bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silicon elicited varied physiological and biochemical responses in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea): a concentration dependent study
Authors: Rehman Bushra 
Published: February 2016

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the silicon (Si) mediated responses in different cultivars of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) and to evaluate if Si could be used as an essential, beneficial, or quasi-essential element for growth and development of these cultivars. Surface sterilized seeds were sown in pots and allowed to germinate under natural environmental conditions. At 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 days after germination, a range of Si concentrations (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mM) was administered to the soil and at 30 days post germination the plants were sampled to assess growth and development, leaf gas exchange traits and plant biochemical parameters, including activities of carbonic anhydrase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and protein and proline content. The results demonstrate a dual response to Si concentration: 0.8 mM of Si significantly increased plant growth and development (length of root and shoot, fresh and dry biomass, and leaf area) and photosynthetic efficiency, and enhanced the antioxidant response in T-59 over all the other cultivars tested, whereas, 1.6 mM of Si significantly reduced the above parameters. It is therefore concluded that low levels of Si could be used as a quasi-essential element for enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidant response ofBrassica junceaplants; however, the response is cultivar specific and concentration dependent.
Analysis of chromosome translocation frequency after a single CT scan in adults
Authors: Abe Yu , Miura Tomisato , Yoshida Mitsuaki A. , Ujiie Risa , Kurosu Yumiko , Kato Nagisa , Katafuchi Atsushi , Tsuyama Naohiro , Kawamura Fumihiko , Ohba Takashi , Inamasu Tomoko , Shishido Fumio , Noji Hideyoshi , Ogawa Kazuei , Yokouchi Hiroshi , Kanazawa Kenya , Ishida Takashi , Muto Satoshi , Ohsugi Jun , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Ishikawa Tetsuo , Kamiya Kenji , Sakai Akira 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
We recently reported an increase in dicentric chromosome (DIC) formation after a single computed tomography (CT) scan (5.78–60.27 mSv: mean 24.24 mSv) and we recommended analysis of 2000 metaphase cells stained with Giemsa and centromere-FISH for dicentric chromosome assay (DCA) in cases of low-dose radiation exposure. In the present study, we analyzed the frequency of chromosome translocations using stored Carnoy's-fixed lymphocyte specimens from the previous study; these specimens were from 12 patients who were subject to chromosome painting of Chromosomes 1, 2 and 4. Chromosomes 1, 2 and 4 were analyzed in ∼5000 cells, which is equivalent to the whole-genome analysis of almost 2000 cells. The frequency of chromosome translocation was higher than the number of DICs formed, both before and after CT scanning. The frequency of chromosome translocations tended to be higher, but not significantly higher, in patients with a treatment history compared with patients without such a history. However, in contrast to the results for DIC formation, the frequency of translocations detected before and after the CT scan did not differ significantly. Therefore, analysis of chromosome translocation may not be a suitable assay for detecting chromosome aberrations in cases of low-dose radiation exposure from a CT scan. A significant increase in the frequency of chromosome translocations was not likely to be detected due to the high baseline before the CT scan; the high and variable frequency of translocations was probably due to multiple confounding factors in adults.
Risk Factors and Outcomes for Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolation, Stratified by Its Multilocus Sequence Typing: ST258 Versus Non-ST258
Authors: Dhar Sorabh , Martin Emily T. , Lephart Paul R. , McRoberts John P. , Chopra Teena , Burger Timothy T. , Tal-Jasper Ruthy , Hayakawa Kayoko , Ofer-Friedman Hadas , Lazarovitch Tsilia , Zaidenstein Ronit , Perez Federico , Bonomo Robert A. , Kaye Keith S. , Marchaim Dror 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
A “high risk” clone of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) identified by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) as sequence type (ST) 258 has disseminated worldwide. As the molecular epidemiology of the CRE pandemic continues to evolve, the clinical impact of non-ST258 strains is less well defined. We conducted an epidemiological investigation of CRKP based on strains MLST. Among 68 CRKP patients, 61 were ST258 and 7 belonged to non-ST258. Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 strains were significantly associated with blaKPC production and with resistance to an increased number of antimicrobials. Clinical outcomes were not different. Based on this analysis, one cannot rely solely on the presence of blaKPC in order to diagnose CRKP.
Respiratory Viral Testing and Influenza Antiviral Prescriptions During Hospitalization for Acute Respiratory Illnesses
Authors: Rolfes Melissa A. , Yousey-Hindes Kimberly M. , Meek James I. , Fry Alicia M. , Chaves Sandra S. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
We examined respiratory viral testing and influenza antiviral prescriptions at a US tertiary care hospital. During the 2010–11 to 2012–13 influenza seasons, antiviral prescriptions among acute respiratory illness (ARI) hospitalizations were associated with viral testing (rate ratio = 15.0), and empiric prescriptions were rare (&lt;1% of ARI hospitalizations).
Auditory Impairments in HIV-Infected Children
Authors: Maro Isaac I. , Fellows Abigail M. , Clavier Odile H. , Gui Jiang , Rieke Catherine C. , Wilbur Jed C. , Chambers Robert D. , Jastrzembski Benjamin G. , Mascari John E. , Bakari Muhammad , Matee Mecky , Musiek Frank E. , Waddell Richard D. , von Reyn C. Fordham , Palumbo Paul E. , Moshi Ndeserua , Buckey Jay C. 
Published: February 2016

