bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between baseline serum glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol, and prostate cancer risk categories
Authors: Arthur Rhonda , Møller Henrik , Garmo Hans , Holmberg Lars , Stattin Pår , Malmstrom Håkan , Lambe Mats , Hammar Niklas , Walldius Göran , Robinson David , Jungner Ingmar , Hemelrijck Mieke Van 
Published: February 2016

AbstractLifestyle‐related risk factors such as hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia have been associated with several cancers. However, studies exploring their link with prostate cancer (PCa) clinicopathological characteristics are sparse and inconclusive. Here, we investigated the associations between serum metabolic markers and PCa clinicopathological characteristics. The study comprised 14,294 men from the Swedish Apolipoprotein MOrtality RISk (AMORIS) cohort who were diagnosed with PCa between 1996 and 2011. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to investigate the relation between glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol and PCa risk categories, PSA, Gleason score, and T‐stage. Mean age at time of PCa diagnosis was 69 years. Men with glucose levels >6.9 mmol/L tend to have PSA<4 μg/L, while those with glucose levels of 5.6–6.9 mmol/L had a greater odds of PSA>20 μg/L compared to PSA 4.0–9.9 μg/L. Hypertriglyceridemia was also positively associated with PSA>20 μg/L. Hyperglycemic men had a greater odds of intermediate‐ and high‐grade PCa and advanced stage or metastatic PCa. Similarly, hypertriglyceridemia was positively associated with high‐grade PCa. There was also a trend toward an increased odds of intermediate risk localized PCa and advanced stage PCa among men with hypertriglyceridemia. Total cholesterol did not have any statistically significant association with any of the outcomes studied. Our findings suggest that high serum levels of glucose and triglycerides may influence PCa aggressiveness and severity. Further investigation on the role of markers of glucose and lipid metabolism in influencing PCa aggressiveness and severity is needed as this may help define important targets for intervention.
Laparoscopic surgery for patients with colorectal cancer produces better short‐term outcomes with similar survival outcomes in elderly patients compared to open surgery
Authors: Moon Soo Yun , Kim Sohee , Lee Soo Young , Han Eon Chul , Kang Sung‐Bum , Jeong Seung‐Yong , Park Kyu Joo , Oh Jae Hwan ,   the SEoul COlorectal Group (SECOG)
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe number of operations on elderly colorectal cancer (CRC) patients has increased with the aging of the population. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes in elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic or open surgery for CRC. We analyzed the data of 280 patients aged 80 or over who underwent surgery for CRC between January 2001 and December 2010. Seventy‐one pairs were selected after propensity score matching for laparoscopic or open surgery. Operative time, return to normal bowel function, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, overall survival (OS), recurrence‐free survival (RFS), and prognostic factors affecting survival were investigated. In matched cohorts, operative time in the laparoscopic group was longer than in the open group (P < 0.001). In the laparoscopic group, time to flatus passage (P < 0.001) and length of postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.037) were shorter than in the open group. The rate of operation‐related morbidity was higher in the open group (P = 0.019). There was no difference in OS and RFS between two groups. This study suggests that laparoscopic surgery for CRC in elderly patients may be safe and feasible, with better short‐term outcomes. OS and RFS, however, were not different in both groups.
Molecular Simulations of Human and Mouse Aβ1–16 at Different pH Values: Structural Characteristics toward Understanding Cu2+‐Coordinated Amyloid Beta Spheres
Authors: Zhang Ran , Ai Hongqi , Zhu Xueying , Li Qiang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAs the main sequence responsible for metal ion coordination in the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide, Aβ1–16 plays a key role in the understanding of the aggregation of Aβ induced by Cu2+ ions. There is no consensus on the nature of the coordination sphere of the Cu2+–Aβ complex so far due to the amorphous conformation of the Aβ1–16 peptide itself and the pH dependence of Cu2+–Aβ coordination. The simulation reported here reveals that human Aβ1–16 monomer has a U‐shape morphology, which is preserved at any pH. This morphology accommodates Cu2+ ions with several binding sites and is also the basis for establishing a center‐distance statistical method (CDSM). Based on this CDSM, specific histidine residues for a Cu2+‐coordinated sphere are identified and the corresponding accurate pH range is established, indicating that the CDSM can be used as a reference to predict the potential coordination sites of metal ions in other amorphous peptides. By contrast, mouse Aβ1–16 monomer has a more open and random morphology than human Aβ1–16 due to the differences of three sequence positions. These mutations not only reduce the number of binding sites required by a stable Cu2+‐binding sphere but also diminish the capacity to generate salt bridges compared to the human peptide. These observations offer insights into the roles of three residues that differ in the mouse Aβ1–16 and perhaps into the reasons mice seldom develop Alzheimer's disease.
