julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
A multicentre, randomized, single‐blind, parallel‐group study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of benzoyl peroxide 3%/clindamycin 1% with azelaic acid 20% in the topical treatment of mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris
2016-02-24

Abstract Background Mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris is treated with a range of mono‐ and combination therapies; however, clinical evidence is still required to optimize treatment recommendations. Objective To compare the efficacy, tolerability and safety of a combination of benzoyl peroxide 3% and clindamycin 1% ( BPO + CLN ) with azelaic acid 20% (AzA) for the topical treatment of mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris. Method This was a randomized, assessor‐blinded, parallel‐group, multicentre study conducted in Germany. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acne vulgaris, aged 12–45 years, were randomized 1 : 1 to once‐daily BPO + CLN gel or twice‐daily AzA cream for up to 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the percentage change in inflammatory lesions from baseline at Week 4. Secondary endpoints included total and inflammatory lesion counts and tolerability assessments. For selected secondary endpoints, inductive statistical analysis was performed post hoc. Patient safety was assessed by adverse event ( AE ) monitoring. Results Efficacy was assessed in the modified intent‐to‐treat (mITT) population [patients using ≥1 dose of study medication ( ITT ), plus baseline and ≥1 post‐baseline lesion count ( n = 215)]. There was a statistically significant difference in the primary endpoint, with a median decrease of −52.6% for BPO + CLN ( n = 107) vs.−38.8% for AzA ( n = 108; P = 0.0004). There was also a greater difference in secondary lesion endpoints at Week 12, with a median decrease in inflammatory lesions of −78.8% and −65.3% and total lesions of −69.0% and −53.9% with BPO + CLN and AzA, respectively (both P &lt; 0.0001). Tolerability was acceptable for both treatments. Overall, 55.6% ( BPO + CLN ) and 69.7% (AzA) of patients reported treatment‐emergent AE s, and 15.7% and 35.8% of patients experienced application site reactions with BPO + CLN (24 events; 17 patients) and AzA (60 events; 39 patients) treatment, respectively ( ITT population). Conclusion BPO + CLN demonstrated greater efficacy than AzA in the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris and has a positive tolerability and safety profile.
Substantia nigra hyperechogenicity is related to decline in verbal memory in healthy elderly adults
2016-02-24

Background and purpose Deficits in cognition have been reported in Parkinson's disease ( PD ) already in the early and even in the pre‐motor stages. Whilst substantia nigra hyperechogenicity measured by transcranial B‐mode sonography ( TCS ) represents a strong PD marker and is associated with an increased risk for PD in still healthy individuals, its association with cognitive performance in prodromal PD stages is not well established. Methods Two different cohorts of healthy elderly individuals were assessed by TCS and two different neuropsychological test batteries covering executive functions, verbal memory, language, visuo‐constructional function and attention. Cognitive performance was compared between individuals with hyperechogenicity ( SN +) and without hyperechogenicity ( SN −). Results In both cohorts, SN + individuals performed significantly worse than the SN − group in tests assessing verbal memory (word list delayed recall P = 0.05, logical memory II P &lt; 0.017). Significant differences in Mini‐Mental State Examination score (cohort 1, P = 0.02) and executive function tests (cohort 2, Stroop Color−Word Reading, P = 0.004) could only be shown in one of the two cohorts. No between‐group effects were found in other cognitive tests and domains. Conclusions These results indicate that individuals with the PD risk marker SN + perform worse in verbal memory compared to SN − independent of the assessment battery. Memory performance should be assessed in detail in individuals at risk for PD .
Hypoglycemic activity and stability enhancement of human insulin–tat mixture loaded in elastic anionic niosomes
2016-02-24

