bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Transcriptional Stress Response of Candida albicans to Weak Organic Acids
Authors: Cottier Fabien , Tan Alrina Shin Min , Chen Jinmiao , Lum Josephine , Zolezzi Francesca , Poidinger Michael , Pavelka Norman 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Candida albicans is the most important fungal pathogen of humans, causing severe infections, especially in nosocomial and immunocompromised settings. However, it is also the most prevalent fungus of the normal human microbiome, where it shares its habitat with hundreds of trillions of other microbial cells. Despite weak organic acids (WOAs) being among the most abundant metabolites produced by bacterial microbiota, little is known about their effect on C. albicans. Here we used a sequencing-based profiling strategy to systematically investigate the transcriptional stress response of C. albicans to lactic, acetic, propionic, and butyric acid at several time points after treatment. Our data reveal a complex transcriptional response, with individual WOAs triggering unique gene expression profiles and with important differences between acute and chronic exposure. Despite these dissimilarities, we found significant overlaps between the gene expression changes induced by each WOA, which led us to uncover a core transcriptional response that was largely unrelated to other previously published C. albicans transcriptional stress responses. Genes commonly up-regulated by WOAs were enriched in several iron transporters, which was associated with an overall decrease in intracellular iron concentrations. Moreover, chronic exposure to any WOA lead to down-regulation of RNA synthesis and ribosome biogenesis genes, which resulted in significant reduction of total RNA levels and of ribosomal RNA in particular. In conclusion, this study suggests that gastrointestinal microbiota might directly influence C. albicans physiology via production of WOAs, with possible implications of how this fungus interacts with its host in both health and disease.
Using the Hospital as a Venue for Reproductive Health Interventions: A Survey of Hospitalized Adolescents
Authors: Guss Carly E. , Wunsch Caroline A. , McCulloh Russell , Donaldson Abigail , Alverson Brian K. 
Published: February 2015

Background and Objectives:
Less than one-half of sexually active adolescents have received counseling regarding contraception and sexually transmitted disease (STD) from their health care provider. We hypothesized that hospitalized adolescents would be interested in receiving reproductive health education and/or STD testing. In addition, we assessed the opinion of female adolescents on initiation of contraception during hospitalization.

Methods:
A convenience sample of 13- to 18-year-old male and female adolescent patients hospitalized at a tertiary pediatric hospital were approached for inclusion. Consenting patients completed a self-administered anonymous questionnaire.

Results:
Questionnaires from 49 female adolescents and from 51 male adolescents were collected. Based on their answers, 37% of female adolescents and 44% of male adolescents want to learn more about contraception and/or abstinence in the hospital independent of sexual activity. Thirty percent of respondents reported a desire for STD testing in the hospital. Fifty-seven percent of female subjects answered that adolescents should be offered contraception while in the hospital.

Conclusions:
Among hospitalized adolescents in this study, there was an interest in reproductive health education and contraception even among those with a primary care provider and without sexual experience. Thus, hospital-based pediatricians can play a pivotal role in expanding critical sexual health services by discussing and offering sexual health care to hospitalized adolescents. We recommend that hospitals make a brochure available to all admitted adolescents, with opportunity for follow-up discussions with their hospitalist.
Ongoing Maternal-Child Transmission of HIV in an Urban Area, 2003–2012
Authors: Rutstein Richard M. , Volkman Kathleen M. , Bonda Sirisha , Shah Samir S. 
Published: February 2015

