bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the efficiency of bacterial and fungal laccases in delignification and detoxification of steam-pretreated lignocellulosic biomass for bioethanol production
Authors: De La Torre María , Martín-Sampedro Raquel , Fillat Úrsula , Eugenio María E , Blánquez Alba , Hernández Manuel , Arias María E , Ibarra David 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis study evaluates the potential of a bacterial laccase from Streptomyces ipomoeae (SilA) for delignification and detoxification of steam-exploded wheat straw, in comparison with a commercial fungal laccase from Trametes villosa. When alkali extraction followed by SilA laccase treatment was applied to the water insoluble solids fraction, a slight reduction in lignin content was detected, and after a saccharification step, an increase in both glucose and xylose production (16 and 6%, respectively) was observed. These effects were not produced with T. villosa laccase. Concerning to the fermentation process, the treatment of the steam-exploded whole slurry with both laccases produced a decrease in the phenol content by up to 35 and 71% with bacterial and fungal laccases, respectively. The phenols reduction resulted in an improved performance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process, improving ethanol production rate. This enhancement was more marked with a presaccharification step prior to the SSF process.
External validation and comparison of the scoring systems (S.T.O.N.E, GUY, CROES, S‐ReSC) for predicting percutaneous nephrolithotomy outcomes for staghorn stones: A single center experience with 160 cases
Authors: Yarimoglu Serkan , Bozkurt Ibrahim Halil , Aydogdu Ozgu , Yonguc Tarik , Sefik Ertugrul , Topcu Yusuf Kadir , Degirmenci Tansu 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was validation and comparison of stone scoring systems (S.T.O.N.E, GUY, CROES, S‐ReSC) used to predict postoperative stone‐free status and complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for staghorn stones. A total of 160 patients who had staghorn renal stones and underwent PCNL between January 2012 and August 2015 were included in the current retrospective study. Guy, S.T.O.N.E., S‐ReSC (Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity) and CROES (Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society) nephrolithometry scores were calculated for each patient, and their potential association with stone‐free status, operative and fluoroscopy time, and length of hospital stay (LOS) were evaluated. Postoperative complications were graded according to the modified Clavien classification, and the correlation of scoring systems with postoperative complications was also investigated. The mean CROES, S.T.O.N.E, Guy and S‐ReSC scores were 143.5 ± 33.6, 9.7 ± 1.6, 3.5 ± 0.5 and 6.2 ± 2.0 respectively. The overall stone‐free rate was 59%. All scoring systems were significantly correlated with stone‐free status in univariate analysis. However, Guy and S‐ReSC scores were the only significant independent predictor in multivariate analysis. And all four nomograms failed to predict complication rates. Current study demonstrated that Guy and S‐ReSC scoring systems could effectively predict postoperative stone‐free status for staghorn stones. However all four scoring systems failed to predict complication rates.
The systemic causes of financial crises in the long nineteenth century
Authors: Ba Heather 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn a globalized and hegemonically organized international economy, the economic fundamentals and policy choices of the hegemon often have spillover effects for peripheral economies. This is a well-recognized dynamic of the contemporary political economy, but it was true during the first age of globalization as well. Motivated by literature examining the impact of the U.S. macroeconomic conditions on other economies throughout the international system, this article advances a systemic theory of financial crisis and applies it to the long nineteenth century, when British hegemony reigned. My main motivation is the earliest example of a systemic theory of financial crisis, Charles Kindleberger's Hegemonic Stability Theory. However, while Charles Kindleberger focused on the stability brought about by a hegemonically structured international economy, I emphasize the dynamics of volatility present in this type of system. I argue that a hierarchical distribution of economic activity in the international system means that the financial cycle of the most central country influences the financial conditions in peripheral countries that lead to financial crisis. Evidence from financial crises which occurred in the long nineteenth century supports this theory.
