bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Impact of Adherence to and Persistence with Atypical Antipsychotic Therapy on Health Care Costs and Risk of Hospitalization
Authors: Jiang Yawen , Ni Weiyi 
Published: September 2015

Study ObjectiveTo estimate the impact of adherence to and persistence with atypical antipsychotics on health care costs and risk of hospitalization by controlling potential sources of endogeneity.DesignRetrospective cohort study using medical and pharmacy claims data.Data SourceHumana health care insurance database.PatientsA total of 32,374 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and who had a prescription for noninjectable atypical antipsychotics (aripiprazole, asenapine, clozapine, iloperidone, lurasidone, olanzapine, paliperidone, quetiapine, risperidone, or ziprasidone), after a washout period of at least 180 days during which there was no use of any atypical antipsychotics, between January 2007 and June 2013.Measurements and Main ResultsThe effects of adherence (proportion of days covered by all atypical antipsychotic prescription fills) to and persistence (time from initiation to discontinuation of therapy) with atypical antipsychotics on outcomes (all‐cause total health care costs, medication costs, medical services costs, and inpatient admissions) were examined. To exclude potential bias due to mutual causality between drug use patterns and health care utilization, the effects of adherence and persistence measured in the first year on outcomes measured in the second year were investigated. Instrumental variable regressions using reimbursement rate and mail order as instrumental variables were conducted to correct potential endogeneity due to omitted variable bias. Being adherent decreased total costs by $19,497 (p<0.05), increased medication costs by $8194 (p<0.001), decreased medical services costs by $27,664 (p<0.001), and reduced hospitalization risk by 27% (p<0.001). Being persistent decreased individual total costs by $23,927 (p<0.05), increased medication costs by $10,278 (p<0.001), and decreased medical services costs by $34,178 (p<0.001). We could not identify a significant association between persistence and the risk of hospitalization.ConclusionGood adherence to and persistence with atypical antipsychotics led to lower total costs than poor adherence and persistence. Thus efforts should be made to improve adherence and persistence in patients taking atypical antipsychotics.
Significance of miscibility in multidonor bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Hartmeier Benjamin F. , Brady Michael A. , Treat Neil D. , Robb Maxwell J. , Mates Thomas E. , Hexemer Alexander , Wang Cheng , Hawker Craig J. , Kramer Edward J. , Chabinyc Michael L. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTTernary organic blends have potential in realizing efficient bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells by harvesting a larger portion of the solar spectrum than binary blends. Several challenging requirements, based on the electronic structure of the components of the ternary blend and their nanoscale morphology, need to be met in order to achieve high power conversion efficiency in ternary BHJs. The properties of a model ternary system comprising two donor polymers, poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and a furan‐containing, diketopyrrolopyrrole‐thiophene low‐bandgap polymer (PDPP2FT), with a fullerene acceptor, PC61BM, were examined. The relative miscibility of PC61BM with P3HT and PDPP2FT was examined using diffusion with dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry (dynamic SIMS) measurements. Grazing incidence small and wide angle X‐ray scattering analysis (GISAXS and GIWAXS) were used to study the morphology of the ternary blends. These measurements, along with optoelectronic characterization of ternary blend solar cells, indicate that the miscibility of the fullerene acceptor and donor polymers is a critical factor in the performance in a ternary cell. A guideline that the miscibility of the fullerene in the two polymers should be matched is proposed and further substantiated by examination of known well‐performing ternary blends. The ternary blending of semiconducting components can improve the power conversion efficiency of bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics. The blending of P3HT and PDPP2FT with PC61BM leads to good absorptive coverage of the incident solar spectrum and cascading transport energy levels. The performance of this ternary blend reveals the impact of the miscibility of PC61BM in each polymer as a function of composition, highlighting an important factor for optimization of ternary BHJs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 237–246
Implementing evidence‐based psychological treatments for cancer patients
Authors: Williams Kristen C. , Brothers Brittany M. , Ryba Marlena M. , Andersen Barbara L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveNew regulations and guidelines require implementation of screening and evidence based psychological treatment (EBT) for cancer patients, but little research exists to assist psychosocial care providers with implementation. This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework for community providers to consider as they embark on implementation of EBTs.MethodsFull‐time psychosocial care providers received dissemination training in delivery of a cancer‐specific EBT and then received implementation support. Qualitative data were collected in two phases. In Phase I, after training, trainees (N = 52) participated in six monthly group conference calls with six to eight trainees and EBT trainers. Qualitative data from the calls were analyzed using a grounded theory paradigm. In Phase II, the resultant