Background and Objective:Mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be prevented by prenatal and peripartum interventions. We sought to determine the prevalence of vertical HIV transmission in an urban cohort of HIV-exposed infants and describe cases of vertical HIV infection presenting during and after the neonatal period.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included HIV-exposed infants born between July 1, 2003, and June 30, 2012, who received care at an urban referral site.Results:There were 516 infants with HIV exposure known by the time of delivery; 9 of these infants (1.7%; 95% confidence interval: 0.8%–3.3%) were HIV infected. The HIV infection rate was 0.7% for those receiving prenatal antiretroviral (ARV) therapy and 9.3% for those receiving only intrapartum and/or postnatal ARV therapy. Among those diagnosed with HIV at delivery, 46% received no prenatal care.Conclusions:Our data suggest that strategies to eliminate infant HIV infections ought to include ensuring better access to prenatal care, HIV testing, and ARV therapy initiation during pregnancy.
Dispersal, environmental forcing, and parasites combine to affect metapopulation synchrony and stability
Authors: Duncan Alison B. , Gonzalez Andrew , Kaltz Oliver 
Published: February 2015

Dispersal can have positive and negative effects on metapopulation stability and persistence. One prediction is that high levels of dispersal synchronize density fluctuations between subpopulations. However, little is still known about how biotic and abiotic factors combine to modify the effects of dispersal rate on synchrony and metapopulation dynamics.In a fully factorial experimental design, we investigated the combined effects of (1) dispersal, (2) parasite infection, and (3) synchrony in temperature fluctuations on subpopulation synchrony, metapopulation instability, and minimum population size, in laboratory metapopulations of the ciliate Paramecium caudatum.Metapopulations, comprising two subpopulations linked by high or low levels of dispersal, were exposed to daily fluctuations in temperature between permissive (23°C) and restrictive (5°C) conditions. Infected metapopulations started the experiment with one subpopulation uninfected, while the other was infected at a prevalence of 5% with the bacterial parasite Holospora undulata. The temperature synchrony treatment involved subpopulations within a metapopulation following the same (synchronous temperatures) or different (asynchronous temperatures) temporal sequences. Population size was tracked over the 56‐day experiment.We found that subpopulation density fluctuations were synchronized by high dispersal in infected metapopulations, and by synchronous temperatures in all metapopulations. Subpopulation synchrony was positively correlated with metapopulation instability and minimum metapopulation size, highlighting the multiple consequences of our treatments for metapopulation dynamics.Our results illustrate how parasites can generate dispersal‐driven synchrony in non‐cycling, declining populations. This “biotic forcing” via a natural enemy added to the temperature‐dependent environmental forcing. We therefore conclude that predictions of metapopulation persistence in natural populations require simultaneous investigation of multiple ecological and epidemiological factors.
Response to Tocilizumab in Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Not Influenced by the Body Mass Index of the Patient
Authors: Pers Yves-Marie , Godfrin-Valnet Marie , Lambert Joseph , Fortunet Clémentine , Constant Elodie , Mura Thibault , Pallot-Prades Béatrice , Jorgensen Christian , Maillefert Jean-Francis , Marotte Hubert , Wendling Daniel , Gaudin Philippe 
Published: February 2015

Objective.To assess the relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and the efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.We conducted a retrospective study in 222 patients with RA followed by 5 centers. The European League Against Rheumatism response was evaluated at 6 months. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed.Results.No significant association between the BMI and the response to TCZ at 6 months was found after adjustment for potential confounding factors (adjusted OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.16–1.24, p = 0.13 and OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.31–4.48, p = 0.78 for BMI 25–30 kg/m2 and BMI > 30 kg/m2, respectively, compared to BMI < 25 kg/m2).Conclusion.Response to TCZ in patients with RA is not influenced by the baseline BMI, in contrast to anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs.
Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: Subtypes, Clinical Characteristics, and Outcome
Authors: Knight Ann , Hjorton Karin , Sundström Christer , Höglund Martin , Backlin Carin , Smedby Karin E. , Askling Johan , Baecklund Eva 
Published: February 2015