This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of trans-activator of transcription (Tat) and niosomes for the improvement of hypoglycemic activity of orally delivered human insulin. The elastic anionic niosomes composing of Tween 61/cholesterol/dicetyl phosphate/sodium cholate at 1:1:0.05:0.02 molar ratio loaded with insulin-Tat mixture (1:3 molar ratio) was prepared. Deformability of the elastic anionic niosomes decreased after loaded with the mixture of 1.35 times. For the in vitro release, the insulin (T<sub>10</sub> = 4 h) loaded in the elastic anionic niosomes indicated the slower release rate than insulin in the mixture (T<sub>10</sub> = 3 h) loaded in niosomes. At room temperature (30 ± 2 °C), the mixture loaded in elastic anionic niosomes was more chemical stable than the free mixture of 1.3, 1.4 and 1.7 times after stored for 4, 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. Oral administration in the alloxan-induced diabetic mice of the mixture loaded in elastic anionic niosomes with the insulin doses at 25, 50 and 100 IU/kg body weight indicated significant hypoglycemic activity with the percentage fasting blood glucose reduction of 1.95, 2.10 and 2.10 folds of the subcutaneous insulin injection at 12 h, respectively. This study has demonstrated the synergistic benefits of Tat and elastic anionic niosomes for improving the hypoglycemic activity of the orally delivered human insulin as well as the stability enhancement of human insulin when stored at high temperature. The results from this study can be further developed as an effective oral insulin delivery.
Analgesics use in competitive triathletes: its relationship to doping and on predicting its usage
2016-02-25

The two major objectives of this study were (i) to assess variables that predict the use of analgesics in competitive athletes and (ii) to test whether the use of analgesics is associated with the use of doping. A questionnaire primarily addressing the use of analgesics and doping was distributed among 2,997 triathletes. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the use of analgesics. Moreover, the randomised response technique (RRT) was used to estimate the prevalence of doping in order to assess whether users of analgesics have a higher potential risk for doping than non-users. Statistical power analyses were performed to determine sample size. The bootstrap method was used to assess the statistical significance of the prevalence difference for doping between users and non-users of analgesics. Four variables from a pool of 16 variables were identified that predict the use of analgesics. These were: "version of questionnaire (English)", "gender (female)", "behaviour in case of pain (continue training)", and "hours of training per week (>12 h/week)". The 12-month prevalence estimate for the use of doping substances (overall estimate 13.0%) was significantly higher in athletes that used analgesics (20.4%) than in those athletes who did not use analgesics (12.4%). The results of this study revealed that athletes who use analgesics prior to competition may be especially prone to using doping substances. The predictors of analgesic use found in the study may be of importance to prepare education material and prevention models against the misuse of drugs in athletes.
Microbiology Comment
2016-02-25

Microbiology Society journals contain high-quality research papers and topical review articles. We are a not-for-profit publisher and we support and invest in the microbiology community, to the benefit of everyone. This supports our principal goal to develop, expand and strengthen the networks available to our members so that they can generate new knowledge about microbes and ensure that it is shared with other communities.
Migratory birds need coordinated protection
2016-02-25