An Arctic ‘cold rush’? Understanding Greenland's (in)dependence question
Authors: Wilson Page 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTOver the last decade claims that an Arctic ‘cold rush’ is taking place have intensified. Proponents of the argument contend that the unprecedented effects of climate change plus strong global demand for the region's natural resources are creating the conditions for a future economic boom. In both of these respects, Greenland merits particular attention. Some recent predictions suggest great riches accruing to Greenland, on account of its abundance of oil, gas and mineral deposits; as a consequence, some further argue, Greenlandic independence from Denmark is assured. In response, this article contests these arguments. For now, the natural and mineral resource sector in Greenland is tiny, and thus it is still much too soon to know whether it will even deliver the dazzling economic outcome forecast – let alone whether or not this outcome will benefit Greenland. In addition, the question of Greenlandic independence does not simply boil down to economics, but also raises various social, political, legal and strategic issues which are not easily resolvable. Consequently, Greenland's independence from Denmark is not simply a matter of time, but remains very much an open question.
Local Governance Pathways to Decarbonization in China and India
Authors: Gilley Bruce 
Published: September 2017

AbstractReducing greenhouse gas emissions in the world's two largest countries requires feasible governance pathways that integrate politics, policy and administration. Using examples of successful mitigation at the local level in China (Guangzhou) and India (Gujarat), this article identifies integrated governance solutions that work in both cases through different types of linkages. In China, it is mainly intra-governmental linkages, while in India it is mainly state–society linkages. In neither case do international negotiations concerning emissions targets have significant effects, while national frameworks have only marginal effects. Approaching the problem in this comparative manner helps to clarify how greenhouse gas governance operates in each country, the lessons for central–local environmental relations, and the implications for international assistance.
Predicting treatment failure, death and drug resistance using a computed risk score among newly diagnosed TB patients in Tamaulipas, Mexico
Authors: ABDELBARY B. E. , GARCIA-VIVEROS M. , RAMIREZ-OROPESA H. , RAHBAR M.H. , RESTREPO B.I. 
Published: September 2017

SUMMARYThe purpose of this study was to develop a method for identifying newly diagnosed tuberculosis (TB) patients at risk for TB adverse events in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Surveillance data between 2006 and 2013 (8431 subjects) was used to develop risk scores based on predictive modelling. The final models revealed that TB patients failing their treatment regimen were more likely to have at most a primary school education, multi-drug resistance (MDR)-TB, and few to moderate bacilli on acid-fast bacilli smear. TB patients who died were more likely to be older males with MDR-TB, HIV, malnutrition, and reporting excessive alcohol use. Modified risk scores were developed with strong predictability for treatment failure and death (c-statistic 0·65 and 0·70, respectively), and moderate predictability for drug resistance (c-statistic 0·57). Among TB patients with diabetes, risk scores showed moderate predictability for death (c-statistic 0·68). Our findings suggest that in the clinical setting, the use of our risk scores for TB treatment failure or death will help identify these individuals for tailored management to prevent these adverse events. In contrast, the available variables in the TB surveillance dataset are not robust predictors of drug resistance, indicating the need for prompt testing at time of diagnosis.
Vitamin D serostatus and dengue fever progression to dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome
Authors: VILLAMOR E. , VILLAR L. A. , LOZANO A. , HERRERA V. M. , HERRÁN O. F. 
Published: September 2017

SUMMARYVitamin D could modulate pathways leading to dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS). We examined the associations of serum total 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) concentrations in patients with uncomplicated dengue fever (DF) with risk of progression to DHF/DSS. In a case–control study nested in a cohort of DF patients who were followed during the acute episode in Bucaramanga, Colombia, we compared 25(OH)D and VDBP at onset of fever between 110 cases who progressed to DHF/DSS and 235 DF controls who did not progress. 25(OH)D concentrations were also compared between the acute sample and a sample collected >1 year post-convalescence in a subgroup. Compared with 25(OH)D ⩾75 nmol/l, adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for progression were 0·44 (0·22–0·88) and 0·13 (0·02–1·05) for 50 to 75 nmol/l (vitamin D insufficiency) and <50 nmol/l (vitamin D deficiency), respectively (P, trend = 0·003). Mean 25(OH)D concentrations were much lower post-convalescence compared with the acute episode, regardless of case status. Compared with controls, mean VDBP was non-significantly lower in cases. We conclude that low serum 25(OH)D concentrations in DF patients predict decreased odds of progression to DHF/DSS.