framework was piloted with additional trainees (N = 73) during EBT training to prompt early planning for implementation at their home institutions.ResultsIn Phase I, themes of ‘person’ (i.e. attitudes, vocalizations, and behaviors of others) and ‘environment’ factors (i.e. material, monetary, and time resources of organizations) affecting implementation emerged. It appeared that both factors influenced how easily barriers could be addressed, although positive person factors also appeared to positively influence environment factors. In Phase II, trainees found the framework acceptable and considered it when generating solutions for implementation challenges.ConclusionsThe framework suggests tailoring implementation efforts to consider person and environment factors. As person support is developed, resource limitations of the environment may be more easily addressed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Platelet proteomics in thalassemia: Factors responsible for hypercoagulation
Authors: Karmakar Shilpita , Banerjee Debasis , Chakrabarti Abhijit 
Published: September 2015

PurposeThalassemias can be defined as a group with inherited hemolytic anemia due to differential expressions of α and β globin genes. Hemoglobin E combined with β thalassemia (HbEβ) creates high oxidative stress in platelets producing different degrees of pathophysiological severity. Numerous cases of thalassemia have been reported with thromboembolic complications due to the hypercoagulable state, the mechanism underlying that is not yet well understood.Experimental designWe have used 2DE and DIGE coupled with MALDI TOF/TOF‐based MS identification and characterization of altered proteins in both splenectomized and nonsplenectomized HbEβ and β thalassemia to investigate the factors responsible for hypercoagulation.ResultsThe study revealed elevated levels of chaperones like HSP70, protein disulfide isomerase; oxidative stress proteins like peroxiredoxin2 and superoxide dismutase1 along with high ROS levels. Upregulation of translation initiation factor 5a observed in thalassemia is a novel finding and plays a protective role toward cell survival under oxidative stress.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe altered levels of chaperones and oxidative stress proteins indicate toward regulation of integrin binding and platelet activation under oxidative stress. Altogether, this comparative proteomics study of platelets in thalassemia could provide an insight into better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease.
Insert engineering and solubility screening improves recovery of virus‐like particle subunits displaying hydrophobic epitopes
Authors: Abidin R. S. , Lua L. H. L. , Middelberg A. P. J. , Sainsbury F. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe Polyomavirus coat protein, VP1 has been developed as an epitope presentation system able to provoke humoral immunity against a variety of pathogens, such as Influenza and Group A Streptococcus. The ability of the system to carry cytotoxic T cell epitopes on a surface‐exposed loop and the impact on protein solubility has not been examined. Four variations of three selected epitopes were cloned into surface‐exposed loops of VP1, and expressed in Escherichia coli. VP1 pentamers, also known as capsomeres, were purified via a glutathione‐S‐transferase tag. Size exclusion chromatography indicated severe aggregation of the recombinant VP1 during enzymatic tag removal resulting from the introduction the hydrophobic epitopes. Inserts were modified to possess double aspartic acid residues at each end of the hydrophobic epitopes and a high‐throughput buffer condition screen was implemented with protein aggregation monitored during tag removal by spectrophotometry and dynamic light scattering. These analyses showed that the insertion of charged residues at the extremities of epitopes could improve solubility of capsomeres and revealed multiple windows of opportunity for further condition optimization. A combination of epitope design, pH optimization, and the additive l‐arginine permitted the recovery of soluble VP1 pentamers presenting hydrophobic epitopes and their subsequent assembly into virus‐like particles.
Implications of aromatic–aromatic interactions: From protein structures to peptide models
Authors: Makwana Kamlesh Madhusudan , Mahalakshmi Radhakrishnan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWith increasing structural information on proteins, the opportunity to understand physical forces governing protein folding is also expanding. One of the significant non‐covalent forces between the protein side chains is aromatic–aromatic interactions. Aromatic interactions have been widely exploited and thoroughly investigated in the context of folding, stability, molecular recognition, and self‐assembly processes. Through this review, we discuss the contribution of aromatic interactions to the activity and stability of thermophilic, mesophilic, and psychrophilic proteins. Being hydrophobic, aromatic amino acids tend to reside in the protein hydrophobic interior or transmembrane segments of proteins. In such positions, it can play a diverse role in soluble and membrane proteins, and in α‐helix and β‐sheet stabilization. We also highlight here some excellent investigations made using peptide models and several approaches involving aryl–aryl interactions, as an increasingly popular strategy in protein and peptide engineering. A recent survey described the existence of aromatic clusters (trimer, tetramer, pentamer, and higher order assemblies), revealing the self‐associating property of aryl groups, even in folded protein structures. The application of this self‐assembly of aromatics in the generation of modern bionanomaterials is also discussed.
