, and HBeAg levels (all
P
> 0.05). Besides, the decline in the intrahepatic cccDNA level from baseline to week 96 correlated better with the reduction in the serum HBsAg levels than with the decreases in the levels of the other markers (for the HBsAg decline,
r
= 0.38,
P
< 0.01; for the HBV DNA decline,
r
= 0.35,
P
= 0.01; for the HBV RNA decline,
r
= 0.28,
P
< 0.05; for the HBeAg decline,
r
= 0.18,
P
= 0.19). In conclusion, the baseline serum HBV RNA level or its decline after 96 weeks of NUC therapy correlated with the corresponding intrahepatic cccDNA level, while it was less than that seen with serum HBV DNA at baseline and HBsAg (or its decline) at 96 weeks after treatment, respectively.
Identification of Vaccinia Virus Replisome and Transcriptome Proteins by Isolation of Proteins on Nascent DNA Coupled with Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Senkevich Tatiana G. , Katsafanas George C. , Weisberg Andrea , Olano Lisa R. , Moss Bernard 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
Poxviruses replicate within the cytoplasm and encode proteins for DNA and mRNA synthesis. To investigate poxvirus replication and transcription from a new perspective, we incorporated 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) into nascent DNA in cells infected with vaccinia virus (VACV). The EdU-labeled DNA was conjugated to fluor- or biotin-azide and visualized by confocal, superresolution, and transmission electron microscopy. Nuclear labeling decreased dramatically after infection, accompanied by intense labeling of cytoplasmic foci. The nascent DNA colocalized with the VACV single-stranded DNA binding protein I3 in multiple puncta throughout the interior of factories, which were surrounded by endoplasmic reticulum. Complexes containing EdU-biotin-labeled DNA cross-linked to proteins were captured on streptavidin beads. After elution and proteolysis, the peptides were analyzed by mass spectrometry to identify proteins associated with nascent DNA. The known viral replication proteins, a telomere binding protein, and a protein kinase were associated with nascent DNA, as were the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and intermediate- and late-stage transcription initiation and elongation factors, plus the capping and methylating enzymes. These results suggested that the replicating pool of DNA is transcribed and that few if any additional viral proteins directly engaged in replication and transcription remain to be discovered. Among the host proteins identified by mass spectrometry, topoisomerases IIα and IIβ and PCNA were noteworthy. The association of the topoisomerases with nascent DNA was dependent on expression of the viral DNA ligase, in accord with previous proteomic studies. Further investigations are needed to determine possible roles for PCNA and other host proteins detected.

IMPORTANCE
Poxviruses, unlike many well-characterized animal DNA viruses, replicate entirely within the cytoplasm of animal cells, raising questions regarding the relative roles of viral and host proteins. We adapted newly developed procedures for click chemistry and iPOND (
I
solation of
p
roteins
o
n
n
ascent
D
NA) to investigate vaccinia virus (VACV), the prototype poxvirus. Nuclear DNA synthesis ceased almost immediately following VACV infection, followed swiftly by the synthesis of viral DNA within discrete cytoplasmic foci. All viral proteins known from genetic and proteomic studies to be required for poxvirus DNA replication were identified in the complexes containing nascent DNA. The additional detection of the viral DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and intermediate and late transcription factors provided evidence for a temporal coupling of replication and transcription. Further studies are needed to assess the potential roles of host proteins, including topoisomerases IIα and IIβ and PCNA, which were found associated with nascent DNA.
Cerebral oxygenation during skin-to-skin care in preterm infants not receiving respiratory support
Authors: Lorenz Laila , Marulli Adriana , Dawson Jennifer A , Owen Louise S , Manley Brett J , Donath Susan M , Davis Peter G , Kamlin C Omar F 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveSkin-to-skin care (SSC) has proven benefits in preterm infants, but increased hypoxic and bradycardic events have been reported. This may make clinicians hesitant to recommend SSC as standard care. We hypothesised that regional cerebral oxygenation (rStO2) measured with near infrared spectroscopy is not worse during SSC compared with standard incubator care.DesignProspective, observational, non-inferiority study.SettingSingle tertiary perinatal centre in Australia.PatientsForty preterm infants (median (IQR) 30.6 (29.1–31.7) weeks' gestation) not receiving respiratory support were studied on day 14 (8–38).InterventionsRecordings during 90 min of incubator care, followed by 90 min of SSC. Each infant acted as their own control and caregivers were blinded to the rStO2 measurements.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the mean difference in rStO2 between SSC and incubator care. The prespecified margin of non-inferiority was −1.5%. Secondary outcomes included heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), time in quiet sleep, temperature and hypoxic (SpO2 <80% for >5 s) or bradycardic events (HR <80 bpm for >5 s) and time spent in cerebral hypoxia (rStO2<55%) and hyperoxia (rStO2>85%).ResultsMean (SD) rStO2 was lower during SSC compared with incubator care: 73.6 (6.0)% vs 74.8 (4.6)%, mean difference (95% CI) 1.3 (2.2 to 0.4)%. HR was 5 bpm higher, SpO2 1% lower and time in quiet sleep 24% longer during SSC. Little evidence of a difference was observed in temperature. The number of hypoxic or bradycardic events as well as the proportion of time spent in cerebral hypoxia and hyperoxia was very low in both periods.ConclusionsMean rStO2 was marginally lower during SSC without observed differences in hypoxic or bardycardic events but an increase in time spent in quiet sleep.Trial registration numberThis trial is linked to Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: identifier 12616000240448. It was registered pre-results.
Body composition predictors of therapy response in patients with primary extremity soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: De Amorim Bernstein Karen , Bos Stijn A , Veld Joyce , Lozano-Calderon Santiago A , Torriani Martin , Bredella Miriam A 
Published: July 2017