Can Fluorinated Molecular Cages Be Utilized as Building Blocks of Hyperhalogens?
Authors: Sun Wei‐Ming , Li Xiang‐Hui , Li Ying , Wu Di , Li Chun‐Yan , Chen Jing‐Hua , Li Zhi‐Ru 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBased on the density functional theory for exchange‐correlation potential, fluorocarbon molecular cages are investigated as building blocks of hyperhalogens. By utilizing C8F7 as a ligand, a series of hyperhalogen anions, that is, M(C8F7)2− (M=Li, Na, and K) and M(C8F7)3− (M=Be, Mg, and Ca), are modeled. Calculations show that all the C8F7 moieties preserve their geometric and electronic integrity in these anions. These anionic molecules possess larger vertical electron detachment energies (5.11–6.45 eV) than that of C8F7−, verifying their hyperhalogen nature. Moreover, it is also revealed that using larger fluorinated cage C10F9 as ligands can bring about hyperhalogen anions with larger vertical electron detachment energies. The stability of these studied anions is determined by their large HOMO–LUMO gaps and positive dissociation energies of predetermined possible fragmentation pathways. It is hoped this study will provide an approach for the construction of new types of hyperhalogens and stimulate more research in superatom chemistry.
Validation of the Client Diagnostic Questionnaire to Assess Mental Health in South African Caregivers of Children
Authors: Mellins Claude A. , Kauchali Shuaib , Nestadt Danielle F. , Bai Dan , Aidala Angela , Myeza Nonhlahla , Craib Murray H. , Kvalsvig Jane , Leu Cheng‐Shiun , Knox Justin , Arpadi Stephen , Chhagan Meera , Davidson Leslie L. 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundGiven the high prevalence of mental health (MH) and substance abuse problems in low‐to‐middle income countries, the scarcity of MH professionals and the negative impact of psychiatric disorders on caregivers of young children, there is significant need for brief evidence‐based screening tools for lay counselors to assist with MH assessment. This study aimed to validate a brief screening tool to assess psychiatric and substance use disorders, the Client Diagnostic Questionnaire (CDQ), in South Africa (SA).MethodsData are from a longitudinal study of health and psychosocial needs in preschool children in SA. Participants included 322 Zulu‐speaking, female caregivers. Following procedures of the US CDQ validation study, lay counselors interviewed participants using the translated Zulu CDQ. Subsequently a psychologist conducted a full psychiatric assessment guided by the CDQ questions. Analyses examined sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy, comparing lay counselor and psychologist assessment.ResultsSensitivity (73%), specificity (81%) and overall accuracy (79%) were good for the variable indicating presence of ‘any diagnosis.’ Among those cases identified by the psychologist as having any psychiatric diagnosis, over 70% were correctly identified by lay counselors using the CDQ (i.e., positive predictive value was greater than 70%). The false positive rate was relatively low (19%). Specificity for ‘any disorder’ (including substance use) and ‘any psychiatric disorder’ were 81% and 79%.ConclusionsThe isiZulu CDQ is a sensitive and valid MH diagnostic screener that can be used by lay counselors with limited MH training to identify those in need of treatment and target extremely scarce MH professionals. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Messages

South Africa (SA), a country heavily impacted by poverty, HIV and the legacy of Apartheid, has a high prevalence of mental health (MH) and substance abuse problems.
In SA and other low‐and‐middle‐income‐countries (LMIC) there is a dearth of MH professionals.