Prevalence of anti-hepatitis B surface antibodies among children and adolescents vaccinated in infancy and effect of booster dose administered within a pilot study
Authors: BASSAL R. , MARKOVICH M. P. , WEIL M. , SHINAR E. , CARMELI Y. , DAN M. , SOFER D. , MENDELSON E. , COHEN D. , SHOHAT T. 
Published: September 2017

SUMMARYWe determined the prevalence of anti-hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) among children and adolescents vaccinated for hepatitis B virus in infancy as part of the routine vaccination programme. A representative serum sample of the Israeli population age 0–19 was tested. In a separate pilot study, a booster dose of hepatitis B vaccine was administered to 31 candidates for national service, who were fully vaccinated in infancy and tested negative for hepatitis B surface antibodies at age 17–19 years and anti-HBs antibodies were assessed 8 weeks later. Of the 1273 samples tested, 631 (49·6%) were positive to anti-HBs antibodies. Seropositivity rates were 89·5% among infants aged 6–12 months and declined significantly with age to 20·7% at age 19 years. No differences in seropositivity rates were observed between Jews and Arabs, males and females and those born in Israel and in other countries. Seroconversion rate among the 31 individuals who received a booster dose was 90·3% (95% CI: 75·1–96·6%). We recommend a booster dose for healthcare personnel before starting to work at the health care facility.
Can temporary cessation of CBT really be therapeutic? A case study
Authors: Jenkins Paul E. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAnorexia nervosa (AN) is a notoriously costly and challenging psychiatric illness to treat. Despite an accumulating evidence base, psychological treatment fails to achieve symptom abstinence in many patients with eating disorders, a shortcoming that is likely to be further pronounced in AN. The case study reported here describes how a mutually agreed break in a course of psychotherapy following an initial lack of progress might have influenced outcome for a client with a severe eating disorder. The patient received 26 sessions of CBT and results, consistent with those of larger studies, showed significant improvement on primary symptom measures. These results are discussed in the context of relevant psychological theories and an exploration of the client's motivation. Consideration is also given to other factors that may have influenced outcome.
Depressed but Still Moving
Authors: Jooß Lena K. , Krämer Lena V. , Wyman Mary 
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Studies of exercise in depression have not focused on persons already engaging in exercise. The current study aimed to provide an in-depth examination of exercise in depressive persons. In all, 62 depressive outpatients were compared with 62 parallelized nondepressive controls on various aspects of self-reported exercise (total amount, frequency, duration, intensity, type). Of the depressive participants, 52 % and of the nondepressive participants 76 % reported engaging in exercise. Compared with nondepressive exercisers, depressive exercisers exercised less (average total amount of M = 1.7 vs. M = 2.7 hr/week, including all intensity levels), were exercising less frequently (M = 1.7 vs. M = 2.6 sessions/week), and were engaged in fewer different exercise types (M = 1.4 vs. M = 2.0). Groups did not differ in intensity (M = 6.1 vs. 6.2 METs) or duration of exercise sessions (M = 1.1 hr). Exercisers with depression engage in exercise at reduced levels compared with nondepressive exercisers. Interventions to increase exercise in depressive patients should focus on raising the frequency of exercise sessions rather than the duration or intensity.
Predicting ligand-dependent tumors from multi-dimensional signaling features
Authors: Hass Helge , Masson Kristina , Wohlgemuth Sibylle , Paragas Violette , Allen John E. , Sevecka Mark , Pace Emily , Timmer Jens , Stelling Joerg , MacBeath Gavin , Schoeberl Birgit , Raue Andreas 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTargeted therapies have shown significant patient benefit in about 5–10% of solid tumors that are addicted to a single oncogene. Here, we explore the idea of ligand addiction as a driver of tumor growth. High ligand levels in tumors have been shown to be associated with impaired patient survival, but targeted therapies have not yet shown great benefit in unselected patient populations. Using an approach of applying Bagged Decision Trees (BDT) to high-dimensional signaling features derived from a computational model, we can predict ligand dependent proliferation across a set of 58 cell lines. This mechanistic, multi-pathway model that features receptor heterodimerization, was trained on seven cancer cell lines and can predict signaling across two independent cell lines by adjusting only the receptor expression levels for each cell line. Interestingly, for patient samples the predicted tumor growth response correlates with high growth factor expression in the tumor microenvironment, which argues for a co-evolution of both factors in vivo.
