bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acceptability and Potential Efficacy of Single-Sex After-School Activity Programs for Overweight and At-Risk Children: The Wollongong SPORT RCT
Authors: Jones Rachel A. , Kelly Jacque , Cliff Dylan P. , Batterham Marijka , Okely Anthony D. 
Published: August 2015

Objectives:Single sex after-school physical activity programs show potential to prevent unhealthy weight gain. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and potential efficacy of single-sex after-school physical activity programs for overweight and at-risk children from low-income communities.Design:7-month, 2-arm parallel-group, RCT, conducted at an elementary school in a disadvantaged area in Wollongong, Australia (March-November 2010).Methods:20 boys and 17 girls were randomized to intervention (PA) or active comparison groups (HL). Primary outcomes included implementation, acceptability, percentage body fat and BMI z-score.Results:The PA programs were acceptable with high implementation and enjoyment rates. At 7 months postintervention girls in the PA group displayed greater changes in percentage body fat (adjust diff. = -1.70, [95% CI -3.25, -0.14]; d = -0.83) and BMI z-score (-0.19 [-0.36, -0.03]; d= -1.00). At 7 months boys in the PA group showed greater changes in waist circumference (-3.87 cm [-7.80, 0.15]; d= -0.90) and waist circumference z-score (-0.33 [-0.64, -0.03]; d= -0.98). For both boys’ and girls’ PA groups, changes in adiposity were not maintained at 12-month follow-up.Conclusions:Single-sex after-school physical activity programs are acceptable and potentially efficacious in preventing unhealthy weight gain among overweight and at-risk children. However improvements are hard to sustain once programs finish operating.
Efficacy of a Novel Sublingual Spray Formulation of Artemether in African Children with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
Authors: Bendel Daryl , Rulisa Stephen , Ansah Patrick , Sirima Sodiomon 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

The efficacy of sublingual artemether (ArTiMist) was investigated in two studies. In study 1, 31 children were randomized to sublingual artemether (
n
= 16) or intravenous (i.v.) quinine (
n
= 15). In study 2, 151 children were randomized to sublingual artemether (
n
= 77) or i.v. quinine (
n
= 74). For both studies, patients weighed between 5 and 15 kg and had either severe or complicated malaria based on WHO criteria, or they had uncomplicated malaria but were unable to tolerate oral medication as a result of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Patients received either 3 mg/kg of body weight of sublingual artemether or a loading dose of 20 mg/kg of i.v. quinine followed by 10 mg/kg every 8 h i.v. thereafter. The primary endpoint was parasitological success, defined as a reduction in parasite count of ≥90% of that at baseline at 24 h after the first dose. Other endpoints based on parasite clearance and clinical response were evaluated. In study 1, there were parasitological success rates of 93.3% (14/15) and 66.7% (10/15) for the sublingual artemether and quinine treatments, respectively. In study 2, 94.3% (66/70) of the ArTiMist-treated patients and 39.4% (28/71) of the quinine-treated patients had parasitological success (
P
< 0.0001). Indicators of parasite clearance (parasite clearance time [PCT], time for parasite count to fall by 50% [PCT
50
], time for parasite count to fall by 90% [PCT
90
], and percent reduction in parasitemia from baseline at 24 h [PRR
24
]) were significantly superior for children treated with sublingual artemether compared to those treated with i.v. quinine. There were no differences between treatments for the clinical endpoints, such as fever clearance time. The local tolerability of sublingual artemether was good. Sublingual artemether leads to rapid parasite clearance and clinical recovery. (Studies 1 and 2 are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration numbers NCT01047436 and NCT01258049, respectively.)
Susceptibilities of Genotype 1a, 1b, and 3 Hepatitis C Virus Variants to the NS5A Inhibitor Elbasvir
Authors: Liu Rong , Curry Stephanie , McMonagle Patricia , Yeh Wendy W. , Ludmerer Steven W. , Jumes Patricia A. , Marshall William L. , Kong Stephanie , Ingravallo Paul , Black Stuart , Pak Irene , DiNubile Mark J. , Howe Anita Y. M. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Elbasvir is an investigational NS5A inhibitor with
in vitro
activity against multiple HCV genotypes. Antiviral activity of elbasvir was measured in replicons derived from wild-type or resistant variants of genotypes 1a, 1b, and 3. The barrier to resistance was assessed by the number of resistant colonies selected by exposure to various elbasvir concentrations. In a phase 1b dose-escalating study, virologic responses were determined in 48 noncirrhotic adult men with chronic genotype 1 or 3 infections randomized to placebo or elbasvir from 5 to 50 mg (genotype 1) or 10 to 100 mg (genotype 3) once daily for 5 days. The NS5A gene was sequenced from plasma specimens obtained before, during, and after treatment. Elbasvir suppressed the emergence of resistance-associated variants (RAVs)
in vitro
in a dose-dependent manner. Variants selected by exposure to high elbasvir concentrations typically encoded multiple amino acid substitutions (most commonly involving loci 30, 31, and 93), conferring high-level elbasvir resistance. In the monotherapy study, patients with genotype 1b had greater reductions in HCV RNA levels than patients with genotype 1a at all elbasvir doses; responses in patients with genotype 3 were generally less pronounced than for genotype 1, particularly at lower elbasvir doses. M28T, Q30R, L31V, and Y93H in genotype 1a, L31V and Y93H in genotype 1b, and A30K, L31F, and Y93H in genotype 3 were the predominant RAVs selected by elbasvir monotherapy. Virologic findings in patients were consistent with the preclinical observations. NS5A-RAVs emerged most often at amino acid positions 28, 30, 31, and 93 in both the laboratory and clinical trial. (The MK-8742 P002 trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT01532973.)
Genome-Based Comparison of Cyclic Di-GMP Signaling in Pathogenic and Commensal Escherichia coli Strains
Authors: Povolotsky Tatyana L. , Hengge Regine 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