This study examined use and validity of the Client Diagnostic Questionnaire (CDQ), a brief diagnostic MH screening tool designed for use by lay counselors in HIV‐affected populations.
Comparing lay counsellor diagnoses on the CDQ to clinician assessment, sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy were good at the level of ‘any diagnosis.’
The CDQ can be used effectively in SA and other LMIC with limited MH services to enable appropriate and efficient referral of individuals in primary care settings, supporting caregivers and the children in their care.
Magnetic flux density bias analysis and suppression strategy for voltage‐fed single‐stage full‐bridge converter
Authors: Zhang Taizhi , Lu Zhipeng , Qian Qinsong , Sun Weifeng , Lu Shengli 
Published: February 2016

SummaryPower transformer in the voltage‐fed single‐stage full‐bridge (SSFB) converter is easy to be saturated because of the special operating mode of this topology. First and foremost, detailed analysis about the generation mechanism of the transformer saturation in the voltage‐fed SSFB converter is presented for the first time in this paper. Second, the mathematical expression of the maximum value of magnetic flux density bias (MFDB) during every line cycle is deduced. Furthermore, a novel suppressing strategy, consisted of the digital compensating algorithm and design considerations, is proposed based on the theoretical analysis and mathematical expression. The MFDB can be eliminated and additional circuits are not needed with the proposed strategy. Finally, a 1 kW prototype with the voltage‐fed SSFB topology is built to verify the effect of the proposed approach. The voltage‐second imbalance is reduced to less than 1% using the proposed suppression strategy compared with 14% when the strategy is not used. Consequently, the system reliability and the efficiency are improved. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidence of antidepressant use in community‐dwelling persons with and without Alzheimer's disease: 13‐year follow‐up
Authors: Puranen Arto , Taipale Heidi , Koponen Marjaana , Tanskanen Antti , Tolppanen Anna‐Maija , Tiihonen Jari , Hartikainen Sirpa 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesThe study aimed to investigate the incidence of antidepressant use in persons with and without Alzheimer's disease (AD) from 9 years before to 4 years after AD diagnosis and to examine the incidence of different antidepressant groups.MethodsWe used register‐based data from the Medication use and Alzheimer's disease cohort including all Finnish persons diagnosed with AD in 2005–2011 with their age‐matched and gender‐matched comparison persons without AD. In this study, 62,104 persons with AD and 62,104 comparison persons were included. Data on dispensed antidepressants during 1995–2012 were collected from the Prescription Register. A 1‐year washout period was utilized to measure the rate of new antidepressant users every 6‐month period starting from 9 years before and until 4 years after the AD diagnoses. The incidence rate between persons with and without AD was compared with Poisson regression.ResultsThe incidence of antidepressant use in persons with AD was higher during the whole study period compared with that in persons without AD. The incidence rate was highest at 6 months after AD diagnosis (incidence rate ratio = 5.22, 95% confidence interval 4.77–5.72). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were the most frequently initiated group (61.3% of initiations in persons with AD).ConclusionsThe incidence of antidepressant use was higher in persons with AD than in comparison persons, and it was not explained by history of hospital‐treated psychiatric disorders. Widespread use of antidepressants in persons with AD is concerning as their efficacy is controversial and their use is associated with adverse events. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrimination and psychiatric disorders among older African Americans
Authors: Mouzon Dawne M. , Taylor Robert Joseph , Keith Verna M. , Nicklett Emily J. , Chatters Linda M. 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesThis study examined the impact of everyday discrimination (both racial and non‐racial) on the mental health of older African Americans.MethodsThis analysis is based on the older African American subsample of the National Survey of American Life (NSAL) (n = 773). We examined the associations between everyday discrimination and both general distress and psychiatric disorders as measured by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV). Six dependent variables were examined: lifetime mood disorders, lifetime anxiety disorders, any lifetime disorder, number of lifetime disorders, depressive symptoms as measured by the 12‐item Center for Epidemiological Scale of Depression (CES‐D), and serious psychological distress as measured by the Kessler 6 (K6).ResultsOverall, racial and non‐racial everyday discrimination were consistently associated with worse