bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vulnerability at the Heart of the Ethical Implications of New Biotechnologies
Authors: Magnin Thierry 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Starting from research on biotechnology and its applications to living organisms, this paper presents the key features of modern-day synthetic biology, as well as its main ethical implications. The analysis of the paradox of the concept of robustness in the creation of microorganisms through synthetic biology leads us to address the topic of vulnerability, applied to man, but also to all other living beings. The concept of “enhanced human being” will strengthen the link between complexity and vulnerability as inherent features of living beings. Reflecting upon the importance of considering vulnerability applied to man’s three-fold dimensions - physical, psycho-social and spiritual - and their interaction with their environment, we will define a type of anthropology which may constitute the basis of the study on the ethical implications of synthetic biology. This will lead to present the purpose of an ethical limit to the temptation of « allmightiness », which the concept of enhanced human being could entail, and vulnerability as a defining feature of all living beings.
Differential effect of intranasally administrated kinin B1 and B2 receptor antagonists in Alzheimer’s disease mice
Authors: Asraf Keren , Torika Nofar , Roasso Ella , Fleisher-Berkovich Sigal 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAn Increasing body of evidence supports a critical role of brain inflammation in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. A principal aspect of the brain immune response to inflammation is the activation of microglia. It has been shown that the kinin system is activated during brain inflammation and previously we demonstrated that bradykinin B1receptor agonist reduced microglial activationin vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of bradykinin B1or B2receptor antagonists on microglial release of pro-inflammatory factors in BV2 microglia.In vivo, we focused on the effects of intranasally given kinin antagonists on amyloid burden and microglia/macrophage marker expression in brains of 5X familial Alzheimer’s disease mice. The present data show that pharmacological antagonism of B1receptor (R-715) but not B2receptor (HOE-140) markedly increased nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor alpha release from BV2 microglial cells. We also showed that intranasal treatment with R-715 but not HOE-140 of Alzheimer’s mice enhanced amyloid beta burden and microglia/macrophages activation. Taken together, our data reveal a possible role for the bradykinin B1receptor in neuroinflammation and in the control of Abeta accumulation in transgenic mice, possibly through regulation of glial cell responses.
Health seeking behaviour and health awareness among rural and urban adolescents in Dehradun District, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Kumar Tuhin , Pal Piyalee , Kaur Prabhdeep 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Background:
Adolescents constituted 19% population of India in 2011. Adolescents have health seeking behaviour different from that of adults. We estimated the utilisation of available health care services by adolescents and awareness regarding various health issues in the urban and rural Dehradun District, Uttarakhand, India. We also described knowledge and practices of public sector health care providers.

Methodology:
We conducted a cross-sectional survey among adolescents 10–19 years in the urban Dehradun and rural Chakrata block of the Dehradun District. We used cluster sampling with sample size 680 each in urban and rural areas. We collected data from adolescents using semi structured questionnaire on health awareness and utilisation of health care services. Public sector health care providers were surveyed about their knowledge and practices regarding adolescents health.

Results:
We surveyed 1463 adolescents. The overall mean age was 14.4 (2.6) years, about half being females. Half of the adolescents who had any illness used the public sector. Awareness about anaemia was 48% in urban and 12% in rural areas. A higher proportion of females (Rural: 89%, Urban: 76%) were aware of condoms as contraceptives than males (Rural: 68%, Urban: 12%). Only 62% of doctors and 49% of paramedical staff had knowledge regarding services under Adolescents Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH).

Conclusion:
Awareness regarding various health issues was low among males as compared to females, especially in rural areas. School based health promotion programs should be carried out to increase awareness among adolescents. Health facilities should be strengthened to provide adolescent friendly health services to enhance utilisation.
Prevalence of stress and stress tolerance levels among adolescent boys – a district level cross sectional study in South India
Authors: Roy Kallol , Kamath Veena G. , Kamath Asha , Alex Johnson , Hegde Asha 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Background:
Adolescence is a tumultuous period of hormonal and psychological transitions ranging from 10 to 19 years (WHO). This growth phase is usually accompanied by stressors. Very few studies have reported the prevalence of stress levels among adolescent boys. Our aim was to assess the prevalence and determinants of stress and its tolerance levels among high school boys.

Methods:
A cross sectional study design was selected for this purpose. A standardized self reported questionnaire was administered to 1153 high school boys. A score of 130 and more was used to classify the participants as stressed.

Results:
The prevalence of stress and its tolerance levels was found to be 55% and 33.7%, respectively. Also correlations suggest that parental education and occupational status play a significant role in adolescent stress. Together, these findings suggest necessitating an intervention to counter the same.