Objectives:
In a cross-sectional study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults, the authors showed lower distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in HIV+ individuals compared with controls as well as findings consistent with a central auditory processing deficit in HIV+ adults on antiretroviral therapy. The authors hypothesized that HIV+ children would also have a higher prevalence of abnormal central and peripheral hearing test results compared with HIV− controls.

Design:
Pure-tone thresholds, DPOAEs, and tympanometry were performed on 244 subjects (131 HIV+ and 113 HIV− subjects). Thirty-five of the HIV+, and 3 of the HIV− subjects had a history of tuberculosis treatment. Gap detection results were available for 18 HIV− and 44 HIV+ children. Auditory brainstem response results were available for 72 HIV− and 72 HIV+ children. Data from ears with abnormal tympanograms were excluded.

Results:
HIV+ subjects were significantly more likely to have abnormal tympanograms, histories of ear drainage, tuberculosis, or dizziness. All audiometric results were compared between groups using a two-way ANOVA with HIV status and ear drainage history as grouping variables. Mean audiometric thresholds, gap detection thresholds, and auditory brainstem response latencies did not differ between groups, although the HIV+ group had a higher proportion of individuals with a hearing loss >25 dB HL in the better ear. The HIV+ group had reduced DPOAE levels (p < 0.05) at multiple frequencies compared with HIV− subjects. No relationships were found between treatment regimens or delay in starting treatment and audiological parameters.

Conclusions:
As expected, children with HIV+ were more likely to have a history of ear drainage, and to have abnormal tympanograms. Similar to the adult findings, the HIV+ group did not show significantly reduced audiometric thresholds, but did have significantly lower DPOAE magnitudes. These data suggest that (1) HIV+ children often have middle ear damage which complicates understanding the direct effects of HIV on the hearing system, and (2) even when corrected for confounders DPOAEs were lower in the HIV+ group. Previous studies suggest ototoxicity from antiretroviral drugs is an unlikely cause of the reduced DPOAE magnitudes. Other possibilities include effects on efferent pathways connecting to outer hair cells or a direct effect of HIV on the cochlea.
The Number of Patients and Therapeutic Profile of Spinal Stenosis Using Health Insurance Claims in Japan
Authors: Kuboyama Izumi , Toyokawa Satoshi , Tomio Jun , Inada Haruhiko , Tanihara Shinichi , Kobayashi Yasuki 
Published: February 2016

Study Design.
Population-based retrospective descriptive study.

Objective.
To describe the number and therapeutic profile of patients with spinal stenosis at a large-scale community level using health insurance claims data.