The ubiquitous bacterial second messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) has recently become prominent as a trigger for biofilm formation in many bacteria. It is generated by diguanylate cyclases (DGCs; with GGDEF domains) and degraded by specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs; containing either EAL or HD-GYP domains). Most bacterial species contain multiples of these proteins with some having specific functions that are based on direct molecular interactions in addition to their enzymatic activities.
Escherichia coli
K-12 laboratory strains feature 29 genes encoding GGDEF and/or EAL domains, resulting in a set of 12 DGCs, 13 PDEs, and four enzymatically inactive “degenerate” proteins that act by direct macromolecular interactions. We present here a comparative analysis of GGDEF/EAL domain-encoding genes in 61 genomes of pathogenic, commensal, and probiotic
E. coli
strains (including enteric pathogens such as enteroaggregative, enterohemorrhagic, enteropathogenic, enterotoxigenic, and adherent and invasive
Escherichia coli
and the 2011 German outbreak O104:H4 strain, as well as extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
, such as uropathogenic and meningitis-associated
E. coli
). We describe additional genes for two membrane-associated DGCs (DgcX and DgcY) and four PDEs (the membrane-associated PdeT, as well as the EAL domain-only proteins PdeW, PdeX, and PdeY), thus showing the pangenome of
E. coli
to contain at least 35 GGDEF/EAL domain proteins. A core set of only eight proteins is absolutely conserved in all 61 strains: DgcC (YaiC), DgcI (YliF), PdeB (YlaB), PdeH (YhjH), PdeK (YhjK), PdeN (Rtn), and the degenerate proteins CsrD and CdgI (YeaI). In all other GGDEF/EAL domain genes, diverse point and frameshift mutations, as well as small or large deletions, were discovered in various strains.