Conclusion:
The proportion of stressed adolescent boys (55.5%) reported to have poor stress tolerance (41%). Studies addressing stress among high school adolescents remain unexplored. The basic determinants of stress are not researched upon these age groups. Our study reports the prevalence of stress to be 55% among high school boys. This could be the fundamental basis of designing suitable stress management programs for adolescents that could reduce their stress levels.
Is parenting a determinant of adolescent mental health? – A population based study in South India
Authors: Hegde Asha , Kamath Asha , Roy Kallol 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Background: The transitional phase encompassing the physiological and psychological changes during our lifespan is termed as adolescence. Adolescents get mislead to substance use, violence related activities, dating relationships, unhealthy lifestyle. Minimal studies are conducted in India to identify the parenting factors that affect an adolescent’s mind. The aim of our study was to explore the role of parenting and social surroundings on – adolescent’s mental health and involvement in violence related activities.
Methods: Cross sectional study design was adopted. Semi structured questionnaire was used. Data obtained was entered and analyzed using SPSS 15. Proportions were used to report the findings. Chi-square test was used to find associations between mental health issues, involvement in violence related activities and Interpersonal Relationship (IPR) Status. Multiple logistic regressions were done to identify independent predictors of mental health.
Results: A total of 1770 adolescents participated. Proportion of adolescents with good IPR with parents reported to be having a better mental health status and low involvement in violent related activities. Schools also displayed similar effects. Neighborhood, peers did not display any significant effect on adolescent’s mental health. Most significant predictor for adolescent mental health was IPR with parents and at school.
Conclusion: The study highlights the need of a cordial environment at places which does influence the adolescent’s mental health. Interventions enhancing the relationship status of adolescents with parents, at school must be carried out to observe the change in adolescent behavior.
Optimization of a Large Scale Industrial Reactor Towards Tailor Made Polymers Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Pontes Karen Valverde , Embiruçu Marcelo , Maciel Rubens 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
This paper presents a computational procedure for producing tailor made polymer resins, satisfying customers’ needs while operating with maximum profit. The case study is an industrial large-scale polymerization reactor. The molecular properties considered are melt index (MI), which measures the molecular weight distribution, and stress exponent (SE), which is related to polydispersity. An economic objective function is associated to a deterministic mathematical model and the resulting optimization problem is solved by genetic algorithm (GA), a stochastic method. The GA parameters for both binary and real codifications are tuned by means of the design of experiments. Attempting to achieve the global optimum, a hybrid method, which introduces process knowledge into GA random initial population, is proposed. The binary codification performs better than the real GA, especially with hybridization. Results show that the GA can satisfactorily predict tailor made polymer resins with profits up to 25% higher than the industrial practice.
Oscillation results for higher order nonlinear neutral differential equations with positive and negative coefficients
Authors: Panigrahi Saroj , Basu Rakhee 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
In this paper, the authors investigated oscillatory and asymptotic behavior
of solutions of a class of nonlinear higher order neutral
differential equations with positive and negative coefficients. The results in this paper generalize the results of Tripathy, Panigrahi and Basu [Fasc. Math. 52 (2014), 155–174]. We establish new conditions which guarantees that every solution either oscillatory or converges to zero. Moreover, using the Banach Fixed Point Theorem sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of bounded positive solutions. Examples
are considered to illustrate the main results.
Delayed Recovery from General Anaesthesia: A Post-operative Diagnostic Dilemma and Implications of ICU Management of Serotonin Toxicity. Case report
Authors: Naik Asha , Rincon-Aznar Cristobal 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
We report a case of delayed recovery from general anesthesia following a routine parathyroidectomy. Our objectives are to describe the process of establishing a differential diagnosis and subsequent management of a patient presenting with atypical neurological signs from an unknown etiology and to increase awareness about the potential for serotonin syndrome and neurotoxicity due to known interactions between methylene blue and selective serotoninnoradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors. ICU management of Serotonin Toxicity is briefly described.
Cardiac Arrhythmias in a Septic ICU Population: A Review
Authors: Schwartz Andrei , Brotfain Evgeni , Koyfman Leonid , Klein Moti 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Progressive cardiovascular deterioration plays a central role in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure (MOF) caused by sepsis. Evidence of various cardiac arrhythmias in septic patients has been reported in many published studies. In the critically ill septic patients, compared to non-septic patients, new onset atrial fibrillation episodes are associated with high mortality rates and poor outcomes, amongst others being new episodes of stroke, heart failure and long vasopressor usage. The potential mechanisms of the development of new cardiac arrhythmias in sepsis are complex and poorly understood. Cardiac arrhythmias in critically ill septic patients are most likely to be an indicator of the severity of pre-existing critical illness.
Ventricular Septal Rupture – A Critical Condition as a Complication of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Novak Martin , Hlinomaz Ota , Groch Ladislav , Rezek Michal , Semenka Jiri , Sikora Jiri , Sitar Jan 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Ventricular septal rupture is a potentially fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction. The key to management of this critical condition is an aggressive approach to haemodynamic stabilization and surgical closure of the rupture. Where there is a small rupture and the patient is in a haemodynamically stable condition, surgery can be delayed with the prospect of achieving better perioperative results. However, in unstable critically ill patients either immediate surgery or extracorporeal membranous oxygenation support and delayed surgery is indicated. In some patients, trans-catheter closure may be considered as an alternative to surgery.
Phylogenetic Assessment Of Arthrocnemum Macrostachyum (Chenopodiaceae) Genotypes, Using Ramp Markers
Authors: Saleh Basel 
Published: November 2015