In January, THE Supreme Court of Pakistan lifted the hunting ban on Houbara bustards ([ 1 ][1]), a bird categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Vulnerable ([ 2 ][2]). Frustrating ecologists and environmental groups, the local government argued that lifting the ban has economic benefits and direct bearing on foreign relations with Arab states ([ 1 ][1]). Every winter, thousands of Houbara bustards migrate from central Asia to Pakistan, where Arab dignitaries have been invited to hunt them. By crossing international borders, migratory species face particular conservation challenges, and their conservation is subject to the legislation of each country en route. Thus, it is important to consider the implications of each country's policies on migratory birds. ![Figure][3] The Houbara bustard (illustrated here) migrates from central Asia to Pakistan. ILLUSTRATION: HENRIK GRONVOLD/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS The IUCN considers hunting (primarily falconry) to be the major threat responsible for diminishing the Houbara population, which currently numbers between 50,000 and 100,000 ([ 2 ][2]). The bird is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, to which Pakistan is a party ([ 3 ][4]). Biological conservation should not be sacrificed for short-term local political or economic benefits. Protecting migratory birds requires the cooperation of all countries along the species' migration route. These migratory birds should be conserved as a single unit, irrespective of jurisdictional boundaries. Therefore, Pakistan should reinstate the hunting ban and take effective measures to ensure protection of these guests within its borders. In addition, networks of critical stopover habitats of these species should be conserved in collaboration with other countries. International efforts should be coordinated to create managed protected sites and breeding facilities in selected habitats for migratory birds. Finally, governments should prioritize socioeconomic development of the local people and enlist their help to effectively implement conservation strategies. 1. [↵][5]BBC News, “How Pakistan's bustard hunting ban was shot down” (2016); [www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35384094][6]. 2. [↵][7]BirdLife International, Chlamydotis macqueenii : The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2014); . 3. [↵][8]1. R. Vagg , CMS Family Guide: The Encylopaedia of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP/CMS Secretariat, Bonn, Germany, ed. 4, 2015); [www.cms.int/en/node/925][9]. [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-2 [3]: pending:yes [4]: #ref-3 [5]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1 in text [6]: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35384094 [7]: #xref-ref-2-1 View reference 2 in text [8]: #xref-ref-3-1 View reference 3 in text [9]: http://www.cms.int/en/node/925
Buy Local? Governmental Incentives to ‘Inform’ Consumers
2016-02-25

Abstract This paper considers governmental incentives to provide information to local consumers about the relative merits of local versus foreign goods. We construct a model in which a local firm in a small, open economy competes in its domestic market with imports. Consumers are willing to pay an idiosyncratic premium for the local product, drawn from some support that the importing country government can affect through a costly information campaign. We examine incentives to undertake such a campaign in autarky and in the case of trade. We show, inter alia , that while a national welfare‐maximising government will always wish to shift this distribution upwards, it may not wish to reduce the variance of valuations, and that the optimal response of a foreign government will be to increase any support it offers to its exporters. Furthermore, falling world prices generally reduce the attractiveness of such a campaign both to a welfare‐maximising government and to one that cares only for domestic profits.
Error analysis for full discretizations of quasilinear parabolic problems on evolving surfaces
2016-02-25

Convergence results are shown for full discretizations of quasilinear parabolic partial differential equations on evolving surfaces. As a semidiscretization in space the evolving surface finite element method is considered, using a regularity result of a generalized Ritz map, optimal order error estimates for the spatial discretization is shown. Combining this with the stability results for Runge–Kutta and backward differentiation formulae time integrators, we obtain convergence results for the fully discrete problems. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 32: 1200–1231, 2016
Stylolite networks as a primary control on the geometry of massive diagenetic alterations in carbonates
2016-02-25

Bedding-parallel stylolites are ubiquitous rough dissolution surfaces that act as either barriers or conduits to fluid flow. Stylolite networks can determine fluid pathways thus controlling the location and petrophysical properties of diagenetic alterations, like fault-associated dolomitization. This reaction takes place when fluids typically hotter than host rocks are advected through faults and replace limestones. The resulting geometries range from dolostone patches around faults to stratabound bodies that extend long distances away from faults. It has been historically assumed that such geometries are the result of depositional facies distribution, and pre-dolomitization diagenesis and fractures. However, very few studies have addressed the impact of stylolite networks on these systems, and no systematic analyses have been made.The Benicassim outcrop analogue (Maestrat Basin, E Spain) is a world-class example of hydrothermal stratabound dolomitization. In this area, seismic-scale stratabound dolomitized bodies extend for several kilometers away from large-scale faults, replacing syn-rift Aptian-Albian shallow-marine carbonates. Field and petrographic data indicate that grain-dominated facies are preferentially replaced while mud-rich facies are less frequently dolomitized. However, grainstones and packstones also crop out between dolostone layers, suggesting that not only the depositional facies determined which rocks were dolomitized. Most of the beds contain dense networks of sedimentary (i.e. layer-parallel) stylolites, as well as several sets of meter-scale fractures of different ages. Dolomitization fronts are always very sharp, and the vast majority of them weave up and down following consecutive stylolites. This suggests that stylolites acted as vertical barriers to fluid flow, and constrained the reaction to only one side of them. Stylolite density and teeth height does not dramatically change between the different layers. However, high-amplitude stylolites are found in certain muddy layers, creating anastomosing networks that acted both as vertical and horizontal barriers to fluid flow, thus constraining dolomitization. Complementary advection-diffusion numerical simulations illustrate how fluids can be channelized depending on the geometry and connectivity of stylolite networks. We suggest that these structures can be a major control on diagenetic processes like dissolution, cementation and replacement, therefore determining reservoir quality.
Characterization of the Gut Microbial Community of Obese Patients Following a Weight-Loss Intervention Using Whole Metagenome Shotgun Sequencing
2016-02-26