IMPORTANCE
Our analysis reveals interesting trends in pathogenic
Escherichia coli
that could reflect different host cell adherence mechanisms. These may either benefit from or be counteracted by the c-di-GMP-stimulated production of amyloid curli fibers and cellulose. Thus, EAEC, which adhere in a “stacked brick” biofilm mode, have a potential for high c-di-GMP accumulation due to DgcX, a strongly expressed additional DGC. In contrast, EHEC and UPEC, which use alternative adherence mechanisms, tend to have extra PDEs, suggesting that low cellular c-di-GMP levels are crucial for these strains under specific conditions. Overall, our study also indicates that GGDEF/EAL domain proteins evolve rapidly and thereby contribute to adaptation to host-specific and environmental niches of various types of
E. coli
.
MRI does not add value over and above patient history and clinical examination in predicting time to return to sport after acute hamstring injuries: a prospective cohort of 180 male athletes
Authors: Wangensteen Arnlaug , Almusa Emad , Boukarroum Sirine , Farooq Abdulaziz , Hamilton Bruce , Whiteley Rodney , Bahr Roald , Tol Johannes L 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundMRI is frequently used in addition to clinical evaluation for predicting time to return to sport (RTS) after acute hamstring injury. However, the additional value of MRI to patient history taking and clinical examination remains unknown and is debated.AimTo prospectively investigate the predictive value of patient history and clinical examination at baseline alone and the additional predictive value of MRI findings for time to RTS using multivariate analysis while controlling for treatment confounders.MethodsMale athletes (N=180) with acute onset posterior thigh pain underwent standardised patient history, clinical and MRI examinations within 5 days, and time to RTS was registered. A general linear model was constructed to assess the associations between RTS and the potential baseline predictors. A manual backward stepwise technique was used to keep treatment variables fixed.ResultsIn the first multiple regression model including only patient history and clinical examination, maximum pain score (visual analogue scale, VAS), forced to stop within 5 min, length of hamstring tenderness and painful resisted knee flexion (90°), showed independent associations with RTS and the final model explained 29% of the total variance in time to RTS. By adding MRI variables in the second multiple regression model, maximum pain score (VAS), forced to stop within 5 min, length of hamstring tenderness and overall radiological grading, showed independent associations and the adjusted R2increased from 0.290 to 0.318. Thus, additional MRI explained 2.8% of the variance in RTS.SummaryThere was a wide variation in time to RTS and the additional predictive value of MRI was negligible compared with baseline patient history taking and clinical examinations alone. Thus, clinicians cannot provide an accurate time to RTS just after an acute hamstring injury. This study provides no rationale for routine MRI after acute hamstring injury.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT01812564.
MiRNA-203 Reduces Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Radioresistance by Targeting IL8/AKT Signaling
Authors: Qu Jia-Quan , Yi Hong-Mei , Ye Xu , Zhu Jin-Feng , Yi Hong , Li Li-Na , Xiao Ta , Yuan Li , Li Jiao-Yang , Wang Yuan-Yuan , Feng Juan , He Qiu-Yan , Lu Shan-Shan , Xiao Zhi-Qiang 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Radioresistance poses a major challenge in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment, but little is known about how miRNA (miR) regulates this phenomenon. In this study, we investigated the function and mechanism of miR-203 in NPC radioresistance, one of downregulated miRs in the radioresistant NPC cells identified by our previous microarray analysis. We observed that miR-203 was frequently downregulated in the radioresistant NPC tissues compared with radiosensitive NPC tissues, and its decrement significantly correlated with NPC radioresistance and poor patient survival, and was an independent predictor for reduced patient survival. In vitro radioresponse assays showed that miR-203 mimic markedly decreased NPC cell radioresistance. In a mouse model, therapeutic administration of miR-203 agomir dramatically sensitized NPC xenografts to irradiation. Mechanistically, we confirmed that IL8 was a direct target of miR-203, and found that reduced miR-203 promoted NPC cell radioresistance by activating IL8/AKT signaling. Moreover, the levels of IL8 and phospho-AKT were significantly increased in the radioresistant NPC tissues compared with radiosensitive NPC tissues, and negatively associated with miR-203 level. Our data demonstrate that miR-203 is a critical determinant of NPC radioresponse, and its decrement enhances NPC radioresistance through targeting IL8/AKT signaling, highlighting the therapeutic potential of the miR-203/IL8/AKT signaling axis in NPC radiosensitization. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(11); 2653–64. ©2015 AACR.
Offshore Propagation of Coastal Precipitation
Authors: Li Yanping , Carbone R. E. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This work focuses on the seaward propagation of coastal precipitation with and without mountainous terrain nearby. Offshore of India, diurnal propagation of precipitation is observed over the Bay of Bengal. On the eastern side of the bay, a diurnal but nonpropagating signal is observed near the west coast of Burma. This asymmetry is consistent with the inertio-gravity wave mechanism. Perturbations generated by diurnal heating over the coastal mountains of India propagate offshore, amplify in the upwind direction, and dissipate in the downwind direction relative to the steering wind, owing to critical-level considerations. A linear model is applied to evaluate sensitivity to gravity waves, as these affect deep moist convection and propagation. Analyses are performed for various heating depths, mountain widths, stability, Coriolis effect, background mean wind, and friction. Calculations reveal how these factors affect the amplitude, dissipation, initiation phase, and propagation speed of the diurnal disturbance. The propagation of precipitation triggered by land–sea breezes is distinguishable from that triggered by a mountain–plains circulation. Convection resulting purely from mountain heating begins earlier, propagates slower, and damps faster than that of the land–sea breeze. For mountains near a coast, slower propagation and stronger earlier convection result from a resonance-like combination of two dynamical mechanisms. The propagation of precipitation is initially triggered by the mountain breeze near the coastal mountain. Over the open ocean, the dominant signal propagates as that of the land breeze but with stronger convection.
Mental health service utilisation after a Community Treatment Order: A comparison between three modes of termination
Authors: Vine Ruth , Turner Suzanne , Pirkis Jane , Judd Fiona , Spittal Matthew J 
Published: August 2015