Objective.Previous studies have shown that patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) have an increased risk of hematological malignancies, especially leukemia. Our aim was to assess clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with GPA complicated by hematological malignancies with focus on leukemia and to describe these malignancies in more detail.Methods.From the Swedish population-based patient register, all individuals with a diagnosis of GPA from 1964–2012 were identified (n = 3224). Through linkage with the Swedish Cancer Register, we searched for all cases of leukemia [International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 7: 204–207 and corresponding codes ICD 8–10] registered after the first discharge listing GPA. The GPA diagnosis was evaluated using the European Medical Association classification algorithm. To confirm the hematological malignancy, all diagnostic bone marrow samples were reclassified. Clinical data of both the GPA and hematological malignancy were collected from medical files.Results.Twenty-one cases were identified, all of myeloid origin, including 9 with myelodysplastic syndrome developing to acute myeloid leukemia (MDS-AML), 7 AML, 3 MDS, and 2 chronic myeloid leukemia. The median time from GPA diagnosis to hematological malignancy was 8 years (range 5–21). All patients had severe generalized GPA and had received high doses of cyclophosphamide (CYC; median cumulative dose 96.5 g). Cytopenia occurred in 76% of the patients prior to the hematological malignancy.Conclusion.The findings emphasize the longterm risk of leukemia and MDS in CYC-treated, severely ill patients with GPA. Cytopenia during the course of GPA may be a warning sign and warrants a liberal attitude toward bone marrow examination.
Intact Calibers of Retinal Vessels in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Aissopou Evaggelia K. , Bournia Vasiliki-Kalliopi , Protogerou Athanase D. , Panopoulos Stylianos , Papaioannou Theodoros G. , Vlachoyiannopoulos Panayiotis G. , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Sfikakis Petros P. 
Published: February 2015

Objective.A primary endothelial cell dysfunction is thought to be involved in systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated fibroproliferative vasculopathy of the microcirculation and small arterioles, even in sites not affected by fibrosis. Because the role of fibroblasts in pathologic modifications and vascular wall remodeling is relatively unclear, and because the retina provides a unique opportunity to assess microcirculation in the absence of resident fibroblasts, we systematically evaluated retinal vessels in patients with SSc.Methods.Digital retinal images were obtained from both eyes of 93 consecutive patients with fully characterized SSc and 29 healthy controls matched 1:1 for age and sex with selected patients without diabetes, hypertension history, or antihypertensive treatment. Internal microvascular calibers (erythrocyte column width in μm) by central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalents and arteriolar to venular ratio were measured using validated software.Results.Arteriolar and venular calibers were similar in patients and their matched controls (mean ± SEM; 187 ± 2 vs 184 ± 3, p = 0.444, and 211 ± 2 vs 216 ± 3, p = 0.314, respectively). Both arteriolar and venular calibers and their ratio in patients with SSc were not associated with disease duration, extent of skin involvement, pulmonary fibrosis, digital ulcers or pitting scars, amputations, digital capillaroscopic findings, inflammatory indices, or autoantibodies.Conclusion.The evidence that retinal microcirculation is spared in SSc suggests that fibroproliferative vasculopathy may depend on specific cellular or soluble factors not present in the retinal environment.
Drosophila models of metastasis
Authors: Murray Michael J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAn important goal in the fight against cancer is to understand how tumors become invasive and metastatic. A crucial early step in metastasis is thought to be the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), the process in which epithelial cells transition into a more migratory and invasive, mesenchymal state. Since the genetic regulatory networks driving EMT in tumors derive from those used in development, analysis of EMTs in genetic model organisms such as the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, can provide great insight into cancer. In this review I highlight the many ways in which studies in the fly are shedding light on cancer metastasis. The review covers both normal developmental events in which epithelial cells become migratory, as well as induced events, whereby normal epithelial cells become metastatic due to genetic manipulations. The ability to make such precise genetic perturbations in the context of a normal, in vivo environment, complete with a working innate immune system, is making the fly increasingly important in understanding metastasis.
Predictors and Prevalence of Postconcussion Depression Symptoms in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Vargas Gray , Rabinowitz Amanda , Meyer Jessica , Arnett Peter A. 
Published: February 2015

Context:
Depression is common after concussion and is associated with functional outcome and quality of life after injury. However, few baseline predictors of postconcussion depressive symptoms (PCDS) have been found.