Background Recent studies have suggested that the quantity and quality of adipose tissue and muscle, assessed on non-contrast computed tomography (CT), may serve as imaging biomarkers of survival in patients with and without neoplasms. Purpose To assess body composition measures that could serve as predictors of therapy response in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcomas treated with radiation therapy and surgery. Material and Methods The study was IRB-approved. Sixty patients had a history of extremity soft tissue sarcoma and underwent FDG-PET/CT prior to radiation therapy and surgical resection. Cross-sectional areas and CT attenuation (HU) of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and psoas muscle were assessed on non-contrast CT. Clinical information on predictors of tumor recurrence and post-surgical wound infections were recorded. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine longitudinal associations between body composition and tumor recurrence/wound infections. Results Twenty-three tumor recurrences occurred over a follow-up period of 43 ± 35 months. Higher SAT and lower psoas attenuation were associated with tumor recurrence which remained significant after adjustment for covariates ( P ≤ 0.01). There were 13 post-surgical wound infections. Higher VAT and SAT attenuation were associated with post-surgical wound infections ( P < 0.04); however, VAT attenuation lost significance after adjustment for covariates. Conclusion Abdominal adipose tissue and psoas muscle attenuation assessed on non-contrast CT may predict tumor recurrence and post-surgical infections in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcomas.
Is there stimulant sensitivity in children?
Authors: Klein R. , Mannuzza S. 
Published: July 2017

It has been suggested that exposure to stimulants alters the dopamine system and thus enhances sensitivity to stimulants and possibly other drugs. Sensitization has been induced experimentally in animals, especially in rats, and has been shown to be long-lasting. In addition, cross-sensitization across different compounds has been demonstrated. The animal data have raised concern that exposure to methylphenidate in childhood may enhance the risk for later abuse of stimulants and other drugs. We review the evidence bearing on sensitization in children treated with stimulants and followed into adulthood. None of four clinic-based studies found an excess of drug abuse in children previously treated with stimulants. A school-based longitudinal study obtained a relationship between early stimulant treatment and later drug use, without controlling for clinical confounds. The single prospective-controlled study of children who received placebo or methylphenidate does not support the sensitization hypothesis.
Guidelines and algorithms for the use of methylphenidate in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Greenhill L. , Beyer D. H. , Finkleson J. , Shaffer D. , Biederman J. , Conners C. K. , Gillberg C. , Huss M. , Jensen P. , Kennedy J. L. , Klein R. , Rapoport J. , Sagvolden T. , Spencer T. , Swanson J. M. , Volkow N. 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To review published algorithms for guiding the use of methylphenidate (MPH) in the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. Methods: A consensus roundtable of 12 experts was convened to review the evidence for the safety and efficacy of MPH in the treatment of ADHD, as well as the published algorithms and practice guidelines for using MPH. The experts reviewed the algorithms for practicality and acceptability by clinicians. Results: Algorithms that included MPH commonly selected it as the initial medication to be employed in the treatment of children with ADHD. Factors involved included its high efficacy, good safety record, and the ubiquitous nature of its appearance in the ADHD treatment literature. Conclusions: MPH should be considered as the first medication to be used in a treatment algorithm for children and adolescents with ADHD.
Prevalence, Incidence, and Persistence of Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, and Comorbidity among Chinese Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Women: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Dennis Cindy-Lee , Brown Hilary K. , Wanigaratne Susitha , Fung Kenneth , Vigod Simone N. , Grigoriadis Sophie , Marini Flavia , Brennenstuhl Sarah 
Published: July 2017