Extension of a protein docking algorithm to membranes and applications to amyloid precursor protein dimerization
Authors: Viswanath Shruthi , Dominguez Laura , Foster Leigh S. , Straub John E. , Elber Ron 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTNovel adjustments are introduced to the docking algorithm, DOCK/PIERR, for the purpose of predicting structures of transmembrane protein complexes. Incorporating knowledge about the membrane environment is shown to significantly improve docking accuracy. The extended version of DOCK/PIERR is shown to perform comparably to other leading docking packages. This membrane version of DOCK/PIERR is applied to the prediction of coiled‐coil homodimer structures of the transmembrane region of the C‐terminal peptide of amyloid precursor protein (C99). Results from MD simulation of the C99 homodimer in POPC bilayer and docking are compared. Docking results are found to capture key aspects of the homodimer ensemble, including the existence of three topologically distinct conformers. Furthermore, the extended version of DOCK/PIERR is successful in capturing the effects of solvation in membrane and micelle. Specifically, DOCK/PIERR reproduces essential differences in the homodimer ensembles simulated in POPC bilayer and DPC micelle, where configurational entropy and surface curvature effects bias the handedness and topology of the homodimer ensemble. Proteins 2015; 83:2170–2185. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dissolution of Soap Scum by Surfactants. Part III. Effect of Chelant Type on Equilibrium Solubility and Dissolution Rate of Calcium and Magnesium Soap Scums in Various Surfactant Systems
Authors: Itsadanont Sawwalak , Theptat Prariyada , Scamehorn John F. , Soontravanich Sukhwan , Sabatini David A. , Chavadej Sumaeth 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSoap scum can be effectively removed by using an appropriate surfactant with a chelating agent at a high solution pH. The equilibrium solubilities and dissolution rates of two model soap scums [calcium stearate and magnesium stearate: Ca(C18)2 and Mg(C18)2] were investigated in aqueous solutions containing three different types of surfactants [methyl ester sulfonate (MES) as an anionic surfactant; alcohol ethoxylate (EO9) as a nonionic surfactant; and dimethyldodecylamine oxide (DDAO) as an amphoteric surfactant] in the presence of different biodegradable chelants: trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (Na3EDDS) and tetrasodium glutamate diacetic acid (Na4GLDA) compared with disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetate (Na2EDTA), a chelant with poor biodegradability. The highest equilibrium solubility and dissolution rate of either soap scum were observed at high pH in the DDAO system with Na4GLDA. In addition, the calcium soap scum had a similar to higher equilibrium solubility and a higher dissolution rate constant as compared with the magnesium soap scum.
A Comparison of the ISO and AACC Methods for Determining the Activity of Trypsin Inhibitors in Soybean Meal
Authors: Sueiro S. , Hermida M. , González M. , Lois A. , Rodríguez‐Otero J. L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe international standard method for the determination of trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) in soya products, ISO 14902, was compared with the American Association of Cereal Chemists’ standard AACC 22‐40.01 as modified by Hamerstrand in 1981 (AACC‐based method), using soybean meals as matrices. TIA, expressed as milligram of inhibited trypsin per gram of sample, was determined by both methods in each of 30 samples of soybean meal. TIA values according to ISO 14902 were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than those afforded by the AACC‐based method. This difference, which means that AACC‐based method and ISO 14902 TIA values are not directly comparable, is attributable to between methods differences, in decreasing order of influence: particle size (P < 0.01), trypsin inhibitor extraction method (P < 0.05), and trypsin substrate (P < 0.01). N‐benzoyl‐l‐arginine‐4‐nitroanilide hydrochloride, the ISO 14902 trypsin substrate, affords TIA values 6.4 % higher than the racemic mixture used by the AACC method, but it seems unlikely that in most contexts this advantage would outweigh the disadvantage of its greater cost.
Psychobiology of threat appraisal in the context of psychotic experiences: A selective review
Authors: Underwood R. , Peters E. , Kumari V. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractA key factor in the transition to psychosis is the appraisal of anomalous experiences as threatening. Cognitive models of psychosis have identified attentional and interpretative biases underlying threat-based appraisals. While much research has been conducted into these biases within the clinical and cognitive literature, little examination has occurred at the neural level. However, neurobiological research in social cognition employing threatening stimuli mirror cognitive accounts of maladaptive appraisal in psychosis. This review attempted to integrate neuroimaging data regarding social cognition in psychosis with the concepts of attentional and interpretative threat biases. Systematic review methodology was used to identify relevant articles from Medline, PsycINFO and EMBASE, and PubMed databases. The selective review showed that attentional and interpretative threat biases relate to abnormal activation of a range of subcortical and prefrontal structures, including the amygdala, insula, hippocampus, anterior cingulate, and prefrontal cortex, as well as disrupted connectivity between these regions, when processing threatening and neutral or ambiguous stimuli. Notably, neural findings regarding the misattribution of threat to neutral or ambiguous stimuli presented a more consistent picture. Overall, however, the findings for any specific emotion were mixed, both in terms of the specific brain areas involved and the direction of effects (increased/decreased activity), possibly owing to confounds including small sample sizes, varying experimental paradigms, medication, and heterogeneous, in some cases poorly characterised, patient groups. Further neuroimaging research examining these biases by employing experimentally induced anomalous perceptual experiences and well-characterised large samples is needed for greater aetiological specificity.