mental health for older African Americans. Older African Americans who experienced higher levels of overall everyday discrimination had higher odds of any psychiatric disorder, any lifetime mood disorder, any lifetime anxiety disorder, and more lifetime DSM‐IV disorders, in addition to elevated levels of depressive symptoms and serious psychological distress. These findings were similar for both racial discrimination and non‐racial discrimination.ConclusionsThis study documents the harmful association of not only racial discrimination, but also non‐racial (and overall) discrimination with the mental health of older African Americans. Specifically, discrimination is negatively associated with mood and anxiety disorders as well as depressive symptoms and psychological distress. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potentially inappropriate medications and drug–drug interactions in home‐dwelling people with mild dementia
Authors: Oesterhus Ragnhild , Aarsland Dag , Soennesyn Hogne , Rongve Arvid , Selbaek Geir , Kjosavik Svein R. 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to describe the use of psychotropic drugs among home‐dwelling people with mild dementia, to identify potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) and drug–drug interactions (DDI), and to analyze potential variables associated with having PIM and DDI.MethodsPatients (n = 251) with a first‐time diagnosis of mild dementia (defined as a mini‐mental state examination score >20) were included from outpatient clinics. Prevalence of psychotropic drug use, polypharmacy, and psychotropic polypharmacy were investigated. The prevalence of PIM and DDI were defined using the Norwegian general practice criteria and an interactions database, respectively. Variables associated with having PIM and DDI were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for relevant demographic and clinical variables.ResultsAlmost 96% of the patients used one or more medications. Polypharmacy was found in 45% of the patients, and nearly 70% of the patients were using one or more psychotropic drugs. Psychotropic polypharmacy was found in seven patients. PIM were identified in 35 patients (14%), while only four severe DDI were found. Female sex and number of medications were significantly associated with having PIM, whereas only number of medications was significantly associated with having DDI.ConclusionFew patients had PIM or severe DDI, indicating that the quality of prescribing was acceptable. However, psychotropic drug use was common in home‐dwelling people with mild dementia despite limited evidence of benefit in dementia. More knowledge is needed about the potential risks associated with psychotropic drug use and having PIM and DDI in people with mild dementia. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marginalized Predictive Likelihood Comparisons of Linear Gaussian State‐Space Models with Applications to DSGE, DSGE‐VAR, and VAR Models
Authors: Warne Anders , Coenen Günter , Christoffel Kai 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe predictive likelihood is useful for ranking models in forecast comparison exercises using Bayesian inference. We discuss how it can be estimated, by means of marzginalization, for any subset of the observables in linear Gaussian state‐space models. We compare macroeconomic density forecasts for the euro area of a DSGE model to those of a DSGE‐VAR, a BVAR and a multivariate random walk over 1999:Q1–2011:Q4. While the BVAR generally provides superior forecasts, its performance deteriorates substantially with the onset of the Great Recession. This is particularly notable for longer‐horizon real GDP forecasts, where the DSGE and DSGE‐VAR models perform better. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a quantitative morphological assessment of toxicant‐treated zebrafish larvae using brightfield imaging and high‐content analysis
Authors: Deal Samantha , Wambaugh John , Judson Richard , Mosher Shad , Radio Nick , Houck Keith , Padilla Stephanie 
Published: February 2016

AbstractOne of the rate‐limiting procedures in a developmental zebrafish screen is the morphological assessment of each larva. Most researchers opt for a time‐consuming, structured visual assessment by trained human observer(s). The present studies were designed to develop a more objective, accurate and rapid method for screening zebrafish for dysmorphology. Instead of the very detailed human assessment, we have developed the computational malformation index, which combines the use of high‐content imaging with a very brief human visual assessment. Each larva was quickly assessed by a human observer (basic visual assessment), killed, fixed and assessed for dysmorphology with the Zebratox V4 BioApplication using the Cellomics® ArrayScan® VTI high‐content image analysis platform. The basic visual assessment adds in‐life parameters, and the high‐content analysis assesses each individual larva for various features (total area, width, spine length, head–tail