Efficacy of recombinant measles virus expressing highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) antigen against HPAIV infection in monkeys
Authors: Fujiyuki Tomoko , Horie Ryo , Yoneda Misako , Kuraishi Takeshi , Yasui Fumihiko , Kwon Hyun-jeong , Munekata Keisuke , Ikeda Fusako , Hoshi Miho , Kiso Yuri , Omi Mio , Sato Hiroki , Kida Hiroshi , Hattori Shosaku , Kohara Michinori , Kai Chieko 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHighly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) is a serious threat not only to domestic fowls but also to humans. Vaccines inducing long-lasting immunity against HPAIV are required. In the present study, we generated recombinant measles virus (MV) expressing the hemagglutinin protein of HPAIV without the multibasic site necessary for its pathogenicity in chickens using the backbone of an MV vaccine strain (rMV-Ed-H5HA) or a wild-type MV-derived mutant (rMV-HL-Vko-H5HA). We examined protective efficacy of the candidate vaccines in the monkey infection model by the challenge with a HPAIV (H5N1). Cynomolgus monkeys inoculated with the candidate vaccines produced both anti-H5 HA and anti-MV antibodies. They recovered earlier from influenza symptoms than unvaccinated monkeys after the challenge with the HPAIV strain. Chest radiography and histopathological analyses confirmed less severe pneumonia in the vaccinated monkeys. Vaccination tended to suppress viral shedding and reduced the interleukin-6 levels in the lungs. Furthermore, the vaccination with rMV-Ed-H5HA of monkeys with pre-existing anti-MV immunity induced the production of anti-H5 HA antibodies. These results suggest that both candidate vaccines effectively reduce disease severity in naïve hosts, and that rMV-Ed-H5HA is a particularly good candidate vaccine against HPAIV infection.
An iterative compound screening contest method for identifying target protein inhibitors using the tyrosine-protein kinase Yes
Authors: Chiba Shuntaro , Ishida Takashi , Ikeda Kazuyoshi , Mochizuki Masahiro , Teramoto Reiji , Taguchi Y-h. , Iwadate Mitsuo , Umeyama Hideaki , Ramakrishnan Chandrasekaran , Thangakani A. Mary , Velmurugan D. , Gromiha M. Michael , Okuno Tatsuya , Kato Koya , Minami Shintaro , Chikenji George , Suzuki Shogo D. , Yanagisawa Keisuke , Shin Woong-Hee , Kihara Daisuke , Yamamoto Kazuki Z. , Moriwaki Yoshitaka , Yasuo Nobuaki , Yoshino Ryunosuke , Zozulya Sergey , Borysko Petro , Stavniichuk Roman , Honma Teruki , Hirokawa Takatsugu , Akiyama Yutaka , Sekijima Masakazu 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe propose a new iterative screening contest method to identify target protein inhibitors. After conducting a compound screening contest in 2014, we report results acquired from a contest held in 2015 in this study. Our aims were to identify target enzyme inhibitors and to benchmark a variety of computer-aided drug discovery methods under identical experimental conditions. In both contests, we employed the tyrosine-protein kinase Yes as an example target protein. Participating groups virtually screened possible inhibitors from a library containing 2.4 million compounds. Compounds were ranked based on functional scores obtained using their respective methods, and the top 181 compounds from each group were selected. Our results from the 2015 contest show an improved hit rate when compared to results from the 2014 contest. In addition, we have successfully identified a statistically-warranted method for identifying target inhibitors. Quantitative analysis of the most successful method gave additional insights into important characteristics of the method used.