Objective: Little work has examined Community Treatment Order processes, including mode of termination. This paper aimed to examine service utilisation and legal status following the Community Treatment Order termination by a review board, treating psychiatrist or expiry of order. Method: Data-linkage study following the service utilisation of those discharged from a Community Treatment Order of at least 3-month duration for the subsequent 2 years. We used the state-wide database of all contacts with state-funded mental health services in Victoria, Australia. Results: Of the 1478 patients who were discharged, 5% were discharged by the review board, 88% were discharged by the treating psychiatrist and in 7% the order expired. Logistic regression indicated that those discharged by the treating service were less likely to be subsequently placed under an involuntary order than those discharged by the Mental Health Review Board or those whose order had expired (odds ratio = 0.61). Conclusion: Poorly planned discharge as a result of expiry of the Community Treatment Order or abrupt discharge by the review board may be associated with a more severe relapse and subsequent need for compulsory treatment. The likelihood of being readmitted as an involuntary patient is greater for younger adults and those living in urban settings. In order to minimise the risk of major relapse, strong community engagement with treating services should be supported.
Angina in left main coronary artery occlusion by pulmonary artery aneurysm
Authors: Nesta Marialisa , Cammertoni Federico , Mangini Stefano , Colizzi Christian , Bruno Piergiorgio , Massetti Massimo 
Published: August 2015

A 51-year-old woman with exercise angina and a history of pulmonary artery hypertension related to a previous pulmonary thromboembolism, was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography and coronary angiography showed a 95-mm aneurysm of the main pulmonary artery, which totally occluded the left main coronary artery. After a multidisciplinary evaluation, we recommended heart-lung transplantation, but the patient refused any kind of surgical procedure. Due to the chronic occlusion, stenting of the left main coronary artery was unfeasible. With no other options available, we could only start pulmonary antihypertensive therapy. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient reported relief of her angina.
Comparison of conventional risk factors in middle-aged versus elderly diabetic and nondiabetic patients with myocardial infarction: prediction with decision–analytic model
Authors: Mahmoodi Mohammad Reza , Baneshi Mohammad Reza , Rastegari Azam 
Published: August 2015

Background: We sought to predict occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI) by means of a classification and regression tree (CART) model by conventional risk factors in middle-aged versus elderly (age ⩾65years) diabetic and nondiabetic patients from the Modares Heart Study. Method: A total of 469 patients were randomly selected and categorized into two groups according to clinical diabetes status. Group I consisted of 238 diabetic patients and group II consisted of 231 nondiabetic patients. Our population was MI positive. The outcome investigated was diabetes mellitus. We used a decision–analytic model to predict the diagnosis of patients with suspected MI. Results: We constructed 4 predictive patterns using 12 input variables and 1 output variable in terms of their sensitivity, specificity and risk. The differences among patterns were due to inclusion of predictor variables. The CART model suggested different variables of hypertension, mean cell volume, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, triglyceride and uric acid concentration based on middle-aged and elderly patients at high risk for MI. Levels of biochemical measurements identified as best risk cutoff points. In evaluating the precision of different patterns, sensitivity and specificity were 47.9–84.0% and 56.3–93.0%, respectively. Conclusions: The CART model is capable of symbolizing interpretable clinical data for confirming and better prediction of MI occurrence in clinic or in hospital. Therefore, predictor variables in pattern could affect the outcome based on age group variable. Hyperglycemia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia were serious predictors for occurrence of MI in diabetics.
Free hemoglobin increases von Willebrand factor–mediated platelet adhesion in vitro: implications for circulatory devices
Authors: Da Qi , Teruya Miho , Guchhait Prasenjit , Teruya Jun , Olson John S. , Cruz Miguel A. 
Published: August 2015