Suicidality in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: The Relationship to Hallucinations and Persecutory Delusions
Authors: Kjelby E. , Sinkeviciute I. , Gjestad R. , Kroken R.A. , Løberg E.-M. , Jørgensen H.A. , Hugdahl K. , Johnsen E. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackground:Assessment of suicide risk is crucial in schizophrenia and results concerning risk contributed by hallucinations and persecutory delusions are inconsistent. We aimed to determine factors associated with suicidal ideation and plans at the time of acute admission in patients suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorders.Methods:One hundred and twenty-four patients older than 18 years admitted to an acute psychiatric ward due to psychosis were consecutively included. Predictors of suicidal ideation and suicide plans at the time of admission were examined with multinominal logistic regression and structural equation modelling (SEM). The study design was pragmatic, thus entailing a clinically relevant representation.Results:Depression Odds Ratio (OR) 12.9, Drug use OR 4.07, Hallucinations OR 2.55 and Negative symptoms OR 0.88 significantly predicted Suicidal ideation. Suspiciousness/ Persecution did not. Only Depression and Hallucinations significantly predicted Suicide plans. In the SEM-model Anxiety, Depression and Hopelessness connected Suspiciousness/Persecution, Hallucinations and Lack of insight with Suicidal ideation and Suicide plans.Conclusions:The study contributes to an increasing evidence base supporting an association between hallucinations and suicide risk. We want to emphasise the importance of treating depression and hallucinations in psychotic disorders, reducing hopelessness while working with insight and reducing drug abuse in order to lower suicide risk.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov ID; URL:http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT00932529.
The Measurement Invariance of Schizotypy in Europe
Authors: Fonseca-Pedrero E. , Ortuño-Sierra J. , Sierro G. , Daniel C. , Cella M. , Preti A. , Mohr C. , Mason O.J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe short version of the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (sO-LIFE) is a widely used measure assessing schizotypy. There is limited information, however, on how sO-LIFE scores compare across different countries. The main goal of the present study is to test the measurement invariance of the sO-LIFE scores in a large sample of non-clinical adolescents and young adults from four European countries (UK, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain). The scores were obtained from validated versions of the sO-LIFE in their respective languages. The sample comprised 4190 participants (M = 20.87 years; SD = 3.71 years). The study of the internal structure, using confirmatory factor analysis, revealed that both three (i.e., positive schizotypy, cognitive disorganisation, and introvertive anhedonia) and four-factor (i.e., positive schizotypy, cognitive disorganisation, introvertive anhedonia, and impulsive nonconformity) models fitted the data moderately well. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis showed that the three-factor model had partial strong measurement invariance across countries. Eight items were non-invariant across samples. Significant statistical differences in the mean scores of the s-OLIFE were found by country. Reliability scores, estimated with Ordinal alpha ranged from 0.75 to 0.87. Using the Item Response Theory framework, the sO-LIFE provides more accuracy information at the medium and high end of the latent trait. The current results show further evidence in support of the psychometric proprieties of the sO-LIFE, provide new information about the cross-cultural equivalence of schizotypy and support the use of this measure to screen for psychotic-like features and liability to psychosis in general population samples from different European countries.
Increased Affective Reactivity to Neutral Stimuli and Decreased Maintenance of Affective Responses in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Lemaire M. , El-Hage W. , Frangou S. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackground:Affective dysregulation is a core feature of bipolar disorder (BD) and a significant predictor of clinical and functional outcome. Affective dysregulation can arise from abnormalities in multiple processes. This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding the precise nature of the processes that may be dysregulated in BD and their relationship to the clinical expression of the disorder.Methods:Patients with BD (n= 45) who were either in remission or in a depressive or manic state and healthy individuals (n= 101) were compared in terms of the intensity, duration and physiological response (measured using inter-beat intervals and skin conductance) to affective and neutral pictures during passive viewing and during experiential suppression.Results:Compared to healthy individuals, patients with BD evidenced increased affective reactivity to neutral pictures and reduced maintenance of subjective affective responses to all pictures. This pattern was present irrespective of clinical state but was more pronounced in symptomatic patients, regardless of polarity. Patients, regardless of symptomatic status, were comparable to healthy individuals in terms of physiological arousal and voluntary control of affective responses.Conclusion:Our study demonstrates that increased affective reactivity to neutral stimuli and decreased maintenance of affective responses are key dimensions of affective dysregulation in BD.