Successful weight reduction in the obese is accompanied with increased Akkermansia numbers in feces. Metabolic co-morbidities are associated with a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Most interestingly, microbiota differences might allow discrimination between successful and unsuccessful weight loss prior to intervention.
Acyldepsipeptide antibiotics kill mycobacteria by preventing the physiological functions of the ClpP1P2 protease
2016-02-26

Summary The Clp protease complex in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is unusual in its composition, functional importance and activation mechanism. Whilst most bacterial species contain a single ClpP protein that is dispensable for normal growth, mycobacteria have two ClpPs, ClpP1 and ClpP2, which are essential for viability and together form the ClpP1P2 tetradecamer. Acyldepsipeptide antibiotics of the ADEP class inhibit the growth of Gram‐positive firmicutes by activating ClpP and causing unregulated protein degradation. Here we show that, in contrast, mycobacteria are killed by ADEP through inhibition of ClpP function. Although ADEPs can stimulate purified M. tuberculosis ClpP1P2 to degrade larger peptides and unstructured proteins, this effect is weaker than for ClpP from other bacteria and depends on the presence of an additional activating factor (e.g. the dipeptide benzyloxycarbonyl‐leucyl‐leucine in vitro ) to form the active ClpP1P2 tetradecamer. The cell division protein FtsZ, which is a particularly sensitive target for ADEP‐activated ClpP in firmicutes, is not degraded in mycobacteria. Depletion of the ClpP1P2 level in a conditional Mycobacterium bovis BCG mutant enhanced killing by ADEP unlike in other bacteria. In summary, ADEPs kill mycobacteria by preventing interaction of ClpP1P2 with the regulatory ATPases, ClpX or ClpC1, thus inhibiting essential ATP‐dependent protein degradation.
Simultaneous multislice diffusion‐weighted MRI of the liver: Analysis of different breathing schemes in comparison to standard sequences
2016-02-26

Purpose To systematically evaluate image characteristics of simultaneous‐multislice (SMS)‐accelerated diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of the liver using different breathing schemes in comparison to standard sequences. Materials and Methods DWI of the liver was performed in 10 healthy volunteers and 12 patients at 1.5T using an SMS‐accelerated echo planar imaging sequence performed with respiratory‐triggering and free breathing (SMS‐RT, SMS‐FB). Standard DWI sequences served as reference (STD‐RT, STD‐FB). Reduction of scan time by SMS‐acceleration was measured. Image characteristics of SMS‐DWI and STD‐DWI with both breathing schemes were analyzed quantitatively (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], signal‐to‐noise ratio [SNR]) and qualitatively (5‐point Likert scale, 5 = excellent). Qualitative and quantitative parameters were compared using Friedman test and Dunn‐Bonferroni post‐hoc method with P ‐values &lt; 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results SMS‐DWI provided diagnostic image quality in volunteers and patients both with RT and FB with a reduction of scan time of 70% (0:56 vs. 3:20 min in FB). Overall image quality did not significantly differ between FB and RT acquisition in both STD and SMS sequences (median STD‐RT 5.0, STD‐FB 4.5, SMS‐RT: 4.75; SMS‐FB: 4.5; P = 0.294). SNR in the right hepatic lobe was comparable between the four tested sequences. ADC values were significantly lower in SMS‐DWI compared to STD‐DWI irrespective of the breathing scheme (1.2 ± 0.2 × 10 ‐3 mm 2 /s vs. 1.0 ± 0.2 × 10 ‐3 mm 2 /s; P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion SMS‐acceleration provides considerable scan time reduction for hepatic DWI with equivalent image quality compared to the STD technique both using RT and FB. Discrepancies in ADC between STD‐DWI and SMS‐DWI need to be considered when transferring the SMS technique to clinical routine reading. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:865–879.
FRED 2: an immunoinformatics framework for Python
2016-02-26