Summary of Background Data.
A few reports have documented the prevalence of spinal stenosis, and no report has described the therapeutic profile for spinal stenosis in a population base.

Methods.
We studied the claims data of National Health Insurance and Late-stage Elderly Health Insurance in a prefecture in Japan from April 2010 to March 2011. We considered patients to have spinal stenosis if their claims included at least one diagnosis coded as spinal stenosis for at least 1 month during the study period. Disease criteria were based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th version. We then described the number and the therapeutic profile of the patients with spinal stenosis by age and sex.

Results.
Of 699,723 beneficiaries, 52,889 patients with spinal stenosis were identified. The number of patients with spinal stenosis per 1000 beneficiaries was 76, and those for the subgroups of age ≥ 65 years, ≥ 75 years, and ≥ 85 years were 128, 155, and 152, respectively. The number of patients per 1000 beneficiaries showed unimodal distribution, and the peak for males was 191 between the ages 95 to 99 years and that for females was 160 between the ages 80 to 84 years. Analgesics, prostaglandin E1, or both were prescribed to 40%, 2%, or 20% of patients with spinal stenosis, respectively. Physical therapy, nerve blocks, and surgery were done for 19%, 8%, and 0.4% of the patients, respectively. Approximately, 33% of patients did not receive any treatment.

Conclusion.
There were a large number of patients with spinal stenosis in elderly people. Most of them received nonsurgical treatments. Health insurance claims data could be a useful source of surveillance for such common diseases as spinal stenosis.

Level of Evidence: 4
Best Practices in Docking and Activity Prediction
Authors: Rueda Manuel , Abagyan Ruben 
Published: February 2016