Key Points
Extracellular Hb alters the GPIbα-VWF interaction.
Heterogeneous natural selection on oxidative phosphorylation genes among fishes with extreme high and low aerobic performance
Authors: Zhang Feifei , Broughton Richard E. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundOxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the primary source of ATP in eukaryotes and serves as a mechanistic link between variation in genotypes and energetic phenotypes. While several physiological and anatomical factors may lead to increased aerobic capacity, variation in OXPHOS proteins may influence OXPHOS efficiency and facilitate adaptation in organisms with varied energy demands. Although there is evidence that natural selection acts on OXPHOS genes, the focus has been on detection of directional (positive) selection on specific phylogenetic branches where traits that increase energetic demands appear to have evolved. We examined patterns of selection in a broader evolutionary context, i.e., on multiple lineages of fishes with extreme high and low aerobic performance.ResultsWe found that patterns of natural selection on mitochondrial OXPHOS genes are complex among fishes with different swimming performance. Positive selection is not consistently associated with high performance taxa and appears to be strongest on lineages containing low performance taxa. In contrast, within high performance lineages, purifying (negative) selection appears to predominate.ConclusionsWe provide evidence that selection on OXPHOS varies in both form and intensity within and among lineages through evolutionary time. These results provide evidence for fluctuating selection on OXPHOS associated with divergence in aerobic performance. However, in contrast to previous studies, positive selection was strongest on low performance taxa suggesting that adaptation of OXPHOS involves many factors beyond enhancing ATP production in high performance taxa. The broader pattern indicates a complex interplay between organismal adaptations, ATP demand, and OXPHOS function.
Rifampin use in acute community-acquired meningitis in intensive care units: the French retrospective cohort ACAM-ICU study
Authors: Bretonnière Cédric , Jozwiak Mathieu , Girault Christophe , Beuret Pascal , Trouillet Jean-Louis , Anguel Nadia , Caillon Jocelyne , Potel Gilles , Villers Daniel , Boutoille David , Guitton Christophe 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Bacterial meningitis among critically ill adult patients remains associated with both high mortality and frequent, persistent disability. Vancomycin was added to treatment with a third-generation cephalosporin as recommended by French national guidelines. Because animal model studies had suggested interest in the use of rifampin for treatment of bacterial meningitis, and after the introduction of early corticosteroid therapy (in 2002), there was a trend toward increasing rifampin use for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The aim of this article is to report on this practice.

Methods
Five ICUs participated in the study. Baseline characteristics and treatment data were retrospectively collected from charts of patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis during a 5-year period (2004–2008). The ICU mortality was the main outcome measure; Glasgow Outcome Scale and 3-month mortality were also assessed.

Results
One hundred fifty-seven patients were included. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis were the most prevalent causative microorganisms. The ICU mortality rate was 15 %. High doses of a cephalosporin were the most prevalent initial antimicrobial treatment. The delay between admission and administration of the first antibiotic dose was correlated with ICU mortality. Rifampin was used with a cephalosporin for 32 patients (ranging from 8 % of the cohort for 2004 to 30 % in 2008). Administration of rifampin within the first 24 h of hospitalization could be associated with a lower ICU survival. Statistical association between such an early rifampin treatment and ICU mortality reached significance only for patients with pneumococcal meningitis (p=0.031) in univariate analysis, but not in the logistic model.

Conclusions
We report on the role of rifampin use for patients with community-acquired meningitis, and the results of this study suggest that this practice may be associated with lower mortality in the ICU. Nevertheless, the only independent predictors of ICU mortality were organ failure and pneumococcal infection. Further studies are required to confirm these results and to explain how rifampin use would reduce mortality.