Objective: Our objectives were to examine the prevalence and incidence of postpartum depressive, anxiety, and comorbid symptoms over the first postpartum year; the persistence of these symptoms; and the prevalence stratified by immigration status. Method: We conducted a longitudinal cohort study in Ontario, Canada. Participants were 571 Chinese recent immigrant, nonrecent immigrant, and Canadian-born women with live births in 2011 to 2014. Participants were assessed at 4, 12, and 52 weeks postpartum for the presence of possible and high depressive symptomatology (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS] >9 and >12, respectively), anxiety symptomatology (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI] >40), and comorbid symptomatology (EPDS >9 and STAI >40). Prevalence and incidence with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Prevalence rates were highest at 4 weeks and decreased across time, with possible depressive symptomatology most prevalent at most time points. Incidence rates at 12 and 52 weeks were generally similar. Of those with possible symptomatology at 4 weeks, 42.0% or less continued to have symptomatology at 12 weeks and 17.4% or less at 52 weeks. There were no differences in prevalence of any type of symptomatology between immigrant and Canadian-born Chinese women at 4 weeks, but at 12 and 52 weeks, most types of symptomatology were more common among recent and nonrecent immigrants. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Chinese immigrant women are a high-risk group for postpartum depressive and anxiety symptomatology. Future research should identify cultural and psychosocial factors associated with immigration that could be addressed in the system of care for postpartum immigrant women.
Construction of functional pancreatic artificial islet tissue composed of fibroblast-modified polylactic-co-glycolic acid membrane and pancreatic stem cells
Authors: Liu Liping , Tan Jing , Li Baoyuan , xie Qian , Sun Junwen , Pu Hongli , Zhang Li 
Published: July 2017

Objective To improve the biocompatibility between polylactic- co-glycolic acid membrane and pancreatic stem cells, rat fibroblasts were used to modify the polylactic- co-glycolic acid membrane. Meanwhile, we constructed artificial islet tissue by compound culturing the pancreatic stem cells and the fibroblast-modified polylactic- co-glycolic acid membrane and explored the function of artificial islets in diabetic nude mice. Methods Pancreatic stem cells were cultured on the fibroblast-modified polylactic- co-glycolic acid membrane in dulbecco's modified eagle medium containing activin-A, β-catenin, and exendin-4. The differentiated pancreatic stem cells combined with modified polylactic- co-glycolic acid membrane were implanted subcutaneously in diabetic nude mice. The function of artificial islet tissue was explored by detecting blood levels of glucose and insulin in diabetic nude mice. Moreover, the proliferation and differentiation of pancreatic stem cells on modified polylactic- co-glycolic acid membrane as well as the changes on the tissue structure of artificial islets were investigated by immunofluorescence and haematoxylin and eosin staining. Results The pancreatic stem cells differentiated into islet-like cells and secreted insulin when cultured on fibroblast-modified polylactic- co-glycolic acid membrane. Furthermore, when the artificial islet tissues were implanted into diabetic nude mice, the pancreatic stem cells combined with polylactic- co-glycolic acid membrane modified by fibroblasts proliferated, differentiated, and secreted insulin to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic nude mice. Conclusion Pancreatic stem cells can be induced to differentiate into islet-like cells in vitro. In vivo, the artificial islet tissue can effectively regulate the blood glucose level in nude mice within a short period. However, as time increased, the structure of the artificial islets was destroyed due to the erosion of blood cells that resulted in the gradual loss of artificial islet function.
Modified Pfeffer Questionnaire for Functional Assessment in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Almeida Kelson James , de Macêdo Lívio Pereira , Lemos de Melo Lobo Jofili Lopes Janine , Bor-Seng-Shu Edson , Campos-Sousa Raimundo Nonato , Barbosa Egberto Reis 
Published: July 2017