During the last decade we witnessed how computational docking methods became a crucial tool in the search for new drug candidates. The ‘central dogma’ of small molecule docking is that compounds that dock correctly into the receptor are more likely to display biological activity than those that do not dock. This ‘dogma’, however, possesses multiple twists and turns that may not be obvious to novice dockers. The first premise is that the compounds must dock; this implies: (i) availability of data, (ii) realistic representation of the chemical entities in a form that can be understood by the computer and the software, and, (iii) exhaustive sampling of the protein-ligand conformational space. The second premise is that, after the sampling, all docking solutions must be ranked correctly with a score representing the physico-chemical foundations of binding. The third premise is that ‘correctness’ must be defined unambiguously, usually by comparison with ‘static’ experimental data (or lack thereof). Each of these premises involves some degree of simplification of reality, and overall loss in the accuracy of the docking predictions.In this chapter we will revise our latest experiences in receptor-based docking when dealing with all three above-mentioned issues. First, we will explain the theoretical foundation of ICM docking, along with a brief explanation on how we measure performance. Second, we will contextualize ICM by showing its performance in single and multiple receptor conformation schemes with the Directory of Useful Decoys (DUD) and the Pocketome. Third, we will describe which strategies we are using to represent protein plasticity, like using multiple crystallographic structures or Monte Carlo (MC) and Normal Mode Analysis (NMA) sampling methods, emphasizing how to overcome the associated pitfalls (e.g., increased number of false positives). In the last section, we will describe ALiBERO, a new tool that is helping us to improve the discriminative power of X-ray structures and homology models in screening campaigns.
Intelligence and neuroticism in relation to depression and psychological distress: evidence of interaction using data from Generation Scotland: Scottish Family Health Study and UK Biobank
Authors: Navrady LB , Ritchie SJ , Chan SWY , Kerr DM , Adams MJ , Hawkins E , Porteous DJ , Deary IJ , Gale CR , Batty GD , McIntosh AM 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundNeuroticism is a risk factor for selected mental and physical illnesses and is inversely associated with intelligence. Intelligence appears to interact with neuroticism and mitigate its detrimental effects on physical health and mortality. However, the inter-relationships of neuroticism and intelligence for major depressive disorder (MDD) and psychological distress has not been well examined.MethodsAssociations and interactions between neuroticism and general intelligence (g) on MDD and psychological distress were examined in two population-based cohorts: Generation Scotland: Scottish Family Health Study (GS:SFHS, N=19,200) and UK Biobank (N=90,529). The Eysenck Personality Scale Short Form-Revised measured neuroticism and g was extracted from multiple cognitive ability tests in each cohort. Family structure was adjusted for in GS:SFHS.ResultsNeuroticism was associated with MDD and psychological distress in both samples. A significant interaction between neuroticism and g in predicting MDD status was found in UK Biobank (OR = 0.96,p< .01), suggesting that higher g ameliorated the adverse effects of neuroticism on the likelihood of having MDD. This interaction was not found in GS:SFHS. In both samples, higher neuroticism and lower intelligence were associated with increased psychological distress. A significant interaction was also found in both cohorts (GS:SFHS: ß = -0.05,p< .01; UK Biobank: ß = -0.02,p< .01), such that intelligence protected against the deleterious effect of neuroticism on psychological distress.ConclusionsFrom two large cohort studies, our findings suggest intelligence acts a protective factor in mitigating the effects of neuroticism on risk for depressive illness and psychological distress.
Biocompatibility of Subcutaneously Implanted Plant-Derived Cellulose Biomaterials
Authors: Modulevsky Daniel J. , Cuerrier Charles M. , Pelling Andrew E. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTThere is intense interest in developing novel biomaterials which support the invasion and proliferation of living cells for potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Decellularization of existing tissues have formed the basis of one major approach to producing 3D scaffolds for such purposes. In this study, we utilize the native hypanthium tissue of apples and a simple preparation methodology to create implantable cellulose scaffolds. To examine biocompatibility, scaffolds were subcutaneously implanted in wild-type, immunocompetent mice (males and females; 6-9 weeks old). Following the implantation, the scaffolds were resected at 1, 4 and 8 weeks and processed for histological analysis (H&E, Masson’s Trichrome, anti-CD31 and anti-CD45 antibodies). Histological analysis revealed a characteristic foreign body response to the scaffold 1 week post-implantation. However, the immune response was observed to gradually disappear by 8 weeks post-implantation. By 8 weeks, there was no immune response in the surrounding dermis tissue and active fibroblast migration within the cellulose scaffold was observed. This was concomitant with the deposition of a new collagen extracellular matrix. Furthermore, active blood vessel formation within the scaffold was observed throughout the period of study indicating the pro-angiogenic properties of the native scaffolds. Finally, while the scaffolds retain much of their original shape they do undergo a slow deformation over the 8-week length of the study. Taken together, our results demonstrate that native cellulose scaffolds are biocompatible and exhibit promising potential as a surgical biomaterial.
Using Field Experiments in Accounting and Finance