AbstractRandom amplified microsatellite polymorphism (RAMP) marker technique was employed to test its usefulness for assessing phylogenetic relationships in three genotypes of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) Moris. & Delponte from Syria. PCR reactions with 21 RAMP primer combinations (PCs) distinguished 145 loci, 139 of which (95.862%) were polymorphic. The (AG)8TC/OPE18 primer combination generated the highest number of fragments (11 amplicons), and the (AC)8T/OPE04 primer combination the fewest (4 amplicons). Average estimated polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.431, with an average marker index (MI) of 2.836. Analysis by the unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA) was performed and a dendrogram was constructed. UPGMA cluster analysis based on RAMP markers distinguished genotype 2, suggested here to be a subspecies, from genotypes 1 and 3. In this study the RAMP marker method proved to be a reliable tool for discriminating and estimating genetic diversity within A. macrostachyum.
Long-term survival in glioblastoma: methyl guanine methyl transferase (MGMT) promoter methylation as independent favourable prognostic factor
Authors: Smrdel Uros , Popovic Mara , Zwitter Matjaz , Bostjancic Emanuela , Zupan Andrej , Kovac Viljem , Glavac Damjan , Bokal Drago , Jerebic Janja 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Background
In spite of significant improvement after multi-modality treatment, prognosis of most patients with glioblastoma remains poor. Standard clinical prognostic factors (age, gender, extent of surgery and performance status) do not clearly predict long-term survival. The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate immuno-histochemical and genetic characteristics of the tumour as additional prognostic factors in glioblastoma.

Patients and methods
Long-term survivor group were 40 patients with glioblastoma with survival longer than 30 months. Control group were 40 patients with shorter survival and matched to the long-term survivor group according to the clinical prognostic factors. All patients underwent multimodality treatment with surgery, postoperative conformal radiotherapy and temozolomide during and after radiotherapy. Biopsy samples were tested for the methylation of MGMT promoter (with methylation specific polymerase chain reaction), IDH1 (with immunohistochemistry), IDH2, CDKN2A and CDKN2B (with multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification), and 1p and 19q mutations (with fluorescent in situ hybridization).