length, length–width ratio, perimeter–area ratio). In developing the computational malformation index, a training set of hundreds of embryos treated with hundreds of chemicals were visually assessed using the basic or detailed method. In the second phase, we assessed both the stability of these high‐content measurements and its performance using a test set of zebrafish treated with a dose range of two reference chemicals (trans‐retinoic acid or cadmium). We found the measures were stable for at least 1 week and comparison of these automated measures to detailed visual inspection of the larvae showed excellent congruence. Our computational malformation index provides an objective manner for rapid phenotypic brightfield assessment of individual larva in a developmental zebrafish assay. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxidative stress and lung pathology following geogenic dust exposure
Authors: Leetham M. , DeWitt J. , Buck B. , Goossens D. , Teng Y. , Pollard J. , McLaurin B. , Gerads R. , Keil D. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTThis study was designed to evaluate markers of systemic oxidative stress and lung histopathology following subacute exposure to geogenic dust with varying heavy metal content collected from a natural setting prone to wind erosion and used heavily for off‐road vehicle recreation. Adult female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to several concentrations of dust collected from seven different types of surfaces at the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area in Clark County, Nevada, designated here as CBN 1‐7. Dust representing each of the seven surface types, with an average median diameter of 4.2 μm, was selected and administered via oropharyngeal aspiration to mice at concentrations from 0.01 to 100 mg of dust kg–1 of body weight. Exposures were given four times spaced a week apart over a 28 day period to mimic a month of weekend exposures. Lung pathology was evaluated while plasma markers of oxidative stress included levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity and total glutathione. Overall, results of these assays to evaluate markers of oxidative stress indicate that no single CBN surface type was able to consistently induce markers of systemic oxidative stress at a particular dose or in a dose–response manner. All surface types were able to induce some level of lung inflammation, typically at the highest exposure levels. These data suggest that dust from the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area may present a potential health risk, but additional studies are necessary to characterize the full extent of health risks to humans. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moringa oleifera Gold Nanoparticles Modulate Oncogenes, Tumor Suppressor Genes, and Caspase‐9 Splice Variants in A549 Cells
Authors: Tiloke Charlette , Phulukdaree Alisa , Anand Krishnan , Gengan Robert M. , Chuturgoon Anil A. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTGold nanoparticles (AuNP's) facilitate cancer cell recognition and can be manufactured by green synthesis using nutrient rich medicinal plants such as Moringa oleifera (MO). Targeting dysregulated oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes is crucial for cancer therapeutics. We investigated the antiproliferative effects of AuNP synthesized from MO aqueous leaf extracts (MLAuNP) in A549 lung and SNO oesophageal cancer cells. A one‐pot green synthesis technique was used to synthesise MLAuNP. A549, SNO cancer cells and normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were exposed to MLAuNP and CAuNP to evaluate cytotoxicity (MTT assay); apoptosis was measured by phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, mitochondrial depolarization (ΔΨm) (flow cytometry), caspase‐3/7, −9 activity, and ATP levels (luminometry). The mRNA expression of c‐myc, p53, Skp2, Fbw7α, and caspase‐9 splice variants was determined using qPCR, while relative protein expression of c‐myc, p53, SRp30a, Bax, Bcl‐2, Smac/DIABLO, Hsp70, and PARP‐1 were determined by Western blotting. MLAuNP and CAuNP were not cytotoxic to PBMCs, whilst its pro‐apoptotic properties were confirmed in A549 and SNO cells. MLAuNP significantly increased caspase activity in SNO cells while MLAuNP significantly increased PS externalization, ΔΨm, caspase‐9, caspase‐3/7 activities, and decreased ATP levels in A549 cells. Also, p53 mRNA and protein levels, SRp30a (P = 0.428), Bax, Smac/DIABLO and PARP‐1 24 kDa fragment levels were significantly increased. Conversely, MLAuNP significantly decreased Bcl‐2, Hsp70, Skp2, Fbw7α, c‐myc mRNA, and protein levels and activated alternate splicing with caspase‐9a splice variant being significantly increased. MLAuNP possesses antiproliferative properties and induced apoptosis in A549 cells by activating alternate splicing of caspase‐9. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2302–2314, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.