Authors: FLOYD ERIC , LIST JOHN A. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTThe gold standard in the sciences is uncovering causal relationships. A growing literature in economics utilizes field experiments as a methodology to establish causality between variables. Taking lessons from the economics literature, this study provides an “A‐to‐Z” description of how to conduct field experiments in accounting and finance. We begin by providing a user's guide into what a field experiment is, what behavioral parameters field experiments identify, and how to efficiently generate and analyze experimental data. We then provide a discussion of extant field experiments that touch on important issues in accounting and finance, and we also review areas that have ample opportunities for future field experimental explorations. We conclude that the time is ripe for field experimentation to deepen our understanding of important issues in accounting and finance.
Area reduction and trace element pollution in Nile Delta wetland ecosystems
Authors: El‐Shazly Mohamed M. , Omar Wael A. , Edmardash Yusuf A. , Ibrahim Mona Sayed , Elzayat Emad I. , El‐Sebeay Iman I.A. , Abdel Rahman Khaled M. , Soliman Mustafa M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe three main Nile Delta wetland ecosystems, Manzala, Burullus and Edku lagoons, are among the most ecologically important and productive habitats in Egypt. We studied the area degradation and the human health risks associated with trace metal accumulation in Tilapia zillii harvested from these lakes. The area of Manzala lagoon has shrunken from about 3035 km2 in 1800 to about 288 km2 in 2015, the area of Edku has shrunken from about 336 km2 in 1824 to about 18 km2 in 2014, and the area of Burullus has shrunken from about 1116 km2 in 1949 to about 546 km2 in 2014. This area degradation is attributed to drying for housing, land reclamation and fish farming. As a result, the concentration of pollutants and nutrients has subsequently increased, and large parts of the lakes have been overgrown with aquatic vegetation, which increased the rate of degradation and land transformation. Metal pollution was detected in water, sediment and edible fish harvested from the lakes. The hazard index, an indicator of human health risks associated with fish consumption, showed adverse health effects of zinc and lead metals for habitual fish consumers. The impact of the high dam on the lakes was discussed.
Elevated plasma levels of vascular permeability factors in C1 inhibitor‐deficient hereditary angioedema
Authors: Loffredo S. , Bova M. , Suffritti C. , Borriello F. , Zanichelli A. , Petraroli A. , Varricchi G. , Triggiani M. , Cicardi M. , Marone G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundHereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency (C1‐INH‐HAE) is a rare inherited genetic disease characterized by recurrent swelling episodes of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and upper airways. Angioedema attacks result from increased vascular permeability due to the release of bradykinin from high molecular weight kininogen. Currently, there are no biomarkers predicting the frequency of angioedema attacks. Vascular permeability is modulated by several factors, including vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and angiopoietins (Angs). As increased circulating levels of VEGFs and Angs have been observed in diseases associated with higher vascular permeability (e.g., systemic capillary leak syndrome and sepsis), we sought to analyze plasma concentrations of VEGFs and Angs in patients with C1‐INH‐HAE.MethodsSixty‐eight healthy controls and 128 patients with C1‐INH‐HAE were studied. Concentrations of angiogenic (VEGF‐A, Ang1, Ang2), anti‐angiogenic (VEGF‐A165b) and lymphangiogenic (VEGF‐C) factors were evaluated by ELISA. C1‐INH functional activity was assessed by EIA.ResultsPlasma concentrations of VEGF‐A, VEGF‐C, Ang1, and Ang2 were higher in patients with C1‐INH‐HAE in remission than in healthy controls. Concentration of VEGF‐A was further increased in patients with lower C1‐INH functional activity. Patients with C1‐INH‐HAE experiencing more than 12 angioedema attacks per year were characterized by higher plasma levels of VEGF‐A, VEGF‐C, and Ang2 compared with the other patients.ConclusionsWe hypothesize that VEGFs and Angs induce a state of ‘vascular preconditioning’ that may predispose to angioedema attacks. In addition, the identification of increased plasma levels of VEGFs and Angs in patients with C1‐INH‐HAE may prompt the investigation of VEGFs and Angs as biomarkers of C1‐INH‐HAE severity.
Body fat measurement in adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes: a comparison of skinfold equations against dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry
Authors: Särnblad S , Magnuson A , Ekelund U , Åman J 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimSkinfold measurement is an inexpensive and widely used technique for assessing the percentage of body fat (%BF). This study assessed the accuracy of prediction equations for %BF based on skinfold measurements compared to dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in girls with type 1 diabetes and healthy age‐matched controls.MethodsWe included 49 healthy girls and 44 girls with diabetes aged 12–19 years old, comparing the predicted %BF based on skinfold measurements and the %BF values obtained by a Lunar DPX‐L scanner. The agreement between the methods was assessed using an Bland–Altman plot.ResultsThe skinfold measurements were significantly higher in girls with diabetes (p = 0.003) despite a nonsignificant difference in total %BF (p = 0.1). A significant association between bias and %BF was found for all tested equations in the Bland–Altman plots. Regression analysis showed that the association between skinfold measurements and %BF measured by DXA differed significantly (p = 0.039) between the girls with diabetes and the healthy controls.ConclusionThe accuracy of skinfold thickness equations for assessment of %BF in adolescent girls with diabetes is poor in comparison with DXA measurements as criterion. Our findings highlight the need for the development of new prediction equations for girls with type 1 diabetes.