MicroRNA profiling study reveals miR-150 in association with metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yue Patrick Ying-Kit , Ha Wai-Yan , Lau Chi-Chiu , Cheung Florence Man-Fung , Lee Anne Wing-Mui , Ng Wai-Tong , Ngan Roger Kai-Cheong , Yau Chun-Chung , Kwong Dora Lai-Wan , Lung Hong-Lok , Mak Nai-Ki , Lung Maria Li , Wong Ricky Ngok-Shun 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in pathogenesis of human cancers. Several miRNAs have been shown to involve in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) pathogenesis through alteration of gene networks. A global view of the miRNA expression profile of clinical specimens would be the best way to screen out the possible miRNA candidates that may be involved in disease pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated the expression profiles of miRNA in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from patients with undifferentiated NPC versus non-NPC controls using a miRNA real-time PCR platform, which covered a total of 95 cancer-related miRNAs. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that NPC and non-NPC controls were clearly segregated. Promisingly, 10 miRNA candidates were differentially expressed. Among them, 9 miRNAs were significantly up-regulated of which miR-205 and miR-196a showed the most up-regulated in NPC with the highest incidence percentage of 94.1% and 88.2%, respectively, while the unique down-regulated miR-150 was further validated in patient sera. Finally, the in vitro gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays revealed that miR-150 can modulate the epithelial-mesenchymal-transition property in NPC/HK-1 cells and led to the cell motility and invasion. miR-150 may be a potential biomarker for NPC and plays a critical role in NPC tumourigenesis.
Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship of 3,6-diaryl-7H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazines as novel tubulin inhibitors
Authors: Xu Qile , Bao Kai , Sun Maolin , Xu Jingwen , Wang Yueting , Tian Haiqiu , Zuo Daiying , Guan Qi , Wu Yingliang , Zhang Weige 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA novel series of 3,6-diaryl-7H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazines were designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated as vinylogous CA-4 analogues, which involved a rigid [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine scaffold to fix the configuration of (Z,E)-butadiene linker of A-ring and B-ring. Among these rigidly vinylogous CA-4 analogues, compounds 4d, 5b, 5i, 6c, 6e, 6g, 6i and 6k showed excellent antiproliferative activities against SGC-7901, A549 and HT-1080 cell lines with IC50 values at the nanomolar level. Compound 6i showed the most highly active antiproliferative activity against the three human cancer cell lines with an IC50 values of 0.011–0.015 µM, which are comparable to those of CA-4 (IC50 = 0.009–0.013 µM). Interestingly, SAR studies revealed that 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl and 4-methoxyphenyl could replace the classic 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl in CA-4 structure and keep antiproliferative activity in this series of designed compounds. Tubulin polymerization experiments showed that 6i could effectively inhibit tubulin polymerization, which was corresponded with CA-4, and immunostaining experiments suggested that 6i significantly disrupted microtubule/tubulin dynamics. Furthermore, 6i potently induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in SGC-7901 cells. Competitive binding assays and docking studies suggested that compound 6i binds to the tubulin perfectly at the colchicine binding site. Taken together, these results revealed that 6i may become a promising lead compound for new anticancer drugs discovery.
Inactivation of HMGCL promotes proliferation and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by suppressing oxidative stress
Authors: Luo Wenqi , Qin Liting , Li Bo , Liao Zhipeng , Liang Jiezhen , Xiao Xiling , Xiao Xue , Mo Yingxi , Huang Guangwu , Zhang Zhe , Zhou Xiaoying , Li Ping 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAltered metabolism is considered as a hallmark of cancer. Here we investigated expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) 2 lyase (HMGCL), an essential enzyme in ketogenesis, which produces ketone bodies by the breakdown of fatty acids to supply energy, in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The expression of HMGCL was silenced in NPC tissue. Downregulation of HMGCL in NPC was associated with low intracellular β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) production, thereby reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Ectopic expression of HMGCL restored β-HB level, associated with suppressed proliferation and colony formation of NPC cells in vitro and decreased tumorigenicity in vivo. HMGCL suppressed the migration and invasion of NPC cells in vitro via mesenchymal-epithelial transition. Furthermore, extracellular β-HB supply suppressed the proliferation and migration of NPC cells. Both intra- and extracellular β-HB exerting a suppressive role in NPC depends on ROS generation. Ketogenesis may be impaired in NPC cells due to lack of HMGCL expression, suggesting that it may be a promising target in NPC therapy.