Abstract Summary: Immunoinformatics approaches are widely used in a variety of applications from basic immunological to applied biomedical research. Complex data integration is inevitable in immunological research and usually requires comprehensive pipelines including multiple tools and data sources. Non-standard input and output formats of immunoinformatics tools make the development of such applications difficult. Here we present FRED 2, an open-source immunoinformatics framework offering easy and unified access to methods for epitope prediction and other immunoinformatics applications. FRED 2 is implemented in Python and designed to be extendable and flexible to allow rapid prototyping of complex applications. Availability and implementation: FRED 2 is available at http://fred-2.github.io Contact: schubert@informatik.uni-tuebingen.de Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Structure‐function integrity of the adult hippocampus depends on the transcription factor Bcl11b/Ctip2
2016-02-26

The dentate gyrus is one of the only two brain regions where adult neurogenesis occurs. Throughout life, cells of the neuronal stem cell niche undergo proliferation, differentiation and integration into the hippocampal neural circuitry. Ongoing adult neurogenesis is a prerequisite for the maintenance of adult hippocampal functionality. Bcl11b, a zinc finger transcription factor, is expressed by postmitotic granule cells in the developing as well as adult dentate gyrus. We previously showed a critical role of Bcl11b for hippocampal development. Whether Bcl11b is also required for adult hippocampal functions has not been investigated. Using a tetracycline‐dependent inducible mouse model under the control of the forebrain‐specific CaMKIIα promoter, we show here that the adult expression of Bcl11b is essential for survival, differentiation and functional integration of adult‐born granule cell neurons. In addition, Bcl11b is required for survival of pre‐existing mature neurons. Consequently, loss of Bcl11b expression selectively in the adult hippocampus results in impaired spatial working memory. Together, our data uncover for the first time a specific role of Bcl11b in adult hippocampal neurogenesis and function.
New pathogen-specific immunoPET/MR tracer for molecular imaging of a systemic bacterial infection
2016-02-26

The specific and rapid detection of Enterobacteriaceae, the most frequent cause of gram-negative bacterial infections in humans, remains a major challenge. We developed a non-invasive method to rapidly detect systemic Yersinia enterocolitica infections using immunoPET (antibody-targeted positron emission tomography) with [64Cu]NODAGA-labeled Yersinia-specific polyclonal antibodies targeting the outer membrane protein YadA. In contrast to the tracer [18F]FDG, [64Cu]NODAGA-YadA uptake co-localized in a dose dependent manner with bacterial lesions of Yersinia-infected mice, as detected by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. This was accompanied by elevated uptake of [64Cu]NODAGA-YadA in infected tissues, in ex vivo biodistribution studies, whereas reduced uptake was observed following blocking with unlabeled anti-YadA antibody. We show, for the first time, a bacteria-specific, antibody-based, in vivo imaging method for the diagnosis of a Gram-negative enterobacterial infection as a proof of concept, which may provide new insights into pathogen-host interactions.