Objective:
To describe the prevalence of depressive symptoms in a collegiate athlete sample at baseline and postconcussion, compare these levels of symptoms and change in symptoms with those of a control group with no reported concussions in the past year, and examine the baseline predictors for PCDS.

Design:
Case-control study.

Setting:
Undergraduate institution.

Patients or Other Participants:
Participants were 84 collegiate athletes (65 men, 19 women) with concussion and 42 individuals (23 men, 21 women) with no history of recent concussion who served as controls.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
The Beck Depression Inventory–Fast Screen was administered to the concussion group at baseline and postconcussion and to the control group at 2 time points.

Results:
Seventeen athletes (20%) showed a reliable increase in depression, and more athletes reported clinically important depression postconcussion than at baseline. Only 2 participants (5%) in the control group showed a reliable increase in depression. Concussed athletes were more likely to show a reliable increase in depression symptoms than control participants (χ21 = 5.2, P = .02). We also found several predictors of PCDS in the athletes, including baseline depression symptoms (r = 0.37, P &lt; .001), baseline postconcussion symptoms (r = 0.25, P = .03), estimated premorbid intelligence (full-scale IQ; r = −0.29, P = .009), and age of first participation in organized sport (r = 0.34, P = .002). For the control group, predictors of depression symptoms at time 2 were number of previous head injuries (r = 0.31, P = .05) and baseline depression symptoms (r = 0.80, P &lt; .001).

Conclusions:
A large proportion of athletes showed a reliable increase in depression after concussion, and we identified several baseline predictors. Given that depression affects quality of life and recovery from concussion, more research is necessary to better understand why certain athletes show an increase in PCDS and how these can be better predicted and prevented.
What is Narrative Research?
Authors: Squire Corinne , Davis Mark , Esin Cigdem , Andrews Molly , Harrison Barbara , Hydén Lars-Christer , Hydén Margareta 
Published: February 2015

Narrative research has become a catchword in the social sciences today, promising new fields of inquiry and creative solutions to persistent problems.
This book brings together ideas about narrative from a variety of contexts across the social sciences and synthesizes understandings of the field. Rather than focusing on theory, it examines how narrative research is conducted and applied. It operates as a practical introductory guide, basic enough for first-time researchers, but also as a window onto the more complex questions and difficulties that all researchers in this area face.
The authors guide readers through current debates about how to obtain and analyse narrative data, about the nature of narrative, the place of the researcher, the limits of researcher interpretations, and the significance of narrative work in applied and in broader political contexts.
TVET Education Reform in the MENA region following the Arab Spring
Authors: Gamar Samah 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe Arab Spring of 2011 deconstructed enduring post-colonial dictatorships that perpetuated propaganda politics and penalized democratic expression. Within four months of the start of the revolutions, intellectuals began actively discussing how the uprisings of Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Libya, and Syria, along with resistance movements in neighbouring countries, offered “a particular opportunity to switch pedagogic and scholarly modes and strategies” in the region (Jadaliyyah, 2011). Indeed, it is an opportune time to discuss fundamental education reforms – amendments that remedy specific ideological paradoxes and
incongruences that have obstructed education for a democratic society and thwarted civil empowerment in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. This study provides an overview of the major factors that plague MENA education systems which include increasing educational disparity, a decrease in the quality of education despite high per capita education expenditures, and a mismatch between labour market needs and the outputs of education systems. It specifically highlights the post- revolution evolution technical and vocational education and training systems must undergo to effectively address one of the
highest youth unemployment rates in the world – a significant contributor to ongoing unrest among the 85 million youth in the region. Specific recommendations for ways in which TVET reforms can positively impact this demographic through measures that address education quality and relevance are presented.
Human Personhood in Contemporary Islamic Bioethical Discourse
Authors: Ghaly Mohammed 
Published: February 2015

The breathtaking panoply of twentieth-century biomedical advancements made it possible to follow, and even sometimes manipulate, what is going on inside the mother's uteruses during the gestational period. These radical scientific developments have had considerable impact on grasping some of the very basic concepts in our lives such as health and sickness, life and death and even the very notion of human personhood.During the period 15-17 January 1985, about eighty Muslim religious scholars and biomedical scientists participated in a seminar organized by the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences (IOMS) in order to examine the impact of these scientific developments on understanding (the beginning of) human personhood from an Islamic perspective. This presentation will delineate the main points of the beginning of life debate in the IOMS seminar and highlight the roles of biomedical and religious arguments in this debate.
Law And Ethics In Islamic Bioethics
Authors: Sachedina Abdulaziz 
Published: February 2015

While the scope of Islamic Jurisprudence (fiqh) covers, broadly speaking, two areas of human-God (‘ibadat) and human-human (mu’amalat) relations, ethics undergirds the entire value system of the religious law in Islam. Throughout its history Islamic jurisprudence has been guided by the normative system derived from religious texts that has enabled jurists at different times to provide fresh rulings by engaging in ethical analysis as well as textual hermeneutics of the foundational sources of these norms and apply them to the changed circumstances of everyday life of Muslim societies. The growing fatawa literature bears testimony to the ever expanding horizons of human need to be guided by the spiritual and moral values embedded in Islamic religious texts. In more recent years with the emphasis on secular ethics that denies any role to religious ethics to guide moral life of the people, Muslim legal scholars have begun to reexamine the fundamental aspects of Islamic ethics, and the ways in which Muslim jurists in the past have incorporated essentially religious-ethical dimension of Islamic thought in their legal methodology.However, with a circumscribed role for human reason, traditional religious ethical discourse among Muslim scholars tends to be inadequate in terms of providing justificatory reasoning that undergirds secular ethics. Whether the jurists promote reason-based or revelation-based inquiry, they have, explicitly or implicitly, engaged in adapting ethical values in providing extraordinary solutions in medical practice and research. This paper undertakes to investigate critical relationship between law and ethics in Islamic religious thought as an important methodology in Islamic bioethics. In a number of new proposals for extensive legal methodology, the ethical dimension of Islamic thought is either conspicuously missing or poorly articulated. The study of Muslim rationalist or traditionalist theology is necessary for the emergence of extensive legal methodology. Modern issues related to neuroscience or human personhood can be resolved only when human rational capacity to make ethical decisions is acknowledged as part of the divine endowment for human perfection.
Opening Statement
Authors: bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Abdullah 
Published: February 2015

The World Health Organisation estimates that climate change since the 1970s is already responsible for 140,000 deaths annually. The uncertainties of climate change raise the possibility that it will bring disaster on a global scale, but also that its impact might be delayed, provided that we take decisive action now. Most of the negative consequences will be felt in the earth's mid-latitudes, already the poorest parts of the world, where secondary effects such as economic disruption, disease, famine and war will be experienced most acutely.
Climate change is caused by humans and all indicators tend to show that it is going to get worse, hence the need for decisive, timely and sustained global political action. These are the expectations with which we host the Doha Climate Change Conference 2012 as part of the 18th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).
We hope that through this journal our different religious traditions can guide us, at this crucial time in human history, in developing a common discourse inspired by their ancient wisdom. May it teach us how to relate to the environment and to our fellow humans who, in other countries and in future times, will be affected by the economic decisions we make in our own countries at this present time. Our hope is that our religious traditions can remind us to look beyond selfishness, greed and apathy in making economic decisions informed by ethical principles. May we learn how to walk the earth with humility, like the founders of the various religions did, and to leave the earth in a better condition than that in which we inherited it from our forefathers.