Introduction: It was proposed to modify the Pfeffer questionnaire (PQ) for functional assessment in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Aim: To determine the cutoff score for diagnosis of functional impairment in patients with PD by modified PQ (mPQ). Methods: A total of 110 patients with PD were enrolled into the study, and a neuropsychological test battery was performed to assess their cognitive status. Regarding functional assessment, the mPQ has been applied, and their results were compared to the functional assessment by Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly adapted for use in Brazil (IQCODE-BR). The statistical analysis was accomplished through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with evaluation of the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of the new cutoff point. Results: Eighty-nine patients with PD were evaluated with a mean age of 63.69 ± 9.14 years. Cognitive status categorization was 28.10% as normal, 44.94% as mild cognitive impairment, and 26.96% of patients as dementia associated with PD. The average score on PQ was 3.49 ± 4.79 and on the mPQ 2.56 ± 3.49. In IQCODE-BR, the average score was 6.75 ± 32.72. The ROC curve for the new cutoff point presented 47.4% sensitivity, 88.10% specificity, and 0.757 of area under the curve, with a standard deviation of 0.055 (95% confidence interval: 0.650-0.864). Conclusion: 3.5 is proposed as the cutoff point to define functional impairment in patients with PD by mPQ.
ADHD Status and Degree of Positive Illusions;Moderational and Mediational Relations with Actual Behavior
Authors: Kaiser Nina M. , Hoza Betsy , Pelham William E. , Gnagy Elizabeth , Greiner Andrew R. 
Published: July 2017

Objective Past research suggests that many children with behavior problems display overly positive self-views (“positive illusions”); some researchers have hypothesized that these positive illusions may prevent these children from improving their behavior. This research investigates positive illusions in the behavioral domain as a moderator and mediator of the relation between ADHD status and behavior in a summer program setting. Method Boys with ADHD and comparison boys rated their own behavioral competence; discrepancies between these self-ratings and the reports of boys’ teachers served as an index of behavioral positive illusions. Dependent variables were derived from a behavioral point system that provided specific data about boys’ positive and negative behaviors and from counselor ratings of behavior. Results/Conclusion Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed no evidence supporting a moderational association, although ADHD status and behavioral positive illusions were additive predictors of the dependent variables. Post hoc analyses revealed a pattern of mediational effects that were strongest for dependent variables assessing conduct problem behaviors. (J. of Att. Dis. 2008; 12(3) 227-238)
Reconstitution of the peripheral immune repertoire following withdrawal of fingolimod
Authors: Ghadiri Mahtab , Fitz-Gerald Leslie , Rezk Ayman , Li Rui , Nyirenda Mukanthu , Haegert David , Giacomini Paul Steven , Bar-Or Amit , Antel Jack 
Published: July 2017

Background: Following fingolimod cessation, immune reconstitution or lack thereof may have consequences for disease rebound or safety of commencing alternative therapies. Objective: To examine the degree and profile of peripheral blood lymphocyte reconstitution following fingolimod withdrawal. Methods: Total lymphocyte counts (TLC) and CD4+/CD8+ T-cell counts were measured in 18 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients pre-treatment, on fingolimod, and up to 8–9 months post-cessation. T-cell subsets were analyzed using flow cytometry. Results: At 2-week post-fingolimod cessation, TLC reconstitution was variable and not correlated with age, treatment duration, pre-, or on-treatment TLC. Despite normalization of TLC and CD4+:CD8+ ratios over months, naive subsets remained lower and effector memory subsets higher in frequency compared with pre-treatment. Drug-induced increases in ratios of regulatory to pathogenic Th17-containing central memory populations appeared to rapidly return to baseline. Conclusion: Early peripheral lymphocyte reconstitution after fingolimod withdrawal remains partial and heterogeneous. Relative frequencies of circulating naive and memory T-cell subsets may not recover for many months, even when clinical laboratory tests have normalized. Analyzing specific components of the peripheral immune repertoire helps define the overall immune status of patients. To be determined is whether assessment of such immune measures will have implications for the timing and safety of commencing alternative therapies.
Influences of Segregation and Integration on the Bands at Historically Black High Schools in Duval County, Florida
Authors: Groulx Timothy J. 
Published: July 2017

Segregated schooling in Florida was initially a concession to gain public acceptance of free public education. Its effects can be seen in the band programs of many high school bands. This study looks at the effects of segregation and integration on bands at black high schools in Jacksonville, Florida (Duval County Public Schools). Much of the story echoes the history of Tampa’s desegregation, though Duval County’s age, location, demographics, and politics helped shape a different story. The story of the bands’ origins highlights some noteworthy directors, including the distinguished Kernaa D. McFarlin of the Stanton High School band. This study describes how the Stanton band would shatter prejudices about black schools by becoming the first black high school band to earn a Superior rating at state in a newly integrated Florida Bandmasters Association in 1966. Lawsuits compelled the district to integrate, though traditions and prejudices led to massive white flight from the public schools which continues today. The black student population became the majority demographic in 2006, and musical traditions reflecting those at many Historically Black Colleges and Universities are now the “tradition” at many formerly all-white high schools.