Results
Methylation of MGMT promoter was found in 95% and in 36% in the long-term survivor and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). IDH1 R132H mutated patients had a non-significant lower risk of dying from glioblastoma (p = 0.437), in comparison to patients without this mutation. Other mutations were rare, with no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusions
Molecular and genetic testing offers additional prognostic and predictive information for patients with glioblastoma. The most important finding of our analysis is that in the absence of MGMT promoter methylation, longterm survival is very rare. For patients without this mutation, alternative treatments should be explored.
Global Analysis of Predicted G Protein−Coupled Receptor Genes in the Filamentous Fungus, Neurospora crassa
Authors: Cabrera Ilva E , Pacentine Itallia V , Lim Andrew , Guerrero Nayeli , Krystofova Svetlana , Li Liande , Michkov Alexander V , Servin Jacqueline A , Ahrendt Steven R , Carrillo Alexander J , Davidson Liza M , Barsoum Andrew H , Cao Jackie , Castillo Ronald , Chen Wan-Ching , Dinkchian Alex , Kim Stephanie , Kitada Sho M , Lai Taffani H , Mach Ashley , Malekyan Cristin , Moua Toua R , Torres Carlos Rojas , Yamamoto Alaina , Borkovich Katherine A 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
G protein−coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate facets of growth, development, and environmental sensing in eukaryotes, including filamentous fungi. The largest predicted GPCR class in these organisms is the Pth11-related, with members similar to a protein required for disease in the plant pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. However, the Pth11-related class has not been functionally studied in any filamentous fungal species. Here, we analyze phenotypes in available mutants for 36 GPCR genes, including 20 Pth11-related, in the model filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. We also investigate patterns of gene expression for all 43 predicted GPCR genes in available datasets. A total of 17 mutants (47%) possessed at least one growth or developmental phenotype. We identified 18 mutants (56%) with chemical sensitivity or nutritional phenotypes (11 uniquely), bringing the total number of mutants with at least one defect to 28 (78%), including 15 mutants (75%) in the Pth11-related class. Gene expression trends for GPCR genes correlated with the phenotypes observed for many mutants and also suggested overlapping functions for several groups of co-transcribed genes. Several members of the Pth11-related class have phenotypes and/or are differentially expressed on cellulose, suggesting a possible role for this gene family in plant cell wall sensing or utilization.
Extreme Diversity in the Regulation of Ndt80-Like Transcription Factors in Fungi
Authors: Katz Margaret E , Cooper Sarah 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe Saccharomyces cerevisiaeNdt80 protein is the founding member of a class of p53-like transcription factors that is known as the NDT80/PhoG-like DNA-binding family. The number of NDT80-like genes in different fungi is highly variable and their roles, which have been examined in only a few species, include regulation of meiosis, sexual development, biofilm formation, drug resistance, virulence, the response to nutrient stress and programmed cell death. The protein kinase Ime2 regulates the single NDT80 gene present in S. cerevisiae. In this study we used a genetic approach to investigate whether the Aspergillus nidulansIme2 homolog, ImeB, and/or protein kinases MpkC, PhoA and PhoB regulate the two NDT80-like genes (xprG and ndtA) in A. nidulans. Disruption of imeB, but not mpkC, phoA or phoB, led to increased extracellular protease activity and a defect in mycotoxin production similar to the xprG1 gain-of-function mutation. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that ImeB is a negative regulator of xprG expression and XprG is a negative regulator of xprG and ndtA expression. Thus, in contrast to Ime2, which is a positive regulator of NDT80 in S. cerevisiae, ImeB is a negative regulator as in Neurospora crassa. However, the ability of Ndt80 to autoregulate NDT80 is conserved in A. nidulans though the autoregulatory effect is negative rather than positive. Unlike N. crassa, a null mutation in imeB does not circumvent the requirement for XprG or NdtA. These results show that the regulatory activities of Ime2 and Ndt80-like proteins display an extraordinarily level of evolutionary flexibility.
Cell-Specific mRNA Profiling of the Caenorhabditis elegans Somatic Gonadal Precursor Cells Identifies Suites of Sex-Biased and Gonad-Enriched Transcripts
Authors: Kroetz Mary B , Zarkower David 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The Caenorhabditis elegans somatic gonad differs greatly between the two sexes in its pattern of cell divisions, migration, and differentiation. Despite decades of study, the genetic pathways directing early gonadal development and establishing sexual dimorphism in the gonad remain largely unknown. To help define the genetic networks that regulate gonadal development, we employed cell-specific RNA-seq. We identified transcripts present in the somatic gonadal precursor cells and their daughter cells of each sex at the onset of sexual differentiation. We identified several hundred gonad-enriched transcripts, including the majority of known regulators of early gonadal development, and transgenic reporter analysis confirmed the effectiveness of this approach. Before the division of the somatic gonad precursors, few sex-biased gonadal transcripts were detectable; less than 6 hr later, after their division, we identified more than 250 sex-biased transcripts, of which about a third were enriched in the somatic gonad compared to the whole animal. This indicates that a robust sex-biased developmental program, some of it gonad-specific, initiates in the somatic gonadal precursor cells around the time of their first division. About 10% of male-biased transcripts had orthologs with male-biased expression in the early mouse gonad, suggesting possible conservation of gonad sex differentiation. Cell-specific analysis also identified approximately 70 previously unannotated mRNA isoforms that are enriched in the somatic gonad. Our data illustrate the power of cell-specific transcriptome analysis and suggest that early sex differentiation in the gonad is controlled by a relatively small suite of differentially expressed genes, even after dimorphism has become apparent.
Influences of LIN-12/Notch and POP-1/TCF on the Robustness of Ventral Uterine Cell Fate Specification inCaenorhabditis elegansGonadogenesis
Authors: Sallee Maria D , Aydin Taner , Greenwald Iva 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe prospective ventral uterus of the hermaphrodite gonad primordium consists of two pairs of sister cells, with each pair consisting of a proximal “α” cell and a distal “β” cell. All four cells initially are competent to become the anchor cell (AC), a unique cell type that acts as the organizer of subsequent uterine and vulval development. However, the β cells soon lose this competence and always become ventral uterine precursor cells (VUs), whereas the α cells maintain their AC competence longer, until lin-12/Notch-mediated interactions between them specify one as the AC and the other as a VU. Here, we investigate this asymmetry in developmental potential and VU fate specification between the α and β sister cells. We find evidence that lin-12 activity contributes to the robustness of βVU fate at elevated temperature, that the Caenorhabditis elegans Notch paralog glp-1 is not functionally redundant with lin-12 in specifying βVU fate, and that the activity of POP-1, the sole C. elegans TCF ortholog, influences βVU fate. We propose a model for how Wnt and LIN-12/Notch signaling together lead to robust